West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United forward Dylan Tombides has passed away at the age of 20
18.04.2014
West Ham United announce the sad news that forward Dylan Tombides has passed
away at the age of 20 following his brave battle with cancer. Dylan passed
away on Friday morning with his family by his side having courageously
fought the disease for three years after initially being diagnosed with
testicular cancer in summer 2011.
He remained a regular visitor to Chadwell Heath throughout his treatment and
his positive attitude and professional approach to his football and training
always impressed and boosted his team-mates and coaches alike.
Dylan's amazing resilience and positivity saw him through months of surgery
and chemotherapy, while his outstanding talent saw him make his first-team
debut in a League Cup tie with Wigan Athletic at the Boleyn Ground in
September 2012.
Away from the pitch, Dylan did a huge amount of work to raise awareness of
male cancer, supporting the One for the Boys campaign at a number of
high-profile events alongside the likes of Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson,
snooker star Jimmy White and fellow Australian Peter Andre.
Dylan was respected by everyone who knew him for his intelligent views on
the game and his larger than life character. He was a loving son, amazing
brother and well-respected member of the West Ham squad. He will be hugely
missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him.
His passing will be marked by a minute's applause ahead of Saturday's
Barclays Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace at the Boleyn Ground.
The Hammers' players will also wear black armbands in his memory.
The thoughts of everyone associated with the Club are with his parents
Tracylee and Jim, brother Taylor, his family and friends at this sad time.
The Club request that their privacy is now respected and they are allowed to
grieve their much loved son and brother in peace.
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Friday, April 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th April 2014
Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
James Collins blogs on Saturday's visit of Crystal Palace and the form of
Gareth Bale
18.04.2014
Hello everyone,
I'm glad to say I'm fit and back in training and I hope to be involved on
Saturday, but of course it will be up to the manager to pick the squad he
believes gives us the best chance of winning against Crystal Palace. They
have done great recently and got a massive result up at Everton on
Wednesday, so it's going to be a tough game. Tony Pulis has gone in there
and turned them around. They are very solid, very hard to break down and
they're obviously scoring goals at the minute. I played with two of Palace's
likely starters, Joe Ledley and Cameron Jerome, at Cardiff City earlier in
my career, and of course with Joe for Wales as well. They are both good
players. Joe has gone there and done very well since he arrived in January.
He was up at Celtic for years, where he scored goals and did well and I know
they loved him up there. He's come down and done well for Palace as well.
Cameron is a strong lad who can score a goal, like he did on Wednesday
night, so it's going to be a tough game and if we go into it thinking
anything other than that, then that's when we will be in trouble. Palace
play some good stuff and Stoke did as well under Tony Pulis, believe it or
not. People said they lumped it, but they tried to play first and, if it
didn't work, they'd play the direct ball. I think Palace are doing a similar
thing - they try to knock it into midfield and, if it's not on, they'll go
long. Tony has massively turned them around, as he did at Stoke. They are so
well organised and know what they're doing, where to be positioned in
certain situations and they are hard to break down. All credit to Tony,
because he's done a wonderful job.
Sticking with Welshman, I watched the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday night
and my national team-mate Gareth Bale scored an unbelievable winner for Real
Madrid, running from inside his own half, off the pitch at one stage, and
out-stripping the Barcelona centre-back before finishing. The defender had
two choices - one was to put Gareth in the stand and the other was to get
back as quickly as possible - but neither would have worked. He did the same
thing a few weeks ago when I was playing for Wales against Iceland, but he
didn't run quite as far off the pitch as he did on Wednesday night! He is
just so quick and he's taken it to a new level, so defenders just don't know
how to mark him. You can see the difference in him since he joined Real
Madrid six months ago, so what's to say he won't be even better in another
six months after he has been there longer? It's great to see because he's
such a great lad, down to Earth with a lovely family back in Cardiff. He
works hard and it's obviously paying off on the pitch. He keeps himself in
shape and works tremendously hard, he got the move and he's playing well.
Getting back to ourselves and we'll be doing everything possible to get the
win that will take us to 40 points on Saturday.
Enjoy your long weekend off and a happy Easter!
Ginge
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On this day - 18 April
WHUFC.com
The Hammers recorded a fine won over Orient on this day in 1981
18.04.2014
Classic match
Orient 0-2 West Ham United
Division Two
18 April 1981
The Hammers' march to the Division Two title continued unabated as they
completed a league double over fellow east Londoners Orient on this day 32
years ago. West Ham had topped the table ever since November and this
victory over the O's was the third in a run of five straight wins. Jimmy
Neighbour and Geoff Pike - a league ever-present that season - were the
goalscorers as the visitors notched a 25th maximum-point haul of the
campaign. John Lyall's side would go on to claim the title by a huge
13-point margin in the era of two points for a win, having dropped only 18
points all season.
Complete record - 18 April
2009 Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
2007 West Ham United 1-4 Chelsea (Premier League)
1998 West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
1992 Manchester City 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1987 Leicester City 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1981 Orient 0-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1961 Burnley 2-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1960 Manchester United 5-3 West Ham United (Division One)
1959 West Ham United 1-1 Preston North End (Division One)
1956 Nottingham Forest 0-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1953 Sheffield United 3-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1949 Leicester City 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1938 Plymouth Argyle 2-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1936 West Ham United 1-3 Charlton Athletic (Division Two)
1931 Manchester City 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1930 West Ham United 1-0 Sheffield United (Division One)
1927 West Ham United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Division One)
1925 West Ham United 4-1 Everton (Division One)
1923 Notts County 2-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
Played 19, Won 4, Drawn 6, Lost 9, Scored 23, Conceded 33
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Hammers to subsidise Man City tickets
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are offering a 10 pound reduction on away tickets to the
final game of the season
17.04.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the Club will be paying a £10
subsidy on every away ticket for the game at Manchester City to reduce the
cost for away supporters. The Hammers travel to the Etihad Stadium to round
off their Barclays Premier League campaign on Sunday 11 May and the Board
want to thank away supporters for their magnificent backing by paying ten
pounds towards the cost of each away ticket purchased. Throughout this
season, West Ham have provided a host of offers, incentives and actions
exclusively aimed at travelling supporters, including special ticket offers
and subsidies, reduced-price coach travel and enhanced matchday experiences
as part of the Premier League's Away Fans' Fund. A similar price subsidy
was offered for the away fixtures at Chelsea, Stoke City and Sunderland and
now those supporters planning on seeing the final game of the season at
Manchester City can take advantage of a special saving too. The Board,
players and staff are hugely grateful to all those who take the time, effort
and money to follow the Club away from home and will continue to do all that
we can to reward their loyalty wherever possible.
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Sunderland 1-2 Dev Squad FT
WHUFC.com
Live text commentary of the Development Squad's final league fixture of the
year
17.04.2014
SUNDERLAND v DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
BARCLAYS U21 PREMIER LEAGUE
ACADEMY OF LIGHT
THURSDAY 17 APRIL 2014
KICK-OFF: 12PM
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST I YOUTUBE
Full-time: The second half, match and season are over for the Under-21s as a
last minute own-goal hands them victory against Sunderland. The Hammers
trailed at the break but an improved second half display saw Cullen equalise
before McNamee put through his own net to ensure the visitors head home with
all three points. Get in!
90 GOAL: GOAAAALLLLLLLLL! What an end to the season! Bywater whips a cross
in from the right and there seems to be little West Ham presence, but none
is required as McNamee glances a header past his keeper.
89: The game looks to be heading for a draw. A point suits the Hammers to
secure their top-eleven spot while the Black Cats needed all three.
87: Mavila makes tracks down the left and digs a cross out which floats
towards the back stick. Bywater has to backtrack and is unable to get his
shot on-target as he stretches to reach the ball.
85: Howes does well to gather from a corner as the wind blows the ball
around the penalty area. Safe hands from the young stopper.
83: Cullen does indeed make way as Makasi takes his place.
82: Cullen has worked his socks off and seems to be feeling the effects of
his work. He might be going off, but Ledger is coming off as Robson replaces
him.
80: Fanimo tries his luck again from distance. McNamee tracks him well and
makes a super block.
78: Fanimo is adamant that the referee should have awarded the Hammers a
penalty as his shot appears to strike an arm. Nothing given though as we
head toward the last ten minutes.
76: Bywater wins a free-kick near the right-hand corner flag as Watson
brings him down with a crude slide tackle. Fanimo's delivery is poor and
easily cleared.
74: Cullen is down as Oliver treads on his ankle causing his boot to come
off. The midfielder is far from happy with the referee, as has been the case
for most of the match.
72: The visitors are now in the ascendency as they look to fashion a winner.
It's certainly been a much improved second half performance.
70: Brown is replaced by Bywater as Nick Haycock makes his first change. The
manager tells Fanimo to head up top and Bywater to take his place on the
right.
68: Potts springs forward from defence and makes the keeper work with a well
struck left-foot shot which looked to be creeping inside the post.
66: Mavila is the first Hammer into the book after bringing down Laidler on
the left-hand side. From the set-piece, Cartwright tries his luck with a
first time shot but sends it high and wide of the goal.
65: Sunderland make their first change. Robson jogs on to replace Gorrin.
62: Lletget breaks over the half-way line and feeds Fanimo on the right. The
winger drives at his marker before seeing a deflected shot head straight to
the keeper.
60: Howes makes a great save to deny Mandron a second. Gorrin finds the
striker with a lovely through ball and he takes a touch before firing low at
goal. Howes stands up before saving well with his feet.
58: Sunderland go back on the attack but miss the target as Oliver sends a
header over from a free-kick.
56 GOAL: The Hammers have pulled themselves level! Cullen taps home after a
lovely flowing move which ended with Fanimo providing the perfect cross for
Cullen. Get in!
52: A loose pass by the Mackems goes unpunished as Brown opts to play it
first time to Sadlier but can only knock the ball out of play.
50: Sunderland have settled straight back into their passing rhythm ftom the
first half as they continue to probe for a way through the Hammers
back-line.
48: Mavila has a chance to cross from the left after recieving the ball back
from a throw-in. His cross however leaves a bit to be desired as it flies
over Dixon's goal.
46: The second half has begun with the Hammers trailing by a goal to nil.
The last 45 minutes of their season start now.
Half-time: The referee brings the first half to an end. The man in black is
not the most popular with the Hammers players after awarding a questionable
penalty as Potts appeared to take the ball from Mandron in the box. The ref
saw it differently and the forward picked himself up to send Howes the wrong
way. West Ham made a bright start, working several good openings but their
best chance came a minute before the break when Lletget shot wide.
44: Close! The Hammers click into gear as Lletget fires just wide from
inside the area after being picjed out by Cullen.
42: Lletget sprays a lovely pass wide to Fanimo. The winger cuts inside and
crosses left-footed but there's no Claret and Blue shirt at the back post
and the ball rolls out.
40: The wind causes havoc for Dixon as he rushes out to collect Whitehead's
through ball but mis-judges it and is extremely lucky that the ball falls to
a nearby defender.
38: Cullen looks up, spots Brown and floats a cross toward the striker. The
big man's had little service and it continues as the cross flies over his
head and into the keepers arms.
36: Sadlier looks to run in-behind the Sunderland defence but he goes a
fraction too early and the linesman on the far side raises his flag.
34: After a slow start the home side are now in full control of proceedings.
Exemplified superbly as they play their way out from the back under immense
pressure from the Hammers.
32: The away side are up in arms again as McNamee loses the ball and
crunches Cullen on the half-way line. The yellow card is out again and
rightly so.
30: The Mackems apply some pressure with consecutive corners, but are also
struggling with the wind. After the second one Gorrin sends a cross flying
over the bar.
28: The Hammers are struggling to get anything going just now and the
referee is bearing the brunt of their frustrations.
26: Cullen was hurt by that challenge from Mandron and limps away to the
sideline. He looks like he'll be ok to continue however.
24: The ball breaks loose in midfield and Oliver strikes first time. His
side-foot effort forces Howes to parry the ball wide for a corner. From the
corner, a free-kick is awarded as Mandron commits another foul. He's surely
on a final warning now.
22: The Hammers look to attack down the right with Fanimo attempting to
break into the box. The winger beats two defenders smartly but the third
nicks the ball away and the move breaks down.
20: Howes comes to the rescue to deny Mandron a second goal. The forward
runs unchallenged toward goal and looks to find the bottom corner but Howes
is there to make the save. The striker then picks up a booking for a late
tackle on Driver.
18: Sunderland have grown in confidence since going ahead and are keeping
the ball nicely with Oliver spraying the ball around.
16: It didn't look a penalty to me as Potts appeared to play the ball. The
Hammers will have to use their sense of injustice to inspire a comeback now.
13 Goal: This time Sunderland do have a penalty as Potts appears to clip the
ball before bringing down Mandron. The Hammers are rightly furious as
Mandron picks himself up to send Howes the wrong way.
11: Controversy here as the linesman seems to have flagged for a penalty
before the referee steps in to award a free-kick on the edge of the area
following an alledged hand ball by Mavila.
9: Gus Poyet is in attendance to watch his young charges, fresh from leading
the first team to a 2-2 draw against Manchester City last night.
6: Whitehead is desperately looking for a pass as he travels towards the
penalty are. Nothing opens up for the midfielder and he opts to shoot,
sending a low effort well wide.
4: Cullen dribbles towards the edge of the box before sliding a through ball
for Brown to run onto. The striker takes aim and fires but his shot is
deflected away for a throw-in.
3: The wind is already a factor as the Hammers, who are playing into the
wind, launch several balls forward, all of which come floating back.
1 min: The final U21 game of the season is under-way. Three points to end
the season please!
11:56am: The ref has blown his whistle to call the captains to the centre
circle and we're nearly ready to get under-way here.
11:50am: There's no going back into the changing rooms here. The pitch is a
fair distance from the changing rooms so as soon as the teams are ready to
go
we'll get straight into it here in Sunderland.
11:35am: After much scouting around I've found the Sunderland team for
today's fixture. They line-up as follows:
Sunderland: Dixon, Cartwright, Watson, Gorrin, Beadling, McNamee, Greenwood,
Oliver, Mandron, Laidler, T Robson
Substitutes: E Robson, Talbot, Ledger, Blinco, Sukar
11:30am: Dan Potts leads the Hammers out of their dressing room and off to
make the short walk to the pitch they'll be playing on this afternoon.
Sunderland follow close behind to begin their pre-match routine.
11:15am: The keepers are out and going through their pre-match routines.
West Ham stoppers Sam Howes and Vit Nemrava will be put through their paces
by Lee Harrison.
11am: The Under-21s have been for a look around the fantastic facilities
here at the Academy of Light and having assessed the pitch are back in the
changing rooms ahead of their final league game of the season.
The Development Squad end their Barclays Under-21 Premier League season
against Sunderland this afternoon having journeyed to the Academy of Light.
The Hammers are ninth in the table heading into the season finale against
Sunderland who need a win to keep their hopes of a top-four finish and a
place in the season ending Play-Offs alive. Nick Haycock's side will be
looking to end their year on a high having lost their last two matches to
Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers.
West Ham United: Sam Howes, Callum Driver, Nathan Mavila, Sebastian Lletget,
Dan Potts, Jamie Harney, Matthias Fanimo, Danny Whitehead, Jordan Brown,
Josh Cullen, Kieran Sadlier
Substitutes: Reece Burke, Vit Nemrava, Moses Makasi, Kieran Bywater
Sunderland: Dixon, Cartwright, Watson, Gorrin, Beadling, McNamee, Greenwood,
Oliver, Mandron, Laidler, T Robson
Substitutes: E Robson, Talbot, Ledger, Blinco, Sukar
After playing in those defeats there is no Joe Cole for the away side this
afternoon, meaning Sebastian Lletget will make his return to the starting
XI. Jordan Brown will again lead the line, where he will be ably supported
by Kieran Sadlier and Matthias Fanimo on the wings. Callum Driver makes his
return at right-back with Nathan Mavila starting in the left-back berth.
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Phillips happy with winning return
WHUFC.com
U18s assistant manager Mark Phillips was happy with the performance in
victory over West Brom
17.04.2014
West Ham Under-18s assistant manager Mark Phillips was pleased with the
Hammers' Academy after they returned to winning ways by beating West
Bromwich Albion 2-1 at Little Heath on Wednesday afternoon. The result ended
a run of four defeats for the Hammers as returning midfielder Ben Marlow and
Portuguese striker Marcio Martins both scored second half goals to keep the
race for the Barclays U18 Premier League play-offs alive. With the Hammers
dominating throughout the 90 minutes, Phillips was delighted that the
Hammers had managed to finally combine an impressive performance with the
deserved result that they achieved. "In amongst the four games we lost, I
thought that there were games where we deserved to win, so it's nice to
finally turn that around and get a victory," said Phillips. "I think we
thoroughly deserved it, although there were moments throughout the game
where I thought we wouldn't get there. "I thought that we played very well,
compared to games where we haven't played that well and won. I'm not too
sure whether it was through West Brom failings in a way but I thought we
moved the ball very well and created a lot of opportunities, but
unfortunately we didn't take more of them. Phillips, along with U18 manager
Steve Potts, were again forced into playing a youthful squad at the U18
level, although the assistant manager believes that everyone performed very
well. "I thought that the midfield were brilliant," continued Phillips.
"Even when we lost possession in the middle, everyone worked hard to win in
back quickly. The defence were tight and the attack had so many chances in
the final third, but struggled with the important part of putting the ball
in the back of the net, which we will have to work on. "Last week, we went
to Manchester City and we were predominantly a first year U18 team. We even
had 15-year-olds on the bench like we did against West Brom. We started this
game with three U16s on the pitch, but it can only help them develop as
players because they are learning. Next year when they are first year
scholars, they would have already had a taste of U18 football so they will
know what to expect."
With regular U18 midfielders Moses Makasi and captain Kieran Bywater away in
Sunderland with the Development Squad, it was down to Amos Nasha to wear the
armband, being joined in the midfield by U16 attacking midfielder Grady
Diangana and Marlow, who played his first game back after three months on
the injury list. "I thought Grady [Diangana] had an outstanding game. That
is the role he prefers to play because we have been trying to play him in a
holding role, but we put him as then point of a midfield three and that's
what suits him the best. When he is enjoying his football, you can see the
outcome as he creates a lot of opportunities for us."
"We've missed Ben Marlow this season, but having Amos [Nasha] and Moses
[Makasi] in the middle this season, who are like minded players, have done a
great job to fill in the middle. Ben's been out for a good few months now
but I think he has come back really well and it's a little bonus for him
getting a goal."
With just two league fixtures ahead of the Hammers Academy before the
play-off stage begins, Phillips knows that they can't alter other teams
results, so they will focus on trying to achieve the full six points from
their games. "It's out of our hands now how Fulham get on because I don't
think we will get above Tottenham but we have got Bolton next and then
Arsenal, both games at home, and I think that if we concentrate on winning
both of our games, I think we will make the play-offs."
Speaking to whufc.com after returning from a three month foot injury,
midfielder Marlow also believed that the Hammers got the result that they
deserved.
"It was fantastic," added Marlow. "It feels good to win 2-1 after four
defeats on the bounce. We went to Manchester City and got whacked 3-0
because of our poor performance, but to react like we did is really good.
"The manager said to us that he wanted to see a big reaction from us and I
feel like we did that. We won 2-1, but it was a comfortable win and I think
we deserved more goals. The day was even more special for Marlow as he
capped a full 90 minutes of league action with a rare but important goal.
"It's been frustrating that I've not played for three months so it's nice to
finally be back," he continued. "I had a problem with my metatarsal in my
foot and it's one of those niggling injuries, but I'm back now and looking
forward to hopefully winning the last two games and staying injury free. "I
don't score many goals but at half time, the manager said that he wanted to
see more action in the box so I thought that I've got to get myself in there
more. It was a great cut back by Jerry [Amoo] and I had to make sure I got
it on target and it went in."
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Noble takes Arsenal positives
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble feels the Hammers can take heart from their first half display
against Arsenal on Tuesday
17.04.2014
Mark Noble feels West Ham United can take heart from their first half
performance in the 3-1 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday
evening.
Things were looking good for the Hammers after Matt Jarvis nodded them in
front in north London with 40 minutes on the clock as the visitors proved to
be tough opposition for their top four chasing opponents. Just four minutes
later however, Lukas Podolski dragged the Gunners back level before Olivier
Giroud and the German international's second goal of the game condemned the
away side to defeat in a disappointing second half. Noble felt the Hammers
gave Arsenal a run for their money on the night, but ultimately came up
short. "To be honest, In spells, I thought we played well on the night," he
explained. "We passed it about well. Whenever you lose it's not enjoyable,
but as much as you can come here and enjoy it I did, but there's still no
points on the board. "We played really well against Liverpool and didn't get
anything and we can't keep playing well against the big teams and not
getting anything."
The major talking point during the match came with the scores level at 0-0,
when Jarvis nicked the ball away from Bacary Sagna in the penalty area and
chose to stay on his feet as the full-back clearly clipped him. The winger
could have easily chosen to go down and play for the penalty, but Noble
feels it's not in Jarvis' nature to be dishonest. "They say about honesty in
the game, but I'm pretty sure that if Jarvo had gone down we would have got
a penalty. Jarvo's probably the most honest man you'll meet in your life."
The Gunners showed little sign of fatigue following their FA Cup with
Budweiser exerts just three days earlier, when they required extra-time and
penalties to beat Wigan Athletic. Noble praised the way Arsene Wenger's side
kept the ball on Tuesday night and didn't feel that Arsenal had suffered
from their semi-final tie. "When you've got the ball you've always got
energy no matter what team you're playing in and it's not about fatigue.
When you keep the ball as well as they do it's enjoyable and you don't get
tired. "They had a lot of the ball, as they did in the semi-final on
Saturday. They probably came out here as fresh as anybody, but I thought in
the first half we looked like the better team and then it obviously got away
from us."
Sam Allardyce's side now switch their focus to Saturday afternoon, when
Crystal Palace visit the Boleyn Ground, and Noble is focused on attaining
nothing less than three points. "We're playing at home against Crystal
Palace and they're a team that we want to get three points off. "Our home
form has been good, obviously we were unfortunate to lose against Liverpool.
We need to rest up, recover and get points against Palace."
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Martin Allen joins KUMB Awards Live!
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Knees up Mother Brown are delighted to announce that Martin Allen will be
joining us at this year's KUMB Reader's Awards Live! Allen (aka 'Mad Dog'),
West Ham's midfield enforcer from 1989 to 1995 and the current Head Coach of
Barnet FC completes a star-studded line-up for our inaugural Awards Live!
event, which takes place on Tuesday, 13th May at the East Ham Working Men's
Club (three minutes walk from the Boleyn Ground). Allen joins
previously-announced guests Frank McAvennie and Jeremy Nicholas who will be
accompanied by our hosts for the evening, Chris Scull and James Longman from
the KUMB Podcast. Tickets for the event are priced at just £10 each and are
on sale now - click here to buy yours! The annual KUMB Awards began way back
in the mists of time - well, 1997 - when our readers named John Hartson as
their very first KUMB Player of the Year.
This year there will be 12 categories for you to cast your votes in,
including Goal of the Season, Most Memorable Match, Best Signing, Most
Improved Player and the always popular Hackett of the Year - a category in
which Orient supremo Barry Hearn will be going for a record-breaking third
consecutive win this year! The polls for this year's readers awards open on
KUMB.com in less than a fortnight from now, with all of the winners to be
revealed live at the aforementioned event. Keep an eye out for details of
that and if you can make May 13th, all of us at KUMB would be delighted to
see you!
Last Year's KUMB Awards Winners
KUMB.com PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Winston Reid
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Danny Potts
GOAL OF THE SEASON: Mo Diame vs Man Utd (h)
MOST MEMORABLE MATCH: West Ham Utd 3-1 Chelsea
BEST SIGNING: Andy Carroll
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Winston Reid
MOST MISSED: Wally Downes
WORST PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Emanuel Pogatetz
WORST SIGNING OF THE SEASON: Emanuel Pogatetz
GREATEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Our form away from home
HACKETT OF THE YEAR: Barry Hearn
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Moncs: kids were thrown to the lions
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers midfielder John Moncur has spoken of his disappointed at Sam
Allardyce's decision to throw West Ham's youngsters - including his son
George - in at the deep end en masse back in January. Moncur Jnr was just
one of several development squad players who were brought into the first
team at short notice to answer West Ham's chronic injury situation at the
time - only to end up being thrashed 5-0 by Championship club Nottingham
Forest in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. And Moncur Snr, who spent nine years
at West Ham between 1994 and 2003 admitted that he was annoyed at the way
his son and team mates - youngsters such as Callum Driver, Seb Lletget and
Danny Whitehead - were essentially used as scapegoats. "It's been a terrible
year for him [George] after what happened at Nottingham Forest," Moncur,
speaking on the latest episode of the KUMB Podcast, said. "I think it was
unfair. "I'm not bitter, but what happened there to the kids was ridiculous.
It's not what you do to young boys. If you like a player and have high hopes
for him you blood them into good teams, like all good clubs and managers do.
"Basically, that was just throwing them to the lions. So he's had to put up
with that and all the stick they got."
Moncur, now 47, also hinted that his son - who is currently on loan at
Scottish Premier side Partick Thistle - may have to seek first team football
elsewhere if he is unable to break into Allardyce's first team set up in the
near future. "I said to him that if you're not wanted at West Ham it's sad -
because he's grown up with me being there plus it's his club and he loves it
- but you've just got to be strong, move on and just keep doing your best -
and that's what he's doing," added Moncur. "He's gone on loan to Partick
Thistle in Scotland and he's alright up there. He's still learning and I
think he'll be a good player one day but he just needs to get a chance at
the right place now and show people what he can do. "That may be at West
Ham - and it may not."
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Tomkins trial delayed
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins was in court earlier today to face charges of assault - only
to be ordered back at a later today after vital evidence went missing. The
Basildon-born defender was back in his home town today for a brief visit to
the Magistrates Court, where he was due to face charges relating to an
incident that occurred outside Brentwood's Sugar Hut nightspot last
December. The 24-year-old central defender was arrested and subsequently
charged with assaulting a police officer following a disturbance at the
nightclub a matter of hours after a West Ham squad including Tomkins had
fallen to a 3-1 at Manchester United.
Upon arriving at Basildon Magistrates Court this morning Tomkins and his
legal team were informed that the case would not proceed as planned as vital
CCTV evidence had been mislaid since being handed over by the nightspot.
Tomkins' representative, Rupert Bowers - who had previously acted on behalf
of fellow footballers Jermain Defoe, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Harry
Redknapp - immediately called for the case to be dismissed, calling the loss
of vital evidence "negligence and incompetence ... at the very top of the
scale".
However the case was adjourned to a later date by chair of the bench Dawn
Roche. "The bench is really not happy with this. We will take appropriate
steps to voice our concerns with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and
police," stated Ms Roche before dismissing the court. Alec Williams, who
leads the prosecution insisted that the missing evidence had been located
before the case was adjourned but accepted that it was too late for the
trial to proceed.
"The Crown should be ready to start a trial today and that means putting us
in a position to have a fair trial," Mr Bowers, of Doughty Street Chambers
told reporters. "It is not too strong to say that we have been somewhat
fobbed off by the CPS."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star James Tomkins' assault trial held up after CCTV footage is
lost by police and prosecutors
Apr 17, 2014 18:25 By Laura Wileman
The Mirror
Premier League footballer James Tomkins' assault trial has been delayed –
after police and prosecutors lost vital CCTV footage of the alleged
nightclub incident.
The 25-year-old West Ham defender turned up to court but the case could not
go ahead because of the mix-up, which his counsel Rupert Bowers described as
"negligent and incompetent". Tomkins was accused of assaulting a police
constable, being drunk and disorderly in a public place and obstructing a
constable outside The Only Way is Essex's famous Sugar Hut club. He denies
the charges. The tape was seized from the night spot, but prosecutors were
unable to produce it in court as an evidence log showed it had gone missing
since being handed over for forensic examination. Mr Bowers applied for the
case to be dismissed, saying: "There are scales of negligence and
incompetence and this is at the very top of the scale of negligence and
incompetence."
But it was only adjourned to a later date by chair of the bench Dawn Roche,
who expressed her displeasure at the situation. She said: "The bench is
really not happy with this. We will take appropriate steps to voice our
concerns with the Crown Prosecution Service and police." Prosecutor Alec
Williams said the tape had been found following a search that morning but he
accepted it was too late for the case to go ahead at Basildon magistrates'
court in Essex. He added: "Nobody knows what the CCTV shows. It might show
nothing, it might show a pigeon nesting in front of it." Tomkins, of Hutton
Mount, Essex, was due to argue that he was in fact the victim of an assault
at the club in nearby Brentwood on December 21. Mr Bowers said it would be
unjust for the trial to go ahead as the tape could help support Tomkins'
version of events. He added: "The Crown should be ready to start a trial
today and that means putting us in a position to have a fair trial. "It is
not too strong to say that we have been somewhat fobbed off by the CPS."
Tomkins, a former England Under-21 international who appeared for Team GB at
the Olympics last year, had played for West Ham hours before the alleged
incident in their 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We're not safe yet! James Tomkins warns Hammers team-mates over complacency
By: Simon YeendPublished: Fri, April 18, 2014
Express.co.uk
JAMES TOMKINS says the West Ham players are still concerned about relegation
and desperate to get one more win to guarantee safety. The Hammers are on 37
points but have lost their last two games and defender Tomkins believes
nothing is certain at this time of the season. Sam Allardyce's side face
Crystal Palace, who leapfrogged them with their victory at Everton on
Wednesday, at home tomorrow and Tomkins said: "We still feel we need a win
to keep away from getting sucked in, so Palace will be a massive game.
"People are saying that we are safe but we are not getting carried away by
that. You never know what is going to happen at the bottom so we can't be
complacent. We have to be prepared for teams getting maximum points. People
are saying that we are safe but we are not getting carried away by that. You
never know what is going to happen at the bottom so we can't be complacent
"That's why we need that win. It has always been said that the 40-point mark
is where we need to be and we need to get there. "It's a collective thing.
The gaffer is on at us to go right the way to the end. We might even have a
say in the title race or the race or maybe even the race for fourth place.
"We've got to play Tottenham and then Manchester City in the last game of
the season, so you never know. But we just want to get maximum points in
every game we play."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Striker excited by prospect of West Ham return
7:30pm Thursday 17th April 2014 in Sport By Sunni Upal
News Shopper
Marouane Chamakh is looking forward to returning to West Ham when Crystal
Palace visit Upton Park for a London derby this weekend. The Moroccan
striker started in Palace's 3-2 win at Goodison Park on Wednesday, a result
which all but secured Premier League football next season for the Eagles.
Chamakh hailed his team's "perfect" four-game win streak before looking
ahead to West Ham, where he played on loan in 2013. "Four wins, 12 points -
we can't do much better than that," said the Palace striker. "We are so
happy. Everton played very well but we concentrated hard and I think we are
sure to stay up now. "I said before the season I felt we were going to stay
up. "It was a big challenge for us but we did it - It's unbelievable. "We
were at the bottom but I still thought we were going to stay up. "West Ham
will be a good derby. "They had one more day of rest but I think it will be
a good game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal & Liverpool striker target scouted by West Ham
Drmic has scored 16 goals for Nurnberg this season. Drmic has scored 16
goals for Nurnberg this season..
by Paul Bailey
GiveMeSport.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed he scouted Arsenal and
Liverpool target Josip Drmic during Nuremberg's 4-1 defeat against Wolfsburg
last weekend. The Daily Mail reports how the Hammers boss was present at the
Volkswagen Arena to see the Switzerland international in action, but was
left disappointed as the 21-year-old failed to make any impact on the game.
"I was at Nuremburg versus Wolfsburg," Allardyce confirmed. "The sausages
were great! "They got beat quite comfortably so in terms of that player you
wouldn't be able to judge him on that particular game because they got
battered."
Drmic has also attracted admiring glances from Arsene Wenger and Brendan
Rodgers, after an impressive 2013/14 campaign which has seen him net 16
goals for the Bundesliga strugglers. A move to Anfield or the Emirates
Stadium remains a possibility, though, even if West Ham end their interest
in the player after his under-par performance against Wolfsburg on Saturday.
With a reported £5million release-clause written into his current contract,
Liverpool or Arsenal might be willing to take a gamble on the emerging young
talent, as both Premier League clubs look to strengthen their striker
options when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
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WHUFC.com
James Collins blogs on Saturday's visit of Crystal Palace and the form of
Gareth Bale
18.04.2014
Hello everyone,
I'm glad to say I'm fit and back in training and I hope to be involved on
Saturday, but of course it will be up to the manager to pick the squad he
believes gives us the best chance of winning against Crystal Palace. They
have done great recently and got a massive result up at Everton on
Wednesday, so it's going to be a tough game. Tony Pulis has gone in there
and turned them around. They are very solid, very hard to break down and
they're obviously scoring goals at the minute. I played with two of Palace's
likely starters, Joe Ledley and Cameron Jerome, at Cardiff City earlier in
my career, and of course with Joe for Wales as well. They are both good
players. Joe has gone there and done very well since he arrived in January.
He was up at Celtic for years, where he scored goals and did well and I know
they loved him up there. He's come down and done well for Palace as well.
Cameron is a strong lad who can score a goal, like he did on Wednesday
night, so it's going to be a tough game and if we go into it thinking
anything other than that, then that's when we will be in trouble. Palace
play some good stuff and Stoke did as well under Tony Pulis, believe it or
not. People said they lumped it, but they tried to play first and, if it
didn't work, they'd play the direct ball. I think Palace are doing a similar
thing - they try to knock it into midfield and, if it's not on, they'll go
long. Tony has massively turned them around, as he did at Stoke. They are so
well organised and know what they're doing, where to be positioned in
certain situations and they are hard to break down. All credit to Tony,
because he's done a wonderful job.
Sticking with Welshman, I watched the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday night
and my national team-mate Gareth Bale scored an unbelievable winner for Real
Madrid, running from inside his own half, off the pitch at one stage, and
out-stripping the Barcelona centre-back before finishing. The defender had
two choices - one was to put Gareth in the stand and the other was to get
back as quickly as possible - but neither would have worked. He did the same
thing a few weeks ago when I was playing for Wales against Iceland, but he
didn't run quite as far off the pitch as he did on Wednesday night! He is
just so quick and he's taken it to a new level, so defenders just don't know
how to mark him. You can see the difference in him since he joined Real
Madrid six months ago, so what's to say he won't be even better in another
six months after he has been there longer? It's great to see because he's
such a great lad, down to Earth with a lovely family back in Cardiff. He
works hard and it's obviously paying off on the pitch. He keeps himself in
shape and works tremendously hard, he got the move and he's playing well.
Getting back to ourselves and we'll be doing everything possible to get the
win that will take us to 40 points on Saturday.
Enjoy your long weekend off and a happy Easter!
Ginge
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On this day - 18 April
WHUFC.com
The Hammers recorded a fine won over Orient on this day in 1981
18.04.2014
Classic match
Orient 0-2 West Ham United
Division Two
18 April 1981
The Hammers' march to the Division Two title continued unabated as they
completed a league double over fellow east Londoners Orient on this day 32
years ago. West Ham had topped the table ever since November and this
victory over the O's was the third in a run of five straight wins. Jimmy
Neighbour and Geoff Pike - a league ever-present that season - were the
goalscorers as the visitors notched a 25th maximum-point haul of the
campaign. John Lyall's side would go on to claim the title by a huge
13-point margin in the era of two points for a win, having dropped only 18
points all season.
Complete record - 18 April
2009 Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
2007 West Ham United 1-4 Chelsea (Premier League)
1998 West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
1992 Manchester City 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1987 Leicester City 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1981 Orient 0-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1961 Burnley 2-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1960 Manchester United 5-3 West Ham United (Division One)
1959 West Ham United 1-1 Preston North End (Division One)
1956 Nottingham Forest 0-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1953 Sheffield United 3-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1949 Leicester City 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1938 Plymouth Argyle 2-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1936 West Ham United 1-3 Charlton Athletic (Division Two)
1931 Manchester City 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1930 West Ham United 1-0 Sheffield United (Division One)
1927 West Ham United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Division One)
1925 West Ham United 4-1 Everton (Division One)
1923 Notts County 2-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
Played 19, Won 4, Drawn 6, Lost 9, Scored 23, Conceded 33
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers to subsidise Man City tickets
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are offering a 10 pound reduction on away tickets to the
final game of the season
17.04.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the Club will be paying a £10
subsidy on every away ticket for the game at Manchester City to reduce the
cost for away supporters. The Hammers travel to the Etihad Stadium to round
off their Barclays Premier League campaign on Sunday 11 May and the Board
want to thank away supporters for their magnificent backing by paying ten
pounds towards the cost of each away ticket purchased. Throughout this
season, West Ham have provided a host of offers, incentives and actions
exclusively aimed at travelling supporters, including special ticket offers
and subsidies, reduced-price coach travel and enhanced matchday experiences
as part of the Premier League's Away Fans' Fund. A similar price subsidy
was offered for the away fixtures at Chelsea, Stoke City and Sunderland and
now those supporters planning on seeing the final game of the season at
Manchester City can take advantage of a special saving too. The Board,
players and staff are hugely grateful to all those who take the time, effort
and money to follow the Club away from home and will continue to do all that
we can to reward their loyalty wherever possible.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland 1-2 Dev Squad FT
WHUFC.com
Live text commentary of the Development Squad's final league fixture of the
year
17.04.2014
SUNDERLAND v DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
BARCLAYS U21 PREMIER LEAGUE
ACADEMY OF LIGHT
THURSDAY 17 APRIL 2014
KICK-OFF: 12PM
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST I YOUTUBE
Full-time: The second half, match and season are over for the Under-21s as a
last minute own-goal hands them victory against Sunderland. The Hammers
trailed at the break but an improved second half display saw Cullen equalise
before McNamee put through his own net to ensure the visitors head home with
all three points. Get in!
90 GOAL: GOAAAALLLLLLLLL! What an end to the season! Bywater whips a cross
in from the right and there seems to be little West Ham presence, but none
is required as McNamee glances a header past his keeper.
89: The game looks to be heading for a draw. A point suits the Hammers to
secure their top-eleven spot while the Black Cats needed all three.
87: Mavila makes tracks down the left and digs a cross out which floats
towards the back stick. Bywater has to backtrack and is unable to get his
shot on-target as he stretches to reach the ball.
85: Howes does well to gather from a corner as the wind blows the ball
around the penalty area. Safe hands from the young stopper.
83: Cullen does indeed make way as Makasi takes his place.
82: Cullen has worked his socks off and seems to be feeling the effects of
his work. He might be going off, but Ledger is coming off as Robson replaces
him.
80: Fanimo tries his luck again from distance. McNamee tracks him well and
makes a super block.
78: Fanimo is adamant that the referee should have awarded the Hammers a
penalty as his shot appears to strike an arm. Nothing given though as we
head toward the last ten minutes.
76: Bywater wins a free-kick near the right-hand corner flag as Watson
brings him down with a crude slide tackle. Fanimo's delivery is poor and
easily cleared.
74: Cullen is down as Oliver treads on his ankle causing his boot to come
off. The midfielder is far from happy with the referee, as has been the case
for most of the match.
72: The visitors are now in the ascendency as they look to fashion a winner.
It's certainly been a much improved second half performance.
70: Brown is replaced by Bywater as Nick Haycock makes his first change. The
manager tells Fanimo to head up top and Bywater to take his place on the
right.
68: Potts springs forward from defence and makes the keeper work with a well
struck left-foot shot which looked to be creeping inside the post.
66: Mavila is the first Hammer into the book after bringing down Laidler on
the left-hand side. From the set-piece, Cartwright tries his luck with a
first time shot but sends it high and wide of the goal.
65: Sunderland make their first change. Robson jogs on to replace Gorrin.
62: Lletget breaks over the half-way line and feeds Fanimo on the right. The
winger drives at his marker before seeing a deflected shot head straight to
the keeper.
60: Howes makes a great save to deny Mandron a second. Gorrin finds the
striker with a lovely through ball and he takes a touch before firing low at
goal. Howes stands up before saving well with his feet.
58: Sunderland go back on the attack but miss the target as Oliver sends a
header over from a free-kick.
56 GOAL: The Hammers have pulled themselves level! Cullen taps home after a
lovely flowing move which ended with Fanimo providing the perfect cross for
Cullen. Get in!
52: A loose pass by the Mackems goes unpunished as Brown opts to play it
first time to Sadlier but can only knock the ball out of play.
50: Sunderland have settled straight back into their passing rhythm ftom the
first half as they continue to probe for a way through the Hammers
back-line.
48: Mavila has a chance to cross from the left after recieving the ball back
from a throw-in. His cross however leaves a bit to be desired as it flies
over Dixon's goal.
46: The second half has begun with the Hammers trailing by a goal to nil.
The last 45 minutes of their season start now.
Half-time: The referee brings the first half to an end. The man in black is
not the most popular with the Hammers players after awarding a questionable
penalty as Potts appeared to take the ball from Mandron in the box. The ref
saw it differently and the forward picked himself up to send Howes the wrong
way. West Ham made a bright start, working several good openings but their
best chance came a minute before the break when Lletget shot wide.
44: Close! The Hammers click into gear as Lletget fires just wide from
inside the area after being picjed out by Cullen.
42: Lletget sprays a lovely pass wide to Fanimo. The winger cuts inside and
crosses left-footed but there's no Claret and Blue shirt at the back post
and the ball rolls out.
40: The wind causes havoc for Dixon as he rushes out to collect Whitehead's
through ball but mis-judges it and is extremely lucky that the ball falls to
a nearby defender.
38: Cullen looks up, spots Brown and floats a cross toward the striker. The
big man's had little service and it continues as the cross flies over his
head and into the keepers arms.
36: Sadlier looks to run in-behind the Sunderland defence but he goes a
fraction too early and the linesman on the far side raises his flag.
34: After a slow start the home side are now in full control of proceedings.
Exemplified superbly as they play their way out from the back under immense
pressure from the Hammers.
32: The away side are up in arms again as McNamee loses the ball and
crunches Cullen on the half-way line. The yellow card is out again and
rightly so.
30: The Mackems apply some pressure with consecutive corners, but are also
struggling with the wind. After the second one Gorrin sends a cross flying
over the bar.
28: The Hammers are struggling to get anything going just now and the
referee is bearing the brunt of their frustrations.
26: Cullen was hurt by that challenge from Mandron and limps away to the
sideline. He looks like he'll be ok to continue however.
24: The ball breaks loose in midfield and Oliver strikes first time. His
side-foot effort forces Howes to parry the ball wide for a corner. From the
corner, a free-kick is awarded as Mandron commits another foul. He's surely
on a final warning now.
22: The Hammers look to attack down the right with Fanimo attempting to
break into the box. The winger beats two defenders smartly but the third
nicks the ball away and the move breaks down.
20: Howes comes to the rescue to deny Mandron a second goal. The forward
runs unchallenged toward goal and looks to find the bottom corner but Howes
is there to make the save. The striker then picks up a booking for a late
tackle on Driver.
18: Sunderland have grown in confidence since going ahead and are keeping
the ball nicely with Oliver spraying the ball around.
16: It didn't look a penalty to me as Potts appeared to play the ball. The
Hammers will have to use their sense of injustice to inspire a comeback now.
13 Goal: This time Sunderland do have a penalty as Potts appears to clip the
ball before bringing down Mandron. The Hammers are rightly furious as
Mandron picks himself up to send Howes the wrong way.
11: Controversy here as the linesman seems to have flagged for a penalty
before the referee steps in to award a free-kick on the edge of the area
following an alledged hand ball by Mavila.
9: Gus Poyet is in attendance to watch his young charges, fresh from leading
the first team to a 2-2 draw against Manchester City last night.
6: Whitehead is desperately looking for a pass as he travels towards the
penalty are. Nothing opens up for the midfielder and he opts to shoot,
sending a low effort well wide.
4: Cullen dribbles towards the edge of the box before sliding a through ball
for Brown to run onto. The striker takes aim and fires but his shot is
deflected away for a throw-in.
3: The wind is already a factor as the Hammers, who are playing into the
wind, launch several balls forward, all of which come floating back.
1 min: The final U21 game of the season is under-way. Three points to end
the season please!
11:56am: The ref has blown his whistle to call the captains to the centre
circle and we're nearly ready to get under-way here.
11:50am: There's no going back into the changing rooms here. The pitch is a
fair distance from the changing rooms so as soon as the teams are ready to
go
we'll get straight into it here in Sunderland.
11:35am: After much scouting around I've found the Sunderland team for
today's fixture. They line-up as follows:
Sunderland: Dixon, Cartwright, Watson, Gorrin, Beadling, McNamee, Greenwood,
Oliver, Mandron, Laidler, T Robson
Substitutes: E Robson, Talbot, Ledger, Blinco, Sukar
11:30am: Dan Potts leads the Hammers out of their dressing room and off to
make the short walk to the pitch they'll be playing on this afternoon.
Sunderland follow close behind to begin their pre-match routine.
11:15am: The keepers are out and going through their pre-match routines.
West Ham stoppers Sam Howes and Vit Nemrava will be put through their paces
by Lee Harrison.
11am: The Under-21s have been for a look around the fantastic facilities
here at the Academy of Light and having assessed the pitch are back in the
changing rooms ahead of their final league game of the season.
The Development Squad end their Barclays Under-21 Premier League season
against Sunderland this afternoon having journeyed to the Academy of Light.
The Hammers are ninth in the table heading into the season finale against
Sunderland who need a win to keep their hopes of a top-four finish and a
place in the season ending Play-Offs alive. Nick Haycock's side will be
looking to end their year on a high having lost their last two matches to
Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers.
West Ham United: Sam Howes, Callum Driver, Nathan Mavila, Sebastian Lletget,
Dan Potts, Jamie Harney, Matthias Fanimo, Danny Whitehead, Jordan Brown,
Josh Cullen, Kieran Sadlier
Substitutes: Reece Burke, Vit Nemrava, Moses Makasi, Kieran Bywater
Sunderland: Dixon, Cartwright, Watson, Gorrin, Beadling, McNamee, Greenwood,
Oliver, Mandron, Laidler, T Robson
Substitutes: E Robson, Talbot, Ledger, Blinco, Sukar
After playing in those defeats there is no Joe Cole for the away side this
afternoon, meaning Sebastian Lletget will make his return to the starting
XI. Jordan Brown will again lead the line, where he will be ably supported
by Kieran Sadlier and Matthias Fanimo on the wings. Callum Driver makes his
return at right-back with Nathan Mavila starting in the left-back berth.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Phillips happy with winning return
WHUFC.com
U18s assistant manager Mark Phillips was happy with the performance in
victory over West Brom
17.04.2014
West Ham Under-18s assistant manager Mark Phillips was pleased with the
Hammers' Academy after they returned to winning ways by beating West
Bromwich Albion 2-1 at Little Heath on Wednesday afternoon. The result ended
a run of four defeats for the Hammers as returning midfielder Ben Marlow and
Portuguese striker Marcio Martins both scored second half goals to keep the
race for the Barclays U18 Premier League play-offs alive. With the Hammers
dominating throughout the 90 minutes, Phillips was delighted that the
Hammers had managed to finally combine an impressive performance with the
deserved result that they achieved. "In amongst the four games we lost, I
thought that there were games where we deserved to win, so it's nice to
finally turn that around and get a victory," said Phillips. "I think we
thoroughly deserved it, although there were moments throughout the game
where I thought we wouldn't get there. "I thought that we played very well,
compared to games where we haven't played that well and won. I'm not too
sure whether it was through West Brom failings in a way but I thought we
moved the ball very well and created a lot of opportunities, but
unfortunately we didn't take more of them. Phillips, along with U18 manager
Steve Potts, were again forced into playing a youthful squad at the U18
level, although the assistant manager believes that everyone performed very
well. "I thought that the midfield were brilliant," continued Phillips.
"Even when we lost possession in the middle, everyone worked hard to win in
back quickly. The defence were tight and the attack had so many chances in
the final third, but struggled with the important part of putting the ball
in the back of the net, which we will have to work on. "Last week, we went
to Manchester City and we were predominantly a first year U18 team. We even
had 15-year-olds on the bench like we did against West Brom. We started this
game with three U16s on the pitch, but it can only help them develop as
players because they are learning. Next year when they are first year
scholars, they would have already had a taste of U18 football so they will
know what to expect."
With regular U18 midfielders Moses Makasi and captain Kieran Bywater away in
Sunderland with the Development Squad, it was down to Amos Nasha to wear the
armband, being joined in the midfield by U16 attacking midfielder Grady
Diangana and Marlow, who played his first game back after three months on
the injury list. "I thought Grady [Diangana] had an outstanding game. That
is the role he prefers to play because we have been trying to play him in a
holding role, but we put him as then point of a midfield three and that's
what suits him the best. When he is enjoying his football, you can see the
outcome as he creates a lot of opportunities for us."
"We've missed Ben Marlow this season, but having Amos [Nasha] and Moses
[Makasi] in the middle this season, who are like minded players, have done a
great job to fill in the middle. Ben's been out for a good few months now
but I think he has come back really well and it's a little bonus for him
getting a goal."
With just two league fixtures ahead of the Hammers Academy before the
play-off stage begins, Phillips knows that they can't alter other teams
results, so they will focus on trying to achieve the full six points from
their games. "It's out of our hands now how Fulham get on because I don't
think we will get above Tottenham but we have got Bolton next and then
Arsenal, both games at home, and I think that if we concentrate on winning
both of our games, I think we will make the play-offs."
Speaking to whufc.com after returning from a three month foot injury,
midfielder Marlow also believed that the Hammers got the result that they
deserved.
"It was fantastic," added Marlow. "It feels good to win 2-1 after four
defeats on the bounce. We went to Manchester City and got whacked 3-0
because of our poor performance, but to react like we did is really good.
"The manager said to us that he wanted to see a big reaction from us and I
feel like we did that. We won 2-1, but it was a comfortable win and I think
we deserved more goals. The day was even more special for Marlow as he
capped a full 90 minutes of league action with a rare but important goal.
"It's been frustrating that I've not played for three months so it's nice to
finally be back," he continued. "I had a problem with my metatarsal in my
foot and it's one of those niggling injuries, but I'm back now and looking
forward to hopefully winning the last two games and staying injury free. "I
don't score many goals but at half time, the manager said that he wanted to
see more action in the box so I thought that I've got to get myself in there
more. It was a great cut back by Jerry [Amoo] and I had to make sure I got
it on target and it went in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble takes Arsenal positives
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble feels the Hammers can take heart from their first half display
against Arsenal on Tuesday
17.04.2014
Mark Noble feels West Ham United can take heart from their first half
performance in the 3-1 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday
evening.
Things were looking good for the Hammers after Matt Jarvis nodded them in
front in north London with 40 minutes on the clock as the visitors proved to
be tough opposition for their top four chasing opponents. Just four minutes
later however, Lukas Podolski dragged the Gunners back level before Olivier
Giroud and the German international's second goal of the game condemned the
away side to defeat in a disappointing second half. Noble felt the Hammers
gave Arsenal a run for their money on the night, but ultimately came up
short. "To be honest, In spells, I thought we played well on the night," he
explained. "We passed it about well. Whenever you lose it's not enjoyable,
but as much as you can come here and enjoy it I did, but there's still no
points on the board. "We played really well against Liverpool and didn't get
anything and we can't keep playing well against the big teams and not
getting anything."
The major talking point during the match came with the scores level at 0-0,
when Jarvis nicked the ball away from Bacary Sagna in the penalty area and
chose to stay on his feet as the full-back clearly clipped him. The winger
could have easily chosen to go down and play for the penalty, but Noble
feels it's not in Jarvis' nature to be dishonest. "They say about honesty in
the game, but I'm pretty sure that if Jarvo had gone down we would have got
a penalty. Jarvo's probably the most honest man you'll meet in your life."
The Gunners showed little sign of fatigue following their FA Cup with
Budweiser exerts just three days earlier, when they required extra-time and
penalties to beat Wigan Athletic. Noble praised the way Arsene Wenger's side
kept the ball on Tuesday night and didn't feel that Arsenal had suffered
from their semi-final tie. "When you've got the ball you've always got
energy no matter what team you're playing in and it's not about fatigue.
When you keep the ball as well as they do it's enjoyable and you don't get
tired. "They had a lot of the ball, as they did in the semi-final on
Saturday. They probably came out here as fresh as anybody, but I thought in
the first half we looked like the better team and then it obviously got away
from us."
Sam Allardyce's side now switch their focus to Saturday afternoon, when
Crystal Palace visit the Boleyn Ground, and Noble is focused on attaining
nothing less than three points. "We're playing at home against Crystal
Palace and they're a team that we want to get three points off. "Our home
form has been good, obviously we were unfortunate to lose against Liverpool.
We need to rest up, recover and get points against Palace."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Martin Allen joins KUMB Awards Live!
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Knees up Mother Brown are delighted to announce that Martin Allen will be
joining us at this year's KUMB Reader's Awards Live! Allen (aka 'Mad Dog'),
West Ham's midfield enforcer from 1989 to 1995 and the current Head Coach of
Barnet FC completes a star-studded line-up for our inaugural Awards Live!
event, which takes place on Tuesday, 13th May at the East Ham Working Men's
Club (three minutes walk from the Boleyn Ground). Allen joins
previously-announced guests Frank McAvennie and Jeremy Nicholas who will be
accompanied by our hosts for the evening, Chris Scull and James Longman from
the KUMB Podcast. Tickets for the event are priced at just £10 each and are
on sale now - click here to buy yours! The annual KUMB Awards began way back
in the mists of time - well, 1997 - when our readers named John Hartson as
their very first KUMB Player of the Year.
This year there will be 12 categories for you to cast your votes in,
including Goal of the Season, Most Memorable Match, Best Signing, Most
Improved Player and the always popular Hackett of the Year - a category in
which Orient supremo Barry Hearn will be going for a record-breaking third
consecutive win this year! The polls for this year's readers awards open on
KUMB.com in less than a fortnight from now, with all of the winners to be
revealed live at the aforementioned event. Keep an eye out for details of
that and if you can make May 13th, all of us at KUMB would be delighted to
see you!
Last Year's KUMB Awards Winners
KUMB.com PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Winston Reid
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Danny Potts
GOAL OF THE SEASON: Mo Diame vs Man Utd (h)
MOST MEMORABLE MATCH: West Ham Utd 3-1 Chelsea
BEST SIGNING: Andy Carroll
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Winston Reid
MOST MISSED: Wally Downes
WORST PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Emanuel Pogatetz
WORST SIGNING OF THE SEASON: Emanuel Pogatetz
GREATEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Our form away from home
HACKETT OF THE YEAR: Barry Hearn
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Moncs: kids were thrown to the lions
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers midfielder John Moncur has spoken of his disappointed at Sam
Allardyce's decision to throw West Ham's youngsters - including his son
George - in at the deep end en masse back in January. Moncur Jnr was just
one of several development squad players who were brought into the first
team at short notice to answer West Ham's chronic injury situation at the
time - only to end up being thrashed 5-0 by Championship club Nottingham
Forest in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. And Moncur Snr, who spent nine years
at West Ham between 1994 and 2003 admitted that he was annoyed at the way
his son and team mates - youngsters such as Callum Driver, Seb Lletget and
Danny Whitehead - were essentially used as scapegoats. "It's been a terrible
year for him [George] after what happened at Nottingham Forest," Moncur,
speaking on the latest episode of the KUMB Podcast, said. "I think it was
unfair. "I'm not bitter, but what happened there to the kids was ridiculous.
It's not what you do to young boys. If you like a player and have high hopes
for him you blood them into good teams, like all good clubs and managers do.
"Basically, that was just throwing them to the lions. So he's had to put up
with that and all the stick they got."
Moncur, now 47, also hinted that his son - who is currently on loan at
Scottish Premier side Partick Thistle - may have to seek first team football
elsewhere if he is unable to break into Allardyce's first team set up in the
near future. "I said to him that if you're not wanted at West Ham it's sad -
because he's grown up with me being there plus it's his club and he loves it
- but you've just got to be strong, move on and just keep doing your best -
and that's what he's doing," added Moncur. "He's gone on loan to Partick
Thistle in Scotland and he's alright up there. He's still learning and I
think he'll be a good player one day but he just needs to get a chance at
the right place now and show people what he can do. "That may be at West
Ham - and it may not."
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Tomkins trial delayed
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins was in court earlier today to face charges of assault - only
to be ordered back at a later today after vital evidence went missing. The
Basildon-born defender was back in his home town today for a brief visit to
the Magistrates Court, where he was due to face charges relating to an
incident that occurred outside Brentwood's Sugar Hut nightspot last
December. The 24-year-old central defender was arrested and subsequently
charged with assaulting a police officer following a disturbance at the
nightclub a matter of hours after a West Ham squad including Tomkins had
fallen to a 3-1 at Manchester United.
Upon arriving at Basildon Magistrates Court this morning Tomkins and his
legal team were informed that the case would not proceed as planned as vital
CCTV evidence had been mislaid since being handed over by the nightspot.
Tomkins' representative, Rupert Bowers - who had previously acted on behalf
of fellow footballers Jermain Defoe, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Harry
Redknapp - immediately called for the case to be dismissed, calling the loss
of vital evidence "negligence and incompetence ... at the very top of the
scale".
However the case was adjourned to a later date by chair of the bench Dawn
Roche. "The bench is really not happy with this. We will take appropriate
steps to voice our concerns with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and
police," stated Ms Roche before dismissing the court. Alec Williams, who
leads the prosecution insisted that the missing evidence had been located
before the case was adjourned but accepted that it was too late for the
trial to proceed.
"The Crown should be ready to start a trial today and that means putting us
in a position to have a fair trial," Mr Bowers, of Doughty Street Chambers
told reporters. "It is not too strong to say that we have been somewhat
fobbed off by the CPS."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star James Tomkins' assault trial held up after CCTV footage is
lost by police and prosecutors
Apr 17, 2014 18:25 By Laura Wileman
The Mirror
Premier League footballer James Tomkins' assault trial has been delayed –
after police and prosecutors lost vital CCTV footage of the alleged
nightclub incident.
The 25-year-old West Ham defender turned up to court but the case could not
go ahead because of the mix-up, which his counsel Rupert Bowers described as
"negligent and incompetent". Tomkins was accused of assaulting a police
constable, being drunk and disorderly in a public place and obstructing a
constable outside The Only Way is Essex's famous Sugar Hut club. He denies
the charges. The tape was seized from the night spot, but prosecutors were
unable to produce it in court as an evidence log showed it had gone missing
since being handed over for forensic examination. Mr Bowers applied for the
case to be dismissed, saying: "There are scales of negligence and
incompetence and this is at the very top of the scale of negligence and
incompetence."
But it was only adjourned to a later date by chair of the bench Dawn Roche,
who expressed her displeasure at the situation. She said: "The bench is
really not happy with this. We will take appropriate steps to voice our
concerns with the Crown Prosecution Service and police." Prosecutor Alec
Williams said the tape had been found following a search that morning but he
accepted it was too late for the case to go ahead at Basildon magistrates'
court in Essex. He added: "Nobody knows what the CCTV shows. It might show
nothing, it might show a pigeon nesting in front of it." Tomkins, of Hutton
Mount, Essex, was due to argue that he was in fact the victim of an assault
at the club in nearby Brentwood on December 21. Mr Bowers said it would be
unjust for the trial to go ahead as the tape could help support Tomkins'
version of events. He added: "The Crown should be ready to start a trial
today and that means putting us in a position to have a fair trial. "It is
not too strong to say that we have been somewhat fobbed off by the CPS."
Tomkins, a former England Under-21 international who appeared for Team GB at
the Olympics last year, had played for West Ham hours before the alleged
incident in their 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We're not safe yet! James Tomkins warns Hammers team-mates over complacency
By: Simon YeendPublished: Fri, April 18, 2014
Express.co.uk
JAMES TOMKINS says the West Ham players are still concerned about relegation
and desperate to get one more win to guarantee safety. The Hammers are on 37
points but have lost their last two games and defender Tomkins believes
nothing is certain at this time of the season. Sam Allardyce's side face
Crystal Palace, who leapfrogged them with their victory at Everton on
Wednesday, at home tomorrow and Tomkins said: "We still feel we need a win
to keep away from getting sucked in, so Palace will be a massive game.
"People are saying that we are safe but we are not getting carried away by
that. You never know what is going to happen at the bottom so we can't be
complacent. We have to be prepared for teams getting maximum points. People
are saying that we are safe but we are not getting carried away by that. You
never know what is going to happen at the bottom so we can't be complacent
"That's why we need that win. It has always been said that the 40-point mark
is where we need to be and we need to get there. "It's a collective thing.
The gaffer is on at us to go right the way to the end. We might even have a
say in the title race or the race or maybe even the race for fourth place.
"We've got to play Tottenham and then Manchester City in the last game of
the season, so you never know. But we just want to get maximum points in
every game we play."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Striker excited by prospect of West Ham return
7:30pm Thursday 17th April 2014 in Sport By Sunni Upal
News Shopper
Marouane Chamakh is looking forward to returning to West Ham when Crystal
Palace visit Upton Park for a London derby this weekend. The Moroccan
striker started in Palace's 3-2 win at Goodison Park on Wednesday, a result
which all but secured Premier League football next season for the Eagles.
Chamakh hailed his team's "perfect" four-game win streak before looking
ahead to West Ham, where he played on loan in 2013. "Four wins, 12 points -
we can't do much better than that," said the Palace striker. "We are so
happy. Everton played very well but we concentrated hard and I think we are
sure to stay up now. "I said before the season I felt we were going to stay
up. "It was a big challenge for us but we did it - It's unbelievable. "We
were at the bottom but I still thought we were going to stay up. "West Ham
will be a good derby. "They had one more day of rest but I think it will be
a good game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal & Liverpool striker target scouted by West Ham
Drmic has scored 16 goals for Nurnberg this season. Drmic has scored 16
goals for Nurnberg this season..
by Paul Bailey
GiveMeSport.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed he scouted Arsenal and
Liverpool target Josip Drmic during Nuremberg's 4-1 defeat against Wolfsburg
last weekend. The Daily Mail reports how the Hammers boss was present at the
Volkswagen Arena to see the Switzerland international in action, but was
left disappointed as the 21-year-old failed to make any impact on the game.
"I was at Nuremburg versus Wolfsburg," Allardyce confirmed. "The sausages
were great! "They got beat quite comfortably so in terms of that player you
wouldn't be able to judge him on that particular game because they got
battered."
Drmic has also attracted admiring glances from Arsene Wenger and Brendan
Rodgers, after an impressive 2013/14 campaign which has seen him net 16
goals for the Bundesliga strugglers. A move to Anfield or the Emirates
Stadium remains a possibility, though, even if West Ham end their interest
in the player after his under-par performance against Wolfsburg on Saturday.
With a reported £5million release-clause written into his current contract,
Liverpool or Arsenal might be willing to take a gamble on the emerging young
talent, as both Premier League clubs look to strengthen their striker
options when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
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Thursday, April 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th April 2014
On this day - 17 April
WHUFC.com
Ian Wright made an instant impact on his return from injury to guide the
Hammers to victory 15 years ago
17.04.2014
Classic match
West Ham United 5-1 Derby County
Premier League
17 April 1999
Derby County had no answer to the Hammers' goalscoring power on this day in
1999, conceding five of the six goals scored in front of a 25,485 Boleyn
Ground crowd. Ian Wright notched his first goal following a three-month
injury absence, and his eighth in total since arriving in east London from
Arsenal the previous summer. He entered the fray as an early substitute and
notched West Ham's third goal, following first half strikes from Paolo Di
Canio and Eyal Berkovic.
Harry Redknapp's side did not let up after Wright's contribution, scoring
twice more through Neil Ruddock on 64 minutes and Trevor Sinclair four
minutes later.
Derby notched a late consolation from Paulo Wanchope, who would go on to
become a Hammers player a couple of months later, but they were well beaten.
West Ham's emphatic victory maintained their sixth position in the Premier
League, and a brace of wins from their final four fixtures earned them a
fifth-place finish.
Complete record - 17 April
2013 West Ham United 2-2 Manchester United (Premier League)
2012 Bristol City 1-1 West Ham United (Championship)
2006 Middlesbrough 2-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
2004 West Ham United 2-0 Coventry City (Division One)
1999 West Ham United 5-1 Derby County (Premier League)
1996 Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
1995 Ipswich Town 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
1993 West Ham United 4-0 Brentford (Division One)
1991 Ipswich Town 0-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1990 West Ham United 2-0 Ipswich Town (Division Two)
1984 West Ham United 3-1 Luton Town (Division One)
1982 Coventry City 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1976 West Ham United 2-2 Aston Villa (Division One)
1971 West Ham United 1-0 Stoke City (Division One)
1965 Leicester City 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1964 West Ham United 5-0 Birmingham City (Division One)
1954 West Ham United 0-1 Oldham Athletic (Division Two)
1948 Leicester City 1-3 West Ham United (Division Two)
1937 Aston Villa 0-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1933 West Ham United 3-1 Chesterfield (Division Two)
1926 West Ham United 1-0 Everton (Division One)
1922 Clapton Orient 0-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1920 Hull City 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
Played 23, Won 14, Drawn 7, Lost 4, Scored 40, Conceded 17
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
1964 heroes to be honoured
WHUFC.com
Join our 1964 FA Cup winners by booking your place at our star-studded
Player Awards night now!
16.04.2014
Share a table with Hammers legends at the star-studded 2013/14 West Ham
United Player Awards in aid of the Academy at the Grosvenor House Hotel on
Park Lane on Tuesday 6 May 2014. Legendary 1964 FA Cup winners Eddie
Bovington, Peter Brabrook and Jack Burkett will be our guests for the event,
which will see the Hammer of the Year be crowned at the climax of an
eagerly-anticipated evening of entertainment. Hammers great Sir Trevor
Brooking - himself a two-time FA Cup winner in 1975 and 1980 - will also
become the Club's second Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Ten awards
will be presented to the Club's brightest current and upcoming stars in
total at the event, which is to be attended by the first-team squad and
coaching staff. You and six guests can share a table with our 1964 FA Cup
winners - the first players to land a major trophy in the Club's history -
for £3,000+VAT. The package also includes a VIP reception and luxury
three-course meal with petits fours. With 800 guests in attendance, the
event presents the perfect opportunity to entertain in style and showcase
your company. In addition to a silent auction, there will also be a live
auction in aid of The Academy, with a host of once-in-a-lifetime lots up for
grabs. To book your place or for more information contact our friendly team
on 0871 091 1811 (calls 10p/min plus network extras) or email
corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk *FA Cup heroes Eddie Bovington and Peter
Brabrook, along with the man who scored the winner against Preston North End
50 years ago, Ronnie Boyce and defender Ken Brown, will also be in
attendance at Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Crystal Palace.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sadlier keen to end on a high
WHUFC.com
Kieran Sadlier is aiming for three points from the final Development Squad
game of the season
16.04.2014
Sunderland is the last stop on the Development Squad's travels, as the
curtain comes down on their Barclays Under-21 Premier League season at the
Academy of Light on Thursday afternoon. Nick Haycock's team head to Wearside
occupying ninth position in the table going into their season finale, but
they still have plenty to play for against the Mackems. The young Hammers
know that a point against the Black Cats will be enough to secure the top
eleven finish that would place them in the top tier of U21 football next
season, but midfielder Kieran Sadlier is adamant that his side will be
chasing all three. He told West Ham TV: "We know that we want to be in top
league next year and we know that we have to win to give ourselves the best
chance of doing that. "Maybe a few results might go our way beforehand, but
we're going up there to win and I think we've got a very good chance of
doing that."
Sunderland have plenty to play for themselves on Wednesday afternoon, as
Kevin Ball's side still harbour hopes of qualifying for the end of season
Play-Offs via a top-four finish. The Black Cats are in seventh place and
require nothing less than three points against the Hammers, and Sadlier is
looking forward to a competitive game between the sides. "They're going to
be very strong. I remember playing against Sunderland a few times and
they've always got a good team. "They've got quite an experienced squad as
well, I'm not sure if they've got players on loan or not, but they're going
to be going all out for the win because they want to get into the Play-Offs.
"We'll be the same, we'll try and match them and we don't go there as
underdogs. We're going there to win."
The Hammers will be trying to avoid a third consecutive defeat when they
take to the pitch at the Academy of Light having lost to Bolton Wanderers
and Blackburn Rovers in their last two outings. Defeat against Blackburn
last time out was a narrow one, with the winning goal coming from a
free-kick which Sadlier maintains should not have been given. "Looking back
at it, we just watched the video and I think in the first half we played it
around and did ok, but I think we all know that we didn't perform to our
best. "We could have done a lot of things better. They wanted it a bit more
than us, but I think we still could have got a result. We had a few chances
and their goal came from a free-kick which wasn't a free-kick, but we have
to live with that now."
The winger will be hoping to add to his tally of three league goals for the
season when the Hammers play out their final game of the campaign, and
Sadlier is confident that both he and his teammates are ready for the task
ahead. "We have to get on the ball, play our stuff and do what we do
normally. We have to play it around and be effective in good areas. "I look
forward to every game. We're going to go up there confident and believing in
our own abilities. I remember going up there last time, it's a big pitch
which you can play it around on. It will be good, I'm looking forward to
it."
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U18s return to winning ways
WHUFC.com
West Ham United kept returned to Barclays U18 Premier League winning ways
with victory over West Brom
16.04.2014
West Ham United ended a run of four straight Barclays U18 Premier League
defeats by coming from behind to beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at Little
Heath on Wednesday. Despite this fixture being heavily one-sided in the
Hammers favour throughout, West Brom took the lead after just ten minutes
when Philip Gannon's free-kick went straight through the wall and into the
corner of Tim Brown's goal. However, West Ham recovered and dominated
throughout, grabbing an equaliser through the returning Ben Marlow on 51
minutes, before Marcio Martins buried the winner just after the hour mark.
Victory took West Ham back within three points of leaders Tottenham Hotspur
at the top of Barclays U18 Premier League South, although Spurs have two
games in hand and a superior goal difference. U18s assistant manager Mark
Phillips felt the Hammers deserved to take all three points against West
Brom. "I think we deserved to win, whereas we've played games this season
that we've won when we haven't deserved it," said Phillips. "There were
stages when I thought we weren't going to get the result, but we created a
lot of chances and kept going. "I thought that the midfield were brilliant.
Even when we lost possession in the middle, everyone worked hard to win in
back quickly. The defence were tight and the attack had so many chances in
the final third, but struggled with the important part of putting the ball
in the back of the net, which we will have to work on."
U18s manager Steve Potts again made do without a number of Academy players
who are part of the Development Squad team travelling up to Sunderland for
Thursday's Barclays U21 Premier League fixture. With skipper and leading
scorer Kieran Bywater among those promoted, central midfielder Amos Nasha
captained the team, where he was joined by Marlow, who returned to action
after being out injured for three months. The match actually started on a
positive note for the Hammers, with an attacking move that ended with the
Baggies' Shaun Donnellan head against his own crossbar. West Brom fought
back strongly, though, and went ahead after ten minutes when Gannon's
free-kick found a hole in the West Ham wall and flew past the grasp of Brown
and into the net.
After that, West Ham learnt from their mistakes and worked hard to find an
equaliser, although Marlow, Martins and Djair Parfitt-Williams all rushed
good chances to level the scores. Just before the half-time break, the
Hammers had a glorious chance handed to them on a plate, but defender Manny
Onariase mistimed his free header from six yards out.
As the Hammers came out for the second half, it was clear that some
half-time words of encouragement from Potts had given them some belief after
a disappointing run of four straight defeats and falling behind early to
West Brom. West Ham continued to push and dominate and were rewarded for
their persistence when Marlow received the ball in the penalty box before
finishing coolly into the net. The hosts were not going to settle for the
draw and immediately set about turning the game on its head by grabbing a
second. Left-back Kyle Knoyle's long run and shot was cleared by goalkeeper
Alex Palmer, before the post came to West Brom's aid to keep out
Parfitt-Williams' left wing free-kick. After 66 minutes, West Brom were
unable to withstand the pressure any longer as Martins received the ball and
finished well into the corner to put West Ham ahead. With the Hammers now
ahead, the hosts decided to continue their positive attacking play and tried
to net a third goal, although on three occasions Portuguese striker Martins
failed to beat Palmer. The win keeps the Hammers within touching distance of
the Play-Offs, with the top two teams in the North and South divisions
qualifying, although they will have to hope that third-place Fulham slip up
if they are to make it into the semi-finals.
U18s: Brown, Pike, Knoyle, Onariase, Pask (Borg), Amoo, Marlow, Nasha,
Diangana (Bailey), Martins, Parfitt-Williams
Subs not used: Guzman, Sheriff
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jarvis: I should have cheated
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Matt Jarvis admits that he may have to resort to cheating in future after
his honesty cost him the chance of winning a penalty at the Emirates last
night. Jarvis was clearly fouled during the first half inside the penalty
area but opted to stay on his feet instead of going to ground - and was
rewarded for his honesty by referee Kevin Friend waving play on instead of
penalising Arsenal's Bacary Sagna for the obvious infringement. As a result,
the West Ham winger belives that he may have to adopt some of the less
savoury tactics that have blighted the domestic game in recent years - as
many other teams, notably the likes of Liverpool who had been awarded 12
penalties already this season - already have to their considerable
advantage. "We had quite a few chances even before we scored and the manager
was disappointed as I could have had a penalty too," he told whufc.com. "I
don't know if it was a foul. I don't know if I had gone down whether it
would have been a penalty or if I had whether I'd have been booked. Maybe I
should learn from that and be a bit more clever."
Jarvis was however rewarded with his fourth goal of the campaign - a header
from close range which gave West Ham the lead in last night's game. "I was
delighted to get on the end of it and score a headed goal, which is always
nice," he added. "To score at the Emirates and put us 1-0 up and get in a
great position after a positive first half was good. I think we played
really well in the first half and got in their faces and made them make
mistakes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PFA deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes says referees need to reassess
penalty decisions
Last Updated: 16/04/14 4:47pm
SSN
Professional Footballers' Association deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes
says referees need to be prepared to give penalties even if a fouled player
stays on his feet. West Ham winger Matt Jarvis inadvertently sparked a
debate after he battled to stay on his feet despite being clipped by
Arsenal's Bacary Sagna in the box in his side's 3-1 defeat at the Emirates
Stadium on Tuesday. "It's ironic because of all the furore there's been in
recent weeks about simulation and players not staying on their feet," Barnes
told Sky Sports News. "Matt is a genuine and very honest lad. I've spoken to
him and he's surprised by the storm there's been. It's a bit unfair because
he's attempted to do the right thing and leave the ref to make the decision.
"And had he gone down and not got a penalty he might have ended up getting a
yellow card so it really was the case that he couldn't win."
Jarvis has himself hinted that he may change his approach, saying he may
have to be "a bit more clever" in the future. "The difficulty is that Matt
is in the situation where the next time he's touched in the box he'll have
to very seriously think about going down," admitted Barnes. "In an ideal
world you wait for the officials to make that decision but on this occasion,
Matt has been punished for doing that. "What you'd like to see is that the
officials look at the decision and see that he has been impeded and, whether
he's gone down or not, it's still a foul. "If we're not careful we'll get to
a situation where players think they can't rely on the officials and feel
like they have to embellish things slightly - and then we get back to the
whole world of simulation. "I thought there was clear contact and whether he
went down or not there should have been a penalty. I'm not going to
criticise the refs because, what they're probably now so conditioned to
expect is that, if a player is touched, the likelihood is he will go down.
"The message is that we want to stamp out simulation and players going down
too easily but Matt has been punished for that. We're having to put more
faith in the fact that referees will actually look at incidents more closely
and make the right decision."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Matt Jarvis thinks he may need to be more clever after Arsenal
penalty incident
Last Updated: 16/04/14 1:46pm
SSN
West Ham winger Matt Jarvis says he may have to be "a bit more clever" in
the future after staying on his feet despite a mistimed challenge from
Arsenal's Bacary Sagna. Jarvis nipped the ball past Sagna inside the penalty
box and appeared to be clipped by the full-back's challenge. But the former
Wolves player chased the loose ball rather than hit the deck, prompting a
debate over whether players should always extract the maximum advantage for
their side by going down when fouled in the area. "The manager was
disappointed as I could have had a penalty too," Jarvis, who scored his
side's goal in a 3-1 defeat, told the Hammers' official website. "I don't
know if it was a foul. I don't know if I had gone down whether it would have
been a penalty or whether I'd have been booked. Maybe I should learn from
that and be a bit more clever."
Referee Kevin Friend decided against giving a penalty after the incident,
which happened when the game was still locked at 0-0. "For years now, the
facts are that when you stay on your feet, referees do not give penalties,"
said Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "For honesty, there is no reward, so what
do I do? A foul is a foul, it does not matter if you go down or stay on your
feet. Matt Jarvis was clipped by Bacary Sagna in the penalty area during
Arsenal's match against West Ham. "We get slaughtered for diving or being
dishonest, but when someone is honest and does not get what you should
get... so then you should go down and make the referee's mind up for him."
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said the harsh reality was that a modern-day
professional player should be doing everything to win a penalty for his
team. "He should go down," said the former England defender. "You can either
be an angel and do what Matt Jarvis did and you can get a pat on the back
off his nan when he goes home, or he can win his team a penalty. "If Kevin
Friend gives the penalty, it would have been the perfect scenario for
football. The best scenario would be if refs give penalties where a player
doesn't have to go to ground - but they never do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAS MO DIAME GOT A FUTURE AT WEST HAM?
By Sean Whetstone 16 Apr 2014 at 18:00
West Ham Till I Die
Translated from French football website FootMercato Diame is quoted as
saying: "Overall , my season was OK, although I think it is not as good as
last season. I started badly, but gradually I got my bearings, and now it is
pretty good. I feel very good, I hope to be still useful by the end of the
season, scoring goals, and why not reach the threshold of six goals (four
now).I'm not going to hide it, I have ambitions, and I would like to join a
big six English club. At the end of this season, I still have got one year
of contract with West Ham, so I do not know what will happen. But I do not
hide it, I'm ambitious, I want to see above. I am 26 years old , it is time
to take that step . Liverpool? I do not know if there is something real at
the moment, but I think my name is still there. But I can not tell you today
if I will be a Liverpool player or not . My priority is to stay in the
Premier League, because for me it is the best league in the world. It would
be a good thing for me to stay here, now I can not close the door to
overseas, where there are also large clubs. But my priority is to stay in
England."
In response to Diame's comments to the french media Big Sam said in his post
match interview last night
"If he [Mo Diame] wants to go to a top-six club he'll have to perform
better." Former Liverpool player John Aldridge has urged Liverpool to
seriously consider Diame in the summer "I would urge Liverpool to keep tabs
on Mohamed Diame. He is a brute of a midfielder. A tremendous player and so
strong and powerful in that central role,and he is exactly what the Reds
need in there. Diame is certainly one for future reference".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THERE IS NO REWARD FOR BEING HONEST
By Sean Whetstone 16 Apr 2014 at 09:08
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham were denied a penalty against Arsenal last night when Matt Jarvis
stayed on his feet following a challenge from Bacary Sagna.
Sam Allarydce wasn't happy in his post match interview claiming there is no
reward for being honest.
'The fact is that when you stay on your feet referees don't give penalties,'
said Big Sam. 'The ref finds it very difficult to give. For honesty there is
no reward. So what do I do? A foul is a foul, it doesn't matter whether you
go down or stay on your feet. You get slaughtered for diving, but when
someone is honest and you don't get what you should get. Every team, when
you stay on your feet particularly in the penalty area, it's a critical
decision so you have to make the referee's mind up.'If there is contact, you
should go down and make the referee's mind up for him. There is no reward
for being honest. But that is not the reason we haven't won.'
Should Matt Jarvis have gone down when he felt contact or was he right to do
the honourable thing and stay on his feet?
UPDATE: Matt Jarvis has broken his silence saying: "I don't really know what
to say, maybe I should be a bit cleverer and do what other players have
done. Perhaps then, I could have got the penalty. I thought about it too
late and then, if I had gone down, it would have been a late dive."
Should players go down when they feel contact in the box even if they can
stay up?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Matt Jarvis Hammered for not 'diving' against Arsenal by boss
Allardyce
Apr 16, 2014 17:04 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Matt Jarvis has admitted he was naive not to go down to win a penalty for
West Ham against Arsenal on Tuesday. Winger Jarvis has split football after
his honesty at the Emirates cost his side a spot-kick and the chance to
apply the pressure on the Gunners far sooner than his 41st-minute goal
eventually did.
Referee Kevin Friend did not award the Hammers a penalty after Jarvis kept
his balance instead of going down when caught in the box by Bacary Sagna,
and Arsenal went on to win, 3-1. Furious Irons manager Sam Allardyce is
understood to have made his feelings clear to Jarvis, and the former Wolves
wideman has hinted he may not be as keen to do the 'right thing' next time
around. Jarvis said: "The manager was disappointed as I could have had a
penalty. "I don't know if it was a foul. I don't know if I had gone down
whether it would have been a penalty or if I had whether I'd have been
booked. "Maybe I should learn from that and be a bit more clever." Relieved
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, whose top-four bid was back on track after the
win, predictably praised Jarvis for staying on his feet. Wenger said: "I am
grateful for that. I don't think it was a penalty, but he [Sagna] touched
him, yes. "Can you be too honest? I leave you that judgment. You want people
to be honest if you thought it was a penalty. "Maybe if he made a theatrical
dive he would have got it." Allardyce was far more strident and has told his
players in no uncertain terms that if they are caught they should make the
officials' minds up for them. Big Sam said: "For years now, the facts are
that when you stay on your feet referees don't give penalties. The ref finds
it very difficult to give. For honesty there is no reward. So what do I do?
"A foul is a foul, it doesn't matter whether you go down or stay on your
feet. You get slaughtered for diving, but when someone is honest you don't
get what you should get. "Every team, when you stay on your feet
particularly in the penalty area, it's a critical decision so you have to
make the referee's mind up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull face transfer fight with West Ham and Stoke over Tottenham's Jake
Livermore
Apr 15, 2014 18:40 By Bill Cooper
The Mirror
Steve Bruce is facing a fight with big pal Sam Allardyce and former
Manchester United team-mate Mark Hughes to land Jake Livermore this summer.
Hull boss Bruce has made Livermore his priority signing after the
midfielder's crucial contribution in helping the Tigers hang on to their
Premier League place and reach the FA Cup Final in his season-long loan from
Tottenham. Bruce has already been told he can have the £6million it will
take to prise Livermore, 24, out of White Hart Lane - but West Ham and Stoke
are joining the chase for his signature. Hammers boss Allardyce and Potters
chief Hughes are both looking to strengthen in midfield, and they are
targeting Livermore after his impressive campaign on Humberside. Tim
Sherwood has also noted Livermore's form, and was planning to offer him a
new deal with the North London outfit. But Sherwood's imminent axing as head
coach has put a fresh question mark over the England international's Spurs
future. Livermore has already indicated he would be happy to seal a
permanent switch to the KC Stadium, but he admits:"I haven't got a clue
what's going to happen in the summer. "I don't know anything but, as long as
I am playing next season, I'll be happy. "It's great at Hull, and I have
really enjoyed my time here. I came to play regular first-team football
after a terrible season at Tottenham, where I was in and out of the team for
various reasons.
"It has been a fresh start for me and a breath of fresh air for someone like
Steve Bruce to have a bit of faith in me and say 'just go out and play'
every week.
"It has been a pleasure to play here - and enjoyment is a massive part of
football."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to resurrect Joleon Lescott transfer from Manchester City in the
summer window
Apr 16, 2014 20:11 By David Anderson
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce will try again to land Joleon Lescott when he leaves
Manchester City on a free this summer. City will not offer Lescott a new
deal and the defender has made up his mind to go on a Bosman because he is
not a first choice under boss Manuel Pellegrini. Allardyce failed with a bid
to sign Lescott in January because Pellegrini was reluctant to let the
centre-half leave when the Blues were chasing a Quadruple of Premier League,
European Cup, FA Cup and League Cup. The highly-experienced Lescott has won
the clean sweep of domestic honours during his five years at the Etihad and
Big Sam feels he would strengthen his backline. Lescott, 31, is prepared to
accept less than his current £90,000-a-week salary when he quits City, which
would make him affordable for West Ham as a free transfer. Besiktas also
remain keen on the former England international after targeting him in
January and are prepared to offer him over £100,000 to come to Turkey
Lescott wants to weigh up all his options before deciding his future and is
adamant he can still perform at the top level.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Ian Wright made an instant impact on his return from injury to guide the
Hammers to victory 15 years ago
17.04.2014
Classic match
West Ham United 5-1 Derby County
Premier League
17 April 1999
Derby County had no answer to the Hammers' goalscoring power on this day in
1999, conceding five of the six goals scored in front of a 25,485 Boleyn
Ground crowd. Ian Wright notched his first goal following a three-month
injury absence, and his eighth in total since arriving in east London from
Arsenal the previous summer. He entered the fray as an early substitute and
notched West Ham's third goal, following first half strikes from Paolo Di
Canio and Eyal Berkovic.
Harry Redknapp's side did not let up after Wright's contribution, scoring
twice more through Neil Ruddock on 64 minutes and Trevor Sinclair four
minutes later.
Derby notched a late consolation from Paulo Wanchope, who would go on to
become a Hammers player a couple of months later, but they were well beaten.
West Ham's emphatic victory maintained their sixth position in the Premier
League, and a brace of wins from their final four fixtures earned them a
fifth-place finish.
Complete record - 17 April
2013 West Ham United 2-2 Manchester United (Premier League)
2012 Bristol City 1-1 West Ham United (Championship)
2006 Middlesbrough 2-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
2004 West Ham United 2-0 Coventry City (Division One)
1999 West Ham United 5-1 Derby County (Premier League)
1996 Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
1995 Ipswich Town 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
1993 West Ham United 4-0 Brentford (Division One)
1991 Ipswich Town 0-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1990 West Ham United 2-0 Ipswich Town (Division Two)
1984 West Ham United 3-1 Luton Town (Division One)
1982 Coventry City 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1976 West Ham United 2-2 Aston Villa (Division One)
1971 West Ham United 1-0 Stoke City (Division One)
1965 Leicester City 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1964 West Ham United 5-0 Birmingham City (Division One)
1954 West Ham United 0-1 Oldham Athletic (Division Two)
1948 Leicester City 1-3 West Ham United (Division Two)
1937 Aston Villa 0-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1933 West Ham United 3-1 Chesterfield (Division Two)
1926 West Ham United 1-0 Everton (Division One)
1922 Clapton Orient 0-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1920 Hull City 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
Played 23, Won 14, Drawn 7, Lost 4, Scored 40, Conceded 17
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
1964 heroes to be honoured
WHUFC.com
Join our 1964 FA Cup winners by booking your place at our star-studded
Player Awards night now!
16.04.2014
Share a table with Hammers legends at the star-studded 2013/14 West Ham
United Player Awards in aid of the Academy at the Grosvenor House Hotel on
Park Lane on Tuesday 6 May 2014. Legendary 1964 FA Cup winners Eddie
Bovington, Peter Brabrook and Jack Burkett will be our guests for the event,
which will see the Hammer of the Year be crowned at the climax of an
eagerly-anticipated evening of entertainment. Hammers great Sir Trevor
Brooking - himself a two-time FA Cup winner in 1975 and 1980 - will also
become the Club's second Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Ten awards
will be presented to the Club's brightest current and upcoming stars in
total at the event, which is to be attended by the first-team squad and
coaching staff. You and six guests can share a table with our 1964 FA Cup
winners - the first players to land a major trophy in the Club's history -
for £3,000+VAT. The package also includes a VIP reception and luxury
three-course meal with petits fours. With 800 guests in attendance, the
event presents the perfect opportunity to entertain in style and showcase
your company. In addition to a silent auction, there will also be a live
auction in aid of The Academy, with a host of once-in-a-lifetime lots up for
grabs. To book your place or for more information contact our friendly team
on 0871 091 1811 (calls 10p/min plus network extras) or email
corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk *FA Cup heroes Eddie Bovington and Peter
Brabrook, along with the man who scored the winner against Preston North End
50 years ago, Ronnie Boyce and defender Ken Brown, will also be in
attendance at Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Crystal Palace.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sadlier keen to end on a high
WHUFC.com
Kieran Sadlier is aiming for three points from the final Development Squad
game of the season
16.04.2014
Sunderland is the last stop on the Development Squad's travels, as the
curtain comes down on their Barclays Under-21 Premier League season at the
Academy of Light on Thursday afternoon. Nick Haycock's team head to Wearside
occupying ninth position in the table going into their season finale, but
they still have plenty to play for against the Mackems. The young Hammers
know that a point against the Black Cats will be enough to secure the top
eleven finish that would place them in the top tier of U21 football next
season, but midfielder Kieran Sadlier is adamant that his side will be
chasing all three. He told West Ham TV: "We know that we want to be in top
league next year and we know that we have to win to give ourselves the best
chance of doing that. "Maybe a few results might go our way beforehand, but
we're going up there to win and I think we've got a very good chance of
doing that."
Sunderland have plenty to play for themselves on Wednesday afternoon, as
Kevin Ball's side still harbour hopes of qualifying for the end of season
Play-Offs via a top-four finish. The Black Cats are in seventh place and
require nothing less than three points against the Hammers, and Sadlier is
looking forward to a competitive game between the sides. "They're going to
be very strong. I remember playing against Sunderland a few times and
they've always got a good team. "They've got quite an experienced squad as
well, I'm not sure if they've got players on loan or not, but they're going
to be going all out for the win because they want to get into the Play-Offs.
"We'll be the same, we'll try and match them and we don't go there as
underdogs. We're going there to win."
The Hammers will be trying to avoid a third consecutive defeat when they
take to the pitch at the Academy of Light having lost to Bolton Wanderers
and Blackburn Rovers in their last two outings. Defeat against Blackburn
last time out was a narrow one, with the winning goal coming from a
free-kick which Sadlier maintains should not have been given. "Looking back
at it, we just watched the video and I think in the first half we played it
around and did ok, but I think we all know that we didn't perform to our
best. "We could have done a lot of things better. They wanted it a bit more
than us, but I think we still could have got a result. We had a few chances
and their goal came from a free-kick which wasn't a free-kick, but we have
to live with that now."
The winger will be hoping to add to his tally of three league goals for the
season when the Hammers play out their final game of the campaign, and
Sadlier is confident that both he and his teammates are ready for the task
ahead. "We have to get on the ball, play our stuff and do what we do
normally. We have to play it around and be effective in good areas. "I look
forward to every game. We're going to go up there confident and believing in
our own abilities. I remember going up there last time, it's a big pitch
which you can play it around on. It will be good, I'm looking forward to
it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s return to winning ways
WHUFC.com
West Ham United kept returned to Barclays U18 Premier League winning ways
with victory over West Brom
16.04.2014
West Ham United ended a run of four straight Barclays U18 Premier League
defeats by coming from behind to beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at Little
Heath on Wednesday. Despite this fixture being heavily one-sided in the
Hammers favour throughout, West Brom took the lead after just ten minutes
when Philip Gannon's free-kick went straight through the wall and into the
corner of Tim Brown's goal. However, West Ham recovered and dominated
throughout, grabbing an equaliser through the returning Ben Marlow on 51
minutes, before Marcio Martins buried the winner just after the hour mark.
Victory took West Ham back within three points of leaders Tottenham Hotspur
at the top of Barclays U18 Premier League South, although Spurs have two
games in hand and a superior goal difference. U18s assistant manager Mark
Phillips felt the Hammers deserved to take all three points against West
Brom. "I think we deserved to win, whereas we've played games this season
that we've won when we haven't deserved it," said Phillips. "There were
stages when I thought we weren't going to get the result, but we created a
lot of chances and kept going. "I thought that the midfield were brilliant.
Even when we lost possession in the middle, everyone worked hard to win in
back quickly. The defence were tight and the attack had so many chances in
the final third, but struggled with the important part of putting the ball
in the back of the net, which we will have to work on."
U18s manager Steve Potts again made do without a number of Academy players
who are part of the Development Squad team travelling up to Sunderland for
Thursday's Barclays U21 Premier League fixture. With skipper and leading
scorer Kieran Bywater among those promoted, central midfielder Amos Nasha
captained the team, where he was joined by Marlow, who returned to action
after being out injured for three months. The match actually started on a
positive note for the Hammers, with an attacking move that ended with the
Baggies' Shaun Donnellan head against his own crossbar. West Brom fought
back strongly, though, and went ahead after ten minutes when Gannon's
free-kick found a hole in the West Ham wall and flew past the grasp of Brown
and into the net.
After that, West Ham learnt from their mistakes and worked hard to find an
equaliser, although Marlow, Martins and Djair Parfitt-Williams all rushed
good chances to level the scores. Just before the half-time break, the
Hammers had a glorious chance handed to them on a plate, but defender Manny
Onariase mistimed his free header from six yards out.
As the Hammers came out for the second half, it was clear that some
half-time words of encouragement from Potts had given them some belief after
a disappointing run of four straight defeats and falling behind early to
West Brom. West Ham continued to push and dominate and were rewarded for
their persistence when Marlow received the ball in the penalty box before
finishing coolly into the net. The hosts were not going to settle for the
draw and immediately set about turning the game on its head by grabbing a
second. Left-back Kyle Knoyle's long run and shot was cleared by goalkeeper
Alex Palmer, before the post came to West Brom's aid to keep out
Parfitt-Williams' left wing free-kick. After 66 minutes, West Brom were
unable to withstand the pressure any longer as Martins received the ball and
finished well into the corner to put West Ham ahead. With the Hammers now
ahead, the hosts decided to continue their positive attacking play and tried
to net a third goal, although on three occasions Portuguese striker Martins
failed to beat Palmer. The win keeps the Hammers within touching distance of
the Play-Offs, with the top two teams in the North and South divisions
qualifying, although they will have to hope that third-place Fulham slip up
if they are to make it into the semi-finals.
U18s: Brown, Pike, Knoyle, Onariase, Pask (Borg), Amoo, Marlow, Nasha,
Diangana (Bailey), Martins, Parfitt-Williams
Subs not used: Guzman, Sheriff
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jarvis: I should have cheated
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Matt Jarvis admits that he may have to resort to cheating in future after
his honesty cost him the chance of winning a penalty at the Emirates last
night. Jarvis was clearly fouled during the first half inside the penalty
area but opted to stay on his feet instead of going to ground - and was
rewarded for his honesty by referee Kevin Friend waving play on instead of
penalising Arsenal's Bacary Sagna for the obvious infringement. As a result,
the West Ham winger belives that he may have to adopt some of the less
savoury tactics that have blighted the domestic game in recent years - as
many other teams, notably the likes of Liverpool who had been awarded 12
penalties already this season - already have to their considerable
advantage. "We had quite a few chances even before we scored and the manager
was disappointed as I could have had a penalty too," he told whufc.com. "I
don't know if it was a foul. I don't know if I had gone down whether it
would have been a penalty or if I had whether I'd have been booked. Maybe I
should learn from that and be a bit more clever."
Jarvis was however rewarded with his fourth goal of the campaign - a header
from close range which gave West Ham the lead in last night's game. "I was
delighted to get on the end of it and score a headed goal, which is always
nice," he added. "To score at the Emirates and put us 1-0 up and get in a
great position after a positive first half was good. I think we played
really well in the first half and got in their faces and made them make
mistakes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PFA deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes says referees need to reassess
penalty decisions
Last Updated: 16/04/14 4:47pm
SSN
Professional Footballers' Association deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes
says referees need to be prepared to give penalties even if a fouled player
stays on his feet. West Ham winger Matt Jarvis inadvertently sparked a
debate after he battled to stay on his feet despite being clipped by
Arsenal's Bacary Sagna in the box in his side's 3-1 defeat at the Emirates
Stadium on Tuesday. "It's ironic because of all the furore there's been in
recent weeks about simulation and players not staying on their feet," Barnes
told Sky Sports News. "Matt is a genuine and very honest lad. I've spoken to
him and he's surprised by the storm there's been. It's a bit unfair because
he's attempted to do the right thing and leave the ref to make the decision.
"And had he gone down and not got a penalty he might have ended up getting a
yellow card so it really was the case that he couldn't win."
Jarvis has himself hinted that he may change his approach, saying he may
have to be "a bit more clever" in the future. "The difficulty is that Matt
is in the situation where the next time he's touched in the box he'll have
to very seriously think about going down," admitted Barnes. "In an ideal
world you wait for the officials to make that decision but on this occasion,
Matt has been punished for doing that. "What you'd like to see is that the
officials look at the decision and see that he has been impeded and, whether
he's gone down or not, it's still a foul. "If we're not careful we'll get to
a situation where players think they can't rely on the officials and feel
like they have to embellish things slightly - and then we get back to the
whole world of simulation. "I thought there was clear contact and whether he
went down or not there should have been a penalty. I'm not going to
criticise the refs because, what they're probably now so conditioned to
expect is that, if a player is touched, the likelihood is he will go down.
"The message is that we want to stamp out simulation and players going down
too easily but Matt has been punished for that. We're having to put more
faith in the fact that referees will actually look at incidents more closely
and make the right decision."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Matt Jarvis thinks he may need to be more clever after Arsenal
penalty incident
Last Updated: 16/04/14 1:46pm
SSN
West Ham winger Matt Jarvis says he may have to be "a bit more clever" in
the future after staying on his feet despite a mistimed challenge from
Arsenal's Bacary Sagna. Jarvis nipped the ball past Sagna inside the penalty
box and appeared to be clipped by the full-back's challenge. But the former
Wolves player chased the loose ball rather than hit the deck, prompting a
debate over whether players should always extract the maximum advantage for
their side by going down when fouled in the area. "The manager was
disappointed as I could have had a penalty too," Jarvis, who scored his
side's goal in a 3-1 defeat, told the Hammers' official website. "I don't
know if it was a foul. I don't know if I had gone down whether it would have
been a penalty or whether I'd have been booked. Maybe I should learn from
that and be a bit more clever."
Referee Kevin Friend decided against giving a penalty after the incident,
which happened when the game was still locked at 0-0. "For years now, the
facts are that when you stay on your feet, referees do not give penalties,"
said Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "For honesty, there is no reward, so what
do I do? A foul is a foul, it does not matter if you go down or stay on your
feet. Matt Jarvis was clipped by Bacary Sagna in the penalty area during
Arsenal's match against West Ham. "We get slaughtered for diving or being
dishonest, but when someone is honest and does not get what you should
get... so then you should go down and make the referee's mind up for him."
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said the harsh reality was that a modern-day
professional player should be doing everything to win a penalty for his
team. "He should go down," said the former England defender. "You can either
be an angel and do what Matt Jarvis did and you can get a pat on the back
off his nan when he goes home, or he can win his team a penalty. "If Kevin
Friend gives the penalty, it would have been the perfect scenario for
football. The best scenario would be if refs give penalties where a player
doesn't have to go to ground - but they never do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAS MO DIAME GOT A FUTURE AT WEST HAM?
By Sean Whetstone 16 Apr 2014 at 18:00
West Ham Till I Die
Translated from French football website FootMercato Diame is quoted as
saying: "Overall , my season was OK, although I think it is not as good as
last season. I started badly, but gradually I got my bearings, and now it is
pretty good. I feel very good, I hope to be still useful by the end of the
season, scoring goals, and why not reach the threshold of six goals (four
now).I'm not going to hide it, I have ambitions, and I would like to join a
big six English club. At the end of this season, I still have got one year
of contract with West Ham, so I do not know what will happen. But I do not
hide it, I'm ambitious, I want to see above. I am 26 years old , it is time
to take that step . Liverpool? I do not know if there is something real at
the moment, but I think my name is still there. But I can not tell you today
if I will be a Liverpool player or not . My priority is to stay in the
Premier League, because for me it is the best league in the world. It would
be a good thing for me to stay here, now I can not close the door to
overseas, where there are also large clubs. But my priority is to stay in
England."
In response to Diame's comments to the french media Big Sam said in his post
match interview last night
"If he [Mo Diame] wants to go to a top-six club he'll have to perform
better." Former Liverpool player John Aldridge has urged Liverpool to
seriously consider Diame in the summer "I would urge Liverpool to keep tabs
on Mohamed Diame. He is a brute of a midfielder. A tremendous player and so
strong and powerful in that central role,and he is exactly what the Reds
need in there. Diame is certainly one for future reference".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THERE IS NO REWARD FOR BEING HONEST
By Sean Whetstone 16 Apr 2014 at 09:08
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham were denied a penalty against Arsenal last night when Matt Jarvis
stayed on his feet following a challenge from Bacary Sagna.
Sam Allarydce wasn't happy in his post match interview claiming there is no
reward for being honest.
'The fact is that when you stay on your feet referees don't give penalties,'
said Big Sam. 'The ref finds it very difficult to give. For honesty there is
no reward. So what do I do? A foul is a foul, it doesn't matter whether you
go down or stay on your feet. You get slaughtered for diving, but when
someone is honest and you don't get what you should get. Every team, when
you stay on your feet particularly in the penalty area, it's a critical
decision so you have to make the referee's mind up.'If there is contact, you
should go down and make the referee's mind up for him. There is no reward
for being honest. But that is not the reason we haven't won.'
Should Matt Jarvis have gone down when he felt contact or was he right to do
the honourable thing and stay on his feet?
UPDATE: Matt Jarvis has broken his silence saying: "I don't really know what
to say, maybe I should be a bit cleverer and do what other players have
done. Perhaps then, I could have got the penalty. I thought about it too
late and then, if I had gone down, it would have been a late dive."
Should players go down when they feel contact in the box even if they can
stay up?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Matt Jarvis Hammered for not 'diving' against Arsenal by boss
Allardyce
Apr 16, 2014 17:04 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Matt Jarvis has admitted he was naive not to go down to win a penalty for
West Ham against Arsenal on Tuesday. Winger Jarvis has split football after
his honesty at the Emirates cost his side a spot-kick and the chance to
apply the pressure on the Gunners far sooner than his 41st-minute goal
eventually did.
Referee Kevin Friend did not award the Hammers a penalty after Jarvis kept
his balance instead of going down when caught in the box by Bacary Sagna,
and Arsenal went on to win, 3-1. Furious Irons manager Sam Allardyce is
understood to have made his feelings clear to Jarvis, and the former Wolves
wideman has hinted he may not be as keen to do the 'right thing' next time
around. Jarvis said: "The manager was disappointed as I could have had a
penalty. "I don't know if it was a foul. I don't know if I had gone down
whether it would have been a penalty or if I had whether I'd have been
booked. "Maybe I should learn from that and be a bit more clever." Relieved
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, whose top-four bid was back on track after the
win, predictably praised Jarvis for staying on his feet. Wenger said: "I am
grateful for that. I don't think it was a penalty, but he [Sagna] touched
him, yes. "Can you be too honest? I leave you that judgment. You want people
to be honest if you thought it was a penalty. "Maybe if he made a theatrical
dive he would have got it." Allardyce was far more strident and has told his
players in no uncertain terms that if they are caught they should make the
officials' minds up for them. Big Sam said: "For years now, the facts are
that when you stay on your feet referees don't give penalties. The ref finds
it very difficult to give. For honesty there is no reward. So what do I do?
"A foul is a foul, it doesn't matter whether you go down or stay on your
feet. You get slaughtered for diving, but when someone is honest you don't
get what you should get. "Every team, when you stay on your feet
particularly in the penalty area, it's a critical decision so you have to
make the referee's mind up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull face transfer fight with West Ham and Stoke over Tottenham's Jake
Livermore
Apr 15, 2014 18:40 By Bill Cooper
The Mirror
Steve Bruce is facing a fight with big pal Sam Allardyce and former
Manchester United team-mate Mark Hughes to land Jake Livermore this summer.
Hull boss Bruce has made Livermore his priority signing after the
midfielder's crucial contribution in helping the Tigers hang on to their
Premier League place and reach the FA Cup Final in his season-long loan from
Tottenham. Bruce has already been told he can have the £6million it will
take to prise Livermore, 24, out of White Hart Lane - but West Ham and Stoke
are joining the chase for his signature. Hammers boss Allardyce and Potters
chief Hughes are both looking to strengthen in midfield, and they are
targeting Livermore after his impressive campaign on Humberside. Tim
Sherwood has also noted Livermore's form, and was planning to offer him a
new deal with the North London outfit. But Sherwood's imminent axing as head
coach has put a fresh question mark over the England international's Spurs
future. Livermore has already indicated he would be happy to seal a
permanent switch to the KC Stadium, but he admits:"I haven't got a clue
what's going to happen in the summer. "I don't know anything but, as long as
I am playing next season, I'll be happy. "It's great at Hull, and I have
really enjoyed my time here. I came to play regular first-team football
after a terrible season at Tottenham, where I was in and out of the team for
various reasons.
"It has been a fresh start for me and a breath of fresh air for someone like
Steve Bruce to have a bit of faith in me and say 'just go out and play'
every week.
"It has been a pleasure to play here - and enjoyment is a massive part of
football."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to resurrect Joleon Lescott transfer from Manchester City in the
summer window
Apr 16, 2014 20:11 By David Anderson
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce will try again to land Joleon Lescott when he leaves
Manchester City on a free this summer. City will not offer Lescott a new
deal and the defender has made up his mind to go on a Bosman because he is
not a first choice under boss Manuel Pellegrini. Allardyce failed with a bid
to sign Lescott in January because Pellegrini was reluctant to let the
centre-half leave when the Blues were chasing a Quadruple of Premier League,
European Cup, FA Cup and League Cup. The highly-experienced Lescott has won
the clean sweep of domestic honours during his five years at the Etihad and
Big Sam feels he would strengthen his backline. Lescott, 31, is prepared to
accept less than his current £90,000-a-week salary when he quits City, which
would make him affordable for West Ham as a free transfer. Besiktas also
remain keen on the former England international after targeting him in
January and are prepared to offer him over £100,000 to come to Turkey
Lescott wants to weigh up all his options before deciding his future and is
adamant he can still perform at the top level.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Wednesday, April 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th April 2014
Podolski double downs Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United took the lead but were beaten 3-1 by Champions League
chasing Arsenal on Tuesday
15.04.2014
Arsenal 3-1 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Lukas Podolski's double helped overturn a Hammers lead as Arsenal triumphed
3-1 over the east Londoners at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. Matt
Jarvis' 40th minute header edged West Ham in front over a nervy Arsenal
side, who had fallen behind Everton in the race for fourth spot at the
weekend. But Podolski's leveller on the stroke of half-time breathed new
life into their challenge and the visitors were not able to respond in the
second half. First Olivier Giroud gave them the lead for the first time,
before Podolski - with his fourth goal in as many appearances against West
Ham - wrapped it up late on. The Hammers were without their skipper Kevin
Nolan, absent after picking up a hamstring injury in last week's defeat to
Arsenal. He was replaced in midfield by Antonio Nocerino, while Jarvis came
in for Matt Taylor. West Ham made a confident start, as Arsenal struggled to
find an early rhythm, and with seven minutes on the clock Jarvis' cross
found its way to Nocerino at the far post, whose goalbound shot needed a
block from Thomas Vermaelen. Arsenal responded on 14 minutes when Tomas
Rosicky found a pocket of space in midfield and knocked the ball through to
Podolski. The German crossed dangerously and Giroud only just failed to make
contact in the middle. West Ham were looking the more dangerous though and
Mo Diame swiped a left-footed effort over the top after a corner was played
back into the area on 18 minutes. Jarvis was finding space on the left flank
and looked to exploit it when his pace, but Arsenal began to settle around
the half-hour mark as their one-touch football around the box threatened to
unlock the Hammers. With 30 minutes on the clock, Santi Cazola slipped
Giroud in, but with only Adrian to beat, the Frenchman opted to try and
flick the ball over his dive and the Hammers keeper was able to save.
Ironically, it was just as the Gunners were finding their feet that Jarvis
struck to give the Hammers the lead. Nocerino made a strong run down the
right flank and drew a save from Wojciech Szczesny with his shot at the near
post. The Italian kept the ball alive and it popped up for Jarvis to bravely
stick his head in and nod into the empty net.
The advantage was to last just four minutes as the Hammers were punished for
a poor clearance from Stewart Downing. Cazorla picked the ball up and passed
to Podolski, who controlled with his first touch and fired into the far
corner with his second. The Hammers forced the first opening of the second
period when Guy Demel carried the ball out of defence and passed to Downing,
who advanced to the edge of the box and dragged a left-footed effort wide.
Before long though, Arsenal were in front as the visitors failed to deal
with a lofted diagonal ball from deep, and Giroud got in between Winston
Reid and Andy Carroll to bring the ball down and shoot between Adrian's
legs. Just past the hour the Gunners were inches away from a third when they
won the ball off the Hammers and broke with pace. Cazorla received
possession on the right flank and moved inside before unleashing a shot from
20 yards which whistled just past the post.
West Ham could not trouble the hosts after the interval in the same manner
as they did before, and Podolski's second of the game 12 minutes from time
made sure of the points.
Home sub Aaron Ramsey created the goal with a cleverly cushioned header
which fell perfectly into Podolski's path to smash high into the net beyond
Adrian.
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen; Arteta,
Kallstrom; Cazorla (Jenkinson 88), Rosicky (Ramsey 72), Podolski; Giroud
Subs: Fabianski, Oxlade-Chambelain, Sanogo, Akpom, Bellerin
Goals: Podolski 44, Giroud 55, Podolski 78
Booked: Rosicky, Kallstrom
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel, Tomkins, Reid, Armero; Nocerino, Noble,
Diame; Downing (J.Cole 78), Carroll (C.Cole 84) , Jarvis (Vaz Te 78)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Taylor, Johnson
Goal: Jarvis 40
Booked: Nocerino, Diame
Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 59,977
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam laments Hammers' errors
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce reflects on a 3-1 Barclays Premier
League defeat at Arsenal
15.04.2014
Sam Allardyce admitted West Ham United only had themselves to blame after
wasting an excellent start to go down to a 3-1 Barclays Premier League
defeat at Arsenal. The Hammers could have already been in front when Matt
Jarvis bravely nodded the visitors ahead four minutes before half-time at
the Emirates Stadium, most notably when the same player elected to stay on
his feet when earlier fouled by Bacary Sagna inside the Arsenal penalty
area. As it was, the lead lasted only three minutes as Stewart Downing's
loose clearance fell to Santi Cazorla and the Spaniard teed-up Lukas
Podolski to finish into the corner. Into the second half and another bright
opening from the Hammers was wasted when Winston Reid and Andy Carroll got
themselves in a tangle in trying to deal with Thomas Vermaelen's long ball,
allowing Olivier Giroud to control and smash a shot through Adrian's legs
for 2-1. As Arsenal grew in confidence, West Ham's own belief began to wane
and it was no surprise when Giroud's cross was headed by substitute Aaron
Ramsey to an unmarked Podolski, who finished high past an exposed Adrian to
end the game as a contest after 78 minutes. Speaking to West Ham TV, Big Sam
was clearly frustrated by his players' inability to build on their
encouraging play in the opening 40 minutes.
"I can only point at ourselves letting Arsenal back in the game,
unfortunately, after a great effort and performance and getting into the
position we wanted to be in at 1-0," lamented Big Sam. "Arguably, had we
produced a bit more quality, particularly when Mo Diame ballooned a chance
over the bar when he was on his own inside the six-yard box, [we could have
been further in front]. There was enough pace on Andy Carroll's ball into
him to place it and be more accurate, but he's tried to blast it, which
we've been going on about to him for months and months now. "We had lots of
final-third play and crosses and corners and finally got what we wanted. It
was a fantastic run from Antonio Nocerino in behind the Arsenal defence and
Matt Jarvis popped up to head it in after coming in from the wide position,
which was perfect. "Then, to not hold on to 1-0 until half-time was a great
shame, really. Sadly, if Arsenal had scored by one of their players
producing some of the outstanding genius that they have then I can't
complain too much, but it really boiled down to our own deficiency in not
seeing that half out. Mis-kicking a clearance straight to the opposition's
midfield five yards outside the box, you're asking for trouble and that's
exactly what we got.
"It was the same in the second half. We came out and controlled the second
half, looking to probe the Arsenal defence and not in any trouble
whatsoever, then one long ball went into our box and there was a mix-up and
it was 2-1. I couldn't quite believe it on the performance that we'd given.
"Sadly, in the end, we tried to get back in the game, but even when I was
going to put two subs on they went and scored the third just before I could
do so and we have lost. Performance-wise, yes, but result-wise it was not
acceptable and we have got to do better against a very tough Crystal Palace
side."
The timing of the goals, as well as the manner of them, undoubtedly changed
the course of the game. From looking like going in ahead at the break
against an anxious Arsenal, the home side suddenly had momentum and the home
crowd behind them. The Gunners then scored again ten minutes after the
re-start and seldom looked like conceding after that. "Many times you play
at Arsenal and you come away and can't complain about the result because
they have completely outplayed you, but this time I am complaining about
errors we have made at vital times that they have punished. "I suppose the
difference, at the end of the day, was that we didn't punish the errors that
Arsenal made - and they made a lot of errors, for them. They punished us
more than we punished them and that's why they won." Now, attention turns to
the visit of an in-form and resilient Crystal Palace, who have been on a
similar run to that which West Ham have enjoyed in recent months under
manager Tony Pulis. "It's not going to be easy, because Palace are in better
form than Arsenal. In their last three games, they have not conceded a goal
and they have conceded only one goal in five games. They are on a terrific
run, so form-wise they are maybe slightly ahead of Arsenal. "It's just as
difficult game and tactically it will be different because they obviously
play a very good defensive and then counter-attacking game away from home.
We have watched them and it will be extremely difficult to break down, so we
will have to be very patient in how we approach the game and not get
frustrated about the opposition making life difficult for us, which they
definitely will. "Hopefully we will produce enough quality to breach their
outstanding defensive work that Tony has put together with his team and get
the goals to win the game. One thing is for sure, if we can't win it we need
to make sure we don't lose."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole taunts trophy-less Gooners
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Joe Cole could have landed himself in a spot of bother after taunting
Arsenal fans for their team's lack of trophies in recent years. 32-year-old
Cole, who won the Premier League three times during his spell with Chelsea
mocked the home fans during a warm-up in tonight's 3-1 defeat at the
Emirates by holding aloft an imaginary trophy after being booed by some
Arsenal supporters as he ran along the touchline. The former England
international, who returned to West Ham in January 2013 played the final 12
minutes of tonight's 3-1 defeat but failed to make much of an impression.
Arsenal, who reached the FA Cup Final after squeezing past Championship side
Wigan after extra time at the weekend last won a trophy in 2005 when beating
Manchester United on penalties in the same competition.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce dismisses Diame hopes
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce tonight laughed off comments by Mo Diame regarding a move to
one of the Premier League's elite clubs. The midfielder was in the press
last weekend after he told French outlet L'Equipe that he hoped to secure a
move to a "top six" club - such as Liverpool - this summer, two years after
joining West Ham on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic. But Allardyce
doesn't appear to believe the 26-year-old is showing the kind of form that
could potentially interest a club with higher aspirations than the Hammers
presently. When asked what he though about Diame's comments after tonight's
3-1 defeat against Arsenal, Allardyce replied: "What - about going to a top
six club? Well he'll have to perform better, won't he" - before exiting the
press conference. The Hammers boss, who saw his team throw away the lead
once again against the Gunners was also critical of match official Kevin
Friend, who failed to award a penalty to Matt Jarvis in the first half of
the game when it was still poised at 0-0. " The facts are that when you stay
on your feet referees don't give penalties," he said. "The big problem is
that the referee finds it very difficult to give. "There is no reward for
honesty - so what do I do?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce frustrated to lose lead at Arsenal
Last Updated: 16/04/14 5:58am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce admitted his frustration at his side's inability
to maintain their lead until half-time in the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal. The
Hammers enjoyed the better of the play for large parts of the opening 45
minutes as Matt Jarvis headed them in front five minutes before the break,
only for Lukas Podolski to equalise moments later. Second-half goals from
Olivier Giroud and another from Podolski put the game beyond West Ham's
reach and they rarely threatened after falling behind. Allardyce was
encouraged by parts of the display at Emirates Stadium, but says that they
should have made more of their early chances with Mohamed Diame guilty of
being wasteful in front of goal. "I think that we'd done so much up to then
to get the goal - I thought we deserved it," he told Sky Sports. "I think
that the one thing that disappointed me was that we didn't create more from
our opportunities in the first half but we finally got a very good goal. "At
the end of the day, we've lost 3-1 and it's more down to our deficiency
rather than the referee's deficiency." "The key was to hold onto that until
half-time and then say to the lads 'going out there now, there's more
pressure going to come on Arsenal and the home fans expect to beat us
today'.
"It preys on their mind a little bit, they've got a bit of fatigue in the
team and a few injuries. "That would've been more pressure on them but we
released the pressure on them by making two errors for both the goals and
allowed them to get in front. "Then, it's a question of whether we could
create another chance in between that and then finally they got the third
and that was the end of today. "Overall, a good performance but it makes no
difference at the end whether you've played well if you go out there and
lose."
West Ham had a penalty appeal waved away as Bacary Sagna appeared to clip
the legs of Jarvis inside the area, and Allardyce believes that it might
have been given had the West Ham winger gone to ground. "This debate is that
if people stay on their feet and it's a foul, then you don't get it. And
that's a fact because we've proven that over many, many years now," he said.
"While that makes life even more difficult for referees, they're paid to
give fouls whether people stay on their feet or they don't and in opposite
of that we continue to get slaughtered on simulation or diving and that's a
great shame. "At the end of the day, we've lost 3-1 and it's more down to
our deficiency rather than the referee's deficiency."
West Ham remain seven points above the drop zone in 11th place and although
slipping out of the Premier League appears highly unlikely, Allardyce is
keen for a positive end to the campaign with four games remaining. He said:
"I think I've got a lot to do and we've got a lot to do between now and the
end of the season in terms of making sure this season doesn't peter out and
making sure that we try and get as many points as we can and try and get as
many victories as we can on the board. "Crystal Palace is going to be a
massively tough game on their run at the moment. They're in top form at the
minute so it's going to be one at the Boleyn on Saturday that we want to be
on top form again but make sure we win if we can. "If we can't win, make
sure we don't lose. That's two on the trot we've lost and we don't want to
lose any more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal move back into fourth with 3-1 victory over West Ham
By Rob Parrish - Follow me on Twitter @RobParrish75. Last Updated:
15/04/14 10:48pm
SSN
Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud fired Arsenal back into the Premier League
top four as the Gunners came from behind to defeat West Ham 3-1 at Emirates
Stadium.
Best of the Match:
Man of the Match: Santi Cazorla was at the heart of every Arsenal attack and
he was instrumental in securing the three points.
Goal of the Match: Olivier Giroud showed great composure and strength to
bring the ball down from the air, holding off Carroll before firing through
Adrian's legs.
Miss of the Match: His fine finish certainly made up for it, but Giroud's
casual first-half effort with the outside of his boot when through on goal
summed up Arsenal's early frustrations.
Controversy of the Match: West Ham's penalty claim was waved away as Sagna
clipped the legs of Jarvis who stayed on his feet, perhaps swaying the
decision in Arsenal's favour.
Talking point: Arsenal are back into fourth but will they be there in a
month's time?
Giroud's superb strike early in the second half helped secure a first win in
five Premier League outings for the FA Cup finalists, who are now a point
ahead of Everton in the race for the last UEFA Champions League berth, but
have played a game more.
Matt Jarvis had nodded the Hammers into the lead late in the first half, but
that appeared to rouse Arsene Wenger's men from a sluggish display and
Podolski levelled before the interval, with the Germany international adding
a third 12 minutes from time.
Giroud had a good chance to break the deadlock with 14 minutes gone, but
there was a lack of conviction in his attempt to get on the end of
Podolski's cross on the edge of the six-yard box and the opportunity went
begging.
West Ham had started strongly and came close to finding the net twice in the
space of 60 seconds, with Thomas Vermaelen forced to head Jarvis' deep cross
away under pressure from Andy Carroll, before Mohamed Diame slashed over the
bar when well-placed from the resulting corner.
Giroud then missed a glorious opportunity when he was played in behind the
Hammers defence by Santi Cazorla, with his ponderous touch and attempted
flick with the outside of his boot making it too easy for Adrian to gather.
West Ham made the Gunners pay five minutes before the interval. Antonio
Nocerino was not tracked by Kim Kallstrom as he burst into the box and,
although his initial effort was saved, the ball looped up for Jarvis to nod
home bravely, with Laurent Koscielny's flailing boot only narrowly missing
his head.
Arsene Wenger was delighted with his players after they came from behind to
win 3-1 at home to West Ham.
Arsenal responded and Kallstrom forced Adrian to save at his near post
before Podolski levelled with a drilled low finish across the keeper after
Cazorla seized onto Stewart Downing's poor clearance and threaded a pass
through the defence.
Downing fired a low shot wide early in the second period before Diame got
away from a weak Mikel Arteta challenge far too easily only to balloon his
long-range effort way off target
Sam Allardyce says his West Ham side only have themselves to blame after
suffering a 3-1 defeat away at Arsenal.
Giroud then made amends for his earlier misses in stunning style, bringing
down Vermaelen's deep ball to the back post with a deft touch from his left
boot and then firing beyond Adrian with his right despite the close
attentions of Winston Reid and Carroll.
Arsenal were keen to press home their advantage and Adrian was forced to
fist away Podolski's powerful free-kick from the right corner of the box,
before Cazorla cut inside after a swift Arsenal break with his shot curling
away from the keeper but also inches beyond the far post.
Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla both spoke of the importance of finishing
fourth after they beat West Ham 3-1.
Aaron Ramsey, who suffered a thigh injury in the win at West Ham on Boxing
Day, was sent on in place of Tomas Rosicky for his first Emirates appearance
since late December in the 72nd minute and he lashed a long-range shot over
the bar with his first meaningful contribution soon after.
The Wales international then played a key role in Arsenal's third, with his
fine cushioned header from Giroud's cross releasing Podolski to fire over
Adrian from 10 yards out and make the points safe for the Gunners.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's James Tomkins targets survival ahead of England
Last Updated: 15/04/14 2:35pm
SSN
West Ham defender James Tomkins has prioritised Premier League survival
despite his dream to play for England. The 25-year-old has impressed at
Upton Park this season and has helped Sam Allardyce's side to keep 13 clean
sheets. His form has prompted suggestions that England manager Roy Hodgson
should look at Tomkins, who has represented the national team from the
Under-16s and through to the Under-21s. However, despite an ambition to play
for the senior team, Tomkins' eyes are focused on West Ham's quest to
guarantee their Premier League status. He told the London Evening Standard:
"It would be a dream to play for my country one day but just at the moment
my entire focus is on West Ham and helping make sure we are still in the
Premier League next season. "I think we can take great heart and confidence
from recent games, including Liverpool despite the ultimate defeat.
"Liverpool have been scoring very freely from open play but, against us,
their two goals came from penalties. I feel like I'm playing well, improving
every game. Being picked for England is my ultimate goal." West Ham take on
Arsenal tonight at the Emirates, and it will give Tomkins another chance to
impress against quality opposition. Tomkins added: "We're looking forward to
this game. "We believe we have a good chance, especially now that Arsenal
have been involved in extra-time at the weekend."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big match verdict: Failure to test shattered Arsenal shows West Ham have
much to work on
Apr 15, 2014 22:12
OPINION BY DARRENLEWIS
Darren Lewis was at the Emirates to see Sam Allardyce's men take a
first-half lead... and then fall apart
The Mirror
The game plan was obvious from the outset. Start fast, start hard, get into
the Arsenal ribs and find out whether or not they fancy it. Sam Allardyce
sent out his men well aware that many of the Gunners were cream-crackered
from being taken to the wire by Wigan 72 hours earlier. Five of the Arsenal
team - including key men Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta - played all 120
minutes of that stamina-sapping semi-final at Wembley. And just four days
earlier, Cazorla himself had expressed concerns that his side had lacked a
winning mentality. The Hammers fans played their part too, their cries of
"Top of the League and you f***** it up" referring to the fact that just two
months ago their hosts were indeed leading the title race. Now they are
battling to finish fourth. So the plan was simple. Rough up the Gunners in
midfield and bombard them from wide areas. It worked too. For all of four
minutes. Matty Jarvis bravely stuck his head in where it hurt five minutes
before half time to put West Ham ahead. Had the Irons held out until
half-time the stretched patience of their fans could have created a caustic
atmosphere here at the Emirates. Instead they committed the kind of unforced
error that had them in relegation trouble earlier this season. Lukas
Podolski and Olivier Giroud scored either side of half-time and that was
that. Their failure to exploit ailing Arsenal also highlighted something
that West Ham need to work on for next season - when Plan A fails they have
no Plan B.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United took the lead but were beaten 3-1 by Champions League
chasing Arsenal on Tuesday
15.04.2014
Arsenal 3-1 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Lukas Podolski's double helped overturn a Hammers lead as Arsenal triumphed
3-1 over the east Londoners at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. Matt
Jarvis' 40th minute header edged West Ham in front over a nervy Arsenal
side, who had fallen behind Everton in the race for fourth spot at the
weekend. But Podolski's leveller on the stroke of half-time breathed new
life into their challenge and the visitors were not able to respond in the
second half. First Olivier Giroud gave them the lead for the first time,
before Podolski - with his fourth goal in as many appearances against West
Ham - wrapped it up late on. The Hammers were without their skipper Kevin
Nolan, absent after picking up a hamstring injury in last week's defeat to
Arsenal. He was replaced in midfield by Antonio Nocerino, while Jarvis came
in for Matt Taylor. West Ham made a confident start, as Arsenal struggled to
find an early rhythm, and with seven minutes on the clock Jarvis' cross
found its way to Nocerino at the far post, whose goalbound shot needed a
block from Thomas Vermaelen. Arsenal responded on 14 minutes when Tomas
Rosicky found a pocket of space in midfield and knocked the ball through to
Podolski. The German crossed dangerously and Giroud only just failed to make
contact in the middle. West Ham were looking the more dangerous though and
Mo Diame swiped a left-footed effort over the top after a corner was played
back into the area on 18 minutes. Jarvis was finding space on the left flank
and looked to exploit it when his pace, but Arsenal began to settle around
the half-hour mark as their one-touch football around the box threatened to
unlock the Hammers. With 30 minutes on the clock, Santi Cazola slipped
Giroud in, but with only Adrian to beat, the Frenchman opted to try and
flick the ball over his dive and the Hammers keeper was able to save.
Ironically, it was just as the Gunners were finding their feet that Jarvis
struck to give the Hammers the lead. Nocerino made a strong run down the
right flank and drew a save from Wojciech Szczesny with his shot at the near
post. The Italian kept the ball alive and it popped up for Jarvis to bravely
stick his head in and nod into the empty net.
The advantage was to last just four minutes as the Hammers were punished for
a poor clearance from Stewart Downing. Cazorla picked the ball up and passed
to Podolski, who controlled with his first touch and fired into the far
corner with his second. The Hammers forced the first opening of the second
period when Guy Demel carried the ball out of defence and passed to Downing,
who advanced to the edge of the box and dragged a left-footed effort wide.
Before long though, Arsenal were in front as the visitors failed to deal
with a lofted diagonal ball from deep, and Giroud got in between Winston
Reid and Andy Carroll to bring the ball down and shoot between Adrian's
legs. Just past the hour the Gunners were inches away from a third when they
won the ball off the Hammers and broke with pace. Cazorla received
possession on the right flank and moved inside before unleashing a shot from
20 yards which whistled just past the post.
West Ham could not trouble the hosts after the interval in the same manner
as they did before, and Podolski's second of the game 12 minutes from time
made sure of the points.
Home sub Aaron Ramsey created the goal with a cleverly cushioned header
which fell perfectly into Podolski's path to smash high into the net beyond
Adrian.
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen; Arteta,
Kallstrom; Cazorla (Jenkinson 88), Rosicky (Ramsey 72), Podolski; Giroud
Subs: Fabianski, Oxlade-Chambelain, Sanogo, Akpom, Bellerin
Goals: Podolski 44, Giroud 55, Podolski 78
Booked: Rosicky, Kallstrom
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel, Tomkins, Reid, Armero; Nocerino, Noble,
Diame; Downing (J.Cole 78), Carroll (C.Cole 84) , Jarvis (Vaz Te 78)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Taylor, Johnson
Goal: Jarvis 40
Booked: Nocerino, Diame
Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 59,977
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam laments Hammers' errors
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce reflects on a 3-1 Barclays Premier
League defeat at Arsenal
15.04.2014
Sam Allardyce admitted West Ham United only had themselves to blame after
wasting an excellent start to go down to a 3-1 Barclays Premier League
defeat at Arsenal. The Hammers could have already been in front when Matt
Jarvis bravely nodded the visitors ahead four minutes before half-time at
the Emirates Stadium, most notably when the same player elected to stay on
his feet when earlier fouled by Bacary Sagna inside the Arsenal penalty
area. As it was, the lead lasted only three minutes as Stewart Downing's
loose clearance fell to Santi Cazorla and the Spaniard teed-up Lukas
Podolski to finish into the corner. Into the second half and another bright
opening from the Hammers was wasted when Winston Reid and Andy Carroll got
themselves in a tangle in trying to deal with Thomas Vermaelen's long ball,
allowing Olivier Giroud to control and smash a shot through Adrian's legs
for 2-1. As Arsenal grew in confidence, West Ham's own belief began to wane
and it was no surprise when Giroud's cross was headed by substitute Aaron
Ramsey to an unmarked Podolski, who finished high past an exposed Adrian to
end the game as a contest after 78 minutes. Speaking to West Ham TV, Big Sam
was clearly frustrated by his players' inability to build on their
encouraging play in the opening 40 minutes.
"I can only point at ourselves letting Arsenal back in the game,
unfortunately, after a great effort and performance and getting into the
position we wanted to be in at 1-0," lamented Big Sam. "Arguably, had we
produced a bit more quality, particularly when Mo Diame ballooned a chance
over the bar when he was on his own inside the six-yard box, [we could have
been further in front]. There was enough pace on Andy Carroll's ball into
him to place it and be more accurate, but he's tried to blast it, which
we've been going on about to him for months and months now. "We had lots of
final-third play and crosses and corners and finally got what we wanted. It
was a fantastic run from Antonio Nocerino in behind the Arsenal defence and
Matt Jarvis popped up to head it in after coming in from the wide position,
which was perfect. "Then, to not hold on to 1-0 until half-time was a great
shame, really. Sadly, if Arsenal had scored by one of their players
producing some of the outstanding genius that they have then I can't
complain too much, but it really boiled down to our own deficiency in not
seeing that half out. Mis-kicking a clearance straight to the opposition's
midfield five yards outside the box, you're asking for trouble and that's
exactly what we got.
"It was the same in the second half. We came out and controlled the second
half, looking to probe the Arsenal defence and not in any trouble
whatsoever, then one long ball went into our box and there was a mix-up and
it was 2-1. I couldn't quite believe it on the performance that we'd given.
"Sadly, in the end, we tried to get back in the game, but even when I was
going to put two subs on they went and scored the third just before I could
do so and we have lost. Performance-wise, yes, but result-wise it was not
acceptable and we have got to do better against a very tough Crystal Palace
side."
The timing of the goals, as well as the manner of them, undoubtedly changed
the course of the game. From looking like going in ahead at the break
against an anxious Arsenal, the home side suddenly had momentum and the home
crowd behind them. The Gunners then scored again ten minutes after the
re-start and seldom looked like conceding after that. "Many times you play
at Arsenal and you come away and can't complain about the result because
they have completely outplayed you, but this time I am complaining about
errors we have made at vital times that they have punished. "I suppose the
difference, at the end of the day, was that we didn't punish the errors that
Arsenal made - and they made a lot of errors, for them. They punished us
more than we punished them and that's why they won." Now, attention turns to
the visit of an in-form and resilient Crystal Palace, who have been on a
similar run to that which West Ham have enjoyed in recent months under
manager Tony Pulis. "It's not going to be easy, because Palace are in better
form than Arsenal. In their last three games, they have not conceded a goal
and they have conceded only one goal in five games. They are on a terrific
run, so form-wise they are maybe slightly ahead of Arsenal. "It's just as
difficult game and tactically it will be different because they obviously
play a very good defensive and then counter-attacking game away from home.
We have watched them and it will be extremely difficult to break down, so we
will have to be very patient in how we approach the game and not get
frustrated about the opposition making life difficult for us, which they
definitely will. "Hopefully we will produce enough quality to breach their
outstanding defensive work that Tony has put together with his team and get
the goals to win the game. One thing is for sure, if we can't win it we need
to make sure we don't lose."
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Cole taunts trophy-less Gooners
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Joe Cole could have landed himself in a spot of bother after taunting
Arsenal fans for their team's lack of trophies in recent years. 32-year-old
Cole, who won the Premier League three times during his spell with Chelsea
mocked the home fans during a warm-up in tonight's 3-1 defeat at the
Emirates by holding aloft an imaginary trophy after being booed by some
Arsenal supporters as he ran along the touchline. The former England
international, who returned to West Ham in January 2013 played the final 12
minutes of tonight's 3-1 defeat but failed to make much of an impression.
Arsenal, who reached the FA Cup Final after squeezing past Championship side
Wigan after extra time at the weekend last won a trophy in 2005 when beating
Manchester United on penalties in the same competition.
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Allardyce dismisses Diame hopes
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce tonight laughed off comments by Mo Diame regarding a move to
one of the Premier League's elite clubs. The midfielder was in the press
last weekend after he told French outlet L'Equipe that he hoped to secure a
move to a "top six" club - such as Liverpool - this summer, two years after
joining West Ham on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic. But Allardyce
doesn't appear to believe the 26-year-old is showing the kind of form that
could potentially interest a club with higher aspirations than the Hammers
presently. When asked what he though about Diame's comments after tonight's
3-1 defeat against Arsenal, Allardyce replied: "What - about going to a top
six club? Well he'll have to perform better, won't he" - before exiting the
press conference. The Hammers boss, who saw his team throw away the lead
once again against the Gunners was also critical of match official Kevin
Friend, who failed to award a penalty to Matt Jarvis in the first half of
the game when it was still poised at 0-0. " The facts are that when you stay
on your feet referees don't give penalties," he said. "The big problem is
that the referee finds it very difficult to give. "There is no reward for
honesty - so what do I do?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce frustrated to lose lead at Arsenal
Last Updated: 16/04/14 5:58am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce admitted his frustration at his side's inability
to maintain their lead until half-time in the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal. The
Hammers enjoyed the better of the play for large parts of the opening 45
minutes as Matt Jarvis headed them in front five minutes before the break,
only for Lukas Podolski to equalise moments later. Second-half goals from
Olivier Giroud and another from Podolski put the game beyond West Ham's
reach and they rarely threatened after falling behind. Allardyce was
encouraged by parts of the display at Emirates Stadium, but says that they
should have made more of their early chances with Mohamed Diame guilty of
being wasteful in front of goal. "I think that we'd done so much up to then
to get the goal - I thought we deserved it," he told Sky Sports. "I think
that the one thing that disappointed me was that we didn't create more from
our opportunities in the first half but we finally got a very good goal. "At
the end of the day, we've lost 3-1 and it's more down to our deficiency
rather than the referee's deficiency." "The key was to hold onto that until
half-time and then say to the lads 'going out there now, there's more
pressure going to come on Arsenal and the home fans expect to beat us
today'.
"It preys on their mind a little bit, they've got a bit of fatigue in the
team and a few injuries. "That would've been more pressure on them but we
released the pressure on them by making two errors for both the goals and
allowed them to get in front. "Then, it's a question of whether we could
create another chance in between that and then finally they got the third
and that was the end of today. "Overall, a good performance but it makes no
difference at the end whether you've played well if you go out there and
lose."
West Ham had a penalty appeal waved away as Bacary Sagna appeared to clip
the legs of Jarvis inside the area, and Allardyce believes that it might
have been given had the West Ham winger gone to ground. "This debate is that
if people stay on their feet and it's a foul, then you don't get it. And
that's a fact because we've proven that over many, many years now," he said.
"While that makes life even more difficult for referees, they're paid to
give fouls whether people stay on their feet or they don't and in opposite
of that we continue to get slaughtered on simulation or diving and that's a
great shame. "At the end of the day, we've lost 3-1 and it's more down to
our deficiency rather than the referee's deficiency."
West Ham remain seven points above the drop zone in 11th place and although
slipping out of the Premier League appears highly unlikely, Allardyce is
keen for a positive end to the campaign with four games remaining. He said:
"I think I've got a lot to do and we've got a lot to do between now and the
end of the season in terms of making sure this season doesn't peter out and
making sure that we try and get as many points as we can and try and get as
many victories as we can on the board. "Crystal Palace is going to be a
massively tough game on their run at the moment. They're in top form at the
minute so it's going to be one at the Boleyn on Saturday that we want to be
on top form again but make sure we win if we can. "If we can't win, make
sure we don't lose. That's two on the trot we've lost and we don't want to
lose any more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal move back into fourth with 3-1 victory over West Ham
By Rob Parrish - Follow me on Twitter @RobParrish75. Last Updated:
15/04/14 10:48pm
SSN
Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud fired Arsenal back into the Premier League
top four as the Gunners came from behind to defeat West Ham 3-1 at Emirates
Stadium.
Best of the Match:
Man of the Match: Santi Cazorla was at the heart of every Arsenal attack and
he was instrumental in securing the three points.
Goal of the Match: Olivier Giroud showed great composure and strength to
bring the ball down from the air, holding off Carroll before firing through
Adrian's legs.
Miss of the Match: His fine finish certainly made up for it, but Giroud's
casual first-half effort with the outside of his boot when through on goal
summed up Arsenal's early frustrations.
Controversy of the Match: West Ham's penalty claim was waved away as Sagna
clipped the legs of Jarvis who stayed on his feet, perhaps swaying the
decision in Arsenal's favour.
Talking point: Arsenal are back into fourth but will they be there in a
month's time?
Giroud's superb strike early in the second half helped secure a first win in
five Premier League outings for the FA Cup finalists, who are now a point
ahead of Everton in the race for the last UEFA Champions League berth, but
have played a game more.
Matt Jarvis had nodded the Hammers into the lead late in the first half, but
that appeared to rouse Arsene Wenger's men from a sluggish display and
Podolski levelled before the interval, with the Germany international adding
a third 12 minutes from time.
Giroud had a good chance to break the deadlock with 14 minutes gone, but
there was a lack of conviction in his attempt to get on the end of
Podolski's cross on the edge of the six-yard box and the opportunity went
begging.
West Ham had started strongly and came close to finding the net twice in the
space of 60 seconds, with Thomas Vermaelen forced to head Jarvis' deep cross
away under pressure from Andy Carroll, before Mohamed Diame slashed over the
bar when well-placed from the resulting corner.
Giroud then missed a glorious opportunity when he was played in behind the
Hammers defence by Santi Cazorla, with his ponderous touch and attempted
flick with the outside of his boot making it too easy for Adrian to gather.
West Ham made the Gunners pay five minutes before the interval. Antonio
Nocerino was not tracked by Kim Kallstrom as he burst into the box and,
although his initial effort was saved, the ball looped up for Jarvis to nod
home bravely, with Laurent Koscielny's flailing boot only narrowly missing
his head.
Arsene Wenger was delighted with his players after they came from behind to
win 3-1 at home to West Ham.
Arsenal responded and Kallstrom forced Adrian to save at his near post
before Podolski levelled with a drilled low finish across the keeper after
Cazorla seized onto Stewart Downing's poor clearance and threaded a pass
through the defence.
Downing fired a low shot wide early in the second period before Diame got
away from a weak Mikel Arteta challenge far too easily only to balloon his
long-range effort way off target
Sam Allardyce says his West Ham side only have themselves to blame after
suffering a 3-1 defeat away at Arsenal.
Giroud then made amends for his earlier misses in stunning style, bringing
down Vermaelen's deep ball to the back post with a deft touch from his left
boot and then firing beyond Adrian with his right despite the close
attentions of Winston Reid and Carroll.
Arsenal were keen to press home their advantage and Adrian was forced to
fist away Podolski's powerful free-kick from the right corner of the box,
before Cazorla cut inside after a swift Arsenal break with his shot curling
away from the keeper but also inches beyond the far post.
Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla both spoke of the importance of finishing
fourth after they beat West Ham 3-1.
Aaron Ramsey, who suffered a thigh injury in the win at West Ham on Boxing
Day, was sent on in place of Tomas Rosicky for his first Emirates appearance
since late December in the 72nd minute and he lashed a long-range shot over
the bar with his first meaningful contribution soon after.
The Wales international then played a key role in Arsenal's third, with his
fine cushioned header from Giroud's cross releasing Podolski to fire over
Adrian from 10 yards out and make the points safe for the Gunners.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's James Tomkins targets survival ahead of England
Last Updated: 15/04/14 2:35pm
SSN
West Ham defender James Tomkins has prioritised Premier League survival
despite his dream to play for England. The 25-year-old has impressed at
Upton Park this season and has helped Sam Allardyce's side to keep 13 clean
sheets. His form has prompted suggestions that England manager Roy Hodgson
should look at Tomkins, who has represented the national team from the
Under-16s and through to the Under-21s. However, despite an ambition to play
for the senior team, Tomkins' eyes are focused on West Ham's quest to
guarantee their Premier League status. He told the London Evening Standard:
"It would be a dream to play for my country one day but just at the moment
my entire focus is on West Ham and helping make sure we are still in the
Premier League next season. "I think we can take great heart and confidence
from recent games, including Liverpool despite the ultimate defeat.
"Liverpool have been scoring very freely from open play but, against us,
their two goals came from penalties. I feel like I'm playing well, improving
every game. Being picked for England is my ultimate goal." West Ham take on
Arsenal tonight at the Emirates, and it will give Tomkins another chance to
impress against quality opposition. Tomkins added: "We're looking forward to
this game. "We believe we have a good chance, especially now that Arsenal
have been involved in extra-time at the weekend."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big match verdict: Failure to test shattered Arsenal shows West Ham have
much to work on
Apr 15, 2014 22:12
OPINION BY DARRENLEWIS
Darren Lewis was at the Emirates to see Sam Allardyce's men take a
first-half lead... and then fall apart
The Mirror
The game plan was obvious from the outset. Start fast, start hard, get into
the Arsenal ribs and find out whether or not they fancy it. Sam Allardyce
sent out his men well aware that many of the Gunners were cream-crackered
from being taken to the wire by Wigan 72 hours earlier. Five of the Arsenal
team - including key men Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta - played all 120
minutes of that stamina-sapping semi-final at Wembley. And just four days
earlier, Cazorla himself had expressed concerns that his side had lacked a
winning mentality. The Hammers fans played their part too, their cries of
"Top of the League and you f***** it up" referring to the fact that just two
months ago their hosts were indeed leading the title race. Now they are
battling to finish fourth. So the plan was simple. Rough up the Gunners in
midfield and bombard them from wide areas. It worked too. For all of four
minutes. Matty Jarvis bravely stuck his head in where it hurt five minutes
before half time to put West Ham ahead. Had the Irons held out until
half-time the stretched patience of their fans could have created a caustic
atmosphere here at the Emirates. Instead they committed the kind of unforced
error that had them in relegation trouble earlier this season. Lukas
Podolski and Olivier Giroud scored either side of half-time and that was
that. Their failure to exploit ailing Arsenal also highlighted something
that West Ham need to work on for next season - when Plan A fails they have
no Plan B.
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