Daily WHUFC News - 4th January 2018

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com

It's a quick return to action for West Ham United as David Moyes' side face
Tottenham Hotspur away.

Read on for all you need to know about this upcoming fixture against Spurs!

Where and when?

Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United will meet at Wembley Stadium on
Thursday 4 January 2018.

The contest is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm.

How to follow:

Thursday's match will be shown live on Sky Sports on the Main Event and
Premier League channels, with coverage beginning at 7.30pm.

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.

Radio coverage will also be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live.

Team news:

With the game against Tottenham coming less than 48 hours after his side
played West Brom, David Moyes may be tempted to rotate the players in his
West Ham United side.

Captain Mark Noble made a successful return from injury from the bench
against the Baggies and is therefore likely to be in consideration for the
Spurs contest.

A check on Aaron Cresswell will be needed after the defender picked up a
knock versus West Brom, while Jose Fonte, Sam Byram and Edimilson Fernandes
are still out.

What they say:
"It's going to be a very difficult game, as we know what Spurs are capable
of doing and we know their qualities, so we need to stay strong. We also
have very good players in our own squad, and we are going there off the back
of a big win."
Andre Ayew

Match Officials:

Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant Referees: Simon Long and Daniel Cook
Fourth Official: Roger East

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How to get there:

By Train
Wembley Stadium is services by three train & tube stations:

Wembley Park Station makes use of the Jubilee & Metropolitan Lines.
Wembley Stadium Station is used by Chiltern Railways.
Wembley Central Station is used by Bakerloo, London Overground, London
Midland and Southern lines.

Supporters should be aware that alcohol sales at Wembley Stadium will stop
ten minutes into the first half of the game.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rice: Everyone's buzzing to get the win
WHUFC.com

Declan Rice says West Ham United need to use the momentum gained from
Tuesday's last-gasp victory over West Bromwich Albion to help propel them up
the Premier League table. Three points against the Baggies moved the Hammers
out of the relegation zone and within striking distance of 11th placed
Huddersfield Town. Now, with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur following on
Thursday, 18-year-old Rice wants the Hammers to continue to look upwards as
they head into 2018. "Everyone was buzzing to get the 2-1 win on Tuesday,"
Rice said. "The place just erupted and I'm just so happy for the fans and so
happy for us. Let's keep moving up the table now. "At half time we knew we
had to come out in the second half and give the fans something to cheer. It
was a massive sigh of relief getting the second goal, but we've got
Tottenham on Thursday now so we have to stay focused. "Spurs are in a good
bit of form as well, but when we went there last time we were 2-0 down and
came back to win 3-2. We'll look back at that game again, get all the
confidence we can and go there for three points. It's hard obviously with
just one day of rest, but we're Premier League footballers so we have to
deal with that."

Rice again showed his versatility on Tuesday, playing a 14 minute cameo at
left-back after Aaron Cresswell picked up an injury and the Academy product
was thrilled to play his part. "I'll play wherever the manager wants me to
play," he added. "I went on a run and with the momentum of the crowd, once I
nicked the ball off Robson-Kanu I thought 'there's no point turning back, I
might as well get on my bike and show a bit of pace!' "We nearly scored from
it, but I was happy with myself when I came on and it's nice to get another
appearance – as a kid I never thought I would have made about 15 appearances
for West Ham [at this age]. Right back, left back, centre back, midfield,
I'm not bothered. I just want to play football."

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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Tottenham Hotspur
WHUFC.com

West Ham fans have already had plenty of excitement over the festive period,
with Andy Carroll's late winner against West Brom the 14th goal scored
across their last three games. And, based on recent encounters, that
entertainment is likely to continue against Tottenham on Thursday night.
These sides, of course, have played each other twice already this season in
league and cup, with the away team winning five-goal thrillers on both
occasions. Given that the Hammers' last three visits to White Hart Lane
also finished 3-2, 4-1 and 2-2, another cracker looks likely at Wembley.
Particularly considering Spurs have scored 12 goals in their last three
games under the arch, while West Ham have scored at least two in each of
their last four league matches. With goals seemingly guaranteed, it makes
sense to back a bit of late drama as well. After all, West Ham's last seven
trips to Tottenham have seen them score six and concede five during the
final 15 minutes of matches, including a late turnaround in the League Cup
and that wonder goal by Ravel Morrison. And, this time around, it might just
be another midfield playmaker who provides a moment of magic. Manuel Lanzini
has scored three goals in five appearances against Tottenham, most memorably
the winner at the London Stadium towards the end of last season. The
Argentine has impressed under David Moyes so far, having provided five
assists and gone close with a number of attempts. Now back from suspension
and bound to be in the thick of the action, he's good value to find the net
against Spurs once again.

Recommended bets
Over 3.5 goals – 7/5
Goal scored between 75-90 mins – 17/20
Manuel Lanzini to score – 4/1

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Moyes: We must show same determination vs Spurs
WHUFC.com

David Moyes wants his West Ham United side to approach Thursday's contest
with Tottenham Hotspur with the same drive he saw from his team in the win
over West Brom. Two goals from Andy Carroll meant the Hammers claimed all
three points against the Baggies on Tuesday to get 2018 off to a winning
start, and puts the Irons in good stead ahead of a match with Spurs 48 hours
later. The Scotsman was delighted with the fightback his players completed
versus West Brom and is now calling for a similar attitude at Wembley
Stadium on Thursday. "Spurs have got a really good team," Moyes admitted.
"It will be hard work for us but we will go there with the same spirit, same
attitude and same determination we've had in all our games. You never know."

With three games in just six days it remains to be seen how Moyes will
alternate his side, with the manager confirming Reece Oxford – recently
returned from his loan with Borussia Monchengladbach – has sprained his
ankle and may not be available for the Tottenham match. When asked for an
update on his team Moyes said: "I'm hoping Cresswell's injury doesn't keep
him out because we're pretty short in both full-back areas. Until we have
got both Sam Byram and Jose Fonte back we're a bit short defensively. "Reece
Oxford kicked the ground in training and has sprained his ankle. He probably
might not be fit for Thursday, that's my first thought. "The biggest thing
is I don't have many changes and I don't have lots of players. I've got some
forward players I could change around but I don't have many players in other
positions. I'm not carrying any more players."

The Hammers claimed a famous 3-2 comeback victory over Tottenham the last
time the two sides met, in the Carabao Cup match at Wembley in October, and
head into this game on the back of a big win over West Brom. Moyes will be
hoping for another victory to push his Hammers further away from the
relegation zone but knows how tight the Premier League can be. He continued:
"You can see how the Premier League is going to go between now and the end
of the season. Games are going to be won and lost on really small margins.
"I think you can see there's a lot of tension at the bottom of the league
this season, because two defeats and you slide back in. Two wins and you
could be talking about trying to get into mid table."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
THU 04 JAN 2018PREMIER LEAGUE
20:00
Venue: Wembley Stadium

TEAM NEWS
Tottenham striker Harry Kane is expected to return to the starting line-up
in place of Fernando Llorente. Manager Mauricio Pochettino awaits news on
the fitness of Mousa Dembele and Danny Rose, while Toby Alderweireld remains
out until February.

West Ham boss David Moyes has a lengthy injury list to contend with and
could be without left-back Aaron Cresswell. Andre Ayew has been troubled by
a hamstring injury and Michail Antonio is again expected to miss out.

RADIO 5 LIVE COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Alistair Bruce-Ball: "It's a second Premier League game in three days for
both clubs, but at least this time both of them have had the same amount of
rest, or lack of it! "David Moyes admitted after the dramatic late victory
against West Brom on Tuesday that that was the game they really had to win
this week so I imagine they'll come to Wembley with a bit more freedom
particularly having already won there in the League Cup in October. "That
was a remarkable turnaround that night because they were 2-0 down at
half-time having been played off the park. "Tottenham need to win to stay in
touch with the top four and they'll have a chance to strike at their
Champions League rivals at the end of the month when they start a run of
three consecutive games against Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal."

Twitter: @alibruceball

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino on the win over Swansea: "The
conditions were difficult and for the players, horrible. We tried to play
our football and the effort was fantastic. "We played well and deserved the
victory overall. I'm pleased because the victory and three points was so
important for us. "Now we need to recover quickly and be ready to play
against West Ham (on Thursday night)."

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

The Hammers have won only once in 15 Premier League games at Tottenham (D5,
L9).
Spurs have not won both league meetings with West Ham in a season since
2012-13.
Mauricio Pochettino has never lost to David Moyes in a Premier League match
(W1, D3). There have only been three goals in their four meetings.

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs have lost just once in 29 home league matches.
They have won 19 points out of a possible 21 from their last seven league
games at Wembley.
Tottenham have lost three of their last five London derbies in the league,
as many as they had in their previous 21.
Harry Kane has scored just three goals in his last nine London derbies,
after a run of 17 goals in 16 derby games. However, he has scored seven in
his last six games against West Ham.

West Ham United

West Ham have won 12 points from 10 league games under David Moyes, having
won nine from their first 11 games this season under Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers' last defeat at Wembley was a 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the 1980
Charity Shield .
They have never lost a competitive London derby at Wembley, winning all
three - a 2-0 win over Fulham in the 1975 FA Cup final; a 1-0 win against
Arsenal in the 1980 FA Cup final; and the 3-2 win over Spurs in the League
Cup this season.

SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 2-0 Probability of draw: 17%
Probability of home win: 74% Probability of away win: 9%
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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NOBLE WON IT !!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 3 JANUARY 2018 AT 10:27PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer

Ten seconds away from a slow and painful descend into The Championship,
where we could have joined once great Clubs like Leeds, Nottingham Forest
and Sheffield Wednesday in spending years in the lower reaches of English
Football. If we had lost or even drew, morale and belief in the manager
would have ebbed away, and it would have been goodnight Vienna. But for once
it was a case of fortune's siding and not hiding. There was palpable relief
all around The London Stadium, when the much-maligned Andy Carroll, smashed
in a low cross from the right-hand side of the penalty area. Cue mass
celebrations and rightly so!

Before the game Alan Pardew, made much of the fact that Albion had to play
two days in forty-eight hours, while West Ham had a week off. "Tough Alan!
You have not had to put up with crooked referees"! West Brom started the
game well, were well organized and frustrated The Hammers. Salomon Rondon
almost punished West Ham when he spun away from Ogbonna, Reid hesitated, and
the ball landed on the roof of the net. A lucky escape! As the game
approached the half hour mark the deadlock was broken. James Mclean, whose
last goal was against us some 16 months ago, cut in from the left and past
Winston Reid as though he wasn't even there, hit a shot in hope more than
anything, took a wicked deflection off Obiang's heel and it was 1-0 to the
Albion. When The Hammers did threaten, they found goalkeeper Ben Foster more
than equal, as Manuel Lanzini found out just before half time.

It was the same old problem! The midfield! No pace, creativity or movement!
Created virtually nothing for the strikers, and no protection for the
defense. WBA cutting through our defense at will, dragging them all over the
place. Obiang and Kouyate were bloody terrible, if I didn't know better I
would have thought they were part of a corrupt betting syndicate. We have
got to bring in a defensive midfielder as quick as possible no if's or
but's. The last goal showed exactly what we need, the ball was carried
forward with pace, the opposition retreated, space opened, and Albion were
punished. It was clear that something had to be done but I couldn't see
anyone who could come in and change things in the middle of the park.



The savior was someone most unlikely in my eyes and a few others. I'm still
not a fan of Mark Noble it would be deeply hypocritical to say so. I still
don't think he is good enough. I don't do sentimental choices "He is West
Ham "or "One of us. Yes, it was against a poor West Brom side! But Mark
Noble was absolutely immense. He brought a calmness and reassurance to the
team, two qualities you can't buy. The team grew in confidence as soon as he
appeared on the pitch. He set up chances, switched play, cajoled the team
on. Mark James Noble won it! No doubt about that. The equalizer came when
Aaron Cresswell swung over a perfect cross for Andy Carroll to attack. Up
against Johnny Evans, there was only going to be one winner. The giant
Geordie towered above Evans, to power a header into the back of the net.
Then came that goal which resulted in a 2-1 win for The Hammers. In years to
come we may well look back at the goal, and acknowledge that the goal saved
our season, but also made sure that we still have a bright future, which we
do have. Things are far from perfect, but a lot of others are in a far worse
state than we are.

You have Everton who are owned by Mr. Moshini who The Club owe 180M to.
Brighton owe their owner 214M, Swansea have been taken over by American's
who have not got a pot to piss in. Their Chairman Huw Jenkins, who used to
own The Club desperately wants out. "I bet he does! He knows The Swans are
Pompey No 2 in waiting". What about Southampton? Who have sold 160M worth of
talent to Liverpool but have taken out loans to buy players. With Sky and BT
showing each other's games, do you think The Premier League will get the
same amount of dough for the next TV deal? Of course not! Who is going to
pay for the unsustainable wages? The golden age of football is coming to an
end. West Ham? Better days and a bright future lay ahead. Granted it will
take time, so what! As long as we get there!

We are more than a football club, we're a way of life!

Farehamhammer!!!

(Edited by Danny Twigg)

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Albion make Livermore statement
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd January 2018
By: Staff Writer

West Bromwich Albion have released a statement regarding the incident
involving Jake Livermore that occurred during last night's match at he
Olympic Stadium.
Contrary to reports from other witnesses, the Midlands-based club claim that
the 28-year-midfielder reacted after a spectator made a reference to his
deceased child. "Following his substitution in the second half, Jake was
subjected to general abuse from home supporters which he shrugged off," read
the statement. "However, he acknowledges that he moved to confront one
spectator who chose to make a comment about the death of his infant son.
"The club would like to think that all right-minded football supporters
could understand this reaction which did not result in any physical
exchanges before Jake was led away to our dressing room. "Jake is an
outstanding young individual who has the total support of everyone at the
club and he has made it clear he considers this statement to be an end to an
unhappy incident."

West Ham have since studied video footage of the incident and have reported
their findings to the FA. Albion were very appreciative of the swift
response by the officials of West Ham in dealing with this matter and are
more than happy to leave any further action they deem appropriate in their
hands," added West Brom's statement. "The club has responded to an FA
request to offer our observations of the incident and will not be making any
further comment." Albion, who were beaten 2-1 last night are now firmly
entrenched in the relegation zone and four points adrift of safety as a
result.

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FA ask for Livermore explanation
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd January 2018
By: Staff Writer

The FA have asked West Bromwich Albion midfielder to explain why he jumped
into the crowd to confront spectators during last night's Premier League
match against West Ham. Livermore, 28, was captured on camera leaping over
advertising boards in order to confront a fan, or fans, that he believed had
made derogatory statements.
However according to supporters situated in that particular area of the
ground, the former Tottenham player misheard or misinterpreted a comment
relating to his previous employers. Livermore, who lost his baby son three
years ago believed that the fan in question was referring to the tragic loss
- and reacted accordingly. However that wasn't the case according to an
East Stand season ticket holder, who told KUMB: "The incident happened right
next to me. "Someone shouted something about drugs and Livermore being 'a
y*d' - he must have though the guy said something about his kid. It never
happened though, and the next thing Livermore was in the crowd."
Livermore escaped an FA ban despite testing positive for cocaine shortly
after the loss of his child in 2014. He also suffered successive bouts of
depression at the time.

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Andy Carroll should, if fit, be in England World Cup squad, says Danny Mills
Last Updated: 03/01/18 1:56pm
SSN

Gareth Southgate must consider taking Andy Carroll to the World Cup if the
West Ham striker can stay injury-free, according to former England
international Danny Mills. Carroll scored both of West Ham's goals as David
Moyes' side came from behind to beat West Brom 2-1 at the London Stadium,
lifting the Hammers out of the relegation zone. The 6ft 3in frontman, who
had not scored since April 1 prior to Tuesday night, won the last of his
nine England caps to date under former Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson in
2012. But Mills believes Carroll's aerial prowess could be an invaluable
option for England at Russia 2018. "I certainly think he would be a Plan B
or a Plan C, whichever way you want to look at it," Mills told Premier
League Daily on Sky Sports News. "I mean aerially he is fantastic. He is
still, without a doubt, one of the best headers of the ball in the Premier
League. "If he's fit he's got to be worth taking to the World Cup. "I think
there is certainly room for him in the 23 - I think it's his fitness [that
is the only issue]. "You need to take players who are on form, or fit, or
offer something different. Certainly, he offers something different and if
you need to nick a goal, if you need a set piece or need to put a ball into
the box aerially, there aren't too many better headers of the ball in Europe
than Andy Carroll."

West Ham's upturn in form has seen them win three of their last six matches,
and Mills is confident the 16th-placed Hammers will still be playing Premier
League football next season. "I don't think West Ham have any issues about
survival now," Mills said. "I think the bottom of the table is so congested.
With a win and a draw you can almost leap up six places - that's how tight
it is. I think West Ham have enough quality to get themselves out of it."

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West Ham identify fan following Jake Livermore incident
Last Updated: 03/01/18 5:35pm
SSN

West Ham have identified the supporter who was confronted by West Brom
midfielder Jake Livermore during Tuesday's Premier League match. The England
international was involved in an angry confrontation with a West Ham fan
after being substituted in the 64th minute of the 2-1 defeat and was then
escorted down the tunnel. The fan is alleged to have shouted to Livermore,
and an investigation is under way to establish whether he directed abuse
about Livermore's baby son, who died in 2014.
West Ham, who ejected the fan, have said they are looking into the
allegations and will work with West Brom if any further action is required.
West Brom have since sent their observations of the incident to the Football
Association. Livermore was also targeted with taunts about his use of
cocaine during the match last night at the London Stadium. The player tested
positive for the drug in the months after his son's death. The Metropolitan
Police have said they are continuing their own enquiries, despite receiving
no formal complaint, and are speaking to both clubs. In a statement, West
Brom said: "West Bromwich Albion would like to clarify an incident involving
our player Jake Livermore in last night's Premier League game at West Ham.
"Following his substitution in the second half, Jake was subjected to
general abuse from home supporters which he shrugged off. However, he
acknowledges that he moved to confront one spectator who chose to make a
comment about the death of his infant son. "The club would like to think
that all right-minded football supporters could understand this reaction
which did not result in any physical exchanges before Jake was led away to
our dressing room. "Jake is an outstanding young individual who has the
total support of everyone at the club and he has made it clear he considers
this statement to be an end to an unhappy incident. "Albion were very
appreciative of the swift response by the officials of West Ham in dealing
with this matter and are more than happy to leave any further action they
deem appropriate in their hands. "The club has responded to an FA request to
offer our observations of the incident and will not be making any further
comment."

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Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United preview: Harry Kane to return to
starting XI
Last Updated: 03/01/18 7:49pm
SSN

Harry Kane is set to return to the starting line-up when Tottenham take on
London rivals West Ham in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Thursday. Kane
started on the bench in the 2-0 win over Swansea on Tuesday following
illness but still proved influential in his 22 minutes on the pitch, teeing
up Dele Alli for a late goal that sealed victory in south Wales. "I think it
was a good training session for him to prepare for the next game," Spurs
boss Mauricio Pochettino said of the striker after the victory. "We hope he
will be well in the next 24 hours and he can be ready to play against West
Ham."
Andy Carroll scored twice on his first start since November in a 2-1 win
over West Brom that lifted the Hammers out of the relegation zone. And
despite the swift turnaround, he insists he is ready to spearhead the
Hammers' attack once again at Wembley. "It's been very frustrating, I've
been sitting on the bench and it's been tough," he said. "I don't want to be
an impact player coming off the bench. "When I was called upon for this game
I felt like I needed to show what I was about and try to push my way back
into the team from the start. For the lads who've been playing every game,
every two days, it's been tough for them, but I'm feeling good."
While Kane is expected to start from the off, Danny Rose is likely to be
missing again as Tottenham play their second game in 48 hours. Rose will be
assessed after damaging the knee which forced him to miss the start of the
season. Victor Wanyama could make his first start since August following a
knee problem.

West Ham have a host of injury worries for the trip to Wembley, with
defender Aaron Cresswell their latest concern. Cresswell had to go off
against West Brom with a back problem on Tuesday, while Michail Antonio
remains a doubt with a groin injury, Andre Ayew has been struggling with a
tight hamstring and Reece Oxford sprained an ankle in training. Diafra
Sakho, James Collins, Jose Fonte and Sam Byram are also among the absentees.

Opta stats
Tottenham won the reverse fixture 3-2 at the London Stadium, but haven't won
both league meetings with West Ham in a season since the 2012-13 campaign.

West Ham have only won one of their last 15 away league visits to Tottenham
(D5 L9), winning 3-0 in October 2013 under Sam Allardyce. However, the
Hammers beat Spurs 3-2 at Wembley in the EFL Cup this season, overturning a
0-2 half-time deficit to do so.

The last seven meetings between these sides in all competitions with Spurs
as the home side have produced 29 goals, at an average of 4.1 per game.

Spurs have lost three of their last five Premier League London derbies, as
many as they had lost in their previous 21 in the competition.

West Ham have played three competitive London derbies at Wembley Stadium,
winning them all - beating Fulham 2-0 in the 1975 FA Cup final, Arsenal 1-0
in the 1980 FA Cup final, and Spurs 3-2 in the EFL Cup this season.

Spurs have lost just once in their last 29 home Premier League games (W23 D5
L1), with that defeat coming in their first PL home match at Wembley versus
Chelsea in August. Indeed, they've won six and lost none of the nine since
that game.

West Ham have won four points from their last two Premier League away games,
more than they won in the previous nine combined (3).

After a run that saw him score 17 goals in 16 Premier League London derbies,
Harry Kane has scored just three in his last nine, failing to score on seven
occasions. However, the England hitman has scored seven in his last six
against West Ham in the league, including three braces in that time.


Merson's prediction
I know they both have games to play before this but I don't care if West Ham
win 27-0 on Tuesday, they are not beating Tottenham. Spurs are a really good
team and when they get all their players out they score goals and make lots
of chances. The only worry at the moment for me is Hugo Lloris, who is
making some mistakes. It's not like him and I think he is a good goalkeeper
but he has made some sloppy mistakes. I don't know if he is getting bored
because he is a top goalkeeper. But with Tottenham getting players back like
Davinson Sanchez and then Toby Alderweireld they won't concede too many
goals.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)

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Marko Arnautovic vows to silence the 'haters' and prove he was worth £27m
West Ham paid Stoke for the forward
Matt Law, football news correspondent
3 JANUARY 2018 • 10:30PM

Marko Arnautovic is determined to prove his "haters" wrong and stay out of
trouble after showing why West Ham United made him their £27 million record
signing.
Following a slow start to his West Ham career, which included a red card in
just his second appearance for the club, Arnautovic has come to life under
David Moyes. He had scored five goals in six games before the visit of West
Bromwich Albion to the London Stadium and set up Andy Carroll's late winner
against Alan Pardew's men on Tuesday night. The victory lifted West Ham out
of the Premier League relegation zone ahead of Thursday night's trip to
London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. "I am 28 and still not where I want to be,"
said Arnautovic. "I am trying hard to get there and I won't stop. I want to
show people – especially the haters – what I am capable of and bring this
club up with everything I have got."
Arnautovic believes he was unfairly singled out for criticism at times
during the start of the season, thanks in large part to the fee West Ham
paid to Stoke City for him. "I had a slow start at West Ham, that's right,"
said Auranutovic. "I came here and expectations were high because the fans
were not quite happy with it. But as football players we have to deal with
the pressure. "We played Manchester United away first game and they're
playing for the title. Then I got a red card. Then I came back and we were
playing against Tottenham. It was hard. Then we played Swansea and I was ill
"I was hot happy with myself, either. Everyone thinks that footballers go on
the pitch and they have so much money that they think about themselves. But
I am not like that. Money is not everything. "Of course, you try to achieve
some things to provide for you and your family, and your club can pay you
whatever they pay you. But, for me, it's important to be healthy, stay on
the pitch and give everything to make performances. This is priority number
one for me. "I hear people saying 'he came for £27m and he's done nothing
for us'. Well, people come to me and tell me, or I read some things but I am
not the type of guy who goes to check every column on Facebook or Instagram.
"Of course, if you score or assist and win the game you are the best player
in the world, but if you lose you are the worst player on the planet. The
fans pay to come to the stadium to see your performance and I want to show
the club that they didn't pay so much for me for nothing."

While Arnautovic wants to please the West Ham fans, he clearly has little
time for the opinions of pundits, former players and journalists. "People
who say I am up and down don't know anything about football," he said.
"People expect me to score and assist every time I play. But sometimes I
score and I go home and think I didn't play very well. But because I scored
they say 'wow he was amazing!' but I wasn't. "These people don't know what
tactics the coach has given you, what you have to do in the game, tracking
your runner, tracking defenders, going inside and trying to help the team.
"Sometimes you win 2-0 and don't score or make an assist, but you know you
played well because you did everything for the team. But the newspapers,
media and television only see when you score and say you're the best. "They
judge me on scoring and making assists, but it can't be in every game. Of
course, I want to score and help the team with my assists and everything but
sometimes it doesn't work. But I am still working hard for the team. "If you
have done this after 90 minutes, you can be proud. When I score and miss
five chances and lose 20 balls, then I can't be happy with my performance."

Arnautovic arrived in England in 2013 with a bad boy reputation, having
grown up around gang culture in Vienna and experienced problems at former
clubs Inter Milan and Werder Bremen. But he insists his wild days are behind
him and wants to stay away from controversy. "I would change many things
from when I was young, but I am also grateful and happy that I am here. I am
not finished," said Arnautovic. "Things outside football have stopped me and
I didn't concentrate or focus back then. "It was not easy for me. My parents
made it easy for me, but I always chose to be the other way. I wasn't a
gangster or anything, but out on the estate playing football in the streets,
not on the grass but on the asphalt. "When I was with my friends of course
there were fights. But I was always telling them – 'think about this. Don't
rob someone and go to jail when you are young, for nothing'. "I told them
'if you rob someone you might have money but you'll need to do it again
every three days. Whereas if you work you will have steady money every
month'. "I always wanted to be the centre of the group the man in the group,
deciding everything. I was this kind of guy in our group with my best
friend. We looked everyone in the eye. "Most of the time we played football,
let's not exaggerate. We played in the cage. We played on the streets, on
the grass. "If I had continued to be that person I was then I wouldn't be
here now. I was scared a career in football would never happen if I carried
on. I knew I had to go away and see some different things and calm down.
"The life of a footballer is not long, so I knew that I had to give
everything. Now, I train and go home and be with my family. "I now have two
daughters and one day they will read everything about their dad. I want them
only to read good things about me. No scandals or anything. "I want my kids
to be proud of their dad. They deserve a good life because they are my
everything. I've seen everything in my life and if I can't teach them,
nobody can teach them."

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