Hammers record emphatic win at Stoke
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic inspired West Ham United to an emphatic victory at former
club Stoke City on Saturday as the Hammers were 3-0 winners in the Premier
League. The Austrian was a thorn in the Potters' side throughout the
afternoon, and his second goal in three games – sandwiched between a Mark
Noble penalty and Diafra Sakho's late third – helped West Ham to their first
away win in the league since May. And the win could have been by a far
greater margin – Arnautovic himself hit the post twice and Stoke rode their
luck at times to stay in the game. The Hammers were on the front foot from
the first whistle and were soon causing Stoke all manner of problems. With
just four minutes on the clock, Arthur Masuaku drove into space but sliced
an effort just wide from 20 yards. Five minutes later, Jack Butland in the
Stoke goal was called into action for the first time, though Michail
Antonio's shot from the edge of the box was comfortably collected by the
England international. Next it was the hosts' turn to try their luck at
goal. Xherdan Shaqiri dragged an attempt wide with space on the edge of the
box but the Potters came extremely close to taking the lead just after the
quarter of an hour mark. The Swiss midfielder floated in a free-kick from
range which was met by captain Ryan Shawcross, however, meeting the ball
with his head, the defender's effort rebounded back off the post. Before
Mark Hughes' men had time to think about the missed opportunity, they were
back defending as West Ham and Lanzini broke. The Argentine charged into the
left-hand-side of the box and drew the foul from Eric Pieters. Referee
Graham Scott pointed to the spot and the skipper stepped up to confidently
slot past Butland to the goalkeeper's left. And there were chances for West
Ham to extend their lead before the break. First, former Potter Marko
Arnautovic was denied on the angle by the goalkeeper before Lanzini lined up
a 25 yarder which, again, Butland was on hand to save. Then, a huge opening
came the Hammers' way. Aaron Cresswell and Masuaku, brilliantly combining
down the left, managed to feed Austrian Arnautovic, but after some clever
footwork to find an opening, the summer signing smashed over the bar from
close range.
After the break, West Ham and Arnie were at it again. Cresswell delivered,
Arnatuovic won it, but his header fell onto the crossbar and over. There was
further frustration for Arnautovic nine minutes later, too. Receiving the
pass from Masuaku, the No7 had the Stoke half to drive into. Heading towards
goal, he checked back inside winger but, agonisingly, his shot was deflected
wide. Incredibly, the Hammers were once again inches away from getting a
second through Arnautovic once again. Lanzini, with time to pass, picked out
the forward in the box, and cutting onto his left foot, he fired goalwards.
Frustratingly, he hit the woodwork for the second time as his attempt
cannoned up off the crossbar. Stoke nearly made David Moyes' men pay on 72
minutes. Substitute Charlie Adam whipped a superb ball into the Hammers box,
and Shawcross, getting between Angelo Ogbonna and the returnining James
Collins cleverly, headed over when he may have done better. It was truly
end-to-end stuff at the Bet365 Stadium. That was proved a minute later when
West Ham broke, and Sakho side-footed Arnautovic's centre wide of the post
with more time than he realised. All those missed chances were then
forgotten, however. A quarter of an hour remained, and the Hammers decided
enough was enough. Lanzini played a one-two with Arnautovic, and – it had to
be him – the Austrian slotted under Butland to make it 2-0. Job done. Job
done, but the Hammers wanted more and they got it with four minutes
remaining. Lanzini, creative throughout the afternoon, slipped in substitute
Sakho, and the forward slotted home confidently to make it 3-0.
Stoke City: Butland, Cameron, Shawcross, Wimmer, Pieters (Tymon 63),
Shaqiri, Fletcher (Adam 62), Allen, Ramadan, Diouf (Berahino 62), Crouch.
Subs not used: Grant, Choupo-Moting, Ngoy, Edwards.
Bookings: Wimmer 24, Shawcross 49
West Ham United: Adrian, Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku,
Noble (Rice 35), Obiang, Lanzini, Arnautovic, Antonio (Sakho 68).
Subs not used: Hart, Makasi, Haksabanovic, Chicharito, Ayew.
Goals: Noble (pen) 19, Arnautovic 75, Sakho 86
Bookings: Masuaku 60
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Moyes: At half-time, I told Arnautovic he would score!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager David Moyes, at half time in his side's clash with
Stoke City, told Marko Arnautovic he would score if he continued as he had
been playing; the Austrian bagged the Hammers' second as they recorded a 3-0
win at the Bet365 Stadium. The emphatic Premier League victory was West
Ham's biggest since their 4-1 thrashing of Swansea City last Boxing Day and
their first since the final day three points at Burnley last season. And
after four points had been collected against Chelsea and Arsenal at London
Stadium earlier in the week, manager Moyes was delighted as former Potters
attacker Arnautovic led his team to a win and third consecutive clean sheet.
"The team all mucked in and did their jobs and defensively we kept another
clean sheet which is always good when you're at the wrong end of the table,"
the boss said. "It was a great win in a really difficult game for us. We're
in a really tough and busy period and getting the first goal today was
crucial. "We came in at half time and I told Marko I was annoyed at him! He
should have scored two in the first half. "But I also said that if he keeps
doing what he's doing, he'll score in the second half and he did in the end.
"He probably had three or four chances and in truth he should have maybe
come away with the match ball. But he's really beginning to become a really
important player for us. "I'd like to get him to even higher levels but his
work rate has been phenomenal in four games for us. It really has been."
Mark Noble scored the Hammers' opener from the penalty spot after just 19
minutes, after referee Graham Scott pointed to the penalty spot when Manuel
Lanzini was fouled by Eric Pieters. Arnautovic hit the woodwork twice before
he slipped a shot under Butland following a well-worked one-two with Lanzini
to double the visitors' lead, and late on, substitute Diafra Sakho collected
another brilliant pass from the Argentinian and slotted home confidently.
But it was the defence which impressed Moyes, in particular. James Collins
returned to the starting XI following Winston Reid's suspension and was
solid, winning everything that was thrown at him. And when Noble had to be
substituted due to injury, youngster Declan Rice stepped into midfield and
guarded the back five with impressive composure.
"James Collins came in and he headed things, he dealt with things," the
gaffer continued. "It was a decision with Declan or Ginge, but Ginge came in
and showed his experience. "But Declan came on in midfield and did very well
in place of Mark Noble. "My big worry after Arsenal was that we had less
time to recover and we were struggling a bit for players so we had to bring
a few off; [Michail] Antonio for Chicharito and we ran out midfielders when
Noble came off. Young Declan came on and did very well. "I think Stoke has
always been a difficult place to come and win. They're few and far between,
wins for me here, and so that makes it a good job. They put in crosses,
balls to peter Crouch, and we defended incredibly well and made sure we
blocked any shots they had. "I still think when we broke, we passed it and
we played much better football today when we got it and that's why we got a
few chances as well."
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Noble proud to mark 300th Premier League game with a win
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble was a proud West Ham United captain after marking his 300th
Premier League appearance with the opening goal in Saturday's 3-0 Premier
League win at Stoke City. The Hammers overcame the distraction of an
hour-long delay due to a power cut at the bet365 Stadium to produce an
electric performance in the Potteries. After Noble had set David Moyes' side
on their way with a first-half penalty, the visitors created and missed a
succession of chances to put the game out of sight before former Stoke star
Marko Arnautovic and substitute Diafra Sakho did just that late on. Having
now taken seven points from games with Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke without
conceding a single goal and climbed out of the relegation zone, the skipper
was all smiles. "It was a good performance, all in all, and we've kept three
clean sheets in a week, which is some achievement, especially with the
opposition we've played against," he said. "Stoke away is a tough place to
come and then we had an hour-long delay. We sat in the changing room all
ready to go out, then we had to start our preparations again. "It was
obviously nice to get on the scoresheet in my 300th Premier League game. I
had slightly twinged my hamstring against Arsenal. We played three games in
a week and really dug in and I think it was a little bit too much for my
right hamstring!
After leading from the front against Chelsea and Arsenal, Noble again took
the responsibility on his shoulders when Manuel Lanzini was fouled by Erik
Pieters, ignoring a hostile home crowd to send Jack Butland the wrong way to
net his 49th goal in Claret and Blue – a fitting way to mark his landmark
appearance.
"I don't think I'll really appreciate it until I finish playing. This was my
300th Premier League appearance and it's unbelievable. I can remember my
first game for West Ham, playing for the reserves when I was 14… "To make
300 Premier League appearances is just fantastic and it was nice to get on
the scoresheet as well. I planned it by turning them around before kick-off,
even though I got booed by their fans at the time!"
While the Stoke supporters were first frustrated and then departed early in
their droves, the Claret and Blue Army were rewarded for waiting an extra
hour in the cold and rain with a first away win of the Premier League season
and a biggest win on the road since Boxing Day last year. "Our fans were
fantastic and we've given them that belief now that they're going to come
and watch us and we're going to get a result. The support they gave Arthur,
Arnie and the boys was great and we thank them for that. "Marko hit the bar
twice and finally he managed to score one, then Diaf, we all know that when
he is in that position, he hardly ever misses. "It was a great day for all
of us. The whole squad played their part. But we can't dwell on it as we've
got a massive game on Tuesday night [at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup] and
another massive game at home to Newcastle, so we just need to keep being
resilient, keep scoring goals and keep winning football matches."
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Cresswell: What more can you ask for?
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell praised his West Ham United for ignoring a pre-match power
cut to produce an electric performance at Stoke City. The Hammers were in
irresistible form at the bet365 Stadium, where the lights went out just over
an hour before kick-off, delaying the start of the match for 60 minutes.
When they did finally take to the pitch, David Moyes' team were deserved 3-0
winners, scoring through Mark Noble's first-half penalty and second-half
strikes from former Potter Marko Arnautovic and Diafra Sakho. Having
defeated champions Chelsea 1-0 and held Arsenal to a goalless draw earlier
in the week, Cresswell said the dressing room was a happy place after
Saturday's success. "We're delighted, especially as that's three clean
sheets on a spin!" he smiled. "The main thing was that we got the three
points. Obviously, it was a tough sort of afternoon, with the game being
delayed, but all the lads were brilliant and we relaxed for the hour we had
to wait. "I thought the lads were excellent today. I thought Marko was
brilliant, along with Michail. On another day with more luck, Arnie could
have had a hat-trick but he's got the second goal and sealed the win. "We
defended well, went forward well, got three goals, three points and a clean
sheet. It hasn't been good enough. Stoke away is never easy, but we got
three points. What more can you ask for?"
West Ham return to action as early as Tuesday evening, when they travel to
Arsenal in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, before welcoming Newcastle United
to London Stadium for the final Premier League home game of the year next
Saturday afternoon.
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Stoke City 0-3 West Ham United
By Greg O'Keeffe
BBC Sport
Stoke manager Mark Hughes said fan unrest was "understandable" after a 3-0
defeat by West Ham piled further pressure on him. The Potters have now lost
five of their last six and conceded the most goals in the Premier League,
and chants of "Hughes out" and "sacked in the morning" greeted the final
whistle. This latest defeat, which included a penalty by Mark Noble that
Hughes accused West Ham's Manuel Lanzini of diving to win, put Stoke one
point and one place above the relegation zone. Further goals from ex-Stoke
player Marko Arnautovic and Diafra Sakho added to their misery in a loss
that came a week after fans at a train station vented their anger at the
Potters squad following a 5-1 thrashing by Tottenham. "That's
understandable," Hughes said. "Up to 75 minutes before the second goal, I
thought the fans were absolutely magnificent, they were driving us on,
totally behind us. "Like ourselves on the bench, as soon as the second goal
went in it took the wind out of our sails, you get a little bit anxious, a
little bit angry then you get a response but for the most part I thought
they were great."
Kick-off was delayed by an hour at the Bet365 Stadium because of a power
outage, and many home fans left early as a grim-faced Hughes looked on.
Lanzini tumbles as Stoke's Erik Pieters makes a challenge. Mark Hughes
called it a "dive" but David Moyes said his player "went over with fatigue"
Hughes feels his side are in a downward cycle of unjust decisions against
them. He criticised referee Martin Atkinson for not sending off Liverpool's
Simon Mignolet when he tripped Mame Biram Diouf during the Potters' 3-0 home
defeat in November. Now he is angered that Graham Scott pointed to the spot
when Lanzini went to ground under minimal contact from Pieters. "It's the
way our luck is going at the moment," the Potters boss said. "Things are
conspiring against us and we need help from referees to get things right.
"I've seen it again. The guy's dived. He's drawn the challenge. He's a
clever player. It was clearly a dive and the ref's seen something that
no-one else saw. All in all, it was a poor sequence of events for him and
for us. "It sounds like sour grapes when you talk about people getting
punished retrospectively. It doesn't help us now."
Noble converted the penalty, while Austria international Arnautovic should
have had a hat-trick, hitting the woodwork twice in the second half before
finally finishing with his right foot into the bottom corner after a deft
exchange of passes with Lanzini. Substitute Sakho compounded Stoke's woes
when he collected the influential Lanzini's through ball and slotted coolly
past keeper Jack Butland. They call Marko Arnautovic 'Arnie' at London
Stadium, and the Austrian shares a steely determination with some of his
Hollywood namesake's biggest movie roles. He was booed relentlessly by Stoke
fans unable to forgive him for his £20m summer move to the capital. But the
28-year-old, who was told he must work harder or risk being dropped when
David Moyes arrived in November, used the barracking as motivation. He
braved the catcalls after he missed several strong chances, and hit the bar
twice, and kept plugging away without letting his head drop. When he was
replaced on 79 minutes former boss Hughes demanded he hurry off the pitch
and a Stoke scarf was thrown at the striker from the stands. Arnautovic's
response? He gave jubilant West Ham fans in the away end the Hammers'
crossed-arm 'irons' symbol and headed straight down the tunnel.
Xherdan Shaqiri had more touches (78), shots (six) and key passes (four)
than any Stoke team-mate. Centre-back Ryan Shawcross had four efforts but no
forwards other than Shaqiri had more than two. They are having a party at
Stoke's stadium tonight. More than 500 partygoers will toast the festive
season at a pre-booked corporate event, but the Potters fans among them will
not feel much like celebrating. This latest setback against fellow
strugglers puts even more pressure on next Saturday's similarly high-stake
game against second-bottom West Brom and also on manager Mark Hughes. Stoke
chairman Peter Coates has denied Hughes is facing the sack, but the problems
are mounting for a side who are now one point and one place above the
relegation zone. Luck appears to have abandoned them with big officiating
decisions, such as the close call for Noble's penalty. They are also not
helped by their over-reliance on playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri to provide a
spark - he is just not being supported enough by other forwards. Finally,
they keep conceding softly - they have now gone behind first in their last
five outings. Here their best chances fell to captain Ryan Shawcross, who
could not get a string of headers on target. Something must change or the
mood will continue to darken in Stoke, like the lights at the stadium when
the power went before kick-off.
Man of the match - Manuel Lanzini (West Ham)
Manuel Lanzini (left) may well have gone down dubiously for the penalty that
put his side ahead but his performance was compelling with four key passes,
two assists and more passes (62) than any other West Ham player
West Ham gaining momentum - David Moyes
West Ham manager David Moyes told Match of the Day: "The result went our way
and it was an important win. We're gaining momentum and at times we showed
that. On the penalty: "The defender gave the referee a decision to make.
Manuel Lanzini ran about 70 yards so I think he went over with fatigue
rather than a dive. I'd be disappointed to give away a penalty like that but
sometimes that's the way it goes. "We had to deal with a lot of stuff but we
missed good chances. I was annoyed with Marko at half-time as he had the
chance to get two. He's doing really well and I said to him at half-time he
would score. "Clean sheets are one of the things you want to do. Don't shout
about it too much as we're going to need a few more."
Stoke 'damaged' by penalty decision - Mark Hughes
Stoke manager Mark Hughes on Match of the Day: "We huffed and puffed, up to
the point of the second goal we were in it. We were damaged by a poor
decision - it allowed them to get people behind the ball. They're a threat
on the attack and in the end that's what's taken the game from us. "When we
try and be expansive we can't go one v one, we get picked off. We've got to
be better in that regard."
One clean sheet in 16 for Stoke - the stats
Stoke have kept just one clean sheet in their last 16 Premier League games.
This is the first time since March 2014 (Manchester United) that a side
managed by David Moyes has kept three consecutive clean sheets in the
Premier League.
Stoke City have lost five of their last six matches in the Premier League,
winning the other.
Manuel Lanzini provided two assists and won the penalty in this match - it
is only the second time that Lanzini has assisted two goals in a single
Premier League game (also against Middlesbrough in January 2017).
Marko Arnautovic is the third player to score against Stoke in the Premier
League having previously played for them in the competition (also Wilfried
Bony and Seyi Olofinjana).
This was Stoke City's 50th home defeat in the Premier League.
Mark Noble made his 300th appearance for West Ham United, the first player
to reach this milestone for the club in the Premier League.
Of Mark Noble's 34 Premier League goals, 19 have come from the penalty spot
(56%).
What's next?
Stoke City host West Brom next Saturday (15:00 GMT), while West Ham are at
the Emirates to play Arsenal in their Caribao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday
(19:45).
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STOKE 0-3 WEST HAM – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 16 DECEMBER 2017 AT 6:35PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham defeated Stoke City today in a delayed-start Premier League match
at the Bet365 stadium. The delay was due to a local power outage, but once
play began, the Hammers continued their more aggressive ways and recent good
form as they took the early lead. In the 19th minute of play, Manuel
Lanzini on a drive to goal was taken down in the penalty area, earning the
Hammers a spot kick. Mark Noble was able to connect and the visiting club
took the 1-0 lead.
Fifteen minutes later, Noble picked up a knock and asked for a substitution,
which brought on Declan Rice.
Prior to the half Marco Arnautovic had two chances to increase the score
against his former club. The first found a poor angle that aided Butland's
stop, and the second he took a well-played ball from Arthur Masuaku but his
strike was well over the goal.
While the hosts began the second half with a renewed attacking spirit, once
again West Ham were able to hold a third consecutive clean sheet as this
defense, absent Winston Reid who is serving a suspension, held the Potters
off. The biggest story of the second half was Arnatovic's missed
opportunities. The former Stoke man had multiple shots that either missed
the goal or found the post. The same could be said on the other side for
Ryan Shawcross, who was unable to find his shot, despite numerous close
calls.
Finally in the 75th minute of play, Arnautovic played the role of villain to
the Stoke fans as he took the ball from a very crisp Lanzini and shot past
Butland to extend the Hammer's lead. Arnie seemed to have fun with his
return to Stoke as more than once he flashed the crossed hammers sign to the
home supporters. After his substitution he left straight for the tunnel, to
avoid debris thrown from the home stands.
However, the home stands weren't very formidable after Diafra Sakho took a
masterful pass from Lanzini and slotted it into the far corner to give West
Ham a 0-3 lead and a certain three points. By the time Sakho scored the
Hammer's third, the ground was emptied except for the traveling West Ham
supporters.
As the final time whistle sounded, it meant that West Ham was finally out of
the bottom three and playing their busy December matches in great form under
the leadership of David Moyes. Both West Ham and Crystal Palace have seemed
to reverse their fortunes under new managers, as both climbed to safety
today. East London fans will get a break from Premier League action as
their club visits Arsenal for a League Cup tie on Tuesday and then West Ham
have a three game series of very winnable Premier League matches, to finish
the year.
Moyes has the fans believing, and Lanzini playing like his 2015-16 self. He
also has Arnautovic playing like a record-signing should. Once Javier
Hernandez returns to full health, and Antonio can survive a full 90 minutes,
this team could be very dangerous for the final half of the season.
Stoke City: Butland, Cameron, Shawcross, Fletcher, Allen Ramadan, Diouf,
Crouch, Wimmer, Pieters, Shaqiri
Subs: Grant, Berahino (63'), Choupo-Moting, Tymon (63'), Adam (62'), Ngoy,
Edwards
West Ham: Adrian, Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku, Noble,
Obiang, Lanzini, Arnautovic, Antonio
Subs: Hart, Rice (35'), Makasi, Haksabanovic, Chicharito (79'), Sakho (68'),
Ayew
Referee: Graham Scott
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Stoke 0-3 West Ham: Marko Arnautovic on target to compound former side's
woes
By Pete Hall
Last Updated: 16/12/17 6:35pm
SSN
Marko Arnautovic was on target against his former club as West Ham moved out
of the bottom three with a 3-0 win at Stoke. The match was delayed by an
hour due to a power outage, but when we did finally get up and running under
the lights, Mark Noble - on his 300th Premier League appearance - stroked
West Ham into a 19th-minute lead from the spot after referee Graham Scott
adjudged Erik Pieters to have felled Manuel Lanzini in the box. Stoke were
incredulous, believing Lanzini to have gone down too easily.
The returning Arnautovic, who was a real threat all afternoon, having
mustered six shots at goal in the match, finally made one of his chances
count in the 75th minute, after combining superbly with Lanzini, before
substitute Diafra Sakho slid in a late third to make sure of the three
points. Stoke's worst start to a Premier League season continues after a
fifth defeat in their last six league games leaves them looking over their
shoulder in 17th, while West Ham capped a fine week by climbing to 15th.
Player ratings
Stoke: Butland (6), Pieters (5), Wimmer (4), Cameron (5), Shawcross (4),
Allen (5), Diouf (3), Sobhi (4), Fletcher (5), Crouch (5), Shaqiri (6).
Subs: Berahino (4), Tymon (6), Adam (6).
West Ham: Adrian (6), Cresswell (8), Zabaleta (6), Collins (7), Masuaku (8),
Ogbonna (7), Obiang (6), Noble (7), Lanzini (9), Antonio (7), Arnautovic
(9).
Subs: Sakho (7), Chicharito (6), Rice (7).
Man of the match: Marko Arnautovic
The game burst to life in the 18th minute, as Ryan Shawcross got up highest
to meet a free-kick, but his header came out off the post and West Ham
countered immediately. Lanzini carried the ball into the box, dragged it
away from the outstretched leg of Pieters, went down, and the referee
pointed to the spot before Noble stepped up to take the penalty. Replays
show Lanzini may have been going down before contact was made. Arnautovic,
who was treated to a hostile reception on his first return to the bet365
Stadium, then almost made it two after capitalising on a missed header from
Pieters, but Jack Butland spread himself well to make the block, before the
Austria international then fired over as the half-time whistle approached.
Team news
For the fourth game running, Joe Hart had to make do with a place on the
bench, with Adrian continuing in goal. Just one enforced change for West Ham
from the draw with Arsenal, with James Collins coming in for the suspended
Winston Reid.As expected Kurt Zouma missed out for Stoke, with Kevin Wimmer
replacing him in the starting XI.
After the break, Arnautovic again remained the danger, as he again went
close. The excellent Arthur Masuaku fed him down the left flank, Arnautovic
cut inside, fired for goal, but Kevin Wimmer made the block, with the ball
skewing into the side-netting. Another effort at goal and another Arnautovic
chance was next up, but this time the former Stoke forward was denied by the
crossbar after brilliantly controlling and shooting for goal from the edge
of the box. It seemed like it would only be a matter of time before the
returning villain made his mark, and sure enough, 15 minutes from time, he
found the net. The pass into Lanzini was perfect, but the flicked return
from Lanzini exquisite, as he chipped the ball into the path of Arnautovic,
who smashed the ball under Butland to make it two. A lively celebration, in
front of the Stoke fans, ensued.
Eleven minutes later, it was three. Lanzini was at the heart of it again, as
he fed Sakho, who passed the ball into the net to put the seal on another
fine West Ham performance, intensifying the pressure on Mark Hughes'
shoulders in the process.
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STOKE CITY 0, WEST HAM UNITED 3. SOOOO MUCH BETTER.
By David Hautzig 16 Dec 2017 at 18:43
WTID
The cliche is so overused it borders on ridiculous. Yet here I am, about to
use it again.
It's a game of inches.
If Chicharito's curling effort on Wednesday curled an inch more, we are on
16 points. Out of the drop zone. The optimism we feel a bit of now would be
full blown euphoria. But it didn't go in. We are in 19th, no better off
table wise than we were after the disaster at Everton. But we are playing
better. Crystal Palace were de facto relegated a few weeks ago and now look
at them. Who, other than probably god and every living West Ham supporter
walking the earth, says we won't go on an even better run and be comfortably
mid table in a month?
The first seven minutes of the match were spent trying to sort out the truly
abysmal performance of NBC Sports streaming service, for which I paid. I got
it running on the iPad just as Obiang was warned for doing something. Not
sure what, but the guy in black looked annoyed. Then my son hurt himself on
a Lego piece, so First Aid was applied from minute seven to minute thirteen.
Finally, with the iPad leaning on a box of paper clips, West Ham won a
corner. The delivery was weak, but West Ham were able to keep the ball in
the Stoke end. That bit of possession ended when Lanzini drove towards the
box with Arnautovic crossing in front of him. Lanzini expected his teammate
to zig. When he zagged instead, the threat for whatever it was worth was
over.
When West Ham played as well as they ever have in the final year at Upton
Park, it was the counter attack that played the crucial role. In the 16th
minute, Stoke won a free kick from 25 yards out. Shaqiri sent it into the
box right onto the head of Shawcross. His soft header looked to be a simple
pickup for Adrian. But the ball rolled to the Spaniard's left and off the
post. West Ham cleared and broke on a counter with Lanzini leading the way.
As he cut to his left inside the box, he fought off a challenge from Allen.
But Pieters followed his teammate, and Lanzini went down. Replays showed the
penalty was soft at best, and perhaps a dive at worst. But we have been on
the wrong end of so many of those kinds of decisions I was happy to accept
the gift. Noble stepped up and buried it, and West Ham were on top.
Stoke 0
West Ham 1
As the first half continued, The Hammers continued to look defensively solid
and organized. Stoke certainly tried to penetrate, but most attacks ended
with a hopeful ball into the middle for Crouch. A strategy we can certainly
sympathize with.
Mark Noble, for all of his service to the club, is a divisive figure at this
stage in his career. Many supporters have long called for the end of his
days in the starting eleven. But over the past few matches, Noble has been
critical to West Ham's success. So when he came off injured in the 34th
minute, my heart sank. Not because Rice wasn't capable, but because things
had started to click for us. Without Noble, I wondered if the balance we had
found would be lost. Minutes later, Stoke won a free kick but Cresswell
cleared. Moments later, Arnautovic was sent in alone by an inadvertent
header off of a Stoke player. Butland closed down the angle and knocked the
ball out for a corner.
Stoke came back down the other end and Shaqiri sent two very fine crosses
into the box, but on both occasions nobody was there to receive the
knockdowns from Crouch or Shawcross. Moments later, Lanzini tried a long,
low drive that forced Butland into a diving save to his left.
In the first minute of added time, Cresswell intercepted a pass from Ramadan
and broke into the Stoke end. He found Arnautovic in the box, ten yards from
goal. The former Stoke player did well to beat both men in the box, but when
he should have scored he didn't even hit the target. That had "only if"
written all over it.
Halftime
Stoke 0
West Ham 1
Stoke won a corner in the opening minute of the second half when a Ramadan
shot from just outside the box went off Zabaleta. The Shaqiri delivery found
Diouf in front of goal, but his header went over the bar. Stoke continued on
the front foot and won a free kick moments later but Shaqiri sent it right
to Adrian.
Masuaku is very, very good on the ball. In the 50th minute he dribbled into
a crowd that wouldn't have looked out of place on a train platform. But
somehow he came out of the crowd and won a free kick. Cresswell's delivery
found Arnautovic at the far post but his attempted header back towards goal
went over the bar. The home side followed that by winning a handful of set
pieces, but the Hammers were resolute.
Hernandez has scored more goals against Stoke than any other team in England
other than Wigan. Just saying in case Moyes was curious.
Back to the game.
In the 59th minute, West Ham should have been elated with a two-nil lead.
Arnautovic made a fantastic run and was fed in all alone. He dropped his
right shoulder and tried to beat Butland at the near post but hit the side
netting. It looked in, which made the reality even more disappointing.
By the 65th minute, the action was utterly frantic. Both sides tried to
attack after misplaced opposition passes. But neither side could keep up
their pressure. Antonio looked gassed, but instead of Hernandez it was Sakho
that replaced him. In the 68th minute, Arnautovic had yet another great look
at goal but his left footed effort went off the bar. It could have been
three for him on his return to the Bet365.
Stoke won a corner in the 72nd minute when a Charlie Adam won a corner after
his shot was deflected out by Obiang. West Ham dealt with the set piece, but
Stoke came back with yet another ball from Adam. This time it was a cross
that found Shawcross in front of Adrian. For all of Arnautovic's chances for
us, Shawcross had his for Stoke. And just like his former teammate, he
couldn't find the net.
The law of averages says that if you have enough chances as a footballer,
eventually you will have some success. In the 75th minute, Arnautovic had
the ball near the top of the Stoke eighteen yard box. He rolled a pass to
Lanzini, and made the perfect give and go move into the box. Lanzini found
him, and the man Stoke supporters love to despise….hate is too soft a
word…slid it past Butland.
Stoke 0
West Ham 2
West Ham should have made it three in the 83rd minute when Hernandez and
Sakho broke on a counter. Hernandez seemed to have enough time to make a
soufflé let alone take a shot. He decided to pass to Sakho, who first tried
to chest the ball over the line from three yards out. When that didn't work,
a cheeky back heel was next on the agenda. Neither idea found the back of
the net.
Finally, Obiang released Lanzini and Sakho on a counter. The wantaway man
from Senegal timed his run perfectly, Lanzini timed his pass perfectly, and
Sakho took his chance perfectly.
Stoke 0
West Ham 3
A few minutes later West Ham looked to better their goal difference, and it
was Hernandez that could have added a fourth. He broke into the box and
tried to beat Butland from a few yards out. But the angle was too tight, and
the ball went out for a corner.
There was a moment in added time that caught my eye. We were up by three. We
could have been up by six. The three points were ours. Done and dusted.
Stoke had the ball and pressed forward down the left, because it's probably
not acceptable to just say "I'm through with this" and walk off. Like gnats
buzzing around your head, West Ham defenders harassed any Stoke player with
a sniff of the ball. Did they want the clean sheet? Or have they just
rediscovered the joy of defending well? Whatever it was, it was lovely to
behold.
Final Score
Stoke 0
West Ham 3
"Seven points from three above. Now we need seven from three below. Stoke
was above us going into today" was the text I received from my best mate,
Jon. Who, by the way, was furious to see Bilic go and lectured me that Moyes
was an awful choice. There is a lot of time left in the life and times of
West Ham under Moyes, so the final verdict is yet to be read by the jury.
But it would be hard to say we are worse off than we were a month ago.
Oh, and if ANYBODY on our board tries to take ANY credit for this, they had
better re-consider. Sometimes less is more. And in their case, saying
nothing is the best option.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Marko Arnautovic returns to haunt Stoke as West Ham clinch victory
Stoke City 0 West Ham United 3: Mark Noble, Arnautovic and Diafra Sakho were
all on target for the Hammers
The Independent Sport
Stoke slumped to a fifth defeat in six to heap further pressure on Mark
Hughes as West Ham's Marko Arnautovic came back to haunt his old club in a
3-0 win. Chants of "Hughes Out" and "sacked in the morning" were heard from
home supporters at the bet365 Stadium, where kick-off had been delayed by an
hour due to a power cut. Once proceedings got under way, David Moyes' West
Ham were sent on their way by a controversially-awarded Mark Noble penalty,
which could result in retrospective punishment for Manuel Lanzini after he
appeared to dive, and Hughes' mood was darkened further by goals from
Arnautovic and substitute Diafra Sakho. It was particularly galling for
Hughes that Arnautovic got on scoresheet given he was booed throughout
having forced through a £25m summer move to the Hammers, who moved above the
Potters in the table with this win. Stoke chairman Peter Coates had
identified this fixture and last Tuesday's with Burnley as pivotal and
Hughes' position may now be precarious after two defeats.
A sign things would go wrong for Stoke on a pivotal afternoon arrived around
an hour before kick-off when power was lost. It remained out for almost an
hour, delaying kick-off and leaving thousands of fans outside the stadium
because the turnstiles could not be operated. A week after some fans
confronted his team, who had just been beaten 5-1 by Tottenham, at Stoke
station, Hughes may have feared a growing irritation among supporters again
before the game finally started. s it was, anger was replaced by
exasperation when West Ham led, moments after Ryan Shawcross' header from
Xherdan Shaqiri's free-kick had come back off the post. As the ball came
out, referee Geoff Scott did not give another free-kick to the visitors when
Arthur Masuaku appeared to foul Shaqiri on the edge of West Ham's box, and
from there the Hammers broke with Lanzini riding three Stoke challenges
before going down in the box. Erik Pieters was foolish to dive in but
contact was only initiated between the two after Lanzini had already thrown
himself to the ground. Successful deception of a match official incurs a
retrospective ban this year, but the man who mattered at the time was
convinced and Noble stroked home the opener.
If another fuse was to blow in the stadium it looked like being Hughes' when
he mimicked a diving action as Michail Antonio won a free-kick near his
bench by tripping himself up. His fury would surely be cranked up if
Arnautovic added a second and having missed multiple opportunities either
side of the break he finally hit back at the boo boys. The forward had
missed two one-on-ones, hit the woodwork twice and crossed his arms in a
West Ham salute before collecting Lanzini's pass and firing under Jack
Butland's legs. He continued to play the pantomime villain role to
perfection as he was substituted, arguing with Shawcross and hearing Hughes
vent his anger towards him before picking up a t-shirt thrown at him from
the crowd. Substitute Sakho slide in a late third, ensuring West Ham
collected seven points in eight days to provide Coates with evidence of the
upturn in form a new manager can provide.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke 0 West Ham 3: Mark Hughes fighting for his job as Marko Arnautovic
returns to haunt former club
Jon Culley, bet365 stadium
16 DECEMBER 2017 • 6:21PM
Telegraph.co.uk
Stoke's troubles went from bad to worse in a match delayed for an hour by an
electrical failure, leaving manager Mark Hughes probably wishing it had not
gone ahead at all. As if a contentious first-half penalty was not enough for
the Welshman fighting for his job as his side's season falls apart, his
former star Marko Arnautovic, who forced a summer move to West Ham by asking
for a transfer, rubbed salt in the wounds by putting the result beyond Stoke
with a quarter of an hour remaining. Substitute Diafra Sakho turned defeat
into a humiliation for Stoke by adding a third West Ham goal inside the last
five minutes. The result – West Ham's first away win of the season –
continues their recovery under new manager David Moyes, who has seen them
take seven points from their last three Premier League matches, including a
win over defending champions Chelsea.
Stoke, meanwhile, have lost five out of their last six matches and nine out
of their last 14 to drop to 17th in the table, just a point outside the
bottom three and looking uncomfortably like relegation contenders. The Stoke
fans, already not best pleased at being made to wait outside while
generators put out of action by a power surge were fixed, had been in no
mood to take perceived injustices lightly. Having worked themselves into a
fury over the return of Arnautovic following his 'betrayal' of their
support, they were livid when referee Graham Scott awarded an 18th-minute
penalty after Manuel Lanzini tumbled under an Erik Pieters tackle.
It came moments after Ryan Shawcross had hit the post at the other end with
a header from a Xherdan Shaqiri free kick. West Ham broke from defence and
after the Oxfordshire official had ruled no foul as Shaqiri came out worse
in a challenge with Arthur Masuaku, the ball found its way to Lanzini, who
charged half the length of the field before Pieters was able to range
upsides in the penalty area and attempt to stop him. The Dutchman's tackle
was not the cleanest but his contact with Lanzini's boot did not seem to
warrant the Argentine's theatrical fall. Nonetheless, referee Scott pointed
to the spot and, once the protests had stopped, Mark Noble sent Jack Butland
the wrong way from the spot. To add insult to injury, Michail Antonio then
won a free-kick right in front of a furious Hughes with an even more
ill-disguised dive. Stoke responded with vigour but West Ham contained them
well and continued to pose serious danger going forward, even after the loss
of Noble to injury after 34 minutes forced them to regroup.
Arnautovic, who had a fine match, had chances to make himself still more
unpopular, foiled by a Butland block after getting in behind the Stoke
defence, and then scooping over the bar just before half-time after some
clever footwork in the box. In between, Butland did well to beat away a
long-range Lanzini effort that swerved at the last moment. The Austrian had
another opportunity 15 minutes into the second half as Masuaku set him up
only for Kevin Wimmer to arrive in the nick of time to divert his shot away
for a corner when it seemed certain he would score. Seven minutes later,
with Stoke not lacking in effort but still unable to find any quality in
their attacking play, he went close again, this time hitting the bar with a
curling left-foot effort from the right-hand portion of the box, with
Butland beaten.
Stoke fans bayed "what a waste of money" at the object of their ire, yet the
vitriol seemed only to spur him on as a decent attempt at a volley from an
angle on the right flashed into the side netting. With the match well into
its final quarter, and Hughes having sent on Charlie Adam, Saido Berahino
and Josh Tymon in a triple substitution, Shawcross had probably Stoke's best
chance of an equaliser when he managed to beat Angelo Ogbonna to an Adam
cross but headed over the bar. Arnautovic's efforts were rewarded with 15
minutes remaining when he ran on to a clever return pass from Lanzini and
poked the ball wide of Butland from eight yards. It was a second goal in
three matches by the attacker, at last delivering a return on his £24
million club record fee. Cries of "Hughes out" began to rise from the
Boothen End but by the time Sakho was fed by man-of-the-match Lanzini to
complete the Hammers' victory most of the home fans had already headed for
the exits.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini accused of penalty 'dive' as David Moyes claims West Ham star
went down due to 'fatigue'
TOM DOYLE
ES Sport
David Moyes has backed Manuel Lanzini after Stoke manager Mark Hughes
accused the playmaker of diving to win a penalty in West Ham's 3-0 away win
on Saturday. The key moment came 19 minutes into the Premier League clash at
the bet365 Stadium, with West Ham breaking as Lanzini rode three Stoke
challenges before going down in the box. Erik Pieters was foolish to dive in
but contact was only initiated between the two after Lanzini had already
thrown himself to the ground. Successful deception of a match official
incurs a retrospective ban this year, but referee Geoff Scott was convinced
and Noble stroked home the opener.
Marko Arnautovic and Diafra Sakho went on to add two second-half goals to
secure a comfortable win for the Hammers, but Hughes was far from happy with
Lanzini's actions. We huffed and puffed, up to the point of the second goal
we were in it," Hughes told BBC's Match of the Day. "We were damaged by a
poor decision it allowed them to get people behind the ball. They're a
threat on the attack and in the end that's what's taken the game from us.
"When we try and be expansive we can't go one v one, we get picked off.
We've got to be better in that regard." "It's the way our luck is going at
the moment. You convince yourself that luck will change and we've got to
keep that mindset. Things are conspiring against us and we need help from
referees to get things right. That's the hope moving forward, that we get
cut some slack. "I've seen it again. The guy's dived. He's drawn the
challenge. He's a clever player. It was clearly a dive and the ref's seen
something that no-one else saw. All in all it was a poor sequence of events
for him and for us. "It sounds like sour grapes when you talk about people
getting punished retrospectively. It doesn't help us now."
However, West Ham boss Moyes admitted that while the penalty may have been a
soft decision, Lanzini's actions were the result of tiredness rather than
purely an attempt at deception. "The defender gave the referee a decision to
make," he told Match of the Day. "Manuel Lanzini ran about 70 yards so I
think he went over with fatigue rather than a dive. I'd be disappointed to
give away a penalty like that but sometimes that's the way it goes. "We had
to deal with a lot of stuff but we missed good chances. I was annoyed with
Marko at half-time as he had the chance to get two. He's doing really well
and I said to him at half-time he would score.
"Clean sheets are one of the things you want to do. Don't shout about it too
much as we're going to need a few more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes transcript: every word from West Ham boss on "phenomenal" Arnautovic
and thumping Stoke
The Hammers boss was full of beans after the 3-0 win at the bet365
By Sam Inkersole
West Ham Correspondent
18:56, 16 DEC 2017
Football London
It's easy this manager lark, isn't it?
I wish it was.
It was a difficult game for us, it was always going to be. Sometimes,
getting the first goal makes a big difference in these games but then we had
to withstand buts of pressure at different times but we also id have other
chances in the first half to make it two or three nil. But when you don't
score the second, there is always a chance and they put us under pressure
but thankfully, we defended really well like we have done recently.
It was almost as if you produced a Stoke-like performance
I think Stoke has always been difficult to beat, it's never easy to come
here and get a result so I think the job we done was really, really good.
Even at 2-0, you can never be safe because they are throwing balls to
Crouch, putting crosses into the box. We defended incredibly well, all the
boys at the back did, blocked any shots they had time after time.But, when
we broke, I thought we passed it well, played much better with the football
when we got it.
After the three big games previously there was a danger you could come here
and not sustain that, but you did
My big worry was that we had a day less recovery. Obviously, there are a few
dropping at the moment. Mark Noble has now got an injury, we had Zabaleta
with a dead leg from early on in the game, so we are finding ourselves
struggling for players. Even at the end, Marko Arnautovic had a calf strain
so we had to bring him off for Chicharito to go on the right as we ran out
of midfield players, even with Declan Rice coming on. We're all mucking in,
all doing their jobs and they are doing it well and defensively we have kept
another clean sheet which is always good at the wrong end of the table.
James Collins came in and was superb for you today
He was, he headed everything. It was a big decision with Declan or Ginge but
Ginge came in and showed his experience but I have got to say, Declan Rice
played very well in midfield.
What was your view of the penalty?
Yeah, I've seen it. I think the defender gives the ref a decision to make. I
would call it soft. I do think though that because of that, Manu has run 70
yards and has ran his race there, the defender going to ground means the ref
has the choice and I think that was the big thing, there is no intent of a
dive, he's riding a tackle more than anything. I think if you take the whole
action into consideration, I definitely don't see it being a dive. I see it
being tiredness from Manu at the end of it but not a dive, that's for sure.
You're very much against diving with your players
Totally. Not just against my players but in football in general.
Mark Noble, shame he had to go off on his 300th appearance
It really was. He's done superb, we think he's got a bit of a hamstring and
we are in a bus period, we are really short on midfield players and the boys
are having to put in a big effort. Mark Noble, great achievement, 300
Premier League games, good on him.
Marko Arnautovic got a rough reception but he was excellent, were you happy
with the effort he put in?
It was good, yes. I told him at half time, I was annoyed with him - he
should have scored two but I also said if he could keep it going, he would
score in the end and he did. He probably had three or four chances, in truth
he should have got a hat trick but he is starting to become a really, really
important player for us and I would like to gt him up to even higher levels
but his workrate has been phenomenal over the last three or four games, it
really has been.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th December 2017
Stoke City v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United travel to Stoke City on Saturday for a third Premier League
contest in a week.
Read on for all you need to know ahead of this weekend's fixture with the
Potters.
Where and when?
West Ham United will play Stoke City on Saturday 16th December at the bet365
Stadium.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm.
How to follow:
Unfortunately, due to being a Saturday 3pm kick-off the match is not
available for viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click
here.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter
account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels.
Meet the opposition:
0:24
Team news:
David Moyes will offer an update on his available squad ahead of the Stoke
City clash on Friday afternoon.
The manager's press conference will begin at Rush Green at 1pm.
What they say:
"It's difficult at Stoke, but this is a big chance to get three points up
there. We needed to change attitudes and the way we approach games is much
better than before."
Angelo Ogbonna
Match Officials:
Referee: Graham Scott
Assistant Referees: Richard West and Marc Perry
Fourth Official: Neil Swarbrick
Last five meetings:
0:39
How to get there:
Stoke Railway Station is just over two miles away from the bet365 Stadium,
with shuttle buses running from Glebe Street every 15 minutes before the
game.
By Train
Leave the M6 at Junction 15, following the A500 for Stoke. Follow signs for
A50 towards Derby and then follow signposts for the Stadium.
By Car
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble: A win at Stoke would top off a fantastic week!
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble says West Ham United need to 'top off a fantastic week' with a
Premier League victory at Stoke City. The Hammers head to the bet365 Stadium
on the back of a victory over champions Chelsea and deserved draw with
Arsenal at London Stadium. Now, the captain has challenged his team to make
it seven points in as many days by beating Mark Hughes' side in the
Potteries. "We needed results and the last two we got against two of the
best teams in the league," he said. "It's been fantastic, but now we have to
go and beat Stoke away. "They're in a similar position to us and we need to
get three points there, and it would top off a fantastic week."
While West Ham's improved showings against the Premier League's big guns
have seen positivity spread around Rush Green, Noble knows that will mean
nothing if they come up short at Stoke. And, with winnable games to follow
against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion, the No16
is hoping to celebrate a happy Christmas. "I would agree [the next two games
are bigger than the three we've just had]. We need to pick up some more
points and keep clean sheets, and try to score some goals. "It is going to
be a battle but I think anywhere from ninth or tenth downwards, if you get a
couple of wins, you're back up with them. This league, at the minute, is so
tight, but we're looking a lot stronger. If we can keep that form going into
these couple of games I'm sure we will be fine."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chicharito aiming to boost impressive Stoke goal record
WHUFC.com
Chicharito is hopeful of continuing his impressive goal record against Stoke
City when West Ham United travel to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday. The
Mexican striker has previously played against the Potters on nine occasions
and Chicharito has boasted five goals and two assists in those matches.
David Moyes takes his West Ham side up the M6 this weekend to play Stoke, on
the back of collecting four points in the last two games – against Chelsea
and Arsenal respectively.
Chicharito came off the bench and almost won the game against Arsenal with a
late curling effort, which crashed down off the cross-bar and onto the goal
line, and the 29-year-old is hoping to boost his personal tally against the
Potters should he get a chance to play. "I want to have minutes on the
pitch, obviously," Chicharito told whufc.com: "As soon as I get any minutes
I will do my very best, as always, and hopefully I can keep my good record
against Stoke going. "Most importantly, we have to get the three points.
It's going to be a tough match. Both teams are fighting but we are
improving. We're getting better although we will need to score more goals to
get the points."
A tricky period, during which West Ham played three of last season's top
five in Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, ended with the Hammers
claiming a credible four points – the only loss coming in a gallant effort
at the Etihad Stadium. After this weekend's contest with Stoke the Hammers
take on Newcastle and West Brom at London Stadium, with a Boxing Day trip to
Bournemouth sandwiched between. All four of these opponents currently sit
within just two points of the Hammers in the Premier League table, with all
but Bournemouth – who sit 14th - occupying the bottom quarter of the
division. And Chicharito recognises that the next four matches against these
teams, which will be played as a part of a busy festive schedule, is a
crucial part of West Ham's campaign. "It's a very important period now.
Christmas time is always a tough part of the season with a lot of games but
we want to get as many points as we can, starting against Stoke, because we
want to climb up the table."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defender Doneil Henry departs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that Doneil Henry has departed the Club after
his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. The Canada defender spent
nearly three years in east London, making his sole first-team appearance in
the UEFA Europa League defeat at Romanian club Astra Giurgiu in August 2015.
The 24-year-old was also twice loaned to Blackburn Rovers and once to Danish
club AC Horsens. West Ham United would like to thank Doneil for his efforts
and wish him every success with his future career.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio: It's a very key period for our season
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio says West Ham United are entering a 'very key period' in
their 2017/18 Premier League season. The Hammers kick-off a string of four
straight matches against teams in the bottom half with a trip to Stoke City
on Saturday, followed by home games with Newcastle United and West Bromwich
Albion either side of a Boxing Day fixture at AFC Bournemouth. And Antonio
knows that, while taking four points out of six from Chelsea and Arsrenal
this week gave David Moyes' side a boost, they need to keep the momentum up
as the calendar flips over to the New Year. "It's a very key period," the
No30 confirmed. "Picking up points from teams in the top six was important,
but the games we've got coming up are even more important because they are
against teams who are around us and beating them will help us get up the
table. "We definitely feel we should be picking up points from the next four
Premier League games."
Antonio himself will be vital to West Ham's cause over the coming weeks. The
27-year-old has moved into a centre forward role under Moyes, using his
speed, strength and work-rate to occupy opposition defenders. Now, the man
whose only goal of the season so far came in the draw at Burnley in October,
has vowed to hit the back of the net on a more regular basis going forward.
"I am definitely enjoying my more advanced role. I am the sort of player who
likes to get on the ball and run at defenders and this is giving me the
opportunity to. "In the last few games, I've not really been able to do that
as much as I'd have liked to because of the quality of the teams we were
playing against but, in the future, I hope to get on the ball more and
hopefully score and create some more goals. "It definitely takes a game or
two to get up to full speed and I'm definitely getting there back to 100 per
cent."
The England call-up has not been the only attacker to give everything for
his team as the Hammers attempt to climb clear of the bottom three. Marko
Arnautovic, who returns to his old club for the first time since his summer
move to east London, and Arthur Masuaku have also caught the eye with their
all-round contributions. Antonio, for one, has been impressed. "Marko and
Arthur have both been outstanding for us. Arthur's feet and dribbling
ability have been driving us out and up the field and Marko has shown his
energy and got a great goal for us last weekend with his left foot. "Both
are using their pace and power to help the team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We must show Stoke the 'new' West Ham - Adrian
WHUFC.com
Adrian says he and his teammates must show that the 'new' West Ham United is
here to stay when they take on Stoke City this weekend. The Irons will move
above Stoke and potentially out of the relegation zone if David Moyes's side
can collect the win on their trip to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, and
head into the match in good form having picked up four points from the
matches with Chelsea and Arsenal. Adrian has been a huge aspect of West
Ham's recent improvements, keeping clean-sheets in the last two matches, and
the Spaniard wants to see that run continue against the Potters. The
30-year-old believes the team have shown themselves to be a 'new' West Ham
and is eager for a positive result versus Stoke. "The last three games were
really important and we did well, but now we have to be really focused
against Stoke," Adrian said: "It will be a totally different game and we
have to show we are a new West Ham against them. Stoke are always hard to
play but we have to show we're in a positive way. In the last few games
we've proven a lot. "Everything is very tight in the Premier League. We have
to take it game by game but we have confidence in our squad to get good
results and a good run over the Christmas period."
Adrian has taken delight in his efforts for the Hammers so far but insists
the turnaround in form is not down to him alone, highlighting the effort of
the entire team. He continued: "For me, as a goalkeeper, it's really
important to keep clean-sheets, especially against the big teams. It's
massive. Obviously, we have defended with 11 players and we showed on the
pitch we can keep a good, solid shape. We have to keep fighting now. "We
have to show every weekend that West Ham is a different team now. We are
defending like a team. Attacking as a team. At the end of the day we can do
nothing individually. "I could make one save but the other team could still
score four goals. The defenders could head away one ball but then make two
mistakes. We have to work as a team."
Adrian has started West Ham's last three Premier League games, replacing Joe
Hart in the starting XI, but the No13 is adamant that he and the England
international have a good relationship – one that is competitive and drives
each of them to be even better. "At the moment, I feel really happy. I'm
back in the team and I'm helping the side by making saves," Adrian
explained. "I knew from the of the season it would be hard work for me but
I knew as well that I would have an opportunity to play. I showed in the Cup
I could play well and then at Man City. "The goalkeeping position is like
this – only one can play. West Ham have two great and professional
goalkeepers who are competitive and want to fight for the spot. "I have a
great relationship with Joe. We train everyday together and we are
competitive in training. a good goalkeeper and I like the competition. No
competition is no good for anyone. From the beginning of the season we've
pushed each other."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: Positive energy, Stoke away and Marko proving his worth
WHUFC.com
David Moyes was all smiles as he sat down to meet the press ahead of
Saturday's Premier League trip to Stoke City. The West Ham United manager
has instigated an uplift in form in recent weeks, with the Hammers following
up an impressive showing at Manchester City by defeating champions Chelsea
and holding Arsenal to a draw. Now, Moyes has challenged his players to
continue their resurgence by scoring their first away win of the season at
the bet365 Stadium, where former Potters star Marko Arnautovic will play
against his former club...
Our recent performances have given everyone a lift
We've definitely felt positive energy and an uplift around the place these
last couple of days. Anybody who beats Chelsea and gets a result against
Arsenal, especially with the position we're in, it's a real positive. We've
still got to climb the table, so we've got to win an awful lot more games.
We can pat ourselves on the back and say how well the players have done, but
overall we've still got a lot of games to go and we've got to win them." The
players are always the ones who have to perform and show the right attitude
and desire. They have started to gain belief and, because of that, they've
started to do good things. We want to play much better, we know that, but
first and foremost we are taking small steps and the first was to stop
conceding goals. That's the start.
We're learning on the job – and fast!
I know we had to make an impact really quickly and make something happen and
we've said right from the start that this is a bit of a rush job. We're
having to do everything very quickly and trying to get as much work into the
players as we can, which ideally we would have done in five or six
pre-season friendlies so we could have got the understanding and know them.
We didn't have them, so we're having to learn on the job a little bit. But
I've got to say the players are learning on the job as well and I think
they've done a really good job in the recent games.
Stoke away has always been tough, and will be again on Saturday
Stoke City has always been a tough place to play at any time. Mark Hughes
has done a great job over the years and it's a tough game. They've got some
really good senior players who they can call on at any time and we also know
they have ability in other areas, so we know it's a tough game. We can see
Stoke's recent results but I can only say that we're going there buoyant, in
good form, we feel good and we've got to go there and try and get a result.
At the moment, we need results. Stoke are in a better position than us, so
we have got to try and climb the table. It'll be bit by bit. We're still
trying to get to know our players exactly and blend everybody in but,
overall, we go there in good form and in a good mindset. We want to get away
from the bottom end. We've probably taken some points people didn't expect
in recent games, so if we can build on that and pick up and get a bit of
momentum going, it will help us. Talk can be cheap, though, and we've got to
show it. I'm sure the players will. I'm confident we can go there and get a
result.
Stoke know Marko well, but he'll be determined to show they what they are
missing
Marko Arnautovic has proved his worth in recent games. He's scored a good
winning goal against Chelsea and you need players who can make the
difference and can win you games. Marko has played well. His work-rate has
been terrific and that's the first thing we want from him. Everybody at
Stoke knows him and know how good a player he is, and that's why he got a
move from Stoke to West Ham and that's why Stoke got a really good price for
him as well, because they know what he is capable of. We want him to do it
regularly and in recent games he has done it very well.
We've got no time to party!
The suggestion of the players holding a Christmas party has not been brought
to me, so there's nothing happening here. I don't think we're in a position
where we need to have a party, but I hope we have a good one at the end of
the season. I certainly won't let the players down if they do what is
required between now and then!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Moyes keen to make January acquisitions
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says West Ham United will be looking to bring in players who can
improve his starting XI straight away during the January transfer window.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan wrote in Wednesday's Official Programme that
fans 'can be rest assured that two or three new players will be brought in
to improve the team' and the manager echoed those words in his pre-Stoke
City press conference. "I hope it is busy, the January window. In recent
years, it hasn't been as busy as people had made it out to be but it's not
the easiest month [to do transfer business]," he began. "I would like to add
to the squad if we can do and I think it's really important that we try and
get players who we think can make a difference and can give us people who
can more or less go straight into the team. But that's not the easiest thing
to do."
Moyes has 22 senior players in his first-team squad, while 20-year-old Toni
Martinez and teenagers Declan Rice, Domingos Quina, Sead Haksabanovic, Ben
Johnson and Nathan Trott have all been involved in matchday 18s this season.
With the Hammers sitting in the bottom three going into Saturday's game at
Stoke City, the Scot is keen to bolster his options next month. Speaking of
this weekend's trip to the bet365 Stadium, Moyes says the exertions of
beating Chelsea and drawing with Arsenal have left his players with a few
bumps and bruises. "Squad-wise, we have got a few doubts, as everybody else
has at the end of a three-game week and a tough period. We've also got one
or two people on the way back, who aren't quite ready yet. "It's a difficult
time and lots of games mean you won't always have all your players
available."
While he may be without one or two regulars, including the suspended Winston
Reid, Moyes is feeling upbeat after a productive first month in charge in
east London. The Hammers recovered from defeats by Watford and Everton to
score creditable draws with Leicester City and Arsenal, either side of a
fantastic home win over the champions. "I'm smiling and that tells you how I
feel. I've really enjoyed it. The people here have made me really welcome.
It's the first time I've been this far down south and it's been good. "The
players have helped because the players have bought into everything we're
trying to do with their attitude and their determination. It's been really
good and working with them has been excellent."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers exit Youth Cup at third round stage
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U18s were eliminated at the third round stage of the FA
Youth Cup on Friday night when Blackpool were 1-0 winners in Dagenham. A
goal from substitute Emil Jaaskelainen – son of former Hammers stopper Jussi
– was enough to separate the two sides and the hosts crashed out of the
competition in their first tie for the fifth season running. There was a
frantic finale at the Chigwell Construction Stadium in which two penalties
were awarded and a red card shown, but it was eventually a night that ended
in disappointment for those in Claret and Blue. But it was the hosts,
starting the likes of U23 regulars Domingos Quina and Ben Johnson, who were
dominant in the opening period. A series of early set-pieces came to nothing
but on 27 minutes, Steve Potts and Mark Phillips' side had their first shot
in anger as Rosaire Longelo dragged his effort just wide. The winger had
another attempt on goal a minute later and came a touch closer, though Craig
Thodarson in the Blackpool goal was not troubled. Soon after, Bernardo Rosa
collected Sean Adarkwa's pass inside the box and swivelled to shoot, but his
smart attempt was collected easily by the visiting stopper. Six minutes into
the second period, with West Ham continuing to press, Quina was not too far
away as he had a go from near the halfway line – something he is not new to
having scored against Leicester City from distance last campaign – but this
time his shot flew just over. Hammers keeper Bobbie Biddle was called into
action for the first time on the hour mark, tipping a fierce Rowan Roache
strike over the bar, but Blackpool began to mount some pressure and it told
with a quarter of an hour remaining.
Josh Okotcha was caught in possession midway into his own half and Owen
Watkinson, stealing it from the centre-back, did superbly to find sub
Jasskelainen who tapped home easily from close range. Potts and Phillips'
men were forced to go in search of an equaliser hastily, and they had the
opportunity to level the scores when the referee spotted a handball inside
the box with eleven minutes left. But Quina stepped up from 12 yards and was
denied, Thodarson diving to his left to push the Portuguese midfielder's
tame effort away. There were yet more twists to the tale. Soon it was
Blackpool's turn to try their luck from the spot – Ben Johnson tripped
Watkinson and another penalty was awarded, but the visitors' Roache hit the
crossbar and the advantage remained at just one goal. Moments later, Alfie
Lewis was sent off after an off-the-ball coming together in the middle of
the park and despite West Ham's best efforts to take the game into
extra-time, Blackpool – who will face Southampton in the fourth round – held
on to advance in the Youth Cup.
West Ham United: Biddle, Johnson, Okotcha (E. Longelo 83), Wells, Hannam,
Coventry, R. Longelo, Quina, Lewis, Rosa, Adarkwa.
Subs not used: Mingi, Forde, El Mhassani, Chesters.
Red cards: Lewis 90
Blackpool: Thodarson, Jacobson, Winstanley (Williams 84), Newton, Avon,
Sumber, Adarkwa, Roache, Dunn (Jaaskelainen 67), Watkinson (Wainwright
90+1), Shaw.
Subs not used: Simson, Flynn.
Goals: Jaaskelainen 75
Bookings: Roache 69
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke City v West Ham United
SAT 16 DEC 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: bet365 Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Stoke defender Kurt Zouma will miss the visit of West Ham because of a
hamstring injury that forced his substitution in midweek. Glen Johnson is
still nursing a knee problem, while Jese Rodriguez and Bruno Martins Indi
remain unavailable.
West Ham are without Winston Reid, who must serve a one-match ban for
accumulating five bookings. James Collins or Declan Rice will deputise,
while Edimilson Fernandes could return from an ankle injury.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
John Murray: "It has been a sharply contrasting week for the two clubs to
have conceded more goals than anyone else in the Premier League this season.
"Stoke have endured two away defeats and an uncomfortable experience at a
railway station, when some supporters told the players exactly what they
thought of them. "For West Ham, it has been four points from two home
matches against the league champions and the FA Cup holders. "Two clean
sheets in those matches will have particularly pleased manager David Moyes.
In the dog-eat-dog world in which they exist he won't be able to afford any
sympathy for opposite number Mark Hughes, for whom the managerial bell is
undoubtedly tolling."
Twitter: @bbcjohnmurray
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes: "I don't do relegation. I've never been
relegated because I'm too busy trying to get in top 10s. "I've never been
near it so I'm not going to start now, am I? "We're just one of seven or
eight [clubs] possibly that are not quite where they want to be, but we've
got the means to do something about that because we've got good players."
West Ham manager David Moyes: "I've definitely felt an uplift around the
place. We've still got to win a lot more games and climb the table. "We can
pat ourselves on the back, but we've got a long way to go. "The players have
started to gain belief and have started to do good things. We want to play
much better, but we are taking small steps."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Stoke's performance in their 1-0 defeat against Burnley on Tuesday was much
better than the result. If they play like that again, they should get
something to show for it.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Stoke are unbeaten in all eight Premier League games against West Ham under
Mark Hughes (W3, D5).
The Potters could equal their longest top-flight unbeaten run against West
Ham - nine matches from 1964 to 1968.
The Hammers have not won in four Premier League trips to Stoke since a 1-0
victory in March 2013.
Stoke City
They have lost four of their last five league matches, with their only win
in seven fixtures coming at home to bottom-of-the-table Swansea.
The Potters have 16 points after 17 matches, their lowest tally at this
stage of a Premier League season.
They have earned just 41 points from their last 41 league games under Mark
Hughes (W10, D11, L20).
Stoke have the worst defensive record in the division, conceding 36 goals
and only keeping two clean sheets. West Ham have the next worst record,
having let in 32 goals.
Peter Crouch needs one goal to become Stoke's outright all-time leading
Premier League scorer. He is level with Jonathan Walters on 43 goals.
Mame Biram Diouf will celebrate his 30th birthday on the day of this match.
West Ham United
The Hammers have earned four points from their last two games, one point
more than in the previous eight attempts.
David Moyes could go three matches unbeaten in the Premier League for the
first time since March 2014, when he was at Manchester United.
However, West Ham have only managed one victory in 10 league matches (D4,
L5).
They have failed to win any of their nine away games in the division this
season, losing the last three. The Hammers haven't lost four successive
league away matches in the same season since a five-match streak between
November 2013 and January 2014.
Javier Hernandez has scored five Premier League goals against Stoke. He has
only fared better against Wigan, with six goals.
If Mark Noble features, he will become the first player to make 300 Premier
League appearances for West Ham. He made his Premier League debut in a 3-1
home victory against Mark Hughes' Blackburn Rovers in August 2005.
Marko Arnautovic scored 26 goals in 145 appearances for Stoke before joining
West Ham in the summer.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 27%
Probability of home win: 48% Probability of away win: 25%
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International defender leaves 'by mutual consent'
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th December 2017
By: Staff Writer
Canadian international central defender Doneil Henry had left West Ham -
after making just one senior appearance in three years. The 24-year-old has
reached an agreement with West Ham to terminate his three-and-a-half-year
contract - that was due to expire at the end of the season - six months
early. Henry, who was signed on Sam Allardyce's watch on the recommendation
of former Toronto manager Ryan Nelsen, joined West Ham in January 2015 for
an undisclosed fee.
Nelsen, speaking at the time, insisted that the defender would become a
first-class defender. "He'll go to the top," he said. "There's no question
about that. He's got all the tools." Sadly Henry's career was derailed a
matter of weeks later when, whilst playing for Blackburn Rovers on loan, he
sustained a serious hamstring injury that kept him out of action for several
months. He returned to make his first team debut for West Ham in the 2-1
Europa Cup tie defeat at Astra Giurgiu in August of that year under Slaven
Bilic, but that was to prove his one and only performance for the club.
West Ham's top ten 'one-hit wonders'
1. Ray Houghton: vs Arsenal, 1982
2. Mauricio Taricco: vs Millwall, 2004
3. Gavin Holligan: vs Liverpool, 1999
4. Sasa Ilic: vs Charlton, 2000
5. Rob Jones: vs FC Jokerit, 1999
6. Doneil Henry: vs Astra Giurgiu, 2015
7. Seb Lletget: vs Nottingham Forest, 2014
8. Lee Boylan: vs Sheffield Wednesday, 1997
9. Ralph Milne: vs Derby County, 1990
10. Hogan Ephraim: vs Sheffield Wednesday, 2005
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
300 up for Noble
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th December 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham captain Mark Noble is poised to make his 300th Premier League
appearance at the bet365 Stadium this weekend. If selected, Noble will have
reached the landmark 13 years after making his debut for the club in a 2nd
round Carling Cup tie against Southend (which the Hammers won 2-0). And new
manager David Moyes, who has only worked with Noble for a matter of weeks,
insisted that it was a "great achievement", given that the 30-year-old has
spent his entire career at one club. "He's played well for us," Moyes told
the media at his Stoke pre-match presser this lunchtime. "He's captain and
is making sure all the players are doing the right thing. It's a great
achievement for him and I hope he continues to do it for us." Meanwhile the
man himself admitted that he would be delighted to record a positive result
at Stoke tomorrow - the perfect way to cap his own personal achievement and
a great week for West Ham. "We needed results and the last two we got
against two of the best teams in the league," Noble told whufc.com. "It's
been fantastic, but now we have to go and beat Stoke away. They're in a
similar position to us and we need to get three points there. "This league,
at the minute, is so tight. We need to pick up some more points, keep clean
sheets and try to score some goals. It would top off a fantastic week."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's David Moyes keen to add to squad in transfer window
By Katie Shanahan
Last Updated: 15/12/17 4:21pm
SSN
West Ham manager David Moyes says despite their positive results against
Chelsea and Arsenal, they still have to win an awful lot more games. David
Moyes says he hopes next month's transfer window is "busy" as West Ham will
be looking to add to their squad. Joint-chairman David Sullivan has also
hinted to fans that two or three new players will be brought into the team,
which the Scot echoed in his press conference ahead of Stoke City. Despite
the Hammers beating Chelsea 1-0 and holding Arsenal to a goalless draw in
the week, they still sit in the bottom three ahead of Stoke, something Moyes
wants to change. "I hope it is busy, the January window," Moyes said. "In
recent years, it has not been as busy as people had made it out to be. But
it is not the easiest month (to do transfer business).
"I would like to add to the squad if we can do," he added. "I think it is
really important that we try and get players who we think can make a
difference and can give us people who can more or less go straight into the
team. But that is not the easiest thing to do." Speaking about their recent
run of form, Moyes said: "Definitely, anybody who beats Chelsea and anybody
who gets a result against Arsenal, especially in the position we are in
would see it as a real positive. "We have still got to climb the table, so
we still have to win an awful lot more games. We can pat ourselves on the
back for the performances and how well the players have done. "But overall,
we still have a lot of games to go and we have got to win them."
West Ham could pull clear of the relegation zone with a victory against
Stoke. However, Stoke are unbeaten in all eight Premier League games against
West Ham under Mark Hughes. Aware of the challenge ahead, Moyes said: "Stoke
is a tough place to play at any time. But, we are going their buoyant, we
are in good form, we feel good and we are going to try and go there and get
a result."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says David Sullivan wrong to make him a
scapegoat over transfer policy
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 16/12/17 8:29am
SSN
Slaven Bilic says West Ham co-owner David Sullivan was wrong to criticise
two of the club's players and accused him of not telling the truth over
transfer policy.
In an interview with The Guardian this month, Sullivan blamed former West
Ham manager Bilic for the signings of Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass whilst
taking the credit for more successful deals such as Dimitri Payet and Manuel
Lanzini. Bilic was sacked as West Ham manager last month after the club had
won just two of their first 11 league games and Sullivan, who replaced Bilic
with David Moyes, admitted in the interview he should have sacked the Croat
in the summer. But Bilic has now responded to Sullivan's claims, explaining
the inner workings of the club's transfer strategy. Bilic told the Daily
Mail: "West Ham is my club, I am not afraid of confrontation but I don't
want it with people I got on with for two years. "But again I have to say
something. To say all the good players were him, and the bad signings were
me is kind of low. And it's simply not true. "I don't want to praise myself
but if you ask about Lanzini, I knew about him since he was at River Plate a
few years ago, I wanted to take him to Besiktas. At that time, he was too
much money and went to Al Jazira. "Let's be honest, who knew about Lanzini
before he came to England? Nobody knew and that includes the chairman. But I
never treated the signings like that, like they are my players or your
players. No, they were all our players, collective responsibility. "There
were three of us: the chairman, myself and Tony Henry (director of player
recruitment). Agents would call any of us and we shared the information. I
knew about Payet for a long time. The chairman told me he'd had a call about
a player from Marseille. I said which one, and he said Payet. I said, "Yes,
don't think twice". "I am not going to take credit for everything but I
don't want to take all the blame either. "Fonte and Snodgrass came in
January. We were losing Payet and (Angelo) Ogbonna was having an operation,
and of course the budget was limited. So we got those two new players. "To
criticise them is unfair. They came to a club in a difficult situation and
helped us finish 11th so they played their part."
Asked why he thought Sullivan decided to say those comments, Bilic said:
"Maybe he felt he had to justify, not sacking me, but the appointment of
Moyes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke v West Ham preview: Marko Arnautovic will get frosty reception, says
Mark Hughes
Last Updated: 16/12/17 7:48am
SSN
Stoke boss Mark Hughes does not anticipate Marko Arnautovic getting a great
reception when he returns to the Potters for the first time since leaving
the club for West Ham in the summer. The Austrian departed Stoke one year
into a four-year deal, stating at the time that it was an easy decision to
leave the bet365 Stadium, which did not go down well with supporters. "I
don't think he'll get a good reception," said Hughes. "There's no bad
feelings from my point of view. I would imagine maybe the circumstances of
the transfer will be fresh in people's minds but he did great here. "He's a
good guy, good player, seems to be coming into a little bit of form for West
Ham, which is a little bit of a worry because we know what he can produce.
But hopefully he won't have an influential game."
David Moyes will be hoping his side can build on the win over Chelsea and
draw with Arsenal in the last week, but West Ham will have to do it without
Winston Reid.
Team news
Stoke will be without Kurt Zouma for the Premier League match against West
Ham. The on-loan Chelsea centre-back limped out of the midweek defeat at
Burnley with a hamstring injury. Defender Bruno Martins Indi (groin) and
full-back Glen Johnson (knee) are also unavailable. On-loan Paris St Germain
forward Jese is expected to return next week after travelling to Gran
Canaria to be with his ill baby son and midfielder Stephen Ireland continues
his recovery from a double leg fracture.
Manager Mark Hughes did not seem worried about his future at Stoke, as he
believes if they keep putting in consistent performances the owners will be
happy.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes says he is unconcerned about his future at the club,
as he believes the owners will see the effort his players are putting in
West Ham will be without Winston Reid through suspension for the trip to
Stoke. The defender picked up a fifth caution during the midweek draw
against Arsenal, and so must serve a one-match ban. Midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate is back in training following a hamstring injury, so could be in
line for a return while forward Edimilson Fernandes will be assessed on an
ankle problem and defender Jose Fonte (ankle) also continues his
rehabilitation.
Opta stats
Stoke are unbeaten in all eight Premier League games against West Ham under
Mark Hughes (W3 D5 L0).
But Stoke City have made their worst start to a Premier League after 17
games, winning just 16 points (W4 D4 L9).
Stoke City have won just 41 points from their last 41 Premier League matches
under Mark Hughes (W10 D11 L20).
No side has kept fewer clean sheets in the Premier League this season than
Stoke (2 - level with Crystal Palace).
West Ham have won just one of their last 16 Premier League away matches (W1
D6 L9) and none of their last nine on the road in the competition (W0 D3
L6).
David Moyes has overseen a win against Chelsea and a draw with Arsenal in
his last two Premier League games as West Ham boss - he hasn't gone three
unbeaten in the Premier League since March 2014 while at Manchester United.
Javier Hernandez has scored five Premier League goals against Stoke City,
only scoring more against Wigan Athletic in the competition (6).
Saido Berahino has scored three PL goals against West Ham, his joint-highest
tally versus a team alongside Crystal Palace and Sunderland. However,
Berahino, who hasn't featured since November 4, has gone 32 hours and 14
minutes without a Premier League goal.
Merson's prediction
What a week for West Ham, phenomenal. Just got beaten by Manchester City,
beat Chelsea, draw with Arsenal, and don't let in a goal in the last two
games. Who would have thought that would happen in a month of Sundays? I saw
them at Everton a few weeks ago and they got smashed. But Stoke need to win
this game and I don't like going against them at home. Their form recently
has not been good but this is a must-win game. Mark Hughes will be under
even more pressure from the fans if they don't win.
I like Mark. You have to take into consideration that they sold one of their
best players in Marko Arnautovic and didn't really buy anybody. One of their
best players now is Peter Crouch, who is 36. It looks to me like they have
gone 'we are just going to stay up, what's the point in spending £80m or
£90m, we are not going to get anywhere'.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MICHAIL ANTONIO - NEARING TALISMANIC STATUS?
By Goatygav 15 Dec 2017 at 17:00
WTID
You just know when you miss certain players. Something about their play
makes such a significant contribution that, when it's not there, there's a
vital ingredient absent from the mix. That little bit of 'magic' that sparks
the team. In the case of Michail Antonio I'm of the genuine belief that he's
a player who affects West Ham to that degree.
In the last three games, where many of us held little hope of West Ham
putting any points on the board, Antonio has been an outlet to take pressure
off our defence. So often he turns defence in to attack with his driving
runs that he has become a target for the 'out ball' when needed. Perhaps
lacking the finesse of Manu Lanzini Michail is so effective when in
possession of the ball, with his pace, power and positivity, it really does,
more than, make up for any lack of artistry in his play.
Down the years we've had a few talisman players of note. At the time, and
whilst not gaining legendary status in my opinion, Carlos Tevez was a
talisman whose late season form made a huge contribution to the team's
Premier League survival. Another in more recent times was Paulo DiCanio.
When Paulo was 'on it', which was very consistent for a player of that type,
he often 'pulled' his team-mates up a level or two. I could go further back
in time and name many others but the last example of a talisman I'd like to
name, to illustrate a point, is that of Scott Parker. There may be something
to the argument that Super Scotty stifled other midfielders a little but
there's no denying that his work ethic was second to none. Of course there
was more to his game than graft but he lead by example in his time at our
club and the effect that had on the other players can't be underestimated.
Embed from Getty Images
So many have had varying qualities in the club's history. Michail gives you
some of these but one of the reasons his impact on the team is so
constructive is that he runs himself ragged for the cause. On the subject of
work-rate I feel that Mark Noble's contribution to our win against Chelsea
and Arsenal has gone a little under the radar. Nobes seems to get his fair
share of criticism from fans, which he deals with manfully, so when he does
play well he deserves all the plaudits. Personally I feel that he's come
through a period of poor form but is now hitting a purple patch – long may
it continue.
Back to Michail Antonio his character is another big contributor to my
opinion that he's becoming a talisman. His goal celebrations suggest he
still loves the game. The way he handles himself could be a model for many
in terms of PR and, you get the feeling, he's simply 'good to have around'
in a team environment. The fact that my nephews went to school with him, the
younger of which played at Tooting and Mitcham at the same time as Michail,
although not in the same team, the older having been in the same year as
him, and speak so highly of him may have contributed to my opinion however
I'd like to think I'd have come to the same conclusion without that link.
Apologies for the short post this week. Mrs Goatygav took a bad fall on the
ice on Tuesday and, after 5 hours at Wycombe A&E, is now incapacitated with
her arm in a sling meaning I'm running around tying up shoe laces and other
tasks she's unable to undertake. Last night's performance against Arsenal
has gone quite a way to compensating for my expanding to do list. A win
against the Stokies this weekend would more than make up for it all.
COYI! West Ham 4 The Cup!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United travel to Stoke City on Saturday for a third Premier League
contest in a week.
Read on for all you need to know ahead of this weekend's fixture with the
Potters.
Where and when?
West Ham United will play Stoke City on Saturday 16th December at the bet365
Stadium.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm.
How to follow:
Unfortunately, due to being a Saturday 3pm kick-off the match is not
available for viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click
here.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter
account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels.
Meet the opposition:
0:24
Team news:
David Moyes will offer an update on his available squad ahead of the Stoke
City clash on Friday afternoon.
The manager's press conference will begin at Rush Green at 1pm.
What they say:
"It's difficult at Stoke, but this is a big chance to get three points up
there. We needed to change attitudes and the way we approach games is much
better than before."
Angelo Ogbonna
Match Officials:
Referee: Graham Scott
Assistant Referees: Richard West and Marc Perry
Fourth Official: Neil Swarbrick
Last five meetings:
0:39
How to get there:
Stoke Railway Station is just over two miles away from the bet365 Stadium,
with shuttle buses running from Glebe Street every 15 minutes before the
game.
By Train
Leave the M6 at Junction 15, following the A500 for Stoke. Follow signs for
A50 towards Derby and then follow signposts for the Stadium.
By Car
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Noble: A win at Stoke would top off a fantastic week!
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble says West Ham United need to 'top off a fantastic week' with a
Premier League victory at Stoke City. The Hammers head to the bet365 Stadium
on the back of a victory over champions Chelsea and deserved draw with
Arsenal at London Stadium. Now, the captain has challenged his team to make
it seven points in as many days by beating Mark Hughes' side in the
Potteries. "We needed results and the last two we got against two of the
best teams in the league," he said. "It's been fantastic, but now we have to
go and beat Stoke away. "They're in a similar position to us and we need to
get three points there, and it would top off a fantastic week."
While West Ham's improved showings against the Premier League's big guns
have seen positivity spread around Rush Green, Noble knows that will mean
nothing if they come up short at Stoke. And, with winnable games to follow
against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion, the No16
is hoping to celebrate a happy Christmas. "I would agree [the next two games
are bigger than the three we've just had]. We need to pick up some more
points and keep clean sheets, and try to score some goals. "It is going to
be a battle but I think anywhere from ninth or tenth downwards, if you get a
couple of wins, you're back up with them. This league, at the minute, is so
tight, but we're looking a lot stronger. If we can keep that form going into
these couple of games I'm sure we will be fine."
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Chicharito aiming to boost impressive Stoke goal record
WHUFC.com
Chicharito is hopeful of continuing his impressive goal record against Stoke
City when West Ham United travel to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday. The
Mexican striker has previously played against the Potters on nine occasions
and Chicharito has boasted five goals and two assists in those matches.
David Moyes takes his West Ham side up the M6 this weekend to play Stoke, on
the back of collecting four points in the last two games – against Chelsea
and Arsenal respectively.
Chicharito came off the bench and almost won the game against Arsenal with a
late curling effort, which crashed down off the cross-bar and onto the goal
line, and the 29-year-old is hoping to boost his personal tally against the
Potters should he get a chance to play. "I want to have minutes on the
pitch, obviously," Chicharito told whufc.com: "As soon as I get any minutes
I will do my very best, as always, and hopefully I can keep my good record
against Stoke going. "Most importantly, we have to get the three points.
It's going to be a tough match. Both teams are fighting but we are
improving. We're getting better although we will need to score more goals to
get the points."
A tricky period, during which West Ham played three of last season's top
five in Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, ended with the Hammers
claiming a credible four points – the only loss coming in a gallant effort
at the Etihad Stadium. After this weekend's contest with Stoke the Hammers
take on Newcastle and West Brom at London Stadium, with a Boxing Day trip to
Bournemouth sandwiched between. All four of these opponents currently sit
within just two points of the Hammers in the Premier League table, with all
but Bournemouth – who sit 14th - occupying the bottom quarter of the
division. And Chicharito recognises that the next four matches against these
teams, which will be played as a part of a busy festive schedule, is a
crucial part of West Ham's campaign. "It's a very important period now.
Christmas time is always a tough part of the season with a lot of games but
we want to get as many points as we can, starting against Stoke, because we
want to climb up the table."
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Defender Doneil Henry departs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that Doneil Henry has departed the Club after
his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. The Canada defender spent
nearly three years in east London, making his sole first-team appearance in
the UEFA Europa League defeat at Romanian club Astra Giurgiu in August 2015.
The 24-year-old was also twice loaned to Blackburn Rovers and once to Danish
club AC Horsens. West Ham United would like to thank Doneil for his efforts
and wish him every success with his future career.
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Antonio: It's a very key period for our season
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio says West Ham United are entering a 'very key period' in
their 2017/18 Premier League season. The Hammers kick-off a string of four
straight matches against teams in the bottom half with a trip to Stoke City
on Saturday, followed by home games with Newcastle United and West Bromwich
Albion either side of a Boxing Day fixture at AFC Bournemouth. And Antonio
knows that, while taking four points out of six from Chelsea and Arsrenal
this week gave David Moyes' side a boost, they need to keep the momentum up
as the calendar flips over to the New Year. "It's a very key period," the
No30 confirmed. "Picking up points from teams in the top six was important,
but the games we've got coming up are even more important because they are
against teams who are around us and beating them will help us get up the
table. "We definitely feel we should be picking up points from the next four
Premier League games."
Antonio himself will be vital to West Ham's cause over the coming weeks. The
27-year-old has moved into a centre forward role under Moyes, using his
speed, strength and work-rate to occupy opposition defenders. Now, the man
whose only goal of the season so far came in the draw at Burnley in October,
has vowed to hit the back of the net on a more regular basis going forward.
"I am definitely enjoying my more advanced role. I am the sort of player who
likes to get on the ball and run at defenders and this is giving me the
opportunity to. "In the last few games, I've not really been able to do that
as much as I'd have liked to because of the quality of the teams we were
playing against but, in the future, I hope to get on the ball more and
hopefully score and create some more goals. "It definitely takes a game or
two to get up to full speed and I'm definitely getting there back to 100 per
cent."
The England call-up has not been the only attacker to give everything for
his team as the Hammers attempt to climb clear of the bottom three. Marko
Arnautovic, who returns to his old club for the first time since his summer
move to east London, and Arthur Masuaku have also caught the eye with their
all-round contributions. Antonio, for one, has been impressed. "Marko and
Arthur have both been outstanding for us. Arthur's feet and dribbling
ability have been driving us out and up the field and Marko has shown his
energy and got a great goal for us last weekend with his left foot. "Both
are using their pace and power to help the team."
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We must show Stoke the 'new' West Ham - Adrian
WHUFC.com
Adrian says he and his teammates must show that the 'new' West Ham United is
here to stay when they take on Stoke City this weekend. The Irons will move
above Stoke and potentially out of the relegation zone if David Moyes's side
can collect the win on their trip to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, and
head into the match in good form having picked up four points from the
matches with Chelsea and Arsenal. Adrian has been a huge aspect of West
Ham's recent improvements, keeping clean-sheets in the last two matches, and
the Spaniard wants to see that run continue against the Potters. The
30-year-old believes the team have shown themselves to be a 'new' West Ham
and is eager for a positive result versus Stoke. "The last three games were
really important and we did well, but now we have to be really focused
against Stoke," Adrian said: "It will be a totally different game and we
have to show we are a new West Ham against them. Stoke are always hard to
play but we have to show we're in a positive way. In the last few games
we've proven a lot. "Everything is very tight in the Premier League. We have
to take it game by game but we have confidence in our squad to get good
results and a good run over the Christmas period."
Adrian has taken delight in his efforts for the Hammers so far but insists
the turnaround in form is not down to him alone, highlighting the effort of
the entire team. He continued: "For me, as a goalkeeper, it's really
important to keep clean-sheets, especially against the big teams. It's
massive. Obviously, we have defended with 11 players and we showed on the
pitch we can keep a good, solid shape. We have to keep fighting now. "We
have to show every weekend that West Ham is a different team now. We are
defending like a team. Attacking as a team. At the end of the day we can do
nothing individually. "I could make one save but the other team could still
score four goals. The defenders could head away one ball but then make two
mistakes. We have to work as a team."
Adrian has started West Ham's last three Premier League games, replacing Joe
Hart in the starting XI, but the No13 is adamant that he and the England
international have a good relationship – one that is competitive and drives
each of them to be even better. "At the moment, I feel really happy. I'm
back in the team and I'm helping the side by making saves," Adrian
explained. "I knew from the of the season it would be hard work for me but
I knew as well that I would have an opportunity to play. I showed in the Cup
I could play well and then at Man City. "The goalkeeping position is like
this – only one can play. West Ham have two great and professional
goalkeepers who are competitive and want to fight for the spot. "I have a
great relationship with Joe. We train everyday together and we are
competitive in training. a good goalkeeper and I like the competition. No
competition is no good for anyone. From the beginning of the season we've
pushed each other."
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Moyes: Positive energy, Stoke away and Marko proving his worth
WHUFC.com
David Moyes was all smiles as he sat down to meet the press ahead of
Saturday's Premier League trip to Stoke City. The West Ham United manager
has instigated an uplift in form in recent weeks, with the Hammers following
up an impressive showing at Manchester City by defeating champions Chelsea
and holding Arsenal to a draw. Now, Moyes has challenged his players to
continue their resurgence by scoring their first away win of the season at
the bet365 Stadium, where former Potters star Marko Arnautovic will play
against his former club...
Our recent performances have given everyone a lift
We've definitely felt positive energy and an uplift around the place these
last couple of days. Anybody who beats Chelsea and gets a result against
Arsenal, especially with the position we're in, it's a real positive. We've
still got to climb the table, so we've got to win an awful lot more games.
We can pat ourselves on the back and say how well the players have done, but
overall we've still got a lot of games to go and we've got to win them." The
players are always the ones who have to perform and show the right attitude
and desire. They have started to gain belief and, because of that, they've
started to do good things. We want to play much better, we know that, but
first and foremost we are taking small steps and the first was to stop
conceding goals. That's the start.
We're learning on the job – and fast!
I know we had to make an impact really quickly and make something happen and
we've said right from the start that this is a bit of a rush job. We're
having to do everything very quickly and trying to get as much work into the
players as we can, which ideally we would have done in five or six
pre-season friendlies so we could have got the understanding and know them.
We didn't have them, so we're having to learn on the job a little bit. But
I've got to say the players are learning on the job as well and I think
they've done a really good job in the recent games.
Stoke away has always been tough, and will be again on Saturday
Stoke City has always been a tough place to play at any time. Mark Hughes
has done a great job over the years and it's a tough game. They've got some
really good senior players who they can call on at any time and we also know
they have ability in other areas, so we know it's a tough game. We can see
Stoke's recent results but I can only say that we're going there buoyant, in
good form, we feel good and we've got to go there and try and get a result.
At the moment, we need results. Stoke are in a better position than us, so
we have got to try and climb the table. It'll be bit by bit. We're still
trying to get to know our players exactly and blend everybody in but,
overall, we go there in good form and in a good mindset. We want to get away
from the bottom end. We've probably taken some points people didn't expect
in recent games, so if we can build on that and pick up and get a bit of
momentum going, it will help us. Talk can be cheap, though, and we've got to
show it. I'm sure the players will. I'm confident we can go there and get a
result.
Stoke know Marko well, but he'll be determined to show they what they are
missing
Marko Arnautovic has proved his worth in recent games. He's scored a good
winning goal against Chelsea and you need players who can make the
difference and can win you games. Marko has played well. His work-rate has
been terrific and that's the first thing we want from him. Everybody at
Stoke knows him and know how good a player he is, and that's why he got a
move from Stoke to West Ham and that's why Stoke got a really good price for
him as well, because they know what he is capable of. We want him to do it
regularly and in recent games he has done it very well.
We've got no time to party!
The suggestion of the players holding a Christmas party has not been brought
to me, so there's nothing happening here. I don't think we're in a position
where we need to have a party, but I hope we have a good one at the end of
the season. I certainly won't let the players down if they do what is
required between now and then!
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West Ham boss Moyes keen to make January acquisitions
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says West Ham United will be looking to bring in players who can
improve his starting XI straight away during the January transfer window.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan wrote in Wednesday's Official Programme that
fans 'can be rest assured that two or three new players will be brought in
to improve the team' and the manager echoed those words in his pre-Stoke
City press conference. "I hope it is busy, the January window. In recent
years, it hasn't been as busy as people had made it out to be but it's not
the easiest month [to do transfer business]," he began. "I would like to add
to the squad if we can do and I think it's really important that we try and
get players who we think can make a difference and can give us people who
can more or less go straight into the team. But that's not the easiest thing
to do."
Moyes has 22 senior players in his first-team squad, while 20-year-old Toni
Martinez and teenagers Declan Rice, Domingos Quina, Sead Haksabanovic, Ben
Johnson and Nathan Trott have all been involved in matchday 18s this season.
With the Hammers sitting in the bottom three going into Saturday's game at
Stoke City, the Scot is keen to bolster his options next month. Speaking of
this weekend's trip to the bet365 Stadium, Moyes says the exertions of
beating Chelsea and drawing with Arsenal have left his players with a few
bumps and bruises. "Squad-wise, we have got a few doubts, as everybody else
has at the end of a three-game week and a tough period. We've also got one
or two people on the way back, who aren't quite ready yet. "It's a difficult
time and lots of games mean you won't always have all your players
available."
While he may be without one or two regulars, including the suspended Winston
Reid, Moyes is feeling upbeat after a productive first month in charge in
east London. The Hammers recovered from defeats by Watford and Everton to
score creditable draws with Leicester City and Arsenal, either side of a
fantastic home win over the champions. "I'm smiling and that tells you how I
feel. I've really enjoyed it. The people here have made me really welcome.
It's the first time I've been this far down south and it's been good. "The
players have helped because the players have bought into everything we're
trying to do with their attitude and their determination. It's been really
good and working with them has been excellent."
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Hammers exit Youth Cup at third round stage
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U18s were eliminated at the third round stage of the FA
Youth Cup on Friday night when Blackpool were 1-0 winners in Dagenham. A
goal from substitute Emil Jaaskelainen – son of former Hammers stopper Jussi
– was enough to separate the two sides and the hosts crashed out of the
competition in their first tie for the fifth season running. There was a
frantic finale at the Chigwell Construction Stadium in which two penalties
were awarded and a red card shown, but it was eventually a night that ended
in disappointment for those in Claret and Blue. But it was the hosts,
starting the likes of U23 regulars Domingos Quina and Ben Johnson, who were
dominant in the opening period. A series of early set-pieces came to nothing
but on 27 minutes, Steve Potts and Mark Phillips' side had their first shot
in anger as Rosaire Longelo dragged his effort just wide. The winger had
another attempt on goal a minute later and came a touch closer, though Craig
Thodarson in the Blackpool goal was not troubled. Soon after, Bernardo Rosa
collected Sean Adarkwa's pass inside the box and swivelled to shoot, but his
smart attempt was collected easily by the visiting stopper. Six minutes into
the second period, with West Ham continuing to press, Quina was not too far
away as he had a go from near the halfway line – something he is not new to
having scored against Leicester City from distance last campaign – but this
time his shot flew just over. Hammers keeper Bobbie Biddle was called into
action for the first time on the hour mark, tipping a fierce Rowan Roache
strike over the bar, but Blackpool began to mount some pressure and it told
with a quarter of an hour remaining.
Josh Okotcha was caught in possession midway into his own half and Owen
Watkinson, stealing it from the centre-back, did superbly to find sub
Jasskelainen who tapped home easily from close range. Potts and Phillips'
men were forced to go in search of an equaliser hastily, and they had the
opportunity to level the scores when the referee spotted a handball inside
the box with eleven minutes left. But Quina stepped up from 12 yards and was
denied, Thodarson diving to his left to push the Portuguese midfielder's
tame effort away. There were yet more twists to the tale. Soon it was
Blackpool's turn to try their luck from the spot – Ben Johnson tripped
Watkinson and another penalty was awarded, but the visitors' Roache hit the
crossbar and the advantage remained at just one goal. Moments later, Alfie
Lewis was sent off after an off-the-ball coming together in the middle of
the park and despite West Ham's best efforts to take the game into
extra-time, Blackpool – who will face Southampton in the fourth round – held
on to advance in the Youth Cup.
West Ham United: Biddle, Johnson, Okotcha (E. Longelo 83), Wells, Hannam,
Coventry, R. Longelo, Quina, Lewis, Rosa, Adarkwa.
Subs not used: Mingi, Forde, El Mhassani, Chesters.
Red cards: Lewis 90
Blackpool: Thodarson, Jacobson, Winstanley (Williams 84), Newton, Avon,
Sumber, Adarkwa, Roache, Dunn (Jaaskelainen 67), Watkinson (Wainwright
90+1), Shaw.
Subs not used: Simson, Flynn.
Goals: Jaaskelainen 75
Bookings: Roache 69
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Stoke City v West Ham United
SAT 16 DEC 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: bet365 Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Stoke defender Kurt Zouma will miss the visit of West Ham because of a
hamstring injury that forced his substitution in midweek. Glen Johnson is
still nursing a knee problem, while Jese Rodriguez and Bruno Martins Indi
remain unavailable.
West Ham are without Winston Reid, who must serve a one-match ban for
accumulating five bookings. James Collins or Declan Rice will deputise,
while Edimilson Fernandes could return from an ankle injury.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
John Murray: "It has been a sharply contrasting week for the two clubs to
have conceded more goals than anyone else in the Premier League this season.
"Stoke have endured two away defeats and an uncomfortable experience at a
railway station, when some supporters told the players exactly what they
thought of them. "For West Ham, it has been four points from two home
matches against the league champions and the FA Cup holders. "Two clean
sheets in those matches will have particularly pleased manager David Moyes.
In the dog-eat-dog world in which they exist he won't be able to afford any
sympathy for opposite number Mark Hughes, for whom the managerial bell is
undoubtedly tolling."
Twitter: @bbcjohnmurray
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes: "I don't do relegation. I've never been
relegated because I'm too busy trying to get in top 10s. "I've never been
near it so I'm not going to start now, am I? "We're just one of seven or
eight [clubs] possibly that are not quite where they want to be, but we've
got the means to do something about that because we've got good players."
West Ham manager David Moyes: "I've definitely felt an uplift around the
place. We've still got to win a lot more games and climb the table. "We can
pat ourselves on the back, but we've got a long way to go. "The players have
started to gain belief and have started to do good things. We want to play
much better, but we are taking small steps."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Stoke's performance in their 1-0 defeat against Burnley on Tuesday was much
better than the result. If they play like that again, they should get
something to show for it.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Stoke are unbeaten in all eight Premier League games against West Ham under
Mark Hughes (W3, D5).
The Potters could equal their longest top-flight unbeaten run against West
Ham - nine matches from 1964 to 1968.
The Hammers have not won in four Premier League trips to Stoke since a 1-0
victory in March 2013.
Stoke City
They have lost four of their last five league matches, with their only win
in seven fixtures coming at home to bottom-of-the-table Swansea.
The Potters have 16 points after 17 matches, their lowest tally at this
stage of a Premier League season.
They have earned just 41 points from their last 41 league games under Mark
Hughes (W10, D11, L20).
Stoke have the worst defensive record in the division, conceding 36 goals
and only keeping two clean sheets. West Ham have the next worst record,
having let in 32 goals.
Peter Crouch needs one goal to become Stoke's outright all-time leading
Premier League scorer. He is level with Jonathan Walters on 43 goals.
Mame Biram Diouf will celebrate his 30th birthday on the day of this match.
West Ham United
The Hammers have earned four points from their last two games, one point
more than in the previous eight attempts.
David Moyes could go three matches unbeaten in the Premier League for the
first time since March 2014, when he was at Manchester United.
However, West Ham have only managed one victory in 10 league matches (D4,
L5).
They have failed to win any of their nine away games in the division this
season, losing the last three. The Hammers haven't lost four successive
league away matches in the same season since a five-match streak between
November 2013 and January 2014.
Javier Hernandez has scored five Premier League goals against Stoke. He has
only fared better against Wigan, with six goals.
If Mark Noble features, he will become the first player to make 300 Premier
League appearances for West Ham. He made his Premier League debut in a 3-1
home victory against Mark Hughes' Blackburn Rovers in August 2005.
Marko Arnautovic scored 26 goals in 145 appearances for Stoke before joining
West Ham in the summer.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 27%
Probability of home win: 48% Probability of away win: 25%
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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International defender leaves 'by mutual consent'
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th December 2017
By: Staff Writer
Canadian international central defender Doneil Henry had left West Ham -
after making just one senior appearance in three years. The 24-year-old has
reached an agreement with West Ham to terminate his three-and-a-half-year
contract - that was due to expire at the end of the season - six months
early. Henry, who was signed on Sam Allardyce's watch on the recommendation
of former Toronto manager Ryan Nelsen, joined West Ham in January 2015 for
an undisclosed fee.
Nelsen, speaking at the time, insisted that the defender would become a
first-class defender. "He'll go to the top," he said. "There's no question
about that. He's got all the tools." Sadly Henry's career was derailed a
matter of weeks later when, whilst playing for Blackburn Rovers on loan, he
sustained a serious hamstring injury that kept him out of action for several
months. He returned to make his first team debut for West Ham in the 2-1
Europa Cup tie defeat at Astra Giurgiu in August of that year under Slaven
Bilic, but that was to prove his one and only performance for the club.
West Ham's top ten 'one-hit wonders'
1. Ray Houghton: vs Arsenal, 1982
2. Mauricio Taricco: vs Millwall, 2004
3. Gavin Holligan: vs Liverpool, 1999
4. Sasa Ilic: vs Charlton, 2000
5. Rob Jones: vs FC Jokerit, 1999
6. Doneil Henry: vs Astra Giurgiu, 2015
7. Seb Lletget: vs Nottingham Forest, 2014
8. Lee Boylan: vs Sheffield Wednesday, 1997
9. Ralph Milne: vs Derby County, 1990
10. Hogan Ephraim: vs Sheffield Wednesday, 2005
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300 up for Noble
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th December 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham captain Mark Noble is poised to make his 300th Premier League
appearance at the bet365 Stadium this weekend. If selected, Noble will have
reached the landmark 13 years after making his debut for the club in a 2nd
round Carling Cup tie against Southend (which the Hammers won 2-0). And new
manager David Moyes, who has only worked with Noble for a matter of weeks,
insisted that it was a "great achievement", given that the 30-year-old has
spent his entire career at one club. "He's played well for us," Moyes told
the media at his Stoke pre-match presser this lunchtime. "He's captain and
is making sure all the players are doing the right thing. It's a great
achievement for him and I hope he continues to do it for us." Meanwhile the
man himself admitted that he would be delighted to record a positive result
at Stoke tomorrow - the perfect way to cap his own personal achievement and
a great week for West Ham. "We needed results and the last two we got
against two of the best teams in the league," Noble told whufc.com. "It's
been fantastic, but now we have to go and beat Stoke away. They're in a
similar position to us and we need to get three points there. "This league,
at the minute, is so tight. We need to pick up some more points, keep clean
sheets and try to score some goals. It would top off a fantastic week."
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West Ham's David Moyes keen to add to squad in transfer window
By Katie Shanahan
Last Updated: 15/12/17 4:21pm
SSN
West Ham manager David Moyes says despite their positive results against
Chelsea and Arsenal, they still have to win an awful lot more games. David
Moyes says he hopes next month's transfer window is "busy" as West Ham will
be looking to add to their squad. Joint-chairman David Sullivan has also
hinted to fans that two or three new players will be brought into the team,
which the Scot echoed in his press conference ahead of Stoke City. Despite
the Hammers beating Chelsea 1-0 and holding Arsenal to a goalless draw in
the week, they still sit in the bottom three ahead of Stoke, something Moyes
wants to change. "I hope it is busy, the January window," Moyes said. "In
recent years, it has not been as busy as people had made it out to be. But
it is not the easiest month (to do transfer business).
"I would like to add to the squad if we can do," he added. "I think it is
really important that we try and get players who we think can make a
difference and can give us people who can more or less go straight into the
team. But that is not the easiest thing to do." Speaking about their recent
run of form, Moyes said: "Definitely, anybody who beats Chelsea and anybody
who gets a result against Arsenal, especially in the position we are in
would see it as a real positive. "We have still got to climb the table, so
we still have to win an awful lot more games. We can pat ourselves on the
back for the performances and how well the players have done. "But overall,
we still have a lot of games to go and we have got to win them."
West Ham could pull clear of the relegation zone with a victory against
Stoke. However, Stoke are unbeaten in all eight Premier League games against
West Ham under Mark Hughes. Aware of the challenge ahead, Moyes said: "Stoke
is a tough place to play at any time. But, we are going their buoyant, we
are in good form, we feel good and we are going to try and go there and get
a result."
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Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says David Sullivan wrong to make him a
scapegoat over transfer policy
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 16/12/17 8:29am
SSN
Slaven Bilic says West Ham co-owner David Sullivan was wrong to criticise
two of the club's players and accused him of not telling the truth over
transfer policy.
In an interview with The Guardian this month, Sullivan blamed former West
Ham manager Bilic for the signings of Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass whilst
taking the credit for more successful deals such as Dimitri Payet and Manuel
Lanzini. Bilic was sacked as West Ham manager last month after the club had
won just two of their first 11 league games and Sullivan, who replaced Bilic
with David Moyes, admitted in the interview he should have sacked the Croat
in the summer. But Bilic has now responded to Sullivan's claims, explaining
the inner workings of the club's transfer strategy. Bilic told the Daily
Mail: "West Ham is my club, I am not afraid of confrontation but I don't
want it with people I got on with for two years. "But again I have to say
something. To say all the good players were him, and the bad signings were
me is kind of low. And it's simply not true. "I don't want to praise myself
but if you ask about Lanzini, I knew about him since he was at River Plate a
few years ago, I wanted to take him to Besiktas. At that time, he was too
much money and went to Al Jazira. "Let's be honest, who knew about Lanzini
before he came to England? Nobody knew and that includes the chairman. But I
never treated the signings like that, like they are my players or your
players. No, they were all our players, collective responsibility. "There
were three of us: the chairman, myself and Tony Henry (director of player
recruitment). Agents would call any of us and we shared the information. I
knew about Payet for a long time. The chairman told me he'd had a call about
a player from Marseille. I said which one, and he said Payet. I said, "Yes,
don't think twice". "I am not going to take credit for everything but I
don't want to take all the blame either. "Fonte and Snodgrass came in
January. We were losing Payet and (Angelo) Ogbonna was having an operation,
and of course the budget was limited. So we got those two new players. "To
criticise them is unfair. They came to a club in a difficult situation and
helped us finish 11th so they played their part."
Asked why he thought Sullivan decided to say those comments, Bilic said:
"Maybe he felt he had to justify, not sacking me, but the appointment of
Moyes."
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Stoke v West Ham preview: Marko Arnautovic will get frosty reception, says
Mark Hughes
Last Updated: 16/12/17 7:48am
SSN
Stoke boss Mark Hughes does not anticipate Marko Arnautovic getting a great
reception when he returns to the Potters for the first time since leaving
the club for West Ham in the summer. The Austrian departed Stoke one year
into a four-year deal, stating at the time that it was an easy decision to
leave the bet365 Stadium, which did not go down well with supporters. "I
don't think he'll get a good reception," said Hughes. "There's no bad
feelings from my point of view. I would imagine maybe the circumstances of
the transfer will be fresh in people's minds but he did great here. "He's a
good guy, good player, seems to be coming into a little bit of form for West
Ham, which is a little bit of a worry because we know what he can produce.
But hopefully he won't have an influential game."
David Moyes will be hoping his side can build on the win over Chelsea and
draw with Arsenal in the last week, but West Ham will have to do it without
Winston Reid.
Team news
Stoke will be without Kurt Zouma for the Premier League match against West
Ham. The on-loan Chelsea centre-back limped out of the midweek defeat at
Burnley with a hamstring injury. Defender Bruno Martins Indi (groin) and
full-back Glen Johnson (knee) are also unavailable. On-loan Paris St Germain
forward Jese is expected to return next week after travelling to Gran
Canaria to be with his ill baby son and midfielder Stephen Ireland continues
his recovery from a double leg fracture.
Manager Mark Hughes did not seem worried about his future at Stoke, as he
believes if they keep putting in consistent performances the owners will be
happy.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes says he is unconcerned about his future at the club,
as he believes the owners will see the effort his players are putting in
West Ham will be without Winston Reid through suspension for the trip to
Stoke. The defender picked up a fifth caution during the midweek draw
against Arsenal, and so must serve a one-match ban. Midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate is back in training following a hamstring injury, so could be in
line for a return while forward Edimilson Fernandes will be assessed on an
ankle problem and defender Jose Fonte (ankle) also continues his
rehabilitation.
Opta stats
Stoke are unbeaten in all eight Premier League games against West Ham under
Mark Hughes (W3 D5 L0).
But Stoke City have made their worst start to a Premier League after 17
games, winning just 16 points (W4 D4 L9).
Stoke City have won just 41 points from their last 41 Premier League matches
under Mark Hughes (W10 D11 L20).
No side has kept fewer clean sheets in the Premier League this season than
Stoke (2 - level with Crystal Palace).
West Ham have won just one of their last 16 Premier League away matches (W1
D6 L9) and none of their last nine on the road in the competition (W0 D3
L6).
David Moyes has overseen a win against Chelsea and a draw with Arsenal in
his last two Premier League games as West Ham boss - he hasn't gone three
unbeaten in the Premier League since March 2014 while at Manchester United.
Javier Hernandez has scored five Premier League goals against Stoke City,
only scoring more against Wigan Athletic in the competition (6).
Saido Berahino has scored three PL goals against West Ham, his joint-highest
tally versus a team alongside Crystal Palace and Sunderland. However,
Berahino, who hasn't featured since November 4, has gone 32 hours and 14
minutes without a Premier League goal.
Merson's prediction
What a week for West Ham, phenomenal. Just got beaten by Manchester City,
beat Chelsea, draw with Arsenal, and don't let in a goal in the last two
games. Who would have thought that would happen in a month of Sundays? I saw
them at Everton a few weeks ago and they got smashed. But Stoke need to win
this game and I don't like going against them at home. Their form recently
has not been good but this is a must-win game. Mark Hughes will be under
even more pressure from the fans if they don't win.
I like Mark. You have to take into consideration that they sold one of their
best players in Marko Arnautovic and didn't really buy anybody. One of their
best players now is Peter Crouch, who is 36. It looks to me like they have
gone 'we are just going to stay up, what's the point in spending £80m or
£90m, we are not going to get anywhere'.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
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MICHAIL ANTONIO - NEARING TALISMANIC STATUS?
By Goatygav 15 Dec 2017 at 17:00
WTID
You just know when you miss certain players. Something about their play
makes such a significant contribution that, when it's not there, there's a
vital ingredient absent from the mix. That little bit of 'magic' that sparks
the team. In the case of Michail Antonio I'm of the genuine belief that he's
a player who affects West Ham to that degree.
In the last three games, where many of us held little hope of West Ham
putting any points on the board, Antonio has been an outlet to take pressure
off our defence. So often he turns defence in to attack with his driving
runs that he has become a target for the 'out ball' when needed. Perhaps
lacking the finesse of Manu Lanzini Michail is so effective when in
possession of the ball, with his pace, power and positivity, it really does,
more than, make up for any lack of artistry in his play.
Down the years we've had a few talisman players of note. At the time, and
whilst not gaining legendary status in my opinion, Carlos Tevez was a
talisman whose late season form made a huge contribution to the team's
Premier League survival. Another in more recent times was Paulo DiCanio.
When Paulo was 'on it', which was very consistent for a player of that type,
he often 'pulled' his team-mates up a level or two. I could go further back
in time and name many others but the last example of a talisman I'd like to
name, to illustrate a point, is that of Scott Parker. There may be something
to the argument that Super Scotty stifled other midfielders a little but
there's no denying that his work ethic was second to none. Of course there
was more to his game than graft but he lead by example in his time at our
club and the effect that had on the other players can't be underestimated.
Embed from Getty Images
So many have had varying qualities in the club's history. Michail gives you
some of these but one of the reasons his impact on the team is so
constructive is that he runs himself ragged for the cause. On the subject of
work-rate I feel that Mark Noble's contribution to our win against Chelsea
and Arsenal has gone a little under the radar. Nobes seems to get his fair
share of criticism from fans, which he deals with manfully, so when he does
play well he deserves all the plaudits. Personally I feel that he's come
through a period of poor form but is now hitting a purple patch – long may
it continue.
Back to Michail Antonio his character is another big contributor to my
opinion that he's becoming a talisman. His goal celebrations suggest he
still loves the game. The way he handles himself could be a model for many
in terms of PR and, you get the feeling, he's simply 'good to have around'
in a team environment. The fact that my nephews went to school with him, the
younger of which played at Tooting and Mitcham at the same time as Michail,
although not in the same team, the older having been in the same year as
him, and speak so highly of him may have contributed to my opinion however
I'd like to think I'd have come to the same conclusion without that link.
Apologies for the short post this week. Mrs Goatygav took a bad fall on the
ice on Tuesday and, after 5 hours at Wycombe A&E, is now incapacitated with
her arm in a sling meaning I'm running around tying up shoe laces and other
tasks she's unable to undertake. Last night's performance against Arsenal
has gone quite a way to compensating for my expanding to do list. A win
against the Stokies this weekend would more than make up for it all.
COYI! West Ham 4 The Cup!
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