Daily WHUFC News - 21st October 2015

Stat Attack - Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com

Saturday's victory at Crystal Palace was notable for another fine attacking
performance from two of the Hammers' summer arrivals. But while Dimitri
Payet will attract most of the headlines after notching his fifth Barclays
Premier League goal of the season, it was perhaps a player who goes a little
more under the radar who was the biggest driver behind the victory. Manuel
Lanzini has been in outstanding form since breaking into Slaven Bilic's
starting line-up in late August and football statistics website
WhoScored.com had him as Man of the Match at Selhurst Park with a rating of
9.4. It was close to perfection from the No28, who scored the crucial second
goal with just two minutes remaining and then laid on Dimitri Payet's
game-sealing third in stoppage time. Lanzini has shown a useful knack of
popping up in the right place at the right time to net important goals – he
marked his Hammers debut with a strike at Astra Giurgiu in the UEFA Europa
League, followed that with a goal on his full Premier League debut against
Liverpool and then secured all three points on Saturday. It was a
performance of the highest class from Lanzini, who attempted 90 passes in
the game – the most by a West Ham player since Mark Noble made 92 passes
against Aston Villa in November 2011. The Jewel, as he was nicknamed in his
native Argentina before heading abroad to play his club football in the
Middle East a year ago, completed 93 percent of those passes to help keep
the Hammers ticking as an attacking force against the Eagles. He also made a
game-high six dribbles, took on four shots and attempted three tackles in a
90 minutes that really showed his value to the team.

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Collins thrilled with winning return
WHUFC.com

James Collins was thrilled to mark his return to the starting eleven with
three points at Crystal Palace on Saturday. The defender has had to be
patient as he waited for his chance this season, but a minor injury to
Winston Reid saw him partner James Tomkins at Selhurst Park and help the
Hammers to a hard-earned three points. Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet
struck late on to see off Palace by a 3-1 scoreline and give Collins even
more reason to celebrate following Wales' qualification for Euro 2016. He
said: "It was amazing to be back in the starting line-up. The Gaffer told me
on Thursday, Friday when I got back from Wales that I'd be playing and I was
excited from then. "It's been a long time since I started a Premier League
game and to be on the winning side is great. "It's been a great couple of
weeks – I'm still celebrating and on the crest of a wave! Hopefully it can
continue for a long time. "We had to work hard for the three points on
Saturday. We knew it was going to be a tough game because Palace have been
playing very well. "We matched them at the start and then obviously got the
goal. We were unfortunate to then concede a penalty but we're delighted with
the three points as always away from home. "It didn't look like it was
coming the later it goes, but we've got quality in the attacking areas so if
we kept on giving them the ball we knew we'd score. Luckily we did."

West Ham have now won four of their five away games in the league this
season – a sign for Collins that this season's squad is well balanced. He
added: "Manuel has been tremendous – him and Dimitri are both flair players
who can create chances and score goals. Both of them are doing unbelievably
for us. "We've got boys who work hard and get behind the ball. We defend
well and the lads up front score goals. So anywhere we go we know that if we
defend well we'll create chances."

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Westley pleased with deserved victory
WHUFC.com

Academy manager Terry Westley praised the team spirit within the U21s as
they recorded their first win of the season in emphatic style with a 4-0 win
over Wolverhampton Wanderers U21. Enner Valencia opened the scoring in the
first half with a neatly taken poked finish before second half goals from
Manny Onariase, Marcus Browne and Martin Samuelsen completed the rout.
Speaking after the game, Westley reflected: "It's good to get that monkey
off our backs for sure. Seven games without a win would have been very
tough. "We had a strong team with the two boys from the first team in the
first half. Credit to them with the way they played the game, they took it
seriously and properly committed to it. Enner scored a great goal to give us
the lead."

As planned, Valencia and Pedro Obiang played the first 45 minutes before
being replaced by youngster Marcus Browne and George Dobson, both of whom
Westley signed out for praise: "It was a real team effort, and that includes
the two subs George Dobson and Marcus Browne who did well off the bench.
"They came on at 1-0 and it finished 4-0 so credit to them. It was nice for
Marcus to get his first goal for the U21s, he's been through a tough time
recently and so it was extra special. Not just his goal but he was really
driving at the defence when he picked it up. He's a very talented boy, and
if he applied himself every week, he's got a real chance."

Up next for the young Hammers is another home tie – against Fulham on Monday
26 September – at the Boleyn Ground, kick off 7pm. Looking ahead to the
fixture with the Cottagers, Westley said: "We're always setting staff and
players new challenges whatever the circumstances but now we're trying to
win two games in a row. We play Fulham next week at home and hopefully we'll
perform like we did today. "We want to get wins and kick on with the season
but also play good football at the same time. That's the ultimate challenge,
there's a bigger picture and that's what were committed too. These players
need to fight their way into a top six Premier League, it's a hard task but
that's what we're striving for. "Giving each player good habits it where it
all starts, and that's what it's about."

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Collins thrilled with winning return
WHUFc.com

James Collins was thrilled to mark his return to the starting eleven with
three points at Crystal Palace on Saturday. The defender has had to be
patient as he waited for his chance this season, but a minor injury to
Winston Reid saw him partner James Tomkins at Selhurst Park and help the
Hammers to a hard-earned three points. Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet
struck late on to see off Palace by a 3-1 scoreline and give Collins even
more reason to celebrate following Wales' qualification for Euro 2016. He
said: "It was amazing to be back in the starting line-up. The Gaffer told me
on Thursday, Friday when I got back from Wales that I'd be playing and I was
excited from then. "It's been a long time since I started a Premier League
game and to be on the winning side is great. "It's been a great couple of
weeks – I'm still celebrating and on the crest of a wave! Hopefully it can
continue for a long time. "We had to work hard for the three points on
Saturday. We knew it was going to be a tough game because Palace have been
playing very well. "We matched them at the start and then obviously got the
goal. We were unfortunate to then concede a penalty but we're delighted with
the three points as always away from home. "It didn't look like it was
coming the later it goes, but we've got quality in the attacking areas so if
we kept on giving them the ball we knew we'd score. Luckily we did."

West Ham have now won four of their five away games in the league this
season – a sign for Collins that this season's squad is well balanced. He
added: "Manuel has been tremendous – him and Dimitri are both flair players
who can create chances and score goals. Both of them are doing unbelievably
for us. "We've got boys who work hard and get behind the ball. We defend
well and the lads up front score goals. So anywhere we go we know that if we
defend well we'll create chances."

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Onariase delighted with a hat-trick of firsts
WHUFc.com

West Ham United defender Manny Onariase spoke of his delight at his side's
4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers following a dominant performance at
Rush Green. The victory – the young Hammers' first of the campaign – was
particularly special for the towering defender who opened his account for
the season, by bundling home Josh Cullen's in-swinging corner. Speaking
after the match, a clearly delighted Onariase beamed: "We're all buzzing;
it's been a long time coming. We deserved it because we've been working
really hard recently. "We had a real togetherness and everyone worked hard
for each other. We did everything collectively."

The south Londoner, who celebrates his 19th birthday on Wednesday, claimed
an early present as it was not clear whether the last touch came off a
Wolves' defender. Having seen a replay, Onariase wasted no time in taking
full responsibility: "I'm definitely claiming that goal! I had three good
chances before that so this one was bound to go in. I was pleased to see it
go over the line. "Myself and Reece (Oxford) are always the targets from
corners and set pieces, the ball just seemed to end up with me all the time.
"This win is very important for confidence, after other games we've been
getting down because we put the work in, the performances but not the
results. That's always hard to accept but its good we finally broke through
that. That will give us the confidence we need in future games."

On a night of positives for the Hammers, which saw Enner Valencia break the
deadlock with a neat turn and finish on his return to full fitness, the Dev
Squad also secured their first clean sheet of the campaign. "It was very
important to get the first clean sheet of the season too. Terry (Westley)
always says how important they are, if we don't win matches then at least we
won't lose them. That's something we've been missing all season. We've got
to build on this now. "I'd say today was up there with one of the best
performances of the season but I actually think we've played and lost."

Up next for the Hammers is another home game – against London rivals Fulham
at the Boleyn Ground on Monday 26 September. The Cottagers have started the
season brightly and currently find themselves sixth in the Barclays U21
Premier League Division Two. Looking ahead to the tough encounter, Onariase
is confident his side will match their performance against Wolves: "It was a
good performance and a much needed morale boost; we will build on from
there. "We're all looking forward to the next game against Fulham next
Monday."

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The Big Interview
WHUFC.com

Alex Song has been working immensely hard on his fitness after a spell out
injured following summer surgery. The midfielder is nearing a first-team
comeback as two former Barcelona teammates prepare to visit the Boleyn
Ground with Chelsea on Saturday. Song spoke to whufc.com ahead of another
London derby, with West Ham United seeking to continue their outstanding
start to the Barclays Premier League season.

Alex, you know many of the Chelsea squad and they are better than eleventh
in the table, surely?

"They had a very bad start this season, but it doesn't mean they have lost
all the quality in their team. They won their last game at home and will
come here trying to get a good result,

"We are in good spirits as well, so we don't want to lose any points. This
is a very big game, Chelsea have very good players, and if we play like we
are playing away, then we have nothing to worry about and we can continue to
improve at this time."

When you decided to return to West Ham, you must have seen a stronger squad,
but did you expect us to be this strong?

"I have been watching the guys and they are doing very well. I think we are
stronger and the way we are playing is fantastic football. We just have to
play the same way we are playing away, at home, because it is not very good
to drop points at home.

"It is very important to get the points at home. When I watch the guys play,
I want to come back to help them, because at the age of 28 this is the first
time in my career that I have a bad injury. In ten years, I didn't have
anything.

"I just want to help the Club and bring my play and my fitness. I'm very
happy with the way we are playing and with my progress, so now I am just
waiting to come back to the pitch."

Are you genuinely excited to be part of a West Ham team playing with such
style?

"Yes, I am! I am looking forward a lot to coming back to play alongside
Lanzini, Payet, Noble, Cheikhou, Diaf and the whole squad!

"We are playing the football I like to play and I am very happy. It will be
a pleasure to come back and join the guys, because they are playing the way
I like to play.

"I am very happy to be here and see them play that way. I want to come back
and for us to enjoy our football together."

This Saturday, we welcome your former Barcelona teammates Cesc Fabregas and
Pedro to the Boleyn Ground. What threat will they bring?

"Cesc is one of the best midfielders in the world. He is a very clever guy.
When you give him room, he can give good final balls to the striker for them
to finish. We know Chelsea have top quality players and we have to work hard
to stop them.

"Pedro is an unbelievable player and one the best players in the world in
his position. When I was in Barcelona I spent two years with him and he is a
fantastic player. The way he plays, we have to be careful because he is very
quick, he can turn left or right, he has good vision and he scores a lot of
goals.

"We have to be focused and play very well and not give any room to anyone.
We are in a very good place at the moment and we have to work hard and not
make any mistakes, because if we do one mistake, we will be punished."

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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

I cannot remember seeing the team have such a such a strong start to the
season away from home. The great thing is that we are scoring goals and the
3-1 victory over Crystal Palace means we have now scored 12 goals in just
five games. We managed to score three at Liverpool and two goals at both
Arsenal and Manchester City so it has been a very good start. I am sure the
supporters would have been impressed once again by the performance from
Manuel Lanzini against Palace. We knew he was a fantastic player. Before he
went to the UAE he was regarded as the next Messi in Argentina. We see him
more as a Luka Modric who scores goals. He is improving with every game as
he becomes match fit. He could turn out to be very special. Every single one
of the main signings have made a contribution and over the season we will
need them all.
We now have another big game against Chelsea on Saturday and the bookies
make us 7/2 to win. Chelsea are 9/10 on. I think the odds on us are generous
with Chelsea travelling to Ukraine to play in the Champions League. I would
like to thank the supporters for their magnificent support. We have not done
as well as I would have hoped at home, but with their support we can turn
that around. It's a long season and there are 29 games to go, hopefully we
can make it a very special season. We are the second highest goalscorers in
the Premier League and proud of the great football we are playing.

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Dimitri Payet STILL Europe's most creative player
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Dimitri Payet is still the most creative player in Europe,
according to current statistics. The Hammers were happy to pay close to
£11million in the summer to sign the French midfielder after he topped last
season's charts for being the continent's most creative player from the top
five leagues (Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue One, La Liga and Serie A).
And according to a survey on oulala.com, Payet is once again topping the
charts in 2015/ 16 having provided a total of 35 'key' passes - four more
than his closest rival, Arsenal's Mesut Ozil. That's one every 23 minutes or
so, averaging out at 3.9 per match. The list consists of five Premier League
players, with Santi Cazorla (27 passes), Eden Hazard (26) and Dusan Tadic
(24) all some way behind West Ham's talisman. The remaining five names -
Ryad Boudebouz, Sofiane Boufal, Wahbi Khazri, Abdelaziz Barrada and Thomas
Mangani - all feature in France's top flight. Payet also recorded the most
number of key passes last weekend, with six in the 3-1 win against Crystal
Palace - a game in which he also scored his fifth goal of the season.

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Former Hammer critical of Ox omission
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Former West Ham United defender Stuart Pearce has accused the club of
hurting England's chances in the Under 17s World Cup Finals by refusing to
allow Reece Oxford to join the travelling party.

The 16-year-old centre half has played a bit part in three of West Ham's
Premier League fixtures so far this season, but hasn't featured since
replacing Manuel Lanzini as a late substitute in the 3-0 win over Liverpool
at Anfield at the end of August.

And Pearce - who spent two years at the Boleyn Ground between 1999 and 2001
- believes West Ham's stance will seriously affect the nation's chances of
succeeding in Chile.

"What an experience this is for any young player," Pearce told Talksport. "A
life experience, not just a footballing experience. A World Cup in Chile -
that is a life experience

"If he is playing in West Ham's first team week after week I would say, 'I
can't understand it, but OK, fine'. But if he is not even in the West Ham
squad, wowee. Where is your progression, a) as a man and b) as a footballer?

"He might have been up for the captaincy and captaining your country in
Chile is a better life experience and a better footballing experience for
him to progress in football than staying at West Ham and possibly being on
the bench or not being in the squad."

West Ham have not explained their reasons for refusing Oxford permission to
take part, although the club's senior players have been constantly
overlooked by manager Roy Hodgson.

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THINGS WE LEARNED AFTER CRYSTAL PALACE
By Blind Hammer 20 Oct 2015 at 17:00
WTID

Blind Hammer examines what lessons can be learnt from the Palace result.

1. We confirmed that we are a team with players that opponents fear. I
am willing to bet now, if I was a betting man, that West Ham will continue
to benefit from teams having players sent off for the rest of the season.
Alan Pardew moaned that Palace were unlucky to have Gale sent off. Palace
was not unlucky nor was West Ham lucky. Just as Sunderland were not unlucky
to have Jeremain Lens sent off against us in the previous game. The sending
off in both cases had nothing to do with luck but in both circumstances the
consequence of the pressure that the West Ham midfield was exerting and the
fear of Payet that opposition teams have in particular. Without the pressure
our midfield was exerting neither Lens nor Gale would have felt compelled to
make the desperate challenges they made. Not since the days of a rampaging
Devonshire and gliding Brooking have we placed such dominant game pressure
on teams.

2. This change is not just about midfield pressure but also arises from
our new style of play. We will continue to win free kicks in matches. The
ball playing characteristics of the current team style inevitably draws more
challenges and fouls. It is rather less likely that fouls will be awarded if
we were relying simply on floated long balls up for Carroll and Sacko to
battle for possession. With the floated long ball it is just as likely that
Carroll and Sacko will concede rather than win free kicks.

3. We have more than one match changer and match winner. Apart from the
obvious talents of Payet, Lanzini is proving a hot potato.

4. We have strength from the bench. The winner on Saturday was born out
of interventions from the bench; Mauro Zárate's made several telling
interventions, including his floated cross which allowed Carroll to power
over a tiring defence to set up Lanzini's winner . I cannot recall a time in
recent history where West Ham have had the ability to call on players of
such match winning calibre from the bench.

5. West Ham continues to defy Mark Lawrenson's predictions. Yet again
he confidently predicted a Palace victory, at heart he is still unable to
believe that the results against Arsenal Liverpool and Manchester City were
anything but flukes. This has come on top of his patronising so called
"fear" that West Ham would be relegated, and his assertion after the
Liverpool game that Liverpool had been beaten by a team that "was not very
good".

6. Slaven Bilic was proved right of his critique of Match of the Day.
Despite their recent protestations they were yet again wearily predictable
by devoting the entire lead front running time on the program once more to
Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United. The post-match analysis was
almost exclusively concentrated on these "big" teams. . The only surprise is
that Crystal Palace versus West Ham managed to squeeze ahead of Chelsea v
Aston Villa.

7. James Collins continues to defy people writing him off. In the early
stages of the commentary on BBC London Collins was identified as a "slow"
weakness at the heart of the West Ham defence. This assessment died away as
the match continues.

It is exciting times to be a Hammer. The severe test of Chelsea awaits us on
Saturday. A positive result is by no means certain. Yet potentially Bilic
may be the grave digger for José Mourinho's Managerial career at Chelsea in
much the same way he did for Steve McClaren whilst Manager of England.

A win against Chelsea would certainly start to make people like Lawrenson
sit up and take notice.

COYI

David Griffith

As well as

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WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AGAINST CHELSEA? IT'S ANYONE'S GAME
By Bobby Shovels 20 Oct 2015 at 08:00
WTID

I'll admit that I did not expect the result against Crystal Palace: it was
the sort of game you dread because you expect us to have a crack at after
our previous successes on the road, but the game against Sunderland cast a
lot of doubt. Yes, they were down to ten men, but at least this time we
managed to break them down compared to failing to do so against the Black
Cats. 24 shots on goal and only four on target? That could be seen in a
negative light, but I don't care. The three points matter more. We can talk
all about the West Ham way, the legacy Allardyce and the coming of Bilic:
what this club needs more than anything ahead of the "Big Move" is points,
points and more points.


The question now is: what the hell is going to happen this Saturday against
Chelsea, unanimously tipped to retain their title by the media ahead of the
season and yet now sitting on 11 points from 9 matches? This weekend's clash
has shades of that famous 3-1 Allardyce win in its build-up. Back then,
Chelsea were on a dip of form, with Benitez's new team not having scored in
his first two games in charge and defeat at Upton Park extending the Blues'
winless run in the league to seven matches. On the other side, West Ham were
enjoying a confident start to the new season having just been promoted, and
in that first season back the Hammers hardly ever had to worry about the
fear of relegation.

So, another West Ham win? Well, it's never that simple. It's notable that
there is a direct correlation between Aston Villa's loss against an
out-of-sorts Chelsea last week and West Ham's two losses so far this season:
a high number of individual errors. Chelsea's victory against Villa was not
overwhelming and they capitalised on Tim Sherwood's sides sloppiness. The
Bournemouth and Leicester performances were riddled with mistakes, and Mark
Noble's suicidal back pass against Norwich City could have ended up costing
us dear.

So, we cannot repeat those same mistakes again. I may sound like a stuck
record, but that defence has to tighten up against Chelsea. Jose Mourinho's
side need a good run of form if they want to finish in the top four or even
attempt an unlikely title defence. Villa's mistakes will have galvanised the
side and given them some much needed belief after so much recent turmoil and
scandal. They will know that we only have four points from 12 at home, a
home record even worse than theirs (albeit they have played one more game at
home).

We know where our strengths are – mainly on the break – and Chelsea's
defence has hardly been a thing of beauty this season. However, with
Ivanovic now out and Baba and Zouma stepping up, there is a freshness to the
side after Mourinho spending so long using the same starting eleven. Now,
the Chelsea boss admitted his side were far from at their best against Villa
and that they still lack confidence. Compare that to West Ham's combination
of a good start but a weak run at home, and well, where do you put your
money?

Mourinho said that Chelsea aren't going to go from in crisis to brilliance
straight away: Villa were the perfect opposition to enable them to get back
to winning ways and start their presumable slow march up the table. The
question is what kind of form and confidence they will be in come Saturday,
and whether West Ham will buck their trend of failing to perform at home.
What may help the Hammers is the luxury of a week to prepare while Chelsea
have a mid-week Champions League tie where they need a good result.

This is as a good a chance as any to beat Chelsea and repeat that glorious
December afternoon in 2012, but there are so many variables in the mix in an
already brilliantly topsy turvy unpredictable season, it is hard to know how
this match will turn out. Regardless, it should once again be a classic, and
in the last West Ham v Chelsea match at the Boleyn, that's all I ask.

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Joe Cole revelling chance to play regular football at Coventry City
By Rob Dorsett, Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 20/10/15 9:16am
SSN

Sky Sports News HQ reporter Rob Dorsett discovers the buzz around Coventry
City after their capture of Joe Cole on a 35-day emergency loan. "After the
posh hotels he's used to, I daren't tell Joe that we travel to away matches
on the day of the game!" So said a Coventry City official to me, as we
arrived to interview new loan signing, Joe Cole. "To be honest, I doubt
he'll be too upset about missing out on an overnight stay in Rochdale!"
quipped another.

It is an extraordinary tale. One excited fan told me Cole is the biggest
signing for the Sky Blues since Robbie Keane 16 years ago. That view offers
some perspective. The man has West Ham (twice), Chelsea, Liverpool, Lille
and Aston Villa on his CV, and now he's dropping two divisions in the search
for a style of football that suits him. "You're a long-time retired in this
game, so I just want to go and play some football," said Cole. "Aston Villa
have signed a lot of players in my position of late, so it was proving
difficult for me to get any football. My agent and I spoke about the type of
club I could go to, I had a chat with the gaffer here and his staff and he
really impressed me. "I need to compete. I need to have that challenge on a
Tuesday and a Saturday, need to get some games into my legs because it's
been a long time since I've played a run of games."

Cole did have the opportunity to play at a higher level than Coventry can
offer him, but he turned those clubs down in favour of a spell at the Ricoh
Arena. "I had the chance to go out on loan in the Championship, or abroad,"
he explains. "Do I want to go to a Championship club that is maybe hoofing
it, and struggling at the wrong end of the table, or go to a team like
Coventry that plays football in the right way, has a load of young players
that I can help with my experience, and enjoy myself? "I've had a lot of
injuries in the last couple of years - loads of niggles, which has
interrupted me a lot. It's difficult when you get into that routine of
training all week, but not playing games. But I've made a few changes in my
training and preparation, so I feel stronger and fitter and ready. You can
only get properly fit by playing matches, so hopefully I'll get that chance
now."

At 33, Cole is thinking longer term about what his life might look like once
he's retired. For some, the sight of Joe Cole in League One is tinged with
regret. But why? "Here, there's also the option of picking up experience in
the Leagues for when I go into coaching, and I feel I can learn a lot from
the gaffer here. "I've been lucky enough to play for some of the very best
teams in the world, when they were at their peak. But I've also played for
teams battling relegation, so I've had a broad experience of football,
albeit only at the top level. So this is something new for me, but I'm
joining a great bunch of lads. Hopefully after 35 days we'll still be up
there, and maybe even a bit stronger."

So what did his new team-mates make of him, a man who has won 56 caps for
England, as he walked into the changing room at the Sky Blue Lodge in Ryton
for training on Monday morning?
"I like to think I'm easy going - there's no ego from me. It's what I love.
I can't bear the thought of waking up and not going into a club each
morning, hearing the banter from the lads.
"When you step over that white line, it doesn't matter what you've done in
the past. It's 11 against 11. And the boys here seem a good bunch, who play
good football."

Cole has played 60 minutes of football in total this season - against Notts
County in the Capital One Cup - and has only made Aston Villa's matchday
squad for a Premier League game three times, but he's looking no further
forward than the chance to make his Coventry debut against Rochdale. "I'm
excited," he added. "I've played a lot of U21s football recently, and I
don't think it's good for the development of English football. You can play
20 U21 matches and not learn as much as a few games of proper competitive
football at this level. "Young kids will learn much more playing against
guys who it really matters to - guys who need to win a contract to pay their
mortgage. It's much more competitive, if you ask me. You need to experience
coming up against someone who is going to kick you - this isn't a tickling
contest. It's tough. And the kids need to learn that. I'm really looking
forward to it."

For a man who has won three Premier League titles and two FA Cups - it's a
refreshing attitude that highlights his love of the game.

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Palace defender admits Sakho's a nightmare
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

ClaretandHugh's chief analyst Leroy Rosenior has been saying it for weeks
—Diafra Sakho is a nightmare for defenders. Discussing the striker in a
recent blog, Lee explained that it was Sakho's running and work in the
channels that was opening up the space for Manu Lanzini and Dimi Payet to
produce the creative business. And now virtually word for word a player on
the receiving end of it against Crystal Palace has repeated our man's words
almost down to the last syllable. Defender Damian Delaney – appearing on Sky
Sports' Goals on Sunday explained how impressed he'd been with Sak's
relentless approach on Saturday. The centre-back said Sakho's willingness
"to run the channels" is what creates the space for the more creative
players in the team to express themselves. He said: "The boy they have
up-front, Sakho, is relentless in his running. He runs down the sides and he
stretches you, which creates the spaces for Lanzini and Payet. Those were
both pretty good yesterday. "I was impressed by Lanzini yesterday, I didn't
even know where he came from but he was good."

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West Ham are capable of top four finish
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Carl Jenkinson reckns the Irons are capable of a top four finish but
acknowledges it is a very tough ask. He said: We've beaten the clubs that
you would expect to be in the top four , it's a thing we are capable of but
it is a very tough ask. "Finishing in the top four is almost a trophy in
itself at times, it's very difficult to get into and it's such an
achievement if we do. "In terms of the players we have, I think we are
capable of doing it, it's not something the club's done before in recent
years. So it's a very tough ask and I wouldn't want to put pressure on
ourselves by saying we definitely can, but it would be a good achievement if
we could."

"We just have to continue doing what we are doing and playing with the
confidence and freedom that we have been playing with. If we do that, we'll
get a lot of wins and a lot of points. "It's a bit too early to start
talking about the Champions League, it's a very tough ask but never say
never." Jenkinson added: "With the new manager everything's changed in quite
a few different ways, with no disrespect to Sam – he did fantastic for the
club." "Slaven has come in, the training's very intense and quite a few
things have changed. Obviously with the players he's brought in and I think
there's an awful lot of quality in the squad." "Obviously there's been a few
changes with personnel but they've been positive ones." He told
talkSport:"We've got some great results against the big clubs away from home
this year. At those sort of grounds you've got to sit in and defend well.
"We've got such pace on the break where I think it's suited us to be honest.
In those games we've defended really well. Moses, Sakho, Payet, Lanzini –
they are very good players on the break and that has suited us down to the
ground."

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The James Tomkins factor
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Whether a lucky omen or something more substantial we have not lost a league
game in which James Tomkins has started this season.
Local lad James Tomkins was written off by many after Ogbonna joined the
Hammers to partner Winston Reid but Tomkins has proved essential even
showing the gaffer he makes a fine right back to cover Carl Jenkinson.
Tomkins started against Arsenal our first away win as Jenkinson was club
tied. He missed starting in the losses against Leicester City and
Bournemouth although he was substitute in the later. He was back in the
starting lineup for the historic 3-0 win at Anfield over Liverpool after
Jenkinson's red card in the Bournemouth game. He started in the Newcastle
2-0 win at home and again for the Manchester City away win standing in for
an injured Ogbonna. He was present in the starting line up again in the 2-2
draw with Norwich City at home and again for the Sunderland 2-2 away draw.
He kept his centre back place for Crystal Palace away which we won 3-1 at
the weekend. It will be interesting to see whether Ogbonna automatically
regains his first team place when fully fit or has to earn it back. Anyway,
starting Tomkins on Saturday against Chelsea could bring us luck, the lad is
unbeaten in the Premier League this season!

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Irons react to 'Spurs for Boleyn' report
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

EXCLUSIVE

West Ham have tonight made it clear that neither Tottenham Hotspur or any
other club will ever play football at the Boleyn Stadium.
Newspaper stories suggesting that plans to build houses on the Boleyn are
set to be thrown out by councillors will open the door for Spurs were blown
out of the water tonight. Describing that as a "sensational potential move"
the report reminded readers of Tottenham's failed bid to buy the Boleyn for
the 2016-17 season Earlier Newham Council have rejected said proposals
submitted last year by developer Galliard Homes on the basis that they want
more than six per cent of 838 homes to be "affordable." And now planners
are recommending refusal of a revised offer to increase the proportion of
affordable homes to 22 per cent. But any hopes Spurs had that they may be
set to get a second chance as the planning battle swings against the
developers were killed when ClaretandHugh contacted its top Hammers
insider. He has told us within the last few minutes: "I want to make it 100
per cent clear that our contract excludes any club using Upton Park after
we leave."

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Nolan no-go may open door to Carlton!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Kevin Nolan appears to have lost the chance of working with his former boss
Sam Allardyce at Sunderland but the door may be open for Carlton Cole. The
Black Cats boss has claimed that with one place left in his squad he needs a
striker and that may give Cole a chance as an out of contract player.
However, Celtic have described his fitness situation as being not up to pace
so that may count against him although his knowledge of his former
manager's methods may count in his favour. Thirty-three year old Nolan has
been without a club since parting company with the Irons despite being
linked with Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Watford and Sunderland.

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These two loanees set for long term deals
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold has dropped the heaviest hint yet that Mauel Lanzini is on his
way to the club in a permanent summer deal. And assuming he proves his
fitness, Alex Song is set to join him.
Lanzini has been the revelation of the season so far and with an eight
million euros fee agreed with his parent club Al Jaziera written in tablets
of stone the deal looks certain to be done in the summer. Gold – whilst not
naming the players concerned – said in an 'around midnight' tweet that will
be disappointed if two of the current loan signings did not arrive on the
books permanently. Victor Moses is known to be on a straightforward one year
deal at a cost of over £5 million and is all set for a Stamford Bridge
return at the end of the campaign.
He was bought for this season with Michail Antonio seen very much as the man
for next term and beyond whilst Carl Jenkinson – having signed a new long
term deal at Arsenal – is in his final loan season with us. Arsenal want
around £10 million for the player and ClaretandHugh was told by a top
insider over the last couple of days: "We have eight months to find a right
back and are tracking players. Responding to a follower in his latest tweet
Gold said: "I would be disappointed if at least two (loan signings) aren't
made permanent." Gold himself is a big admirer of Song's and manager Slaven
Bilic is desperate for the creative midfielder to make a full recovery and
sign for a minimum of two years.

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Valencia & Obiang helps youngsters to first win
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Enner Valencia helped the West Ham under 21 team to their first win of the
season as they sounded thumped Wolves Under 21's 4-0 at Rush Green. Valencia
started in a match that included Spiegel, Knoyle, Hendrie, Obiang, Onariase,
Samuelsen, Cullen, Lee, Parfitt-Williams with 16 year old Reece Oxford as
captain. First team coaching staff Nicola Jurcevic, Miljenko Rak and Julian
Dicks were are all in attendance to watch how the youngsters got on. It was
left to Enner Valencia to show the youngsters how it is done and he opened
the scoring on 33 minutes with a lovely finish after running onto a
through-ball. Valencia was taken off at half time. As the second half
kicked off Pedro Obiang and Enner Valencia are replaced by Marcus Browne and
George Dobson. Emmanuel Onariase made it 2-0 on 52 minutes after a short
range effort from a corner, five minutes later it was Marcus Browne scoring
from a Elliot Lee rebound to make it 3-0. Martin Samuelsen was fouled on 65
minutes giving him a penalty which he comfortably converted to make it 4-0
to finish the scoreline and record the first victory of the season for the
development squad. Captain Reece Oxford tweeted out "Nice to captain u21s to
our first win of the season. Congrats to Samuelsen and Marcus Browne. Elliot
Lee practice on the pen bro"

Marcus Browne said "Good win from the boys tonight, pleased to have scored
my first goal for the 21's… Stolen from Elliot Lee" Elliot Lee replied "I
don't score pens.. I just get assists on them!" The win moves them off the
bottom of the table with 4 points although bottom placed Brighton U21's have
yet to play their seventh game of the season.

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Secret of Hammers success is so simple
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H

You may remember former times when West Ham played a diamond formation and
it was heralded in our terms as representing something of a revolution. So
it was and for a while it produced some of the best football we had seen at
the club efore it was sussed out and there was nowhere else to go as we
slipped and slipped. This time around we of course have better players but
there's an awful lot more to what's going on than that as was witnessed in
our last Selhurst Park outing. And centrally it's all down to the new
manager and his flexibility and ability to change game plans to suit the
conditions of the game. Add to his many obvious virtues – thoughtfulness!

And his biggest thought on Saturday was that he wasn't very interested in
Palace's attacking abilities. It was all about what we were going to do and
boy did we do it. Ok, they were down to ten men but with two banks of four
in front of the Irons we faced a seriously difficult job in breaking them
down. Slav's answer: Throw on more and more attacking players: On came Andy
Carroll, on came Mauro Zarate, on came Nikicia Jelavic.

West Ham fans aren't used to this…and it's thrilling. Slav works on the
principle that goals win games not clean sheets and as the anxiety grew
towards the end it was Carroll and Jelavic who created the Lanzine goal.
Brilliant.

We explained in an earlier piece that we had around £50m worth of talent
sitting on the bench – how can this be within nine games of the new season
opening. How does such a revolution happen? Simple answer: This manager
knows how to employ any system to suit game conditions and has made sure
that he has every base covered in assembling his squad. The many videos of
fans parties at Crystal Palace bear witness to the near delirium at what's
going on and it's about Bilic admirably assisted by a great squad and
brilliant supporters. He is going to become the best manager of this club
since John Lyall.

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Jenkinson attitude dubbed "astonishing"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News
C and H

TV pundit and former Spurs player Garth Crooks is enthusiastic about the
virtues and development of Irons defender Carl Jenkinson writing on BBC
Sport. He has ben impressed with the right back notably against Palace on
Saturday afternoon. The stats show that the player had a pass accuracy of
90 per cent, created one chance, put in three crosses, and made two
interceptions, seven clearances and one block. And Crooks said: "Carl
Jenkinson appears to be having one hell of a roller coaster ride in the
claret and blue. During his short but eventful time with the Hammers he's
been sent off, left out, substituted and given away a penalty against
Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, this lad keeps bouncing back. "His ability to
shake off these occupational hazards and still try to get among the goals is
quite astonishing. "His finish at Sunderland last week might have been
perceived as a fluke but his goal against Crystal Palace smacks of a
full-back developing a taste for the art. A player with a terrific will to
succeed."

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Valencia 'return' raises headaches
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Enner Valencia's imminent return throws up yet another fabulous headache for
manager Slaven Bilic. There will be others emerging …but that's for further
down the road. David Gold in his regular tweeted bulletins has declared:
"Enner Valencia is edging closer to a first-team return after scoring for
the Development Squad in last night's 4-0 win against Wolves. " But the
'edge' he refers to may be a lot wider than either he or the player expects
as we enter into what promises to become a massively interesting period in
the club's recent history. It's Chelsea at the weekend – a match which is
going to tell us an awful lot about where we are. Whether this is a game for
Enner, Andy Carroll, Angelo Ogbonna and the others is fascinating.
Personally I would expect to see him arriving as a second half sub if
required – a situation half confirmed by an insider who told us: "That is
the most likely scenario and Enner knows that."

That 'further on down that road' I mentioned is whether Slaven can keep s
many good players happy when they will be getting more limited opportunities
than perhaps they expected when joining the club. There are many challenges
ahead of him – more and more success which we all want could mean more
frustrated but hungry players. Lovely problems to have from a fan's point of
view but it will test Slav's man management techniques to the limit. I
think, however, we are in good hands.

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Housing firm moves in on Upton Park
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News
C and H

Barratt Homes has joined London developer Galliard Homes in the conversion
of Upton Park stadium into a residential village, according to The Daily
Telegraph. The publication says Barratt has signed a joint venture agreement
with Galliard – the firm that has bought the ground from the Hammers. The
paper reported that the two building firms are currently seeking planning
permission for the development, and are in discussion with Newham Council
over the level of "affordable housing" that must be provided. There had
originally been talk of landscaped gardens, a West Ham museum and statue of
Bobby Moore. A spokesman for Barratt Homes said: "Galliard Homes and Barratt
London can confirm that they are working together regarding the potential
redevelopment of the existing West Ham football ground following the club's
relocation to the former Olympic Stadium in readiness for the 2016-2017
football season."

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Chelsea at home defines our season
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 20, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H

In the last 48 hours two of the most pessimistic West Ham fans I know have
told me that Saturday's game home against Chelsea will define our season.
They both agree that if we can find a way past Chelsea on Saturday then a
top six finish is achievable this season.
ClaretandHugh historian Nigel Kahn and Moore Than Just A Podcast presenter
John Bucci are not the most optimistic of Hammers supporters in their
combined 80 years of support but even they have got caught up in the
euphoric atmosphere which surrounds Slaven Bilic and his team. Chelsea have
been beaten by Arsenal, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Everton, FC Porto
and Southampton since the season started. and they have only managed a draw
against Swansea City and Newcastle. The Hammers last beat Chelsea at the
Boleyn Ground in December 2012 when we trotted out 3-1 winners thanks to
goals from Maiga, Mo Diame and Carlton Cole. Our last draw was January 2014
when Sam Allardyce parked the bus at Stamford Bridge adopting a false nine
tactic. Chelsea will be no walk over on Saturday despite their poor start to
the season but if we can beat them fair and square we can push on to make
this a truly special last season at our hallowed Boleyn Ground.

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Bilic's tactical conundrum
Posted on October 20, 2015 by Headmaster
Claret&Blues.com

There is little doubt that Slaven's default position, in stark contrast to
the previous managerial incumbent, is attack. It is great to watch and,
although a degree of recklessness against so-called lesser opposition has
already cost us at Upton Park this season, most of us on this site always
seemed to agree that we'd rather lose the odd game 3-2 and entertain rather
than eking out dour and uninspiring 1-0 wins. In short, we have our wish.

Saturday intrigues. It is the first really top rated side to visit the
Boleyn Ground this season and it is a side that, despite being reigning
Premier League champions, have had at best an indifferent start to the
season. Let's face it, by any standards, they are as close to being in
disarray as Chelsea are likely to be anytime soon.

Off the field, there are rumours of dressing room disquiet. Mourhino, always
an intellectually surly figure, seems genuinely spooked and out of sorts.
His defensive persona, usually felt to be an act to wind up the opposition,
the media, the match officials seems to have become his real personality as
the paranoia takes a hold.

On the field, their lack of pace at the back has been exposed by footballing
sides with far less of a pacey threat than the Hammers. On paper, at least,
this must be a great time to play the boys from West London.

All eyes will be on their Champions' League encounter to see a) how they do
and b) if they pick up any knocks. Playing us in-between two exacting
European games must also favour the men in claret and blue?

Ultimately though, this is a real test for Slaven. All out attack or
cautious, determined and resolute solidity with a view to greater expansion
later in the match? I'd guard against the former, this week. I think if we
compete hard and earn the right to play, as the game progresses, they just
might show signs of their midweek exertions and allow us to take all 3
points. Conversely, if Jenks and Cresswell go bombing down the flanks and
leave great holes at the back early on, I'd be concerned that Da Costa and
Hazard, to name but two, just might profit.

It would be interesting to see who you think Slaven will start with and what
will be his formation. My guess would be 4-5-1. I'm assuming Moses is
unavailable as he's a Chelsea loan? Perhaps Enner might be ready to take up
a wide role this weekend.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com




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Daily WHUFC News -

Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic has pledged to make sure nobody at West Ham United gets carried away despite his side's superb start to the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League season. Saturday's 3-1 win at fellow high-flyers Crystal Palace maintained the Hammers' unbeaten away run and sent them fourth in the Premier League table. The result also means Bilic's side have the best away form in the top flight, but with a visit of Champions Chelsea to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday to come, the West Ham United manager is determined to keep his squad's feet on the ground. "My staff and I are just trying to do a good job and the only thing that is sure is that we are not going to get carried away," Bilic pledged. "We will continue to work hard and do our best. It's going to be up and down of course but we are very confident. "We are trying to make every game as important as the others. I can't get individually in the head of my players one hundred per cent, but I really don't think our two defeats against Leicester and Bournemouth were down to a lack of motivation. "We made a few mistakes in the first half against those teams, who were very energetic and play on reactions, and they punished us. To be fair in both of those games we made a reaction better than Arsenal and Liverpool did against us. "We came back from 2-0 down against Leicester to 2-1 and we had two great chances to make it 2-2. We also came back to 2-2 against Bournemouth. It wasn't unlucky; it was just unnecessary mistakes so we have to give credit to those teams as well as that shows you what the Premier League is about. "It doesn't matter if you are Manchester United or someone down at the bottom, there are no guarantees that you will win. For nobody."

Much has been made of West Ham's incredible victories at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City so far this campaign, but Bilic felt the victory at Selhurst Park was his most proud moment to date. He explained that was not just down to the league positions of both sides going in to the game – the Eagles sat third and the Hammers sixth – but the manner in which he team performed to take their tally to 17 points after nine games. "The wins at those clubs were historical wins, against Liverpool it was 62 years, Arsenal it was nine games without a win home and away. They are more historical wins and people are making tattoos of those results but people won't be making tattoos of the result at Palace! "But for me personally it is a London derby and it was the first time it was third in the league against sixth in the league. It means a lot to the fans and I like their team structure. So to go there and win in a style makes me very proud."

Andy Carroll played a key role in the victory from the bench, joining the action with the score at 1-1 after Carl Jenkinson opened the scoring with his second goal in two games. It was Carroll's header back across goal that teed up Manuel Lanzini to fire home the Hammers' second before Dimitri Payet applied the gloss with a sublimely taken third. "In the seven or eight weeks since he returned to training he has been working really hard and his shape is really good. "He's got something that is very hard to cope with. I played centre half and I know that position. When the ball comes in. it's more about you than them when you try to stop it. "Most of the strikers, you are the one that has more chance to win it. When the ball comes to Andy it is more down to him than it is to you as a defender. But it is not just that. He is skilful and he has good vision. He is a great player. "His biggest problems were his fitness and injuries and they were connected to one another but now he has been training for eight weeks, very boring individual work but he has done it. "We're so happy and we're so lucky that he's back."

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Lanzini's hungry for more after Palace win
WHUFC.com

Manuel Lanzini's fantastic start to life with West Ham United continued on Saturday with another crucial goal. The Argentine struck with two minutes remaining to give the Hammers a 2-1 lead against a stubborn Crystal Palace side and pave the way for Dimitri Payet's match-sealing third. Lanzini now has three goals in nine games since signing on loan from UAE club Al-Jazira in the summer and was thrilled to play his part in delivering a fourth away win of the season at Selhurst Park. "I'm very happy for the points and very happy too because we stay high in the table," he said. "It was also very pleasing to score. It was a fantastic performance and I just have to keep going and try to score more goals and give more performances like this one."

The 22-year-old has slotted seamlessly into an attacking unit bursting with talent and he is excited by the Hammers' potential. He continued: "I think it is easy to play with players like Payet and Sakho and I have to work with them together to make sure we fit into how we're trying to score goals. "I'm very excited to play Chelsea next week. We have to continue from this performance and try to win against another big team like Chelsea."

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Loan round up
WHUFC.com

Josh Pask made his professional debut on Saturday, playing the full game for Dagenham & Redbridge having recently joined them on loan.
The highly rated 17-year-old defender impressed during his senior bow but was powerless to stop visitors Hartlepool United from taking the points following Billy Paynter 34th minute strike.

Diego Poyet's MK Dons secured an emphatic 3-0 home win over Blackburn Rovers at Stadium MK. The hosts took the lead early on through Ben Reeves' penalty after Rovers' Adam Henley was sent off after bringing down Josh Murphy in the box. The Dons completed the victory with two second half strikes from Simon Church and Reeves' second of the afternoon.

Reece Burke played the full game as Bradford City secured a valuable away win thanks to Devante Cole's first minute goal. The win lifts the Bantams to 15th with 16 points from 12 games.

Jordan Brown played 80 minutes for Chelmsford City as they won 2-1 away at Basingstoke Town. A brace from Matty Whichelow helped the Clarets climb to seventh in the National League South.

Nathan Mavila was an unused substitute as Aldershot Town drew 1-1 with Bromley. The Shot's took the lead through Charlie Walker's ninth league goal of the season, however Jack Holland equalised for Bromley three minutes later, heading in Ugo Udoji's cross. Aldershot are 12th in the National League with 27 points from 18 games.

Matt Jarvis was an unused substitute in Norwich City's 6-2 defeat away at Newcastle United.

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Westley pleased with deserved victory
WHUFC.com

Academy manager Terry Westley praised the team spirit within the U21s as they recorded their first win of the season in emphatic style with a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers U21. Enner Valencia opened the scoring in the first half with a neatly taken poked finish before second half goals from Manny Onariase, Marcus Browne and Martin Samuelsen completed the rout. Speaking after the game, Westley reflected: "It's good to get that monkey off our backs for sure. Seven games without a win would have been very tough. "We had a strong team with the two boys from the first team in the first half. Credit to them with the way they played the game, they took it seriously and properly committed to it. Enner scored a great goal to give us the lead."

As planned, Valencia and Pedro Obiang played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by youngster Marcus Browne and George Dobson, both of whom Westley signed out for praise: "It was a real team effort, and that includes the two subs George Dobson and Marcus Browne who did well off the bench. "They came on at 1-0 and it finished 4-0 so credit to them. It was nice for Marcus to get his first goal for the U21s, he's been through a tough time recently and so it was extra special. Not just his goal but he was really driving at the defence when he picked it up. He's a very talented boy, and if he applied himself every week, he's got a real chance."

Up next for the young Hammers is another home tie – against Fulham on Monday 26 September – at the Boleyn Ground, kick off 7pm.
Looking ahead to the fixture with the Cottagers, Westley said: "We're always setting staff and players new challenges whatever the circumstances but now we're trying to win two games in a row. We play Fulham next week at home and hopefully we'll perform like we did today. "We want to get wins and kick on with the season but also play good football at the same time. That's the ultimate challenge, there's a bigger picture and that's what were committed too. These players need to fight their way into a top six Premier League, it's a hard task but that's what we're striving for. "Giving each player good habits it where it all starts, and that's what it's about."

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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold was thrilled to see the Hammers record yet another away win in the Premier League and believes the season is only going to get stronger for Slaven Bilic and his players. Goals from Carl Jenkinson, Manuel Lanzini and a superb finish from Dimitri Payet made it four wins from five away games in the Premier League and the Hammers are still unbeaten on their travels. Mr Gold has nothing but praise for the way the players have performed this season and feels the new arrivals during the summer have all exceeded their expectations. Gold said: "I believe when we go away from home we are going to get something. I never feel we are going to lose which is a big change and shows how far we have come. "The goal at the end by Payet was sublime and makes you feel so good to see that kind of talent. "Over the 20 odd years that we have been doing this, to get pretty much 100 per cent success rate on the players we have brought in is unheard of. They have all fulfilled our optimism and expectation."

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Ladies pegged back by Lewes
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies let slip a two goal lead as they drew 2-2 at Lewes Ladies on Sunday afternoon.

Despite only travelling with twelve players after picking up injuries and suspensions in their last few matches, Marc Nurse's side pushed themselves ahead in the first half when former Millwall Lionesses striker Paige Anderson-James finished well.

Anderson-James was involved in the Hammers doubling their advantage by setting up Italian forward Romina Pinna to fire into the back of the net. The lead wasn't to last though, as Tash Wells dragged the hosts back into the game, before Julia Louis-Joseph's long range free-kick stole a share of the points for Lewes in the final minute of the game.

Manager Nurse named six changes to the starting eleven that lost 8-1 away to Charlton Athletic a week earlier. Jessica Parlane returned from a short loan at FA Women's Super League side Millwall to replace Indian international Aditi Chauhan, whilst Danielle Sillitoe, Carly Eagles, Chelsea Hinz, Shirvae Edwards and Gemma Abela also missed out.

Anderson-James came into the team alongside Pinna and Whitney Locke in attack, with Danni Ritson, Pauline Adeyemo, Erika Campesi and first team debutant Natalie Strange getting vital minutes from the start.

In the early stages of the game, Lewes came out strong looking to inflict some further damage on Nurse's side after their disappointing 8-1 defeat to the Addicks at Sporting Club Thamesmead, but Paige Walder, Danni Lane and Kate McIntyre failed to beat Parlane in the Hammers goal.

West Ham soon weathered the storm though and started pushing their hosts back towards their own goal whilst also showing some skill at times.

It took just 22 minutes for the visitors to take the lead when a mistake from former Arsenal goalkeeper Holly Augustus, who trained with the Hammers before joining Lewes on loan for the season, was punished by Anderson-James as she netted her first competitive goal of the season.

Then before the break, Nurse's side capitalised on some self-confessed dreadful defendin' from the home side, allowing Pinna to dance through the Lewes defence and fire home from 20 yards.

Into the second half and the Hammers continued their spirited defensive, yet dangerous attacking approach that had them in a two goal lead at the break, which frustrated their East Sussex hosts.

Lewes were still the side who were having the majority of the chances on goal though. Lane and Walder were causing problems in and around the Hammers penalty area, but still Parlane and the West Ham defence held strong.

If Nurse thought his injury problems were an issue before kick-off, it was made even worse when young defender Hannah Wheeler was unable to continue midway through the second half, meaning Nurse's only substitute, goalkeeper Chauhan, put on an outfield shirt and covered for her team in the middle of midfield.

West Ham's resilient defending only lasted until the final ten minutes though when Lewes got one foot back into the tie. After great build-up play by Sian Heather and Claire Capon, defender Wells was well placed to smash home through a crowded penalty area.

Having only picked up one victory from their six league fixtures before Sunday, Nurse noticed how important it was for his side to hold onto three well earned points, with his side taking up an even more defensive formation for the final few minutes.

Unfortunately though, the Hammers failed to hold on as Lewes netted a last minute equaliser. Adeyemo conceded a free-kick on the far left, which was spectacularly finished from distance by Louis-Joseph despite the best efforts of Parlane to keep the ball out.The result takes West Ham up one place to 10th in the table, with four points from their seven league fixtures this season.

The Hammers will do battle with Lewes Ladies in the return fixture on Sunday 25 October, with kick-off at AFC Hornchurch scheduled for 2pm. Admission is priced at £5 for adults and just £1 for children.

Ladies: Parlane, Bottom (c), Wheeler (Chauhan), Ritson, Strange, Miller, Campesi, Pinna, Locke, Anderson-James, Adeyemo.

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Tomkins - Collins is great for me
WHUFC.com

James Tomkins relished the chance to renew his old partnership with James Collins at the heart of the West Ham defence on Saturday and feels the Welsh international was one of the star performers at Selhurst Park.

Tomkins has forged a close relationship with Collins since he arrived at the Club ten-years ago and has played a number of games alongside the experienced defender.

With Winston Reid sidelined through injury, Collins started his first Premier League game of the campaign, but showed once again why he is rated so highly by the Hammers with another outstanding performance.

Tomkins says the 'Ginger Pele' always provides strong leadership qualities and feels it has been a memorable week for the 32-year-old after he was part of the Wales squad that reached their first major international tournament since 1958.

Tomkins said: "We have played together for a long period. Ginge speaks a lot at the back and aerially he has shown again what he can do, winning a lot of the headers.

"It is nice to play alongside him and he is great for me. He is obviously a very experienced player and has played a lot of games."

Tomkins was thrilled to see the Hammers maintain their superb away record this season as they made it four wins from five games on their travels with an impressive 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.

The West Ham United defender had special praise for the impact that Manuel Lanzini had on the game and joked that the players could forgive Dimitri Payet as he produced a stunning finish to secure another crucial three points.

Tomkins added: "Manuel is so sharp and offers us something different to other players in the team.

"We have got the likes of Dimi and Victor who have come into the squad and obviously Mauro has come back fit and they are tricky kind of players. They have a low sense of gravity and are hard to defend against.

"Manuel did well against Palace and got an important goal to help us go 2-1 up and it was an important goal. We finished it off well with a good goal from Dimi.

"You can tell the class that he has got with the composure he has got. He sat the keeper down and then chipped the ball over him. When players have got that ability, we treasure that at the minute.

"He was disappointed that he has not played to the level he can in the second half, but we can forgive him when he scores a goal like that.

"Pardew has done a really good job and managed to turn things around at Palace. It is a hard place to get a result, let alone a win so it is an unbelievable result."

Tomkins sees no reason why the Hammers cannot maintain their impressive record against the big teams this season and come away with another three points when they face Chelsea on Saturday.

After beating Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, the 26-year-old feels the players are full of confidence as they prepare to face the Premier Leage champions and says he will relish his own personal battle when he comes up against Diego Costa at the Boleyn Ground.

"We have got another big game on Saturday and another hard team to play against. You can forget about their results in the league this season and Chelsea are still a great team with great players.

"We have beaten the best teams so far this season and there is no reason why we cannot do the same against Chelsea with the fans behind us. We are all looking forward to it.

"Costa is a hard player to play against and he is aggressive, but we all look forward to playing against the best players in the world."

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Valencia makes his mark in Dev Squad win
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Enner Valencia was on the scoresheet for West Ham United's development squad tonight as the youngsters ran out 4-0 winners against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Rush Green.

Valencia, who is poised to make his first team comeback against Chelsea this weekend scored the first of West Ham's goals as they breezed to a first win of the season.

And the Ecuador international - who was replaced at half time - will have been delighted to cap his appearance with the game's opening goal on the half hour mark. Emmanuel Onariase doubled West Ham's advantage seven minutes after the restart, before Marcus Browne scored a third - a rebound after Elliot Lee's penalty had been saved - on 57 minutes. The Hammers - captained on the night by 16-year-old Reece Oxford - were awarded a second penalty with 25 minutes of normal time to play, which the excellent Martin Samuelsen dispatched to give West Ham a comfortable 4--0 win.

West Ham Utd starting XI: Spiegel, Knoyle, Hendrie, Obiang, Onariase, Oxford, Samuelsen, Cullen, Lee, Parfitt-Williams, Valencia.
Subs: Brown, Belic, Browne, Pike, Dobson.

Wolves (full squad): Flatt, Sibley, Matinyadze, Carter, Hayden, Upton, Simpson, Breslin, O'Hanlon, Weeks, Bancessi, Ronan, Hunte, Rainey, Harris, Leacock-McLeod, Ennis, Wilson.

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West Ham to sign Lanzini on permanent deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Argentine midfielder Manuel Lanzini is set to join West Ham on a permanent basis this January. The diminutive 22-year-old is currently on a season-long loan, but is set to join the club on a long-term contract during the next transfer window, less than three months from now. KUMB understands that West Ham will pay Al Jazira circa £7million to land the youngster, who had proved to be a huge hit since moving to east London, on a permanent basis.

Lanzini joined West Ham in the last week of July and despite being considered just a squad player initially, has forced his way into Slaven Bilic's first team plans with a series of first-class displays. He had scored twice - against Liverpool and Crystal Palace - and provided one assist in his opening seven Premier League appearances.

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WHO AM I WATCHING?
By Iain Dale 19 Oct 2015 at 17:00
WTID

Guest Post by Connor Wallace

I'm sitting on my couch late Saturday afternoon, relaxing and enjoying the feeling of starting the weekend watching West Ham win. The chores are taken care of, cookies are baked so I can be a good houseguest this evening, and to top it all off, I'm watching Liverpool and Tottenham come to a ponderous draw.

Sitting here watching the "world-class" players on display, they really don't look that good. Having watched Arsenal sweep aside Watford, these players have nowhere near the class required to challenge at the upper echelon of the league. Thinking back to our players, I'm met with a strange bit of cognitive dissonance. After our form in recent seasons, I still don't see West Ham in the same league as Spurs and Liverpool.

Don't take this to mean that I'm not optimistic. I'm a fan who thinks that the Olympic Stadium can propel us up the table, providing we start next season in the right place. However, the habit of thinking about the Hammers in the specific way that I do won't go away.

A prime example of the dissonance at play came while watching Arsenal. The poise on the ball across their team is superb. The dribbling ability combined with a diverse range of passing and telepathic movement sometimes seems otherworldly. Of course, they're Arsenal and tend towards underachieving, something we can all sympathize with. In the past, I've sat in misery watching Arsenal and Manchester City or whatever top four team is on form. It's easy to have a level of self pity when you can so easily see the difference in quality.

Today, something changed. Seeing Aaron Ramsey get on the ball, I didn't have the same thought of wishing we had a player of his quality. Instead, I thought of the performance of Manuel Lanzini, who'd been shuffled into a deeper position, distributed the ball well, and got himself a crucial goal in the win. Is Ramsey a terrific player? Sure, he's got quality and when he is on form, he can be unplayable. Would I take him over Lanzini? I don't think so.

In the past, I couldn't even consider the option of taking one of our players over a player like Ramsey, not truly. Instead, I'm wondering which Arsenal player can really compare to Payet. Ozil can pick a pass and dribble with the best of them. Payet can do that, will actually shoot from distance, shrugs challenges off with ease, and does his defensive work. I know who I'd rather have playing in claret and blue. Try it yourself. Imagine whether you want Mertesacker or Reid, Monreal or Cresswell, Sakho or Giroud. This isn't to say that all of our players are better. The point is where once we couldn't begin to compare our team to the likes of Arsenal, now we can comfortably say their players couldn't walk into our team.

I have to change a whole lot about how I watch West Ham. I'm a young fan in America. I can truly first remember watching the Irons after we achieved promotion with Alan Pardew. I've never seen us go through a season of positivity and without strife. It's always been something, whether it be career ending injuries, trouble with the board, poor management, players throwing fits, players not fit to wear the shirt… All West Ham fans know what I'm talking about.

We've got stable ownership who, despite their shortcomings, have coughed up the cash and shown ambition. We've got a manager who understands the fans and wants his team to score goals and win games. Despite a batch of injuries, we have a team with passion and skill beyond just the starting line up. I want to emphasize how difficult this last part is to get used to. At times, I don't feel like I'm even watching West Ham. The West Ham I've watched doesn't have players who flick the ball around a defender first time with the outside of their boot. The West Ham I've watched doesn't seemingly score two plus goals every game. The West Ham I've watched doesn't see the defenders consistently pick correctly whether or not to go short or long based on the situation.

All together, this isn't my West Ham! It's bizarre to think about, but the amount of quality we have, especially in attack, is a pleasure to behold. How many goals have we scored already that in the past would have been an almost automatic goal of the season? Instead, it's business as usual. For my part, I'm starting to recognize that I'm not living in a dream. The club is in a place where we can enjoy the performances. We are not one injury/transfer/goal away from disaster. It's strange, but today was a wake up call. I woke up to a new West Ham, one which I don't see going anywhere.

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West Ham are letting England down over Reece Oxford - it's unforgivable to keep a player from his country
5 COMMENTS 14:20, 19 OCT 2015
OPINION BY JOHNCROSS
The Hammers blocked the England under-17s captain from going to the World Cup proving football really is every man for himself, writes John Cross
The Mirror

Sir Trevor Brooking spoke with great enthusiasm about England 's chances at the under-17s World Cup in Chile. Back in June, in an interview with Mirror Sport, the FA's former director of football development spoke about how "tournament football is massive" for England's youngsters. Then came the rider. "The frustration is reaching a ­tournament and then you get withdrawals. It's important they come through together," said Brooking. "Look at the Spanish players, they've all come through. Xavi, Iniesta came through 19s and 21s, right the way to the top and will all say how important that ­progression is all the way to the seniors because they do it together."

Little did Brooking know that the biggest withdrawal this time would be after his former club, West Ham , blocked the England under-17s captain Reece Oxford from going to the tournament which kicked off last weekend. Oxford, 16, was reduced to tweeting before England's opening game with Guinea: "Good luck tonight lads, first game in u17 World Cup."

You would have thought West Ham boss Slaven Bilic might have been more sympathetic than most, bearing in mind he was formerly the national team manager of Croatia. It just goes to show that, in football, it's every man for himself. Bilic said that West Ham needed Oxford to stay with them, he would be better served playing in West Ham's first team and expressed surprise that he was still with England's under-17s.

As if to rub salt in the wounds, Oxford was not included in West Ham's match day squad for their win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Meanwhile, a few hours later in Chile, England were held to a 1-1 draw by Guinea. They have got Brazil up next on Tuesday which will not be easy. Then come South Korea who beat the Brazilians. England will have their work cut out to get through the Group.

And if this tournament, which promised so much for England's youngsters, proves to be yet another disappointment then once again we need to start questioning why one of the key players was not allowed to go. It is systematic of the club versus country rows down the years which have blighted England across all age groups. The fact is that Oxford wanted to go to the tournament and will surely be bitterly disappointed that West Ham blocked him from going - and then did not even put him on the bench on Saturday.

Oxford is regarded as one of the best youngsters in the country. He is an accomplished centre half who has also played in midfield.
The Londoner caught the headlines after playing at Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier League season and was outstanding as West Ham pulled off a shock win. Oxford certainly benefited from playing in those early games, it's great to see West Ham giving their kids a chance but surely they should have let him go to Chile for the sake of his development.

After all, this is West Ham. The club famed for its academy, developing young players and bringing them up the right way. Oxford signed at West Ham because he thought it would be good for his career. But this must be a big disappointment. It's hard to argue that he would not have been better served going with England.

His contract expires in 2018 and there will be a big scramble again - just as there was before he committed himself to West Ham - for his signature. Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United all looked at him.

In fairness, Oxford was the only familiar name in Premier League terms in England's starting line-up. But there were plenty of big prospects in there and players from Tottenham, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all played.

Tottenham's Marcus Edwards and Arsenal forward Chrissy Willock are outstanding prospects. Arsenal's Kaylen Hinds scored England's opener before a late equaliser denied them victory.

They will definitely benefit from the whole experience. It would be better if they came home on the back of a good experience.

Sadly, this is such a familiar story and it's happened again for Neil Dewsnip's team. It is a key issue at the heart of the debate about youth development.

It is unforgivable for a club to block a young player from representing his country. And if England do fail at the under-17s World Cup, then yet again one of the clubs have let the FA down.

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High-flying West Ham relishing Chelsea clash and plan to attack the Blues.. unlike last season
0 COMMENTS 22:30, 18 OCT 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
Then-boss Sam Allardyce played not to lose at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day but Slaven Bilic's "buzzing" Hammers have more self-belief than that
The Mirror

The last time the Hammers were in fourth place and took on Chelsea, Sam Allardyce tried to avoid defeat at Stamford Bridge. It was not the West Ham way. Now, after Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet inspired another a fourth away win of the season at Crystal Palace, Slaven Bilic's side are thinking only of victory at Upton Park this weekend. "We need to keep playing the way we have been playing and we will be trying to win the game," said Lanzini. Teammate and fellow goal-scorer Carl Jenkinson added: "We are going to be buzzing. We have every chance." West Ham were excellent last season until a 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at Stamford Bridge. But Bilic now has a much stronger squad, shown by his ability to bring on three strikers to force the win at Selhurst Park.

Yet it was summer signings Lanzini and Payet who made the difference against a dogged, 10-man Palace. Lanzini, on loan from UAE club Al Jazira, broke the second-half deadlock after 88 minutes before teeing up Payet's classy finish in injury time. "I think it is easy to play with players like Sakho and Dimitri Payet," said the 22-year-old. "I have to work with them to make sure we can keep the ball well, create chances and keep scoring goals."

The Hammers have now scored 20 in their opening nine games – only leaders Manchester City have more on 24. "I think Lanzini and Payet are two of our greatest assets really," said Jenkinson. "They are both fantastic on the ball." Full-back Jenkinson scored his second goal in two games before fouling Dwight Gayle to allow Yohan Cabaye to equalise from the spot. West Ham have now won four and drawn one of five away matches this season. Jenkinson added: "The wins at Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City were satisfying because we hadn't won at those places for a number of years. "But to come here and do it in style makes me proud."

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Lazini's put family first when making 'desert' move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Manuel Lazini's world travels look to be coming to an end at the end of this season with a permanent eight million euros move to Wet Ham. The Buenos Aires-born 22 year old had moved over eight thousand miles from Argentina to Abu Dhabi but many have wondered why such a talented youngster would be plying his trade in the desert at such a young age before moving to the east end. ClaretandHugh has learned from sources close to the player that it was for the love of his family who had, we understand, hit some financial problems. He said: "The circumstances are unclear but the family hit some trouble in that area and with a signing on fee of a couple of million euros involved, Manu was in a position to help. "He had no hesitation in moving over there but now it looks as though he is going to become a big player with West Ham over the next few years. "As you have reported, the contact is in place with his club Al Jazira and if he continues as he's started with the Irons, a permanent move looks nailed-on. "When you consider that he was unfit when he arrived here his progress over the start of the season has been sensational and there's a lot more to come. "He made a short term sacrifice on his career to take on some family responsibilities and deserves everything he gets from here."

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Hammers-mad Kai, 7, has third heart op!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Sydney Hammer Mick Goddard has told of the plight of his brave seven year old West Ham mad son Kai who has received heart surgery for the third time in his young life.‎

Speaking on the Sydney Hammers Facebook group earlier this month dad Mike said "This morning my son went in for his third open heart surgery and he insisted that we both wear our West Ham jerseys. And he asked that I post this pic to my Hammers friends COYI 'X'"

After the surgery Mike posted "Thank you guys really appreciate your support. Surgery went well and he is recovering nicely with his WHUFC jersey by his side"

Mike and his family has been touched by messages of support all around the world and not just from West Ham fans but supporters around the world.

heart2On Saturday Claret and Hugh Associate editor Sean Whetstone caught up with Sydney Hammers chairman Robbie Byrne in a South London pub before the palace match, Robbie spoke about Mike and his son. The full interview can be heard later tonight on www.moorethanjustapodcast.co.uk.

Robbie said "Mike Goddard is a big Sydney Hammer, he makes these beautiful bumper stickers for the boys. His son Kai has had his third open heart surgery and when he was in bed he had his West Ham jersey right at the top by his pillow. We send our best wishes to Mick, his son Kai and his family, we are all thinking of them. We have had an amazing response from around the world, not just West Ham fans but Premier League teams all around the world tweeting us, putting messages on facebook and it's great to see the support from everyone! Best to Mick and his family!"

We at Claret and Hugh and Moore Than Just A podcast would like to add our best wishes and Kai gets well very soon!

We ae all thinking about you

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Slaven Bilic 'No need to get a tattoo'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Slaven Bilic has accepted Hammers fans won't be rushing out to get a tattoos after the Palace away win but he hailed the win as one of the best victories of the season.

He told the media post match "Those wins at Arsenal, Liverpool and City were satisfying because they made history. We hadn't won at those places for years.

"People are not going to go out and get a tattoo because we won at Palace but, for me, to come to Selhurst Park and do it in such arsenalstyle makes me so very proud.

"It was a London derby which means a lot to the supporters and I like Palace they are a good side and made it very hard for us. So winning was something special.

"All I am trying to do is work hard and I can guarantee that we won't get carried away by what we have achieved with this performance."

One West Ham fan did just that after the historic win at Anfield earlier this season. 24 hours before the Hammers travelled to Anfield, Hammers fan Jon High took to Twitter to make a bold claim.

He tweeted: "52 long years since the famous Irons won at Anfield. If we do it tomorrow I shall get a tattoo to commemorate the famous occasion!"

Over 700 retweets later, he headed down to the local tattoo parlour after the Hammers claimed the win. The tattoo of the result, along with the names of the three goalscorerers – Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Diafra Sakho – and their goal times is now a permanent reminder.

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Collins display changes the script
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 19, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
EXCLUSIVE

Slaven Bilic has been told he will have to sell to buy this January. The club are aware they need back up in defence but the club spent every last penny available in the summer and may need to carry on with the current squad. Central defence has caused some concern with Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna suffering injuries and in a perfect world the club would strengthen in that position. However, everybody was heartened by the strong performance by James Collins on Saturday – a display which looks likely to help the manager make up his mind to keep him for the season despite talk of a winter loan. ClaretandHugh was told this morning that it was unlikely the defender would be moving away which – with the arrival of a new baby in the Collins household – will suit suit the player perfectly. e had been begging for a chance to play and grabbed it with both hands when his moment came at the weekend. We were told: "If the manager needs more players we will have to sell first because we really have spent all our money and are up to our maximum on financial fair play and wage cap."

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New Irons star praised to the skies
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 19, 2015 in News
KissCarl Jenkinson has become the latest member of the Manuel Lazini fan club.

The Arsenal defender believes this is one dedicated individual who is showing absolutely top form after travelling halfway across the world to his new life in England.

And in a glowing testimony the the 22 year old he said: ""Credit to Manu, he's got fantastic ability but I think the biggest credit for him is he has come over from another country and not only has he had to settle in with his personal life, the football is difficult here.

He told the Daily Star:"It's more physical and for a small lad he is incredibly strong as well and he puts himself about and you don't see him knocked off the ball. Often for boys coming over here and playing in the Premier League it can take a season or even more to settle.

"Manu has come straight in and has been fantastic so I think that is the biggest compliment you can give him. He is very confident but he is very focused on his job and he is not the sort of person who will get ahead of himself.

"You can tell he is that sort of character who is just going to crack on and he loves playing football. I can't speak highly enough of him."

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Report: Three offers for former Hammer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 19, 2015 in News
Morgan Amalfitano will apparently not be out of work for long id reports claiming he has received offers from three French clubs turn out to be true.

The 30 year old midfielder was paid up by the Irons after falling out with manager Slaven Bilic but has apparently been offered contracts with three French clubs.

And, according to Calcio Mercato, Amalfitano now has offers from Bordeaux, Lorient and Guingamp.

All three Ligue 1 clubs are keen to snap up the free agent and have presented his agent with a variety of proposals.
Amalfitano is said to be keen on a return to France

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CAN PEDRO PLEASE COME OUT AND PLAY ? AND MICHAIL, ALEX, ANGELO AND ENNER TOO ?
By HamburgHammer 19 Oct 2015 at 08:00
WTID

I have a confession to make. As I'm writing this on a rainy Sunday in Hamburg I struggle to keep my eyes open as I didn't get much sleep last night. No, not what you think (I wish). No erotic shenanigans or roleplaying games involved. I was just in a state of complete sensory overload after our fantastic 3:1 win at Palace. Scenes from that game kept running through my mind over and over again. But my mindgames didn't stop there. i was thinking about the upcoming games (which always are too far away), about what formation we might use, what lineup, who to put on the bench, which players might link up well together what Bilic might try to do next in order to replicate our away successes at the Boleyn too. Whenever I tried to get to sleep Lanzini stole himself into the box of my brain again and smashed that ball over the line for our winning goal. To be followed by that delightful passing move that ended up with Payet sending a delicate chip over Hennessey as if they were playing in a schoolyard, not on a Premier League pitch.

THAT game was very much the West Ham way. I've rarely enjoyed watching our Hammers this much since I saw my first game back in 1996. Positive. Trying to play the right way. Passing the ball. Making positive substitutions. Keeping patient even with the man advantage. Believing in your players and trusting them to win the game. Wanting to win the game. Respecting the opposition without fearing them. The mesmerising thing is: Even if you disregard our entire starting eleven from the Palace game, we could certainly still field a starting eleven from the players we had on the bench on Saturday, currently injured players and some youth players as well and still have a very solid or even exciting Premier League team.

Starting with Song he should be the best of the bunch of players who haven't yet featured or not featured as often as they would have liked. Apparently he is back in training now and should be ready in 2-3 weeks. A fit and healthy Song should be the perfect foil to link our defense with the more attack minded of our midfielders. Song should add experience, have a very solid pass completion rate and help us to win the ball and keep the ball for us time and time again. If he does play that is as competition for places is fierce in our current squad these days, in every position.

Pedro Obiang was one of our more marquee signings in the summer. That he hasn't featured much is testament to the quality our lads have shown so far. At the start of the season I would have predicted Obiang to be a regular starter. Then again, I would have said the same about Angelo Ogbonna, another player who arrived with great credentials. And Michail Antonio was a bit of a coup when he came to us from the Championship on deadline day, one of the paciest and most skilled young wingers in England and a future star in the making.

All of these guys will not only need to work their socks off in training and show the right attitude to play themselves into contention, they will also have to rely on a teammate to play a stinker or get himself injured before a place in the starting eleven becomes vacant. Add to that the prospect of several youth players knocking on the door of the first team (Oxford, Burke, Henry, Page, Lee, Poyet) and you get the idea. It'll require a bit of tightrope walking from Bilic to get the balance quite right. Every player wants to be out on the pitch, wearing that shirt obviously. You still need to keep the spirit and atmosphere in that dressing room on a constant high.

Our league position should help on that front, same as the fact that we are the second highest scorers in the league and play some great football in the process. Not only can we enjoy this situation in the here and now, it will also help us massively to keep our best players and attract new signings when we need to upgrade and improve our squad in certain positions. Players will love to come and join the West Ham transformation and they will be happy to strut their stuff under a positive and forward thinking youngish manager like Bilic. We really do have our West Ham back now with some fantastic results and a glorious current league position on top of that.

I can't stop salivating at the thought of our options once all players are available for selection. This team can only get better once team chemistry starts to kick in and our lads know instinctively where to their teammates will be running next and when they want the ball. Ask me to name a weak starting eleven for West Ham and I simply couldn't do it. This must be one of the most exciting phases in our proud club's history and it's great fun to be a Hammer right now. With the Chelsea game coming up I am very optimistic we can at least get a point while a win for us obviously isn't out of the question either. I'd love us to get a deserved, out and out professional win over Chelsea to give Mourinho something to moan about again and some of those pundits to sit up and listen. What kind of lineup do I expect ? Some tough choices ahead. But here's my take:

Adrian in goal.
Back four with Jenkinson, Tomkins, Ogbonna or Reid (whoever is fit), Cresswell.
Noble and Kouyate holding
Attacking midfield with Lanzini-Payet-Zarate.
Sakho upfront.

Bench: Randolph, Collins, Obiang, Antonio, Carroll, Valencia, Jelavic.

Let's hope Bilic keeps our team improving and playing some more football that's pleasing on the eye AND on the scoresheet. It can be done, even if you don't have 150 million to spend in the transfer window. And you also get to stay up without even paying much attention to the issue simply because the approach and attitude is different. Teams that play well regularly rarely get relegated. Teams who score the second most goals in the league rarely get relegated. Bilic summed it up perfectly on Saturday: "We were patient. But we wanted to win. Happy Hammers!"

Indeed Slaven. Indeed: COYI!

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Slaven Bilic explains how West Ham swagger made Crystal Palace win so much sweeter
FOR Slaven Bilic it was a very special occasion.
By NIGEL CLARKE
PUBLISHED: 00:03, Mon, Oct 19, 2015 | UPDATED: 00:10, Mon, Oct 19, 2015
Express.co.uk

Never mind the away successes at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City this season. Beating Palace was the one to get excited about. They did it with a swagger too, playing the kind of quality football Hammers fans had never seen under the departed Sam Allardyce. It was all too much for Palace who played the second half with 10 men following the dismissal of Dwight Gayle in the 44th minute. Bilic said: "Those wins at Arsenal, Liverpool and City were satisfying because they made history. We hadn't won at those places for years. People are not going to go out and get a tattoo because we won at Palace but, for me, to come to Selhurst Park and do it in such style makes me so very proud. "It was a London derby which means a lot to the supporters and I like Palace they are a good side and made it very hard for us. So winning was something special. "All I am trying to do is work hard and I can guarantee that we won't get carried away by what we have achieved with this performance."

Certainly Dwight's dismissal changed the face of the game and Palace boss Alan Pardew was unhappy with referee Mark Clattenburg's decision to book the striker, who had already been shown a yellow card. "I am not saying he [Clattenburg] was biased against us, I just think the decision to issue a second card was rash," said Pardew. "Was it a cast iron yellow? In my opinion it wasn't and it has cost the boy a ban. "I think that is fair and I am in a good position to make that call. I don't see a problem with that and nor should the FA."

Gayle, in tears as he walked off the pitch, has given Palace more problems. He will miss the away game against Leicester on Saturday to leave Pardew short of fit front men for the up and coming games with Manchester City, United and Liverpool. Carl Jenkinson, who opened the scoring for West Ham, before Yohan Cabaye's penalty levelled matters, clashed with Gayle on two occasions and said: "He was obviously up for the game and putting himself about and you don't want to be making the kind of challenges he was booked for because you can end up hurting players."

Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet put Palace to the sword in the last two minutes and Jenkinson added: "This was a massive win for us and when you think the forward power we could call on from the bench it is clear how much strength we have. That is going to be a massive asset."

CRYSTAL PALACE (4-2-3-1) Hennessey 7; Kelly 6, Dann 7, Hangeland 7, Souare 7, Zaha 5 (Sako 45), Cabaye 6 (Ledley 72), McArthur 6 (Jedinak 62), Puncheon 6, Bolassie 5, Gayle 5.
Booked: Gayle, Jedinak.
Sent off: Gayle 44.
Goal: Cabaye 24pen.
Next Up: Leicester (a), Sat, PL.

WEST HAM (4-2-3-1): Adrian 6; Jenkinson 6, Tomkins 6, Collins 6, Cresswell 6, Moses 6 (Zarate 69), Noble 6 (Carroll 62), Kouyate 7), Payet 8, Lanzini 7, Sakho (Jelavic 80).
Booked: Tomkins, Payet.
Goals: Jenkinson 23, Lanzini 88, Payet 92.
Next Up: Chelsea (h), Sat, PL.
Referee: M Clattenburg (Co Durham).

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Slaven Bilic praises Andy Carroll after another memorable cameo at Palace
• West Ham manager hails Andy Carroll's impact on sub's fourth game of season
• Dimitri Payet scored fifth league goal of campaign in 3-1 win at Crystal Palace
Barry Glendenning
@bglendenning
Sunday 18 October 2015 22.30 BST Last modified on Sunday 18 October 2015 22.31 BST

Before West Ham United's latest and perhaps most impressive away win, over obdurate opposition who were reduced to 10 men for the entire second half, injury had restricted Andy Carroll to 20 minutes of Premier League football since February. He got 30 more under his belt here and was instrumental in the creation of the late goal that finally shattered the resistance of a Crystal Palace team who had come from behind and looked set fair to hold out for a hard-earned point.

It was a goal fashioned on the bench, where West Ham showed their strength in depth by naming four strikers. Mauro Zárate provided the cross, Carroll rose highest to get the far post knockdown and, when the pair's fellow substitute Nikica Jelavic was thwarted in his attempts to scramble home, Manuel Lanzini fired in an unstoppable drive from close range. In his post-game comments, Slaven Bilic was generous in his praise for an England international whose often devastating effectiveness was in danger of being forgotten.

"He's got something that is very hard to cope with," the West Ham manager said. "I played as centre-half and know that position. In the box, when the ball comes in, it's [usually] more about you than about [the centre-forward]. You are the one who has got more chance. But when the ball comes to him, it's more about him than you the defender and that's why we won today. He's skilful, he's got good vision, he's got good ideas, he's a great player. His biggest problem was his fitness due to injuries, but he has been training for eight weeks and it's been very boring training to be fair: individual work, but he's done it well. We are so happy that he is back."

This was not your orthodox game of two halves. The first was exciting, incident-packed and possibly edged by Palace until the dismissal of Dwight Gayle just before the interval; the second comparatively dreary, with the home side on the back foot challenging West Ham to break down their back door. It eventually came off the hinges through judicious use of a Geordie battering ram, and the excellent Dimitri Payet made up for a bad first-minute miss with a deft chip over Wayne Hennessey in the closing seconds of added time. Weirdly, it was the third consecutive time this fixture was decided by a scoreline of 3-1 to the visiting team.

In an enthralling half of many chances for both sides, Carl Jenkinson had opened the scoring with a second goal in two games. Following good work from Payet and the Palace old boy Victor Moses, the right-back drilled low and hard past Hennessey into the corner. Perhaps still celebrating his unlikely goal-rush, Jenkinson almost immediately gifted Palace an equaliser, colliding with Gayle, whose rather emphatic encroachment on the subsequent penalty meant Yohan Cabaye was forced to take it twice.

Gayle was a menacing presence throughout the first half but not always in a good way. His constant bickering with opponents and the referee suggested that a second yellow was inevitable, once he had been booked for a lunge through the back of Payet. When it duly arrived for a challenge on Cheikhou Kouyaté, the striker walked off with his shirt pulled over his face to hide his embarrassment and later apologised on social media. He might learn a thing or two from Carroll, whose equally obvious levels of enthusiasm and aggression were channelled in a more positive way.

Man of the match Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)

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Andy Carroll is a nightmare for defenders, says Slaven Bilic, and West Ham are lucky to have him back
Andy Carroll returned for West Ham and helped create winning goal
Former Newcastle striker has suffered from recurring injury problems
Slaven Bilic says he knew about Carroll in his Newcastle days
West Ham manager said Carroll is difficult for defenders to deal with
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:34, 18 October 2015 | UPDATED: 22:34, 18 October 2015

Slaven Bilic insists Andy Carroll is finally over his injury hell and ready to propel West Ham to even higher climbs this season. The striker, having been introduced as a second-half substitute, played a key role in the Hammers winner against 10-man Crystal Palace on Saturday, setting up Manuel Lanzini to fire home in the 88th minute. The former Newcastle and Liverpool striker showed promising signs that he is fully over the knee and ankle injuries that have disrupted the start to his season as his Selhurst Park cameo helped fired West Ham up to fourth.
'I didn't have to come to West Ham to know about Andy Carroll,' said West Ham boss Bilic. 'I've known him since his Newcastle days. He has been working extremely hard and he's in very good shape. 'He has been training for eight weeks, very boring individual training. We are so lucky he is back. 'I played at centre back and I know that position. In the box, when the ball comes in, usually it is the centre back who has more chance. But it's the other way round with Andy. in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details. 'His biggest problem has been his fitness and injuries but that's connected. When you are injured you cannot get fit.' Meanwhile, Palace manager Alan Pardew is facing a striker crisis ahead of Saturday's trip to high-flying Leicester. Dwight Gayle will miss the game through suspension following his sending off for two late fouls against the Hammers. Pardew, who felt the dismissal was soft, is facing a selection dilemma with Connor Wickham (rib) and Marouane Chamakh (hamstring) both out injured.

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Daily WHUFC News - 19th October 2015

Jenko - We're playing with freedom
WHUFC.com

Before this month, Carl Jenkinson had scored just one senior league goal in
his entire career! A fortnight on, Jenko has become one of West Ham United's
go-to men in front of goal, having netted the Hammers' opening goal at both
Sunderland and now Crystal Palace.
On Saturday, the right-back made a superb run in behind the Eagles defence
before planting a confident finish past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey midway
through the first half. Moments later, Jenkinson conceded a penalty, which
Yohan Cabaye converted, but late goals from Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet
made it four away wins out of five for Slaven Bilic's impressive side. "I
don't know what the secret to our away form is but we're just playing with
freedom and we're playing good football at the moment," said the right-back.
"We're playing with confidence and we've got players like Dimitri who are
producing the goods week-in week-out. We're playing really well at the
minute and we're all really enjoying it." "Obviously it was fantastic
getting on the scoresheet but then they went down the other end and
personally I think it was a harsh penalty because he put his leg across me
and we collided and he's given a pen. "We got two goals in the second half
so we turned it around and that's fantastic."

Payet, Lanzini, Diafra Sakho, Victor Moses and substitutes Andy Carroll,
Mauro Zarate and Nikica Jelavic all contributed to Saturday's success, as
they have done throughout the Hammers' fine start to the Barclays Premier
League campaign. Jenkinson has been especially impressed with Payet, who now
has five goals and three assists in his opening nine league appearances.
"The way we're playing at the monent, with Dimi creating a lot himself and
getting on the scoresheet, he's doing fantastically well. "Attacking-wise we
have got so many options and have got such pace and a big threat going
forward, so we're causing teams problems at the minute."

Having won five of their opening nine matches, West Ham are now fourth ahead
of the visit of champions Chelsea next weekend. So, Jenkinson was asked, how
far can the Hammers go this term? "It's about maintaining what we've created
so far this season. We're in fantastic form and everyone can see that and
we're playing with an immense amount of confidence.; "We're not talking
about setting targets of where we want to finish because it's very early on,
but if we can continue playing the way we are, then we're going to have a
very strong season."

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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold was thrilled to see the Hammers
record yet another away win in the Premier League and believes the season is
only going to get stronger for Slaven Bilic and his players.

Goals from Carl Jenkinson, Manuel Lanzini and a superb finish from Dimitri
Payet made it four wins from five away games in the Premier League and the
Hammers are still unbeaten on their travels.

Mr Gold has nothing but praise for the way the players have performed this
season and feels the new arrivals during the summer have all exceeded their
expectations.

Gold said: "I believe when we go away from home we are going to get
something. I never feel we are going to lose which is a big change and shows
how far we have come.

"The goal at the end by Payet was sublime and makes you feel so good to see
that kind of talent.

"Over the 20 odd years that we have been doing this, to get pretty much 100
per cent success rate on the players we have brought in is unheard of. They
have all fulfilled our optimism and expectation."

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Free-scoring Samuelsen ready for Wolves
WHUFC.com

Highly rated teenager Martin Samuelsen is relishing his return to action in
Claret and Blue when the West Ham United U21s host Wolverhampton Wanderers
on Monday 19 October at Rush Green. The Norwegian winger has been in
scintillating form recently, netting from 25 yards away at Blackburn Rovers
before converting a 90th minute penalty to rescue a point against Newcastle
United. The youngster continued his goalscoring form during the
international break with an inch-perfect free-kick for his native Norway
U19s. Speaking ahead of Monday night's encounter, Samuelsen said: "We
haven't won, but we have outplayed all our opponents except Arsenal.
"Against all the others we have created lots of chances to win, but we
haven't been able to score enough and we have conceded too many easy goals."
Having moved from Manchester City in the summer, Samuelsen impressed during
pre-season before being handed his competitive debut in the Europa League.
Reflecting on the experience, he continued: "It was great to get that
experience so early in my time here. It was great for future motivation and
I enjoyed every second of it. "When I signed, I didn't expect that, but I
started training with the first team in Ireland, did well, and it went on
from there. "I would love to get a few more games this season, but if it
doesn't come I won't be disappointed. "I know I am on the right track. I am
doing well in training and it is just a matter of being patient."

West Ham United U21 play Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 at Rush Green Stadium
on Monday 19 October. Kick off is 7pm, admission is FREE for all fans.

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Antonio content to wait for chance
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 18th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Recent arrival Michail Antonio says he is prepared to wait for his
opportunity to make an impact at West Ham.

The 25-year-old winger arrived at the club in a £7million transfer from
Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day at the beginning of September,
but has played just 30 minutes for the first team so far - as a second half
substitute in the 2-1 win at Manchester City last month.

Antonio wasn't even included in the 18-man match day squad for the trip to
Crystal Palace yesterday, however he maintains that he will remain patient
and try to persuade current manager Slaven Bilic that he deserves a chance.

Writing on twitter this afternoon, he confirmed that his absence was a
tactical choice by Bilic. "I'm not injured," he told his followers. "The
manager made a decision. It hasn't affected my confidence at all.

"I'm going to wait for my opportunity and take it. I knew it wasn't going to
be easy to break into the Premier League, especially at a club sitting in
third place."

Prior to joining West Ham, Antonio featured on five occasions for his former
club at the start of the season, scoring four goals.

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Slaven Bilic remaining realistic despite guiding West Ham into top four
Last Updated: 18/10/15 8:02am
SSN

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is remaining realistic despite seeing his side
move up to the Champions League places with a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace.
West Ham earned their fourth away win of the campaign at Selhurst Park
against 10-man Palace, scoring two late goals to wrap up the three points.
Bilic is keen to remind fans only nine games have passed in the Premier
League, but praised his side's patience in finally taking the lead two
minutes from time through Manuel Lanzini. Bilic said: "Unfortunately it is
only October, not May. It would be great if it was June. "We are trying to
play good football, and we don't have targets. Our target is first to stay
in the league. This is a very dangerous league. "Some clubs started great,
or started bad, and suddenly they're in trouble, or they're flying now, and
it's only been nine games. "We're going to continue to play good football,
to defend with numbers and attack with numbers."

Despite earning wins at Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City so far this season,
Bilic said the trip to Palace was their biggest test of the season, and
admits the sending off of Dwight Gayle just before half-time for a second
booking helped his side. "Every win in the Premier League is great," added
Bilic. "I told the guys last night that we and my staff were looking at this
game as our biggest test. "Of course the red card helped us, but I think we
were the better side in the first half anyway. "Praise goes to the players,
they've done the job."

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Defender stoked by Cole arrival
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 18th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Coventry defender Chris Stokes admits he has to look twice when it was
announced that former West Ham star Joe Cole had joined the Sky Blues on
loan. It was confirmed on Friday night that Cole - who enjoyed two spells at
the Boleyn Ground - had been loaned to the League One side from Premier
League strugglers Aston Villa. And Stokes, who took part in City's goalless
draw with Blackpool yesterday - a match for which Cole was ineligible to
play having signed too late - revealed that he was stunned by the signing.
"I was shocked - I had to refresh social media to make sure it was him!"
Stoked told ccfc.co.uk. "He's played for England, won Premier League titles
and it shows how far we can go to attract players like him. "It's massive
and it shows how far we've come. He wouldn't join for no reason I'm sure he
can see the ambition."

Cole has initially joined Coventry on a 35-day emergency loan, and with
remain at the Ricoh Arena until 22 November. He was signed by Aston Villa in
June 2014 after being released on a free by West Ham. The Sky Blues are
currently fifth in League One, having taken 23 points from their opening ten
fixtures. Cole has featured just once for Villa in the current campaign, as
a second half substitute in the 5-3 Capital One Cup win over Notts County.

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Slaven Bilic: Home games like basketball matches
Last Updated: 18/10/15 1:03pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic has told West Ham to stop treating home games like basketball
matches. The Hammers have picked up just one win at Upton Park this season
but made it four on the road on Saturday when they added Crystal Palace to
the scalps of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. They host Chelsea next
weekend with boss Bilic urging his side to show the same patience they do
away from home, rather than play as if they have a time limit in which to
shoot. "We don't say 'away we are going to play like this, and at home we
are going to play like this'," he said after the 3-1 win at Selhurst Park.
"But sometimes you have to change. "We will try to win our home games and
maintain our away form, but it's more that we started sloppily in a couple
of home games. "At home sometimes we are playing like it's basketball and
you have a limit of 24 seconds to finish your move, and you are forcing the
situation too early. "Away we are a little bit more patient, but at home not
patient enough."

West Ham certainly had to show some patience at Selhurst Park, with Palace
holding out until the 88th minute with 10 men. Carl Jenkinson's opener had
been quickly cancelled out by Yohan Cabaye's twice-taken penalty but the
game turned on Dwight Gayle's dismissal, for two reckless challenges, on the
stroke of half-time. The Hammers finally broke Palace's resistance when
Manuel Lanzini lashed in Andy Carroll's knock-down with two minutes
remaining, and Dimitri Payet added the gloss in stoppage time. Bilic's side
are now up to the heady heights of fourth but the Croatian is still playing
down what they can achieve this season. "At the club we have no
expectations," he added. "You can't stop the fans' (expectations) - unless
you start losing, and that is not what we want. "But our target is to stay
in the league. It's early days, not late May. Our target is to play good
football, to be solid, defend and attack with numbers and keep the ball,
score more goals and get more points. Where we will finish, I don't know!
But it should be good."

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FALLEN EAGLES
By Zaman Siddiqui 18 Oct 2015 at 17:00
WTID

Jenkinson goal vs. CRY. at Selhurst Park
There can only be one outcome at the end of an away match, right? It can
only be a win! Well, only if you exclude that match against Sunderland.
Going into this eagerly anticipated match after the international break, we
boasted the best away record in the Premier League this season with 10 out
of 12 points. I am proud to say that has been extended to 13 out of 15
points only dropping the two. We have won more times away this season than
we did in all 19 last season. A win against Watford will put us in a scary
position on Halloween, as we will have equalled our 16 away points from last
season! There is no cause for concern as of yet. We cannot say the same for
Big Sam's Sunderland who remain in the relegation zone after a 1-0 loss to
West Bromwich Albion which could leave them at the bottom of the table this
weekend. Be careful what you wish for!

Crystal Palace, like us, have made a terrific start to the season playing
teams similar in calibre to us. They were actually above us in the table by
a single point. Both teams have spent over £10M on top French players. Back
when Pardew was in charge of Newcastle, he brought in quite a few French
players. This time, at Palace, he has instilled his faith in Yohan Cabaye
who is 29 from PSG. We decided to bring in Dmitri Payet who is 28 from
Marseille. Their age is the reason why the top teams didn't go for them.
According to the BPL Player Performance Index, Payet is the 3rd best player
so far, whilst Cabaye is 8th. Just to put it into further perspective,
Mahrez and Mata are the only midfielders to have played better than the two
Frenchmen. In addition, Dmitri has created more chances than any other
player in the top-flight this season. What has left me completely befuddled
is that he hasn't been called up by Didier Deschamps. I was even more
surprised to find out Payet wasn't allowed to play Denmark… in a friendly
match! That is not a typo. The most creative player this season was not
allowed to even take part in a friendly! Deschamps had his birthday 4 days
after, so I can't help but feel he has got his birthday wish. I would like
to point out that Payet's exclusion from the French side has kept him fit
and free from injuries. That is why I am not too angry about the whole
situation. Moreover, Yohan Cabaye had to train with France for the whole
week. What did he get in return on the previous Sunday? 5 measly minutes of
football in a match the French were winning 2-0 at the time. He deserves
more playing time as well.

Playing right after the international break is not ideal for clubs. This
rings true more so in the Premier League in which you need your best team
fully switched on. Take the early kick-off against Spurs and Liverpool
yesterday. The match ended goalless for Klopp's side. Given the fact that
most of their players are away on international duty, they can get the
benefit of the doubt, as can Big Sam who has had less than a week with his
new side Sunderland. I wish him the best of luck. We won by 2-0 after our
previous international break against the Magpies, which suggests that Bilic
keeps good communication with the squad, and the players keep their fitness
up. Our match was at Selhurst Park, so it is one of the easier away matches
15 miles away from Upton Park. Chadwell Heath is only 7 miles away from our
home ground. There are two key elements that intensify a match for an away
team – distance travelled and home support. So this is the situation. The
Palace crowd has to wait over a fortnight for their next home match, so it
is easy to anticipate that they will be buzzing and high in spirits like
their squad. We have scored in all away games this season, so we don't have
to worry about any collapses so long as we don't concede a couple few goals
early on.

Getting Valencia and Carroll back was a great selection boost. I was certain
Valencia would go right back into the starting XI, but he was on the bench.
Sakho remained the lone striker up front. Sakho offers more than Carroll,
which is why Bilic hasn't and never will be scorned for his attacking
selection, not to mention with the inclusion of Payet who adds an extra
dimension. That said, the Frenchman nearly scored within the first minute in
a similar fashion to Lanzini against Liverpool, but couldn't get a strong
enough connection with the ball. Jenkinson got two in two thanks to shoddy
marking from Wilfried Zaha who let Carl circle past him to get an assist
from Moses. His finish was ever better with a shot from the outside of his
right foot. Only minutes later, Palace got a penalty at the other end.
Dwight Gayle went down under Jenkinson's foul who went from hero to zero.
Looking back at it, it was a definite penalty. Yohan Cabaye took the
penalty, and scored shooting it into the right side. Fortunately, Gayle came
into the box before Cabaye took his shot. Adrián became the first goalkeeper
this calendar year to save three penalties in a row. Could he make it a
fourth?! When the penalty had to be retaken, I was overwhelmed with joy! The
Spaniard is my favourite player in the side: I have a feeling he hasn't
reached his full potential. I have an affinity with him from FIFA, as well
as an appreciation for his superb reflexes. Adrián got a bit of a touch on
Cabaye's spot kick, but went in. This all occurred in three minutes. Payet
kicked the ball in frustration at an advertising board for a foul on equally
skilful, Yannick Bolasie. This was quite inconsistent for him. Subsequently,
he received a yellow. Dwight Gayle got a second yellow card for a needless
foul on Kouyaté just before half time. He deserved both yellows and went off
the pitch in tears with his face beneath his shirt. It was nice to see Ginge
and Noble consoling him.

Gayle Red Card Crying
We weren't able to take advantage against 10-man Sunderland at the Stadium
of Light, so what hope did we have today? Like Sunderland, Crystal Palace
started defending deep in the second half. I was starting to feel we were
getting a bit patient keeping the ball in midfield. I was happy to see that
the gaffer took the skipper off for Carroll: it was a real statement of
attack. Our midfield was strong enough already with lots of possession, so I
highly commend Slaven. It was only around the 70th minute that we were using
our heading prowess with Sakho and the big man. We had nine corners in the
game, so we had to make something count. A third consecutive draw would have
been really sloppy. Palace were managing to clear it away. Nobody could
fault them for a draw: the same couldn't be said about us. The thought of a
third draw is just too much. Normally, we tend to concede late goals, so it
was delightful to see that trend reversed. It was the Zárate kid who crossed
it in for Carroll who headed it back for Lanzini who shot from a couple of
yards away… in the 88th minute no less. All of Crystal Palace's hard work
was undone. At 2-1, they had no option but to go for it. I saw another
fabulous equaliser for Leicester from 2-0 down to 2-2 in added time from the
Tinkerman. I was hoping this wouldn't forebode anything. As we all know, a
side that goes all out in attack can concede goals. Payet secured the win
with a chip above Wayne Hennessey who fell before the Frenchman could get
his shot away.

In this match, we had 61% possession. I feel that came from the fact Gayle
was sent off, so I won't look into that. There were chants at Selhurst Park:
"Are you watching Allardyce?". First of all, let me say it is great to see
Sam back in football. Even neutrals like him managing teams. My grudge with
him was that he didn't do enough with the squad in the latter half of the
previous season. I emphasise on "was", because that saga is over. He is back
at the club which he used to play for. Sam has helped our side massively
over the years, but we have gotten the most out of him, so I feel it was
time for him to leave. I genuinely feel he will keep Sunderland up, but only
just. That is what most Sunderland fans will be happy with this season.
Quick note on Lanzini, who truly deserved MOTM. He is 22, and has been part
of the starting XI for most matches this season . There are only a handful
of young players playing superbly every week. Namely; Hazard, Lukaku, De
Bruyne, Sterling, Kane, and Barkley. There is nothing stopping the Jewel
from joining that elite group. Even Obiang hasn't managed to get in, so
Slaven is keeping it very competitive in the camp. This is a situation that
is not very common under Big Sam's reign. I hope this can last. We have
tightened up in more areas with better players. There is one player who Sam
has massive affinity with. And that player is rumoured to be off to
Sunderland later. Needless to say, it is Kevin Nolan. He is only one year
older than James Collins who played yesterday, so I am adamant that he will
get some playing time at Wearside if he moves.

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Lanzini contract agreement "unbreakable"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham look certain to take up an option on Manuel Lanzini after the 22
year old's astonishing progress over the early games of the season. And
ClaretandHugh is happy to confirm this afternoon (Sunday) via our top
insider that we have an absolutely "wateritght deal" in place to sign the
brilliant youngster. We have been inundated with fans questions and comments
claiming that should we not sign him in January he could get stolen away by
another club. But that can't happen according to our best source who
declared: "Please assure supporters via the site that we have a contract
with him and his club we believe its unbreakable. We are absolutely sure
that it is. "Obviously we could make the decision now or in January but why
judge him over nine games or half a season when we can do so over 38."

ClaretandHugh had been informed the fee had been set at £6 million but our
source has now reliably infomed us that it is in fact agreed at £8m. He
said: "That sounds a lot but it could look very cheap indeed by the end of
this season."

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We showed the pundits up once and for all
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
By Scott Alsweiler

Another Saturday, another away win. Against one of our former managers, no
less. This one was particularly interesting. Both teams play well on the
counter, giving the potential for any mistake to be swiftly and harshly
punished. We played hard, on the deck, and attractively flowing football.

This felt like a very important game. The paid pundits (and honestly, most
of them aren't worth the price of a cup of tea) have been blaming poor
opposition form for our away wins against Arsenal, Manchester City, and
Liverpool.

They have very seldom suggested that our wins are the result of great play
on our behalf. But this time, with two teams around the same level, we could
show them up. And so we did.

We looked dominant for most of the match. Lanzini (and how well he has
earned his nickname of "The Jewel"), and Payet are imperious in attacking
play to an extent that I can't say I can remember seeing in a West Ham side
before. I daresay we're going to be using our option with Lanzini at the end
of the season. I'd like to see a long-term deal signed. I believe he's happy
with us, and I know we're delighted with him.

Some managers would have had us "respect the point", and be happy to walk
away with the draw. Not our Slaven. His substitution choices were inspired.

Instead of sitting back and hoping play went our way, he brings Andy Carroll
as another attacking option to replace Noble, and a fresh Mauro Zarate
(another man who is flourishing under Slav's guidance). The results speak
for themselves.

Looking at yesterday's game, and back over the season, our shopping list
must include fullbacks. And much as I don't want to say it, I don't think
that includes a permanent deal for Jenkinson.

He played brilliantly last year, when the expectations were different, but
this year, when we already have pace out wide, his shortcomings in defence
are evident. That could change. I believe Slav can bring out the best in any
player. But he is unlikely to be worth the £10m that Arsenal will surely
expect. Cresswell is doing better under the new system, but we do need cover
for him, and someone to make him fight for his place).

Next weekend is Chelsea at home. Our home form does need work. A fact that
manager, staff, and team are no doubt acutely aware of. But all new systems
take time to properly implement. Chelsea would be an ideal game to start
proving our point: that we're not just a great away side ("best in the
League), but also a force to be reckoned with at home, in front of thousands
of passionate supporters.

Let's make the Boleyn a place where any team will fear to tread. For the
devotion and intensity of the fans, for the quality and character of the
squad, and for the belief we have in our manger and his staff.

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'We've got Payet, I don't think you understand'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

A new away song emerged yesterday amongst the 3,000 Happy Hammers at
Selhurst Park. The song is dedicated to new West Ham hero Dimtri Payet and
sung to the tune of Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus.

"We've got Payet, Dimitri Payet! I just don't think you understand. He's
Super Slavs man, he's better than Zidane. We've got Dimtri Payet!"

Payet has scored five goals for the Hammers providing three assists this
season.

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Amazing value of the Hammers bench
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H

If anybody is wondering just how far West Ham have come this season take a
look at the bench and beyond. It's a quite extraordinary scenario to find
that since the start of the season we have progressed to the point where we
have around £50 million worth of personnel waiting for a game. Add it up for
yourself whilst realising that with Michail Antonio – a £7 million buy –
couldn't even make the squad for the game against Palace.

And that Reece Oxford – who was in the opening team for the match at Arsenal
is also waiting patiently for a chance to impress again.
Here's yesterday's bench plus the two mentioned with their approximate
values although it is difficult to put a price on Carroll and Oxford:

Randolph (£2 million)
Carroll (£12 million)
Zárate (£3 million)
E Valencia (£12 million)
Obiang (£5 million)
Ogbonna (£8 million)
Jelavic (£2 million)
Antonio (£7 million)
Oxford (£5 million)
making a total of £56 million

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Leroy: Payet bringing back memories of Bergkamp
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2015 in Leroy's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H

Dimitri Payet's goal this afternoon was beyond words.

I was working at the Premier League offices where several of us former pros
watch several games between us but I always keep a very close eye on the
Irons match for this site.

But when his goal went in every single one of us jumped up and applauded.
It was a fabulous goal from a player who has – and will continue to take –
the Premier League by the scruff of the neck this season.

The highest compliment I can Dimi is to say that he has brought back the
days of Dennis Bergkamp – a guy who scored wonder goal after wonder goal.

I absolutely love this lad – he is everybody's kind of player and the
beauty is he's WEST HAM'S FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS!

But if he is a star player what are we to make our magnificent manager who
keeps getting every big decision right. Mark Noble was having a fantastic
game when Slav decided to bring him off and throw on Andy Carroll as we went
4-4-2.

And it was AC who provided the knock down for the wondrous Bergkamp-like
killer goal from Mr Payet – top marks Slav – you got it spot on!

I love Lanzini who supplied the cross for that goal and of course got one of
his own. He's a quick dynamic player who is going to get better and better
as time goes by and he and Payet look a partnership made in heaven.

Am I excited? Damned right I am and now we need to get it right at home. If
we do that – as I'm certain we will – goodness knows where we can go.

Ok I know we have to keep our feet on the ground but it's getting harder and
that's down to a fabulous manager and a magnificent squad – the best we have
seen at Upton Park for many a long year.

Oh, and I notice Sunderland got beat as well !!!

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DG: Two immense displays – not Payet and Lanzini
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold selected two people for special praise after a performance at
Palace which has every Hammer believing that there is not a team in the land
that need worry our boys.

The co chairman watched thrilled as the team's patient second half approach
finally brought them their just reward and then described two performances
as immense.

He declared: "Obviously Payet and Lanzine were magnificent and took the
headlines but for me the two who were immense were Slaven himself and James
Collins.

"Slaven understands perfectly what this club is about, what we want and what
the fans expect. He kept on attacking and attacking, throwing on players who
could make it happen and the result was a 3-1 victory.

"It was great to see Andy Carroll play a part in Payet's goal but it was at
the back where I saw James – a fourth choice defender – produce an
astonishing performance.

"If Palace had driven a double decker bus though the middle of the pitch
he'd have headed it away. He truly was immense – to use the word again."

Aware of the questions being asked about Manuel Lanzini he said: "There's a
deal in place and agreed with his parent club and we will make the decision
towards or a the end of the season but he was quite brilliant today – I
don't remember him losing the ball.

"The manager is loving him as are the players, fans and everyone else – we
have had a wonderful simmer in the market.

"And here we are sitting in fourth place and unbeaten in six games with four
of them coming away from home. These are wonderful times for the club."
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