Daily WHUFC News - 21st January 2018

Chicharito strikes to maintain Hammers' unbeaten run
WHUFC.com

A finish from Chicharito – just 64 seconds after AFC Bournemouth had scored
– secured West Ham United a share of the points in a 1-1 draw with the
Cherries.
The effort from the Mexican striker came less than ten minutes after his
introduction to the game, with the forward combining well with Marko
Arnautovic to score his fifth goal of the season. Just a minute earlier the
away side had taken the lead, despite West Ham enjoying the best chances of
the game, as Ryan Fraser bulleted Bournemouth ahead. But Chicharito's
equalising effort secured a point for the Hammers and extended West Ham's
unbeaten run to seven games.

West Ham began the game brightly, with David Moyes's side showing a flair to
their passing. A long-ranged effort from Aaron Cresswell was almost flicked
towards goal by Manuel Lanzini, but the No10 couldn't quite connect with the
shot. Mark Noble also came close to opening the scoring when, just ten
minutes into the game, the captain attempted a spectacular volley from the
edge of the box, which went just over the cross-bar. Pablo Zabaleta then
played a terrific ball into the penalty area. Arnautovic got a touch and, if
not for a late hand from Asmir Begovic, the effort would have found the net.
Bournemouth's opportunities on goal were limited in the first period but a
short corner routine almost caught West Ham out. The ball was played to
Lewis Cook, but his curling effort went just wide of the far post.

The second half was an open contest and Lanzini continued to impress with
the Argentinian latching onto a clever ball from Cresswell, before firing
over the bar after some great skill a couple of minutes later. Arnautovic
and Cheikhou Kouyate linked amazingly to fashion an opening on the hour but
West Ham's No7 couldn't get the ball from under his feet. On 71 minutes,
despite their lack of chances, the away side took the lead. Ryan Fraser was
found by former Hammer Junior Stanislas, and the winger fired in a powerful
shot at the near post. It took the Irons just 64 seconds to equalise though!
Chicharito – on as a substitute for Lanzini – headed the ball into
Arnautovic, who set the Mexican up to tap home from close range just eight
minutes after entering the fray.

West Ham United: Adrian; Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell (Byram 90'),
Masuaku; Obiang, Kouyate (Rice 90'), Noble; Lanzini (Chicharito 64'),
Arnautovic
Subs not used: Hart, Burke, Cullen, Martinez
Goals: Chicharito 73'

AFC Bournemouth: Begovic; Francis (c), S Cook, Ake, Daniels; Fraser (King
85;), Gosling, Smith, L Cook, Ibe (Stanislas 62'); Wilson
Subs not used: Boruc, Surman, Mousset, Simpson, Frazer Taylor
Goals: Fraser 72'

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Noble: It's another point closer to where we need to be
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble thought the Hammers showed good heart to earn their point against
AFC Bournemouth on Saturday – especially given their efforts to make
progress in the FA Cup during the week. Seven of David Moyes' starters
played some part over the 120 minutes of Tuesday's cup win against
Shrewsbury, but still found the energy to pull a result out of the bag after
Ryan Fraser's 71st minute goal threatened to derail their unbeaten start to
2018. The hosts rallied immediately, with Chicharito equalising just 64
seconds later, and skipper Noble felt the draw was a fair result. "I'd say
it was a pretty even game to be honest," the No16 explained. "We started off
really well and had a couple of good chances but just couldn't quite find
the back of the net. "They got back into the game and after going 1-0 down
to score ourselves straight away was fantastic. "You could tell that the 120
minutes on Tuesday affected our last 20 minutes, but we got a result –
another point – and that's the main thing."

Chicharito came off the bench to score the all-important goal and Noble had
praise for the Mexican after he notched his fifth of the campaign. He
continued: "We brought Chicha on, he hasn't played much football recently,
and that's what he does – get in those positions. "I hope there's lots more
to come, he's a great finisher as we know. The way Manu and Marko have been
playing, obviously the manager has had to stick with them, but he's come on
and scored a very important goal for us."

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Moyes: We're making progress
WHUFC.com

David Moyes says the Hammers are continuing to make progress after
Chicharito struck to maintain their seven-match unbeaten run in Saturday's
1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth. West Ham had to rally from a goal behind when
Ryan Fraser put the Cherries in front, but their response was immediate and
Moyes was happy with what he saw from his team. The manager described the
opening 45 minutes of the contest as the best his team had played on the
ball since he took the reins in November, with only the finishing touch
missing. So, with another point chalked up on the board, Moyes was content
with the performance as the east Londoners ensured their undefeated record
in 2018 continued. He said: "I think with 15 minutes to go I might have said
'I'll take the point', but prior to that we had some good play. I think in
the first half especially we played some really good football and we missed
some big chances today. We just missed that clinical cutting edge to show
how good that football had been. "I'm thrilled with how we reacted to their
goal. Normally when you lose the first goal in the Premier League it's very
difficult to get back, and I don't think there's too much between the teams
in this part of the table. "It keeps the momentum going. We're nudging
along, making progress, the most important thing come the end of the season
is not to be in the bottom three, but in the same breath I've got my eyes
looking up to see if we can make the top ten as well. "The first thing is
making sure the back door is shut and a point today wasn't the worst
result."

One of Moyes' substitutes, Chicharito, landed the crucial equalising goal
and the manager said his team need to provide the Mexican with more
opportunities to show what he can do in the box. "It's the kind of reaction
that he's about," he explained. "We know that's what he does – he's the sort
of centre forward who has made a living out of being a fox in the box and
scoring at every opportunity they get. "Chicharito needs those sort of
opportunities and we need to get more of the ball in the box. There was that
one, and we put a great one in just after it across the face of the box, but
we needed him today. All the boys here will play a part and Chicharito
helped us today."

One downside was an apparent hamstring injury sustained by Manuel Lanzini in
the second half, with Moyes left hoping the problem is not a serious one. He
added: "Manu has a bit of a hamstring, Cresswell's was just complete cramp
and he should be ok. Manu is the problem and we hope it isn't serious. We're
short on the bench at the moment, we've got a lot of injuries, but the boys
are doing a great job and some of them had to play 120 minutes in midweek,
so great credit to them. "We could do with a body or two coming in, so we'll
try to do that. We're working on it and we'll try to get the right players
and people who we think can help us."

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WEST HAM 1-1 BOURNEMOUTH – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 20 JANUARY 2018 AT 8:04PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican

West Ham staved off a near disastrous outing at the London Stadium today
when Javier Hernandez quickly answered Ryan Fraser's 71st minute goal to
hold a draw and keep the Hammer's record of seven matches without loss in
all competitions.

The match was an interesting study in roster management. Both sides had
mid-week FA Cup ties against lower competition. While West Ham had made
seven changes prior to that match, they required extra time and a long shift
by Manual Lanzini and other regular first teamers to earn a late 1-0 victory
over Shrewsbury Town. For the Cherries, they played a predominantly
youthful side against Wigan and fell 3-0, but preserved their primary
contributors.

In the early going the match was entirely owned by the hosts. Pablo Zabaleta
crossed to Marko Arnautovic whose shot was collected by a strong effort from
Asmir Begović. The Bosnian played well to keep West Ham out of the goal.
Pedro Obiang had another dangerous effort but his shot was just off of
target.

After the initial half hour of play, the Hammers seemed to lose their focus
and intensity. The Bournemouth goal was primarily a result of Junior
Stanislas's set up. He found Fraser on the left side of the area and his
shot sailed out of Adrian's reach inside the near post.

It took only a minute for West Ham to answer as Hernandez, who had come on
for an injured Lanzini, picked up a rebounded shot from Arnautovic and found
the equaliser off of the kick off.

With time to go, West Ham desperately wanted all three points but was unable
to generate much attacking creativity absent Lanzini. Bournemouth almost
took the match for themselves when soon after the previous goal Stanislas
took aim and Adrian was able to direct the shot over the crossbar.

Neither team was able to muster another goal, and the match ended 1-1. The
most notable results of the day for the Hammers were the injuries to Lanzini
and Aaron Cresswell. A very good team is in the training room, recovering,
and while West Ham have the benefit of bottom-half competition for the next
four matches, they will suffer without returning contributions from Michel
Antonio and Jose Fonte.

The Hammers remain 11th in the league but only five points from safety.
Regardless of the outcome of the approaching FA Cup tie with Wigan, West Ham
will need to find some victories over the next four weeks to ensure safety.
The most important member of the club as of now is the team physio.

Please continue to follow TheWestHamWay.co.uk as the January transfer window
comes to a close. @ExWHUemployee has the latest information before everyone
else does. Follow us all month long.

West Ham: Adrian, Zabaleta, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku, Obiang,
Noble, Kouyate, Lanzini, Arnautovic.
Subs: Hart, Byram (92) , Hernandez (64), Rice (90'), Cullen, Martinez,
Burke

Bournemouth: Begovic, Ake, S. Cook, Francis, Daniels, Smith, L. Cook,
Gosling, Fraser, Ibe, Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Surman, King (85'), Stanislas (62'), Mousset, Simpson, Taylor

Referee: Martin Atkinson

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West Ham turn down offer for Diafra Sakho from Rennes
Last Updated: 20/01/18 9:49am
SSN

West Ham have rejected an offer from Rennes for striker Diafra Sakho,
according to Sky sources. Sakho passed an unauthorised medical with the
Ligue 1 club on the penultimate day of the last transfer window, although a
proposed £9m move to France failed to materialise for the 28-year-old. Sky
Sports News understands Sakho wants to leave the Hammers because he feels
undervalued compared to the club's other strikers. The forward currently
earns £30,000 a week at the London Stadium, while the other strikers in
squad earn between £80,000 and £110,000 a week. Sky Sports News understands
Crystal Palace agreed a fee, thought to be between £10m and £12m, for the
striker earlier this month, although one source close to the deal has
suggested Roy Hodgon's side have pulled out of the move.
Swansea, West Brom, Brighton, Bordeaux, Nice and Marseille are also
reportedly interested in the striker, who joined West Ham from Metz in 2014.
Sakho has played 17 games for the Hammers this season, although he is yet to
start a match in the Premier League.

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West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth: Javier Hernandez salvages point for Hammers
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 20/01/18 6:20pm
SSN

Javier Hernandez scored two minutes after Ryan Fraser's opener as West Ham
came from behind to draw 1-1 with Bournemouth at the London Stadium.
Bournemouth went ahead with their first attempt on target when Fraser
powered a shot beyond Hammers 'keeper Adrian at his near post after 71
minutes. However, their joy was short-lived with substitute Hernandez - whom
the Hammers are reportedly willing to sell this January transfer window -
tucking home a loose ball, nine minutes after coming on for the injured
Manuel Lanzini. The draw means both sides extend their unbeaten Premier
League runs to five games, with West Ham sitting one place and one point
above Bournemouth in 11th. Expectation was high after the two sides had
shared the spoils in a six-goal thriller on Boxing Day, and it was West Ham
who started the strongest, with Aaron Cresswell seeing an effort from
distance flash wide.

Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (6), Masuaku (7), Ogbonna (6), Collins (6), Zabaleta (7),
Cresswell (7), Obiang (7), Kouyate (6), Noble (8), Lanzini (7), Arnautovic
(7)
Subs: Hernandez (7), Rice (n/a), Byram (n/a)

Bournemouth: Begovic (7), Francis (6), Cook (7), Ake (7), Smith (6), Gosling
(6), Cook (7), Daniels (6), Ibe (5), Wilson (6), Fraser (7)
Subs: Stanislas (7), King (n/a)

Man of the match: Mark Noble

Mark Noble then volleyed narrowly over for the hosts, before Marko
Arnautovic forced a fine reaction save from Cherries 'keeper Asmir Begovic
when he met Pablo Zabaleta's cross six yards out. Bournemouth weathered the
storm and went close to breaking the deadlock themselves when Lewis Cook
curled an effort just wide following a well-worked corner routine. Momentum
swung back West Ham's way after the break, but again Begovic kept them at
bay when tipping away Zabaleta's cross before Lanzini could get a touch on
it. Arnautovic then found himself through on goal, but the forward hesitated
to strike with his left foot and allowed Steve Cook to come back and
intercept. The visitors went ahead when Junior Stanislas played a
perfectly-weighted pass for Fraser, who caught Adrian out with a near-post
effort - but their lead lasted all of two minutes.
From the kick-off, Arnautovic latched onto Hernandez's flick-on, but after
seeing his attempt blocked, the Mexican stole in to secure West Ham a point.

Opta stats
West Ham are unbeaten in five Premier League games (W2 D3), their longest
run without a league defeat since May (also 5).
Bournemouth are also unbeaten in five Premier League games (W2 D3) for the
first time since May (also 5).
Eddie Howe oversaw his 100th Premier League game, making him the third
youngest English manager to hit this milestone in the competition (40y 52d),
after Glenn Hoddle (38y 36d) and Gareth Southgate (38y 150d).
Ryan Fraser has been directly involved in four goals in his last three
Premier League games (3 goals, 1 assist), as many as in his previous 26.

Man of the match - Mark Noble
The West Ham skipper threw himself about in the middle of the park, and on
one occasion even flew in to make a diving header interception. Four
tackles, one clearance and three interceptions tells you only half the story
of Noble's contribution for West Ham, for he was equally as impressive when
setting the hosts up on the attack. All this after Noble revealed to Jamie
Redknapp in Friday's Daily Mail he makes sure the players' bonuses are
shared with every staff member - the man is West Ham through and through.

The managers
David Moyes: "In the end, I wasn't unhappy with a point, but I have to say
we missed some big chances which we could have got ourselves out of sight.
"I thought we played some of our best football this season, especially in
the first half, but Bournemouth got strong in the second part of both
halves, so in the end perhaps the draw was the right result."
Eddie Howe: "We didn't start the game particularly well, we came under
pressure early but did well to defend that and not concede. "We grew into
the game and scored a great goal from our perspective, and looked a real
threat on the counter attack in the second half. The frustrating thing is
the timing of their second goal.
"There was no time to enjoy it or build on it, which is frustrating. I don't
think the lads switched off or that it was a concentration issue, it was
just the fact we didn't win two big headers outside our box."

What's next?
West Ham head to Bournemouth's FA Cup conquerors, Wigan, in the fourth round
next Saturday, while Bournemouth are not in action until January 31, when
they travel to Chelsea for a midweek Premier League encounter.

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Manuel Lanzini injury a concern for West Ham boss David Moyes
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 20/01/18 7:02pm
SSN

David Moyes thought West Ham missed big chances but played some of their
best football of the season in their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, adding
his concern over Manuel Lanzini's injury West Ham boss David Moyes has
concerns about Manuel Lanzini's injury after the attacking midfielder limped
off during the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. Lanzini appeared to pull his
hamstring in the second half at the London Stadium, and was replaced by
Javier Hernandez, who scored the leveller for West Ham two minutes after
Ryan Fraser's 71st-minute opener.
Aaron Cresswell also hobbled off for the Hammers, but Moyes was far more
worried by the injury to Lanzini, who he labelled as irreplaceable when
asked if that would cause him to dip into the transfer market this month.
"We've had a few injuries and we're just getting through. Behind the scenes
we're just trying to nurse boys along," Moyes told Sky Sports after the
match. "We hope Mano's [Lanzini] isn't serious. Cressy is okay, but it's
more the Lanzini one that we're worried about.
"I don't think you can suddenly say, okay we'll go out, see if someone else
is out there waiting to be bought of the level of Lanzini, because I don't
think you've got that. "I think we will work with the players we've got, but
we've got too many out injured at the moment. "Ideally, if we got a couple
of players to add to the squad, it would help us, but it's not always that
easy to get the players you want. We're working hard and we'll keep trying
to get someone."

The draw stretches West Ham's unbeaten run to five Premier League games, but
Moyes was disappointed to see his side miss out on all three points at the
London Stadium. Asmir Begovic denied Marko Arnautovic from point-blank range
in the first half, while the Bournemouth 'keeper also parried away Pablo
Zabaleta's cross when Lanzini was about to pounce. Moyes said it was some of
West Ham's best football all season, though there will be a lingering
disappointment as a victory could have fired them into the top half of the
table. "In the end, I wasn't unhappy with a point, but I have to say we
missed some big chances which we could have got ourselves out of sight,"
Moyes added. "I thought we played some of our best football this season,
especially in the first half, but Bournemouth got strong in the second part
of both halves, so in the end perhaps the draw was the right result. "We
won't to look there, but we're mindful that it won't take too much to slip
down. It's another point to making sure we're in the right half of the
league."

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West Ham target Adama Soumaoro would be perfect for Everton
HITC
@saikatm87

West Ham are interested in Adama Soumaoro, but the highly rated Ligue 1 ace
would be perfect for Everton. Lille defender Adama Soumaoro has been one of
the stand out performers for the club this season, and he has been
attracting interest from Premier League clubs in the January transfer
window. According to The Mail in December, Premier League dup Everton and
West Ham are planning to sign the player in January. Lille are going through
a parlous financial condition and are prepared to sell, with Soumaoro being
valued at £20 million. Everton have signed two attacking forwards – Cenk
Tosun and Theo Walcott – in the January transfer window, but Allardyce could
be looking to bolster the defence as well. There could be an opportunity for
him in the long run at the heart of Everton's backline with Phil Jagielka
and Ashley Williams both past their best and Michael Keane failing to make a
strong impact following his move from Burnley. Soumaoro is a powerful and
aggressive defender who would drastically improve Everton's shaky defence.
He is versatile, and can operate as a right-back as well. Allardyce is fond
of quick and powerful defenders, and that is why Soumaoro is an ideal fit
for the Toffees.

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West Ham boss David Moyes to scout Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario ahead
of potential loan switch
The Hammers boss has made a midfield signing his No.1 priority before the
transfer window slams shut at the end of the month
The Mirror
ByMatt Lawless
12:08, 20 JAN 2018UPDATED14:21, 20 JAN 2018

David Moyes will run the rule over West Ham target Joao Mario at the San
Siro on Sunday night. The Hammers boss has made a midfield signing his No.1
priority before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month. And
the Scot will make a personal scouting mission to Italy to see the Portugal
international in action for Inter Milan against Roma. A host of clubs are
interested in the 25-year-old, who has failed to live up to expectations
after joining the Serie A giants for £38million from Sporting Lisbon 18
months ago. Mirror Football understands that West Ham have reached an
agreement to sign the midfielder from Inter on loan until the end of the
season with a view to a permanent transfer. But boss Moyes wants to see him
first hand before making a final decision. Speaking during his press
conference ahead of the Hammers' Premier League clash with Bournemouth,
Moyes said of Mario: "He's a good player, an interesting player."

Moyes, 54, may also make a late swoop for a striker with West Ham ready to
take a hit on selling Javier Hernandez. The former Manchester United forward
arrived last summer from Bauer Leverkusen for £17m but has struggled to make
an impact. It is understood Turkish giants Besiktas are keen.

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West Ham captain Mark Noble's extraordinary act of kindness to club staff
The Hammers skipper, who has been at the club since he was 12, makes sure
his colleagues - including non-playing staff - are looked after
The Mirror
ByJon Livesey
11:34, 20 JAN 2018

It's fair to say West Ham midfielder Mark Noble takes his captain's
responsibilities seriously. The 30-year-old has been at the club since he
was 12, amassing more than 350 appearances. Known for his combative style,
he gives his all whenever he crosses the white line. However, he's revealed
he also goes the extra mile to make sure every one of his colleagues is
looked after. Noble, whose side face Bournemouth at home today, has lifted
the lid on his monthly act of kindness, explaining how he makes sure
players' bonuses are shared with staff. Speaking to Jamie Redknapp in an
interview for the Daily Mail, he said: "I want West Ham to do well. For the
fans, for the chef, for Shirley in the kitchen, who was here before your dad
(Harry Redknapp) was manager, for Jimmy Frith who comes in to help the
coaches every day, keeps things ticking over and has been doing so since
John Lyall brought him in. "I've known these people since I first came to
the club. I want the very best for this club. I make sure out of the
players' bonuses, every staff member shares in that bonus. We can't do it
without them."

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