Antonio gets first England call
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio called up by England for the first time in his career
Winger in squad for opening 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Slovakia
West Ham United winger has netted eleven goals since joining a year ago
Michail Antonio has expressed his delight and pride after earning his first
England call-up. The in-form West Ham United player, who scored for the
second consecutive Premier League game at Manchester City on Sunday, has
been included in Sam Allardyce's squad for the Three Lions' opening 2018
FIFA World Cup qualifier in Slovakia. The No30's inclusion comes after 12
outstanding months in a Claret and Blue shirt which have seen Antonio bag
eleven goals and produce a series of powerful displays all over the pitch.
Speaking to West Ham TV, the 26-year-old was near tears as he revealed his
pride at being included in the senior national squad just a few seasons
after he was playing for non-league Tooting and Mitcham. "I'm overwhelmed,"
he revealed. "I got slightly emotional when I found out. It's just one of
those things that I've always dreamt of playing for England as a kid, so now
for it to happen after I've worked my way from non-league to where I am now,
I am just so happy.
"I don't even know what to say – words can't explain how happy I am! "I just
give my all every time I go on the field, so for me to called-up by England,
I don't know what to say! All I can do is go out there on the international
stage and show there is a reason why the gaffer has called me up."
A year ago, Antonio had not even joined West Ham or played a single minute
of Premier League football. Then, after completing his move from Nottingham
Forest, the London-born star had to wait for his opportunity to shine in a
West Ham shirt before making a huge impact over the winter and into the
spring. Vital goals against Liverpool, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur,
Everton and Manchester United won games for his Club and won Antonio himself
the hearts of the Hammers faithful. Throw in a selection of unique
celebrations and it is easy to see why Antonio has become a hero among West
Ham fans in the space of a few short months. "I didn't think that it would
happen this quick, but I always said to myself that if I could get into the
Premier League and keep playing the way I do, hopefully I could get into the
England squad," he continued. "I turned down an approach from Jamaica in
March and for this to happen so quickly, I'm buzzing!
"I just want to keep my feet on the floor. In my first season in the Premier
League, even though I had good stats, the England manager would have had to
take a risk on me. "It looks like the gaffer now believes that I've done
enough to be in there, so hopefully I can prove him right. "It's an amazing
feeling and I just want to tell my missus and go home and hug my children
and enjoy it with my children. "I don't even know what happens here. I have
been called up, so I'll have to ask the boys what I have to do, because I
don't know!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic - We showed spirit
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was heartened by the fight his West Ham United team showed in
the second half at Manchester City on Sunday, even if ultimately their
efforts came to nothing as the Citizens' fast start took them to maximum
points.
The Hammers were at risk of being overwhelmed when Raheem Sterling and
Fernandinho notched inside the first 18 minutes to fire Pep Guardiola's men
into a quickfire two-goal lead.
But the visitors took stock at the interval and gave themselves a lifeline
when Michail Antonio rose highest at the far post just before the hour.
It sparked a better spell from the Hammers and they remained in the game
until the very end, when Sterling's second eventually killed off their
comeback.
"You can break it down to two halves of football," Bilic said. "They were
much better than us in the first half. They started very well, and not only
did they show the quality on the ball which we knew [they had] but they were
quicker, more aggressive than us and better on the second balls.
"We gave them way too much space and time on the ball and of course they
have plenty of class.
"In the second half it changed and of course the goal helped. We put them
under a little bit of pressure. They had their chances too, because we were
open, but in the second half I was more than happy.
"At half time, I wasn't happy, but I asked the guys to show the character,
the spirit, the attitude and mentality which they basically did in the
second half.
"I have praise for the team for the second half performance. It's a shame
that we conceded the late goal, but it was a good second half as I said. The
first wasn't.
"It gives us hope, that when the players who are out injured come back after
the international break, that it's going to be different."
Of those players, the boss revealed that Dimitri Payet and Sofiane Feghouli
are closest to a comeback
He added: "A few of them will definitely be back after the international
break. Lanzini came back today and he's not injured any more, then it should
be Payet, Feghouli, maybe a few others and maybe Carroll.
"Of course it's going to change totally the shape of the team and also the
quality."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
City too slick for Hammers
WHUFC.com
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League, Etihad Stadium, Sunday 28 August 2016
Michail Antonio's second Premier League goal of the season was not enough as
West Ham United went down to a 3-1 defeat at Manchester City.
The Hammers fell two goals down early on but produced a spirited second half
performance that could have earned them a point on another day.
To be fair to Pep Guardiola's side, who have now won three out of three,
they were far the better side before the break and deserved the advantage
given to them by Raheem Sterling's first-time shot and Fernandinho's bullet
header.
However, West Ham grew in confidence as the game wore on and got back into
it just before the hour-mark through that man Antonio, who headed in Arthur
Masuaku's superb cross from six yards.
While City continued to enjoy the greater possession and territory in the
closing stages, the game itself was a much better contest and either side
could have added to their tally.
It was the home side who did just that in added time, when Sterling
collected inside the box, got past Adrian and side-footed home from an acute
angle.
Slaven Bilic will now hope to return a number of key attacking players to
action after the international break.
On two positive notes, young centre forward Ashley Fletcher further enhanced
his reputation with another encouraging display, while Argentine midfielder
Manuel Lanzini made his first appearance in the No10 shirt on his return
from a knee injury.
Concentrating on the action, City dominated the opening exchanges,
capitalising on any mistakes and going ahead with a beautifully crafted goal
on seven minutes. England winger Sterling was the scorer, converting a
Nolito cut-back after David Silva had threaded a superb ball through for his
fellow Spaniard
Eleven minutes later – but not before Fletcher had fired a shot high and
wide – City went two clear when Enner Valencia was penalised and Brazilian
midfielder Fernandinho headed home Kevin De Bruyne's wicked free-kick.
West Ham did attack sporadically before the break, with Fletcher heading a
chance wide and Nicolas Otamendi making a fine tackle to keep out Antonio.
Into the second half and the visitors made a half-time change with Sam Byram
on for Valencia. The No22 filled the right wing-back position, while Antonio
moved into a more advanced role.
It took just 13 minutes for the tactical change to pay off as Masuaku teased
his man before delivering a perfect cross over Willy Caballero for the No30
to power home.
The goal gave the Hammers a real shot of confidence, while City were
momentarily knocked out of their rhythm.
To be fair to Guardiola's men, they did continue to create chances, with
Aguero twice hitting the side netting, Sterling firing wide and Adrian and
Sam Byram combining to deny substitute Samir Nasri late on.
Into added time and, as West Ham committed men forward, Silva hit a post
and, moments later, Sterling collected, rounded Adrian and finished between
James Collins and the near post.
Having played two of the title favourites away from home in City and
Chelsea, where they fell to an agonising 2-1 defeat, the Hammers resume with
the visit of Watford to London Stadium on Saturday 10 September.
Manchester City: Cabellero, Zabaleta ©, Stones (Kolarov 59), Otamendi,
Clichy, Fernandinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Nolito (Nasri 75), Sterling, Aguero
(Fernando 88)
Subs not used: Hart (GK), Navas, Delph, Iheanacho
Goals: Sterling 7, 90+2, Fernandinho 18
Bookings: Fernandinho
West Ham United: Adrian, Collins, Reid (Calleri 78), Ogbonna, Antonio, Noble
©, Kouyate, Tore (Byram 46), Masuaku, Valencia (Lanzini 60), Fletcher
Subs not used: Randolph (GK), Obiang, Burke, Oxford
Goal: Antonio 58
Bookings: Masuaku, Fletcher, Noble
Referee: Andre Marriner
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zaza - I would like to follow in Di Canio's footsteps
WHUFC.com
Simone Zaza arrives with a big pedigree from Italian giants Juventus and
cannot wait to showcase his talents in the Premier League following his
season-long loan move to the Hammers. The prolific forward would love to
follow in the footsteps of Italian compatriot and Hammers legend Paolo Di
Canio and become another fans favourite at London Stadium this season.....
Simone Zaza, welcome to West Ham United. Why did you make the decision to
join the Hammers and make a big move into the Premier League?
SZ: "I want to thank everyone for welcoming me including the fans and
everyone at the Club. I wanted to start a new experience and I feel this is
the right choice for me."
You are joining the Club at such an exciting time with the historic move
into the new Stadium. How much are you looking forward to playing at the
magnificent London Stadium on a regular basis?
SZ: "I am very happy with the move and am looking forward to playing my
first game there. I have been fortunate enough to have already played at the
new Stadium with a different shirt. It is a beautiful stadium and I felt the
warmth of the fans and this was a big reason why I wante to join the Club."
How much did you enjoy playing in the Betway Cup against West Ham at the
start of August and scoring the winning goal right at the end of the game?
SZ: "It felt really good and it is always a good feeling when a striker
scores a goal. You are always happy. I knew that West Ham would be watching
me and I wanted to show how good I can be. I just hope the fans were not
upset with me scoring the winning goal!"
The West Ham fans will be excited over your arrival. What can they expect
from Simone Zaza?
SZ: "My characteristics are that I am always wanting to score. I want to
show that I am fit and run very fast. The only thing is that I don't like to
make promises on what I can achieve, but I will always give my best in each
game."
Tell us about your friendship with Angelo Ogbonna. Having played alongside
him for Italy, how much influence did he have in you signing for the Club?
SZ: "Of course I am very happy to see him. When I asked him what it was like
at West Ham he only told me good things and it was like a family. The
football here is different and has different traditions but I am very happy
to see him again."
One player you must know very well from your time at Juventus is Hammers
legend Paolo Di Canio. How much would you like to follow in his footsteps
and become a fans favourite at West Ham United?
SZ: "I know how important Di Canio is for this Club. He is in love with West
Ham. I saw him talking on television about West Ham and how much he enjoyed
his time at the Club. I would like to follow him and have a similar impact."
With the current squad we have big name stars such Dimitri Payet and Manuel
Lanzini. How much are you looking forward to playing alongside them on a
weekly basis?
SZ: "Payet had a fantastic season and also played really well at the Euros
during the summer. I am also looking forward to meeting up with all the
other players and play alongside them."
You have met up with Slaven Bilic. What are you hoping to achieve at West
Ham United over the coming months?
SZ: "First of all I want to become a better player and I know I can do that
at West Ham. Unfortunately we didn't qualify for the Europa League but
hopefully I can help the Club achieve that next season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
I am delighted that we have been able to announce the signing of Simone Zaza
from Juventus and this is a major coup for the football club.
It has been a tough summer, particularly for David Sullivan and Slaven Bilic
who have been working so hard behind the scenes to pull this off and at last
it has happened.
These big deals often go to the wire, but our supporters should be excited
about this signing. Simone is a top quality striker and has great
credentials.
We hope he can have an immediate impact and, if he is as successful as we
all hope he will be, Simone will join us on a permanent basis next summer.
I need to pay tribute to my co-chairman David Sullivan who has worked so
hard to achieve this, because these are mega deals and we have now taken our
summer spending to more than £60million.
The Board have always stated that we will reinvest the revenue raised from
the Club's move to London Stadium and put together a squad that fits in with
our stunning surroundings.
We have to get the transfers right because there have been a number of clubs
who have not done so in the past and have lived to regret it. There are some
big name players who have not adjusted.
You have to do due diligence on these new signings and we are thrilled to
have secured his signature.
You can see he is a talent and if he gets an opportunity in front of goal,
you would not bet against him scoring.
The competition for places will be ferocious when all the players are back
from injury and Slaven will have a lot of options to choose from, but I am
sure he will welcome that.
It certainly bodes well for the cup competitions as well. I can remember a
time when we were having to play a team full of youngsters and got beat 5-0
in the FA Cup, but hopefully that will not happen again.
We have made ten new signings this summer and have been one of the most
active clubs in the Premier League this window.
Unfortunately we are all bitterly disappointed with the result in the Europa
League on Thursday night and I am still upset over our early exit from
competition.
I know that Slaven feels the same and we had enough chances over the two
legs to win the game. We put out the best side possible, but the ten
injuries which are missing have really affected us.
I know that we have to move forward now and focus our efforts on trying to
get something from the game against Manchester City on Sunday. Why can't we
go up to the Etihad Stadium once again and pull off another famous victory?
We are coming up against one of the most well known managers in world
football in Pep Guardiola and there is no doubts he is a top quality manager
who has a proven track record. I am sure that Slaven will relish the
opportunity to come up against him.
I want to finish by saying a special word about Ashley Fletcher who
impressed everyone when he came on during the Europa League tie on Thursday
night. The way he went past players shows the qualities he has got and he is
going to be a major force for us in the coming months.
David Gold
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ZAZA IS A HAMMER!
BY EM EDSER ON 28 AUGUST 2016 AT 12:41AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
The highly anticipated transfer of Italian forward Simone Zaza has at last
been completed. According to Jack Sullivan the agreement with Juventus is a
£5 million loan, depending on the amount of games Simone plays this could be
turned into a 5 year permanent deal of £20 million plus add ons.
With the Hammers looking to potentially offload Diafra Sakho and Enner
Valencia if the asking price is met and Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew injured,
Bilic seemingly had no choice but to purchase another striker. Furthermore
West Ham's early Europa League exit seemed to reinforce the need for a real
top goalscorer. Zaza looks to be a quality player that would bring much
needed goal scoring ability and creativity into the West Ham squad.
Slaven Bilic certainly thinks highly of Zazas ability mentioning in his
presser ahead of the Manchester City game "It was our plan for a long time
now to get a top-quality striker and there were a few of them on our list,
and Zaza was always mentioned there, so let's see what's going to happen."
Bilic also attempted to sign the 25 year old last year but Zaza concluded it
was best to stay and fight for his place in the Juventus first team.
Zaza's first game as a Hammer looks to be V Watford on 10th September.
We wish Simone the best of luck at West Ham!
COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MANCHESTER CITY 3-1 WEST HAM – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 28 AUGUST 2016 AT 7:29PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
By @WestHamAmerican
West Ham came to the Etihad Stadium to play the Manchester City in similar
fashion to last year's early-season meeting; A stinging exit from the
Europa League at the hands of Astra, and then a meeting with the Premier
League leaders. With Manuel Lanzini recovered from international injury,
the Hammers at least had one more piece of the attacking puzzle on their
bench. Once again Dimitri Payet was absent from action today. Without
Payet and the likes of Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew, West Ham has shown
difficulty finding any creativity in their attack.
Hoping to slow down the massively compensated City side, Slaven Bilic
started three central defenders in Ogbonna, Reid, and Collins. He also
allowed 20 year old, Ashley Fletcher, the former Manchester United academy
product, to start at forward against his traditional rival. However none of
these changes gave much help to West Ham in their efforts to slow down
City's relentless attack.
Only seven minutes in David Silva found Nolito, who wisely cut back to
Raheem Sterling, and fired it into the top right of the goal. Looking to
answer, neither Enner Valencia nor Ashley Fletcher were finding any success
in their incursions into City's penalty area, and West Ham, as a whole,
barely was able to maintain possession in the opening half.
18 minutes into the match Kevin De Bruyne fired a free kick from 20 yards
out and an unmarked Feranandinho headed it beyond Adrian's reach. With the
Brazillian's header giving the home side an effortless lead, West Ham was
desperately looking to hold serve until the half.
Despite a few defensive close calls to close out the half, West Ham was able
to leave the field down 2-0. During the half, Bilic brought Sam Byram on
for Tore, and was able to move Antonio from wingback up to his preferred
true wing position. The move proved wise when in the 58th minute Arthur
Masuaku drove towards goal and crossed to Antonio, whose far post header was
very reminiscent of last Sunday's against Bournemouth.
With the score now a manageable 2-1, Bilic sought to find the equaliser by
brining Lanzini on for Valencia. These changes did make West Ham more
competitive and they showed some spring in their step. Winston Reid took an
elbow to the head in the 76th from Sergio Agüero, who was fortunate to miss
the view of the center referee, Andre Marriner. Reid was replaced by
Jonathan Calleri, who added more pace to the West Ham attacking midfield.
The improved pace was unable to find the second goal for the visiting side
as regulation time ticked away. During the four minutes of stoppage time,
City found a third goal as Sterling drove towards Adrian, who moved off his
line to challenge the young talent. Sterling shot a slow grounder that
rolled around the goalkeeper and James Collins, and into the empty goal to
ensure the victory for Manchester City.
For fans of West Ham United, it has been a trying week. Mounting injuries,
an embarrassing exit from the Europa league, and a failure to sell off some
of the players that the board was counting on to free up wages for some late
window purchases, all have given the Claret faithful a miserable end to
their summer. There is a saying "if we didn't have bad luck, we would have
no luck at all;" which certainly applies to West Ham as of late.
With the signing of Simone Zaza from Juventus, and more late deals possible
prior to the August 31 late- night closing of the transfer window, West
Ham can improve their depth for a long Premier League campaign. Without
European football in the mix, Bilic can focus on improving his side's
position in the league and not worry about travel to far flung locales on
the continent. (Although they will miss out on a lot of revenue from the
Europa League)
The international break has come at a good time for a West Ham club that
needs to heal from a bruising opening month. As injured players return to
match fitness, a much different team should emerge than the disappointing
team seen over the past three weeks.
Man City: Caballero, Zabaleta, Otamendi, Stones (59'), Clichy, Ferdandinho,
Sterling, De Bruyne, Silva, Nolito (75'), Aguero (88').
Subs: Hart, Kolarov (59'), Fernando (88'), Delph, Nasri (75'), Navas,
Iheanacho
Bookings: Ferandinho 6',
West Ham: Adrian, Ogbonna, Reid (78'), Collins, Masauku, Antonio, Noble,
Tore (45'), Kouyate, Valencia (60'), Fletcher
Subs: Randolph, Byram (45'), Burke, Oxford, Obiang, Lanzini (60'),
Calleri (78')
Bookings: Masauku 14' Fletcher 48', Noble 51'
Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 54,008
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REF WATCH – MANCHESTER CITY V WEST HAM – ANDRE MARRINER
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 28 AUGUST 2016 AT 7:35PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Sam Royden-Ryell
By After an extremely frustrating and disappointing display against Romanian
side Astra on Thursday night, West Ham visit Manchester City with a long
list of injures which includes star man Dimitri Payet. On a positive note,
Ashley Fletcher starts his first full Premier League game for West Ham and
Manuel Lanzini was back from injury and started on the bench. The referee
appointed for this fixture was Andre Marriner.
We've already seen in the opening couple of weekends of the season that
referees are being more strict on issues inside the area. Andre Marriner is
a good referee and was quick to stamp this authority on the game warning
players about pushing and holding before Manchester City's first corner 60
seconds into the game.
The first of two yellow cards in the first half was issued to Manchester
City midfielder Fernandinho. Fernandinho was extremely late with his sliding
challenge on Enner Valencia and Marriner didn't hesitate to book the City
man for a poor challenge. The second player to be booked in the first half
was West Ham left back Arthur Masuaku for his block on Kevin De Bruyne. The
Manchester City player put the ball past Masuaku on the half way line before
the West Ham man blocked De Bruyne from progressing forward. There were a
couple of other challenges in the first half that Marriner did get correct
which includes when Michail Antonio was penalised for a high foot on Nolito.
Marriner blew for the foul which was the correct decision.
In my opinion, I feel that Masuaku was very lucky in this half to escape a
second yellow card. Even though not every foul is deemed to be a yellow
card, the Frenchmen caught John Stones on the knee after the young
Englishman beat Masuaku to the ball. Although Masuaku went for the ball, he
did catch Stones but fortunately for West Ham, Marriner didn't deem the
incident to be either a foul or intentional. Masuaku also caught Raheem
Sterling on the back of the heel and Marriner spoke to the West Ham man and
warned him that he was already on a caution. Masuaku needed to be extremely
careful in second half to avoid any fouls that would warrant a second
booking.
Andre Marriner was more active in the second half and had some big decisions
to make. Should there have been two red cards in the second half?
Firstly, the assistant referee correctly disallowed Nolito's goal just
inside after the second half kicked off as the City man was at least two
yards offside. There were a couple of yellow cards in the second half for
West Ham, the first one being for Ashley Fletcher. The talented youngster
was chased down by City's goalkeeper Willy Caballero after his bad touch
gave Fletcher an opportunity to pounce. The Argentinian touch was poor and
Fletchers attempt to challenge for the ball was genuine but caught the
keeper. Admittedly, it was a foul but Fletcher was more than entitled to go
for the ball. Caballero made a bit of a meal of the contact by Fletcher
which resulted in Marriner blowing for a foul and cautioning the West Ham
striker.
The first potential red card was for Authur Masuaku and as I said above,
Masuaku had to be so careful but he really was walking on a tight rope after
his challenge on Raheem Sterling. Masuaku again was beaten by Sterling and
the Frenchman stopped Sterling from going forward. Knowing Masuaku made at
least three or four fouls in the first half, if Marriner had booked Masuaku
for persistent infringes to the laws of the game, I wouldn't have argued
with his decision.
The biggest and most shocking incident of the game was Sergio Aguero's
deliberate elbow on West Ham defender Winston Reid. Aguero challenged Reid
for the ball but was out muscled by Reid. Ageuro then swung an elbow in the
direction of Reid and caught him on the chin/throat. In my opinion, this is
a deliberate use of excessive force and warrants a straight red card for
violent conduct. This type of foul was associated with Diego Costa last
season and time after time he got away with it until the FA acted and banned
him. The FA need to seriously review the footage of this incident and action
a ban against Sergio Aguero. This is unacceptable behaviour that is not
needed in football and as this was missed by the officials, the FA can now
look at video replays and make a decision.
In my opinion, I thought that Andre Marriner officiated the game very well
and was in control throughout. Despite the missed incident with Sergio
Aguero and Winston Reid, I would not take anything away from his
performance. A note on West Ham; a poor performance from the team mainly in
the first half. The second half was slightly better, with the introduction
of Byram and Lanzini, however we are missing more of our creative players.
Hopefully the squad will be back to full fitness after the international
break and we can start winning games.
Let us know your thoughts @TheWestHamWay and @SamRoyden using the hashtag
#AskWestHamWayRef with your thoughts, opinions and questions.
Sam
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SUN, 28 AUG 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
By Timothy Abraham
BBC Sport
Manchester City continued their 100% start to the season with a victory over
West Ham that took them to the top of the Premier League. City scored first
when Raheem Sterling finished off a superb team move and Fernandinho headed
in a second from Kevin de Bruyne's free-kick. West Ham pulled a goal back in
the second half when Michail Antonio nodded in Arthur Masuaku's cross.
Sterling added his second late on when he stroked home from a tight angle.
The season may be in its infancy but already the title contenders have put
down a few markers with three games gone. Chelsea and Manchester United both
secured victories on Saturday, which turned the focus on Pep Guardiola's
side before the international break, and they responded with a determined
display. A blistering start - underpinned by the attacking triumvirate of
Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Nolito - yielded a slick goal finished off by
Sterling. It was not just the polished passing and intense pressing which
caught the eye. City's second goal ensured four of their nine Premier League
goals this season have come from set-pieces. That they could not convert
their first-half dominance into more goals will be mildly concerning to
Guardiola as they allowed West Ham back into the contest after the break.
However, a steely response to see out the victory when put under pressure,
before Sterling calmly passed the ball into the net in injury time, will
have pleased the City boss. Last season Sterling did little to justify the
£49m City paid Liverpool for him in July 2015, while Euro 2016 with England
proved to be a nadir in a difficult 12 months. Inevitably it led to
questions about whether his burgeoning talent would ever be realised at
City, and more pertinently in the short term whether he would feature in
Guardiola's immediate plans. The Catalan's ruthless streak - as goalkeeper
Joe Hart and midfielder Yaya Toure are finding out - has come to the fore
early in his tenure. Sterling, though, has been rejuvenated by Guardiola and
his two goals put the gloss on another impressive display. With three
assists so far in this campaign, he has had a hand in five goals in four
games. By contrast, he was involved in just four goals in his last 17
appearances under Guardiola's predecessor Manuel Pellegrini. If Sterling's
form can be sustained over the course of the 2016-17 season, he will emerge
as a key component in City's quest for silverware.
West Ham's lack of cutting edge in the penalty area is shown on the above
touch map. Strikers Enner Valencia and Ashley Fletcher (right) only managed
six touches in the box combined - just one more than Manchester City striker
Sergio Aguero (left) did on his own. There was every chance Slaven Bilic's
side could have been blown away by City, such was the home side's imperious
start, but they stood firm. It was a spirited showing from the visitors,
particularly after their disappointing exit from the Europa League on
Thursday, and the Etihad crowd shifted uneasily once Antonio pulled a goal
back. Had the Hammers possessed a more potent goal threat they may well have
left Manchester with more to show for their efforts. Enner Valencia and
Ashley Fletcher showed plenty of willing but the lack of cutting edge
emphasised why Bilic has brought in Italy striker Simone Zaza from Juventus
on a season-long loan. With only a few days left before the transfer window
closes, Bilic may yet feel the desire to strengthen his goalscoring options
further.
Will Aguero be suspended for the Manchester derby?
The only sour point for Guardiola will be the prospect of a possible
suspension for Aguero for the Manchester derby on 10 September. Aguero
lashed out with an elbow on Winston Reid which caught the West Ham defender
in the throat. The incident was missed by referee Andre Marriner while
neither manager claimed to have seen it. BBC Radio 5 live pundit Robbie
Savage believes the Argentina forward may be handed a retrospective ban when
the Football Association reviews the video evidence. "The replays don't look
good. I think he's going to be in trouble," Savage said. "Only Aguero knows
if he's elbowed Winston Reid. I can't say he's done it on purpose but on the
replays it looks like he swung his arm back and caught him in the throat."
Man of the match - David Silva (Manchester City)
David Silva
Raheem Sterling's brace made him the obvious choice but City's heartbeat
throughout the game was David Silva. The Spain midfielder dictated the tempo
of the play and played a role in both of Sterling's goals. Back to his best
after a relatively subdued campaign last season.
What they said:
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: "At 2-1, the emotions, not the
tactics, went in. We created many chances, I don't know how many shots we
had but the performance in general was real good with or without the ball.
With the quality of our players, we can be satisfied."
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "We stayed in the game. I wasn't happy at
half-time, I asked the guys to show character and spirit and a different
mentality, which they did. Praise for the team for the second half
performance."
What's next?
Jose Mourinho and Guardiola renew their rivalry in the Manchester derby when
City face United at Old Trafford on Saturday, September 10 (12:30 BST). West
Ham host Watford at the London Stadium later the same day (15:00 BST).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We were second best, admits Slaven
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 28th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic admitted that his side were distinctly second best for much of
today's 3-1 defeat at Manchester City. The Hammers boss, talking to the BBC
after the game conceded that a poor start cost his team any chance of taking
something from the match. "They were much better in the first half," he
said. "They started better. I'm not just talking about their quality on the
ball - that we knew [about] - but they were quicker, more aggressive, first
to the second balls and everything.
"We gave them way too much space and time on the ball and of course, they
are different class. But in the second half, it changed - and of course the
goal helped. We put them under a little bit of pressure; more than a little
bit. "They had their chances, but I'm more than happy with the second half.
"At half time we weren't happy and I didn't ask the guys to turn the game
around, I asked them to show the character, the spirit, the attitude and the
right mentality - which they basically did in the second half. "So I have
praise for the team for the second half performance. It's a shame that we
conceded the late, last goal, but it was a good second half as I said. The
first wasn't."
Bilic also confirmed that he is expecting a number of injured players to
return for United's next outing against Watford following the forthcoming
international break. "We're expecting some of the players who are out
injured - and there are a lot of them - to come back" he said. "That gives
us hope that, after the international break, it's going to be a different
West Ham. "Lanzini came back today, then it should be Payet, Feghouli, maybe
a few others - and maybe Carroll.
"That will totally change the shape and the quality of the team. If you
don't have that quality up front - with the greatest respect to the guys who
played for us [today] - it's hard to play against teams like Manchester
City."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce names Antonio in first England squad
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 28th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has included West Ham United's Michail Antonio in his very
first national team selection. The former West Ham manager. who succeeded
the outgoing Roy Hodgson following England's dismal Euro 16 showing included
Antonio as a result of what Allardyce called his "outstanding form".
"This is another lad with a great journey," he told the FA's website. "it's
a fantastic journey that he's been on, from non-league to an international
call-up. He scored nine goals in his first season and he's a terrific
athlete, a good crosser and a goal-scorer. "I'm looking forward to him
coming, and looking forward to meeting everybody. Hopefully we will have a
good few days' preparation and get to know each other on the basis of trying
to go and win in Slovakia."
Sadly there was no call up for Mark Noble, who had been hotly-tipped to
receive the call. Aaron Cresswell and Andy Carroll are both also thought to
be strong candidates but were both ruled out through injury. England face
Slovakia in Trnava on Sunday, 4 September.
Big Sam's first England squad
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom
Heaton (Burnley).
Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka
(Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Luke Shaw (Manchester United),
Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle
Walker (Tottenham Hotspur).
Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Michail Antonio (West Ham
United), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City),
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney
(Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Theo Walcott
(Arsenal).
Strikers: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool),
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Anton signs one-year Shrimpers deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers and KUMB Live star Anton Ferdinand has signed for League One
Southend United on a year-long deal.
Ferdinand, who was one of the star guests at this year's KUMB.com Awards has
joined the Essex club having departed former club Reading following the
competition of his two-year contract at the Madejski Stadium.
"I'm delighted. I know this part of the world well from my time with West
Ham so I'm excited and looking forward to the challenge ahead," Ferdinand
told southendunited.co.uk.
"I'm hoping to play regularly and prove to people that I can still play in
English football at this level and at a higher level - and as a club,
achieve promotion."
Ferdinand, the younger brother of former England international and fellow
Hammer Rio began his career at West Ham, making his professional debut on
the opening day of the 2003/03 season in a 2-1 win at Preston.
He made more than 140 appearances for the Hammers before making a shock exit
in 2008 when the club sold him to Sunderland, against the wishes of
then-manager Alan Curbishley in an £8million deal.
After spending three years in the North East, Ferdinand enjoyed spells with
QPR (2011-2013), Bursspor and Antalyaspor in Turkey (2013-14), Police United
(Turkey) and Reading before signing his new contract with Southend.
Ferdinand - along with former team mate Marlon Harewood - were star guests
at this year's KUMB Awards Live, staged in Stratford Westfield at the end of
last season. You can listen to a Podcast featuring the live show here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zaza completes Hammers loan switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have completed the signing of 25-year-old Italian international
Simone Zaza.
The imposing striker, who has already played at the Olympic Stadium this
year in a pre-season friendly for former club Juventus has signed for West
Ham in a convoluted £28million deal.
"I want to thank everyone - including the fans - for welcoming me," he said
during his first interview with the club's website. "I wanted to start a new
experience and I feel this is the right choice for me.
"I have been fortunate enough to have already played at the new stadium in a
different shirt. I felt the warmth of the fans and this was a big reason why
I wanted to join the club.
"I want to become a better player and I know I can do that at West Ham.
Unfortunately we could not qualify for the Europa League, but I am hoping I
can help the Club do that next season.
West Ham will pay an initial £5million loan fee for Zaza, with a further
£20million to follow after he features in a certain number of games
(although the exact number remains undisclosed). A further £3million in
contingency payment is also included in the overall fee.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham: Raheem Sterling double continues Pep
Guardiola's perfect start
By Ben Nagle
Last Updated: 28/08/16 6:50pm
SSN
Raheem Sterling scored twice to ensure Manchester City continued their 100
per cent start to the Premier League season with a 3-1 victory over West Ham
on Sunday.
Fernandinho grabbed the other before Michail Antonio's consolation at the
Etihad Stadium as an impressive City side held off a West Ham fightback to
move above Chelsea and Manchester United to go top.
Sergio Aguero, though, could yet face retrospective action from the FA after
he appeared to aim an elbow at West Ham defender Winston Reid.
City were ahead inside seven minutes as they quickly stamped their authority
on a much-changed West Ham side. Slaven Bilic had opted to switch his
formation to 5-3-2 following their Europa League defeat to Astra Giurgiu on
Thursday, but the tie didn't start as he would have planned.
David Silva started a wonderful move for the home side, roaming through the
West Ham defence before finding Nolito out wide on the left.
The Spain international cut a cross behind the West Ham back-line to
Sterling, who found the corner of the net for City's first of the game and
his first of the season.
Guardiola's side continued to apply the pressure on a lacklustre West Ham
side after their opener, and it only took another 11 minutes for them to
double their lead.
A simple free kick on the right flank was whipped in perfectly by Kevin De
Bruyne, and Fernandinho was there to rise highest and power a header past a
helpless Adrian to score his first goal in nearly a year.
As the second half got underway, it appeared the match was only heading in
one direction as City continued to pepper Adrian's goal.
Nolito thought he had made the score 3-0 just minutes after the restart when
he chested past the goalkeeper, but the linesman's flag was up for an
obvious offside.
While it seemed to be a guaranteed simple home win midway through the second
period, from nowhere, West Ham turned the game on its head to pull one back.
Arthur Masuaku - much improved from previous performances in the West Ham
defence - lifted a cross from the left towards the back post, where Antonio
was waiting.
Peeling off Gael Clichy to outjump Nicolas Otamendi, the former Nottingham
Forest winger headed past Willy Caballero to make it 2-1.
From there, City looked nervous as they clung on to their lead heading into
the final 20 minutes. Aguero enjoyed an impressive outing despite not
scoring, although he may have been lucky to stay on the pitch after an
incident late on.
As he jumped to challenge Reid in the 76th minute, the striker appeared to
aim an elbow in his opponent's direction, with the West Ham man having to
come off injured.
With the Manchester derby next up for City, Guardiola and co will be hoping
the decision lands in their favour.
Back on the pitch, City were able to confirm their win with just two minutes
remaining in added time. Sterling was the best player on the pitch on
Sunday, and it was fitting that he secured the result.
Silva hit the post seconds before the goal, and he was again at the centre
of play as he set up Sterling for his goal. The England forward collected
the ball before taking it round Adrian to finish from the tightest of
angles.
Anything less than perfection would have seen his effort miss the target,
but perfection it was and City ended the game 3-1 winners.
On the subject of perfection, Guardiola has now overseen three Premier
League wins from three games as Manchester City manager. Next up, though,
local rivals United.
Player ratings
Manchester City: Caballero (6), Zabaleta (6), Otamendi (6), Stones (7),
Clichy (6), Fernandinho (7), De Bruyne (8), Silva (7), Sterling (8), Nolito
(7), Aguero (6)
Subs used: Fernando (6), Nasri (7), Kolarov (6)
West Ham: Adrian (6), Antonio (7), Collins (6), Reid (6), Ogbonna (5),
Masuaku (7), Noble (6), Kouyate (6), Tore (5), Fletcher (7), Valencia (6)
Subs used: Byram (7), Lanzini (6), Calleri (6)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Simone Zaza signs for West Ham on loan from Juventus
By Ben Reynolds
Last Updated: 28/08/16 12:18pm
SSN
West Ham have completed the signing of striker Simone Zaza on a season-long
loan from Juventus.
The Italy international will cost the Hammers £5m this season, with the deal
becoming permanent for a further £20m if he makes a certain number of
appearances for the club.
The 25-year-old, who is West Ham's 11th signing of the summer, was in and
out of the Juve team last season, scoring eight goals in 24 appearances
before featuring for Italy in Euro 2016.
Zaza has already played at the London Stadium this season, scoring Juve's
winner in their 3-2 friendly victory against West Ham earlier this month.
He told the club's website: "I want to thank everyone for welcoming me
including the fans and everyone at the club. I wanted to start a new
experience and I feel this is the right choice for me.
"I have been fortunate enough to have already played at the new Stadium with
a different shirt. It is a beautiful stadium and I felt the warmth of the
fans and this was a big reason why I wanted to join the club.
"I want to become a better player and I know I can do that at West Ham.
Unfortunately we could not qualify for the Europa League, but I am hoping I
can help the club do that next season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hails 'best performance of the season'
after West Ham win
18:57, 28 AUG 2016 UPDATED 19:05, 28 AUG 2016
BY LIAM WILLIAMS
The Mirror
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes his side's performance was their
best so far this season after their 3-1 win over West Ham . The Blues were
in cruise control in the first half as City created a number of chances, but
allowed the Hammers back into the game at 2-0. Michail Antonio's far post
header hauled West Ham back into the game, creating a nervy spell for the
hosts. Guardiola said: "We created many, many chances. I don't know how many
chances we created, but the performance in general was really, really good.
"But you have to be winning three or four-nil to know the game is over
because they play long balls, behind our full-backs, they win the second
balls, they are taller than us. Asked why the game changed following the
goal, Guardiola said that his players allowed their emotions to take
over."In Bucharest we played amazing, but in the Premier League, we played
maybe [our] best minutes. "The emotions, not the tactics, what you have to
do, they are in. Because they scored a goal in the only we can concede. They
are taller than us in the box."
However the City boss refused to be drawn on Sergio Aguero's potential ban
for elbowing Winston Reid. "I didn't see it," he said. "If we lose him, we
lose him... we will still have 11." Aguero may miss games against Manchester
United, Bournemouth and Swansea if retrospective action is taken
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, August 29
Sunday, August 28
Daily WHUFC News - Zaza
Hammers land Italy star Zaza
WHUFC.com
West Ham United land Italy international striker Simone Zaza on initial season-long loan
Prolific centre forward joins from Italian champions Juventus
Zaza has already scored at London Stadium in Betway Cup earlier this month
West Ham United have added star power to their forward line by signing Italy international striker Simone Zaza. The 25-year-old forward joins the Hammers from Italian champions Juventus on an initial season-long loan for €5million, which will become permanent for a further €20million fee if Zaza makes a pre-agreed number of appearances in Claret and Blue. The latest arrival takes the Club's spending to more than £60million this summer, with Zaza becoming West Ham's eleventh signing of a busy transfer window. The signing again illustrates the Board's commitment to reinvesting the revenue raised from the Club's move to London Stadium and building a squad commensurate with those stunning surroundings.
A strong, quick centre forward blessed with powerful aerial ability and a lethal left foot, Zaza arrives in east London after helping Juve win Serie A and featuring for his country at UEFA Euro 2016. Zaza, who scored Juve's winner in the Betway Cup win at London Stadium earlier this month, cannot wait to get started under new manager Slaven Bilic. Zaza said: "I want to thank everyone for welcoming me including the fans and everyone at the Club. I wanted to start a new experience and I feel this is the right choice for me. "I have been fortunate enough to have already played at the new Stadium with a different shirt. It is a beautiful stadium and I felt the warmth of the fans and this was a big reason why I wanted to join the Club. "I want to become a better player and I know I can do that at West Ham. Unfortunately we could not qualify for the Europa League, but I am hoping I can help the Club do that next season."
Capped 14 times by the Azzurri, Zaza was born in Policoro in the far south of Italy, where he started his career with Stella Azzurra Bernalda as a schoolboy.
After four years with Valdera, the left-sided forward made his senior breakthrough with Bergamo-based Atalanta, where he made his first-team debut at the age of 17 in 2009. Sampdoria moved for Zaza in 2010, and he spent a season in Genoa before being loaned to lower-league Juve Stabia and Viareggio, where he hit the net with increasing regularity. In 2012/13, the shaven-headed striker pushed himself onto the national stage during a season-long loan spell at Ascoli, where he netted 18 goals in 35 Serie B appearances. That form saw Serie A newcomers Sassuolo move for Zaza on a permanent basis, and he repaid their faith by scoring the goals which helped the I Neroverdi beat the drop in dramatic style. The 2014/15 season was even better for both Zaza, who scored eleven Serie A goals, and his club, who finished comfortably in mid-table. Capped regularly at age-group level by his country, Zaza's goalscoring and fine all-round play saw him awarded his full Italy debut against the Netherlands in August 2014, scoring his maiden goal on his second appearance against Norway the same month.
An international and former Juventus teammate of West Ham's Angelo Ogbonna, Zaza appeared three times at Euro 2016.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ten Fast Facts - Simone Zaza
WHUFC.com
We take a closer look at the Hammers' latest signing, Italian forward Simone Zaza…
* As a six-year-old, Zaza joined small Italian side Stella Azzurra Bernalda and remained there until he was eleven
* After a spell at Valdera, he joined Serie A club Atalanta and progressed through their youth ranks to make his senior debut there
* Zaza has represented Italy at U16, 17, 19 levels and is now a full senior international
* After joining Sampdoria, he struggled to break into the first team, but impressive loan spells at Viareggio and Ascoli provided 29 goals in 55 appearances
* He next joined Sassoulo on a co-ownership basis with Juventus – the forward would later play for the Old Lady
* During the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons, he scored 21 times for Sassuolo and earned a big money move to Juve last summer
* He notched eight times in 24 matches for the world giants last campaign before heading to UEFA Euro 2016 with Antonio Conte's Azzurri outfit
* Zaza – who has 14 caps – played three times in France for Italy, assisting Eder's late winner against Sweden in the group stages
* The attacking talent scored the winner in Juventus' 3-2 Betway Cup win against the Hammers earlier this summer
* You can follow West Ham's newest recruit on Twitter at @SimoneZaza
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Simone Zaza completes season-long loan move from Juventus
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Simone Zaza has completed his move to West Ham, the Italian striker arriving from Juventus on an initial season-long loan with a view to a £20million permanent deal. That would make the Italian international West Ham's equal-record signing. Slaven Bilic has already broken his transfer ceiling once this summer, paying Swansea £20m for Andre Ayew and it has partially been down to an injury to the Ghanaian international that the Hammers have returned to the market. Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Ayew all face periods on the sidelines and Zaza will be expected to lead the West Ham line throughout the season. After completing his move, Zaza told West Ham's official website: "I want to thank everyone for welcoming me including the fans and everyone at the Club. I wanted to start a new experience and I feel this is the right choice for me. "I have been fortunate enough to have already played at the new Stadium with a different shirt. It is a beautiful stadium and I felt the warmth of the fans and this was a big reason why I wanted to join the Club. "I want to become a better player and I know I can do that at West Ham. Unfortunately we could not qualify for the Europa League, but I am hoping I can help the Club do that next season."
Over three seasons in Serie A Zaza scored 25 goals for Sassuolo and Juventus, helping to fire the former side to its best ever league campaign. However his £12m move to the Italian champions rarely got off the ground. Zaza made just 24 appearances for Juventus last season but did display an impressive goal tally, finding the back of the net every 133 minutes on average.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United land Italy international striker Simone Zaza on initial season-long loan
Prolific centre forward joins from Italian champions Juventus
Zaza has already scored at London Stadium in Betway Cup earlier this month
West Ham United have added star power to their forward line by signing Italy international striker Simone Zaza. The 25-year-old forward joins the Hammers from Italian champions Juventus on an initial season-long loan for €5million, which will become permanent for a further €20million fee if Zaza makes a pre-agreed number of appearances in Claret and Blue. The latest arrival takes the Club's spending to more than £60million this summer, with Zaza becoming West Ham's eleventh signing of a busy transfer window. The signing again illustrates the Board's commitment to reinvesting the revenue raised from the Club's move to London Stadium and building a squad commensurate with those stunning surroundings.
A strong, quick centre forward blessed with powerful aerial ability and a lethal left foot, Zaza arrives in east London after helping Juve win Serie A and featuring for his country at UEFA Euro 2016. Zaza, who scored Juve's winner in the Betway Cup win at London Stadium earlier this month, cannot wait to get started under new manager Slaven Bilic. Zaza said: "I want to thank everyone for welcoming me including the fans and everyone at the Club. I wanted to start a new experience and I feel this is the right choice for me. "I have been fortunate enough to have already played at the new Stadium with a different shirt. It is a beautiful stadium and I felt the warmth of the fans and this was a big reason why I wanted to join the Club. "I want to become a better player and I know I can do that at West Ham. Unfortunately we could not qualify for the Europa League, but I am hoping I can help the Club do that next season."
Capped 14 times by the Azzurri, Zaza was born in Policoro in the far south of Italy, where he started his career with Stella Azzurra Bernalda as a schoolboy.
After four years with Valdera, the left-sided forward made his senior breakthrough with Bergamo-based Atalanta, where he made his first-team debut at the age of 17 in 2009. Sampdoria moved for Zaza in 2010, and he spent a season in Genoa before being loaned to lower-league Juve Stabia and Viareggio, where he hit the net with increasing regularity. In 2012/13, the shaven-headed striker pushed himself onto the national stage during a season-long loan spell at Ascoli, where he netted 18 goals in 35 Serie B appearances. That form saw Serie A newcomers Sassuolo move for Zaza on a permanent basis, and he repaid their faith by scoring the goals which helped the I Neroverdi beat the drop in dramatic style. The 2014/15 season was even better for both Zaza, who scored eleven Serie A goals, and his club, who finished comfortably in mid-table. Capped regularly at age-group level by his country, Zaza's goalscoring and fine all-round play saw him awarded his full Italy debut against the Netherlands in August 2014, scoring his maiden goal on his second appearance against Norway the same month.
An international and former Juventus teammate of West Ham's Angelo Ogbonna, Zaza appeared three times at Euro 2016.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ten Fast Facts - Simone Zaza
WHUFC.com
We take a closer look at the Hammers' latest signing, Italian forward Simone Zaza…
* As a six-year-old, Zaza joined small Italian side Stella Azzurra Bernalda and remained there until he was eleven
* After a spell at Valdera, he joined Serie A club Atalanta and progressed through their youth ranks to make his senior debut there
* Zaza has represented Italy at U16, 17, 19 levels and is now a full senior international
* After joining Sampdoria, he struggled to break into the first team, but impressive loan spells at Viareggio and Ascoli provided 29 goals in 55 appearances
* He next joined Sassoulo on a co-ownership basis with Juventus – the forward would later play for the Old Lady
* During the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons, he scored 21 times for Sassuolo and earned a big money move to Juve last summer
* He notched eight times in 24 matches for the world giants last campaign before heading to UEFA Euro 2016 with Antonio Conte's Azzurri outfit
* Zaza – who has 14 caps – played three times in France for Italy, assisting Eder's late winner against Sweden in the group stages
* The attacking talent scored the winner in Juventus' 3-2 Betway Cup win against the Hammers earlier this summer
* You can follow West Ham's newest recruit on Twitter at @SimoneZaza
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Simone Zaza completes season-long loan move from Juventus
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Simone Zaza has completed his move to West Ham, the Italian striker arriving from Juventus on an initial season-long loan with a view to a £20million permanent deal. That would make the Italian international West Ham's equal-record signing. Slaven Bilic has already broken his transfer ceiling once this summer, paying Swansea £20m for Andre Ayew and it has partially been down to an injury to the Ghanaian international that the Hammers have returned to the market. Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Ayew all face periods on the sidelines and Zaza will be expected to lead the West Ham line throughout the season. After completing his move, Zaza told West Ham's official website: "I want to thank everyone for welcoming me including the fans and everyone at the Club. I wanted to start a new experience and I feel this is the right choice for me. "I have been fortunate enough to have already played at the new Stadium with a different shirt. It is a beautiful stadium and I felt the warmth of the fans and this was a big reason why I wanted to join the Club. "I want to become a better player and I know I can do that at West Ham. Unfortunately we could not qualify for the Europa League, but I am hoping I can help the Club do that next season."
Over three seasons in Serie A Zaza scored 25 goals for Sassuolo and Juventus, helping to fire the former side to its best ever league campaign. However his £12m move to the Italian champions rarely got off the ground. Zaza made just 24 appearances for Juventus last season but did display an impressive goal tally, finding the back of the net every 133 minutes on average.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 27
Daily WHUFC News -
Bilic makes no excuses for Euro exit
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was making no excuses after West Ham United were knocked out of
the UEFA Europa League by Astra Giurgiu for the second season in succession.
The Hammers were edged out 1-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate by the
Romanian champions, with Filipe Teixeira's counter-attack goal just before
half-time the difference between the two sides. Bilic gave a frank
assessment after a disappointing night at London Stadium, admitting Astra
had deserved to progress to the group stage over the two legs. "I would like
to congratulate Astra as they deserved it," he began. "It is a huge
frustration because I said before the game that this was one of the most
important games of the year for us. "I said after the Bournemouth game that
in the Premier League you can make it up, but this was like a final because
you need to win to go through, therefore the disappointment is massive. "OK,
we can always find excuses like missing players and that we should have
scored the chances we created and all that, but we didn't play good. In the
first half, we didn't play with desire as a team, it was all individuals and
we were second best. "I said before the game in Romania that if you give
their players the time to turn and play, they can pass the ball, of course,
and we were doing plenty of that. There was not enough movement, we played
very slowly and we didn't take the few chances we should have taken. ?"They
took their chance with a goal on the counter-attack. From our point of view,
we lost the ball in a very strange way and they took advantage of the
situation."
Bilic threw on strikers Enner Valencia and Ashley Fletcher to no avail,
despite an improved second half display, as further chances went begging and
Astra goalkeeper Silviu Lung produced a succession of saves to further
frustrate the Hammers. "To be fair, we changed a bit in the second and
thought we had to change the system and one or two players but deep down you
know it's not about the system, but about the way we played," he continued.
"We created a few chances, to be fair, and those chances you have to score.
It wasn't that we missed the chances, but that we didn't play good. "Of
course I am angry and frustrated and everything but I'm much more
disappointed than angry, because we really wanted to go through to the
Europa League. That's why we tried so hard last season, to have this
opportunity."
On a deflating evening, the one positive to report was the signing of Swiss
midfielder Edmilison Fernandes – a 20-year-old who Bilic believes can
contribute to the Claret and Blue cause this season. "He's a good player who
we've been watching for a whole year," Bilic revealed. "He's very young, a
good midfielder and is not only for the future. "We are not expecting him to
come now and change the game for us, but we didn't buy him as a talent to
loan; we want him to be part of the squad and play this year. "He's very
talented and can play in a few positions. He has good pace, good legs, good
physique, good skill and a great mentality. He's a good signing for us."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers secure Swiss star Fernandes
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Swiss midfielder
Edimilson Fernandes on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee. The
20-year-old joins the Hammers from hometown club FC Sion, where he scored in
the 2015 Swiss Cup final and featured regularly in the UEFA Europa League
last season. Despite his relative youth, Fernandes has made 66 first-team
appearances for Sion, and is looking to make an immediate impact at London
Stadium. "I am really happy to be here at West Ham United," said Fernandes,
who was presented to the Claret and Blue Army ahead of the UEFA Europa
League play-off round second-leg tie with Astra Giurgiu. "It is a new
challenge for me and now it is down to me to work hard to become a top
player. "I am a player capable of getting the game going and adding
excitement to the action on the pitch. I spoke to the manager [Slaven Bilic]
and the conversation was very positive and I appreciate this opportunity. "I
had never been to this stadium before, but it is a really magnificent
stadium and I will be working to my best to get to the top. It is a large
stadium, I have also played at Anfield here in England, but this stadium is
really impressive."
Of Cape Verde and Portuguese descent, Fernandes started his career with FC
Fully in Switzerland as a schoolboy. He is the cousin of former Manchester
City and Switzerland midfielder Gelson Fernandes. There, he was spotted by
the Sion's owner and president Christian Constantin, a former goalkeeper for
Swiss side Lugano and renowned architect, and signed by the Super League
club. There, he has thrived in recent seasons, making his first-team debut
against FC Zurich at the age of 17 years and two months in June 2013. The
2014/15 season was Fernandes' breakthrough campaign as he totalled 19
appearances and netted twice in three Swiss Cup ties as Sion defeated FC
Basel 3-0 to win the competition for a 13th time. Last season, still aged
just 19, Fernandes featured 39 times in all competitions, including all
eight UEFA Europa League ties as Sion finished second in a group behind
Liverpool before being edged out 4-3 by Portuguese club Braga in the Round
of 32. Fernandes has been a regular for Sion again this term, starting all
five Super League matches and helping his club to a 6-1 Swiss Cup win over
Romontois.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham bow out of Europe
WHUFC.com
West Ham United suffered heartbreak as Filipe Teixeira scored the only goal
of the game to help Astra Giurgiu record a 1-0 victory and secure their
place in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League. Despite coming away
with a 1-1 draw from the first leg and securing a crucial away goal, Slaven
Bilic's side failed to build on that result and suffered their first
competitive defeat at London Stadium. For the second consecutive year, the
Romanian champions managed to knock the east London club out of the
competition and it was bitterly disappointing that the Hammers failed to
book their place in the draw for the group stage which will take on Friday.
Former West Brom midfielder Teixeira netted the crucial winner on 44 minutes
and despite a battling display from the home side in the second half, they
failed to find a way back into the game. The night had started on such a
positive note after new signing Edimilson Fernandes was introduced to the
crowd just before kick-off. The Hammers could have opened the scoring after
just nine minutes when Reece Burke played the ball into Jonathan Calleri who
only had the goalkeeper to beat but he saw his close-range shot kept out by
the legs of Astra Giurgiu keeper Silviu Lung. The home side continued to
create the best openings and came close again on 15 minutes when Pedro
Obiang fired a shot from the edge of the box which produced a fine save from
Lung diving low to his left hand side. Cheikhou Kouyate was the next Hammers
player to come close on 32 minutes when Michail Antonio picked out the
Senegal midfielder and he headed the ball just over the bar. The Hammers
were made to pay for those missed opportunities when Astra caught West Ham
on the counter attack and opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time. The
ball fell to Teixeira and the former West Brom forward fired a left-foot
shot into the corner of the net. The home side tried everything to get back
on level terms and Angelo Ogbonna saw his header well saved by Lung on 51
minutes.
The Astra keeper was having the game of his life and made another superb
save to deny Calleri's close-range header on 54 minutes. Just seconds later
the Hammers had another great chance when Sam Byram's fierce cross was
headed wide by Antonio. You sensed it was not going to be West Ham's night
and they missed another great chance on 61 minutes when Gokhan Tore's corner
fell perfectly for Winston Reid but he directed his header inches past the
post. Having introduced Enner Valencia at half-time, Bilic used another
attacking option from the bench in an attempt to turn the game around and
Ashley Fletcher certainly impressed. The summer signing from Manchester
United almost made an immediate impact on 72 minutes when he picked up the
ball from Ogbonna and saw his close-range effort kept out by the legs of
Lung. Antonio finally had the ball in the back of the net on 77 minutes but
his effort was ruled out after the Hammers winger was adjudged to have
committed a foul on the half-way line. The Romanian side held on for another
big victory against the east London Club and Bilic will be hoping his side
can show an immediate response when they play Manchester City at the Etihad
Stadium on Sunday.
West Ham United: Randolph; Byram, Reid, Ogbonna, Burke (Collins 88);
Nordtveit (Valencia 45), Obiang, Kouyate; Tore, Calleri (Fletcher 60),
Antonio
Subs not used: Adrian, Oxford, Browne, Diangana
Bookings: Reid, Collins, Antonio, Byram
Astra Giurgiu: Lung, Alves, Fabricio, Seto, Alibec, Morais (C), Lovin
(Florea 87), Niculae (Oros 57), Sapunaru, Ionita (Stan 74), Teixeira
Subs not used: Gavrilas, Raileanu, Moise, Balaure
Bookings: Morais, Lung
Attendance: 56,932
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ten Fast Facts - Edimilson Fernandes
WHUFC.com
Find out more about our tenth summer signing from the Swiss Super League
club FC Sion...
Edmilison Fernandes was born in the town of Sion in south western
Switzerland on 15 April 1996
Fernandes is the cousin of former Manchester City and Switzerland midfielder
Gelson Fernandes, former Everton and Portugal midfielder Manuel Fernandes
and ex-Sunderland midfielder Cabral
The youngster was born in Switzerland of Portuguese and Cape Verdean descent
Fernandes was just 17 years and two months old when he made his first-team
debut for Sion in a 4-2 Swiss Super League win over FC Zurich on 1 June 2013
A first senior goal arrived in a 2-2 draw at home to FC Luzern on 1 March
2015 – one of two he scored in 48 Super League appearances
Fernandes lost just one of the nine Swiss Cup ties he played in and scored
in the 2015 final victory over FC Basel
The central midfielder assisted both goals on his European debut – a 2-1
UEFA Europa League victory over Russian club Rubin Kazan in September 2015
Fernandes played every minute of Sion's Europa League campaign last season,
when they finished second in a group containing Liverpool before being
knocked out by Portuguese side Braga in the Round of 32
Fernandes chalked up an assist in his final game for Sion – a 2-1 Super
League defeat at Grasshoppers on Sunday
In total, the 20-year-old played 65 times for Sion's first team and 41 more
games for the club's U21 side in the Promotion League
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Insider
WHUFC.com
The transfer window closes next Wednesday and there have been some major
developments at West Ham United over the last 24 hours. I can reveal the
Club are hoping to announce the imminent signing of a highly-rated young
midfielder after he successfully underwent a medical today. The youngster
has been one of the star performers for his Club and will become the eighth
major signing of the summer. The news will come as a major boost to Bilic
who wants to strengthen the squad and add more quality as the Club prepare
for a number of games in both domestic and European competition. The Hammers
have been struck by a number of major injury problems particularly in the
striking areas and Slaven Bilic has made it clear that he would like to
bring in another forward. The Club have been strongly linked with moves for
Wilfried Bony, Loic Remy and Simone Zaza and my sources have confirmed to me
that the Club are at an advanced stage of negotiations to sign a top
international forward. It is my understanding that the Club will discover in
the next 48 whether the deal will be finalised and they are 75 per cent
confident of getting their man.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fletcher - I cannot wait to play more games
WHUFC.com
Fletcher wants to show the West Ham fans what he is capable of
The former Manchester United forward is keen to put one over Manchester City
Fletcher is already settled in London and is loving his time at West Ham
Ashley Fletcher says the players are determined to bounce straight back from
their Europa League disappointment when they face Manchester City on Sunday.
Fletcher admits he was devastated to miss out on a place in the group stages
of the competition after Astra Giurgiu recorded a 1-0 victory at London
Stadium. For the second consecutive season, the Hammer failed at the final
hurdle to reach the group phase and were beaten by the Romanian side once
again. But despite the setback, Fletcher says there is still everything to
play for and hopes the players will have a major point to prove when they
travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Fletcher said: "It is a sickener for
a massive club to go out at this early stage and we are all disappointed.
"It wasn't our night. I had a great chance which I should have scored and
other players have had chances. "I cannot put my finger on why it happened
and it is hard to accept, but we have to move on. "We felt in the first leg
that we didn't put on a performance that we are capable of, but it was a
positive result. "We came back to the London Stadium expecting to play them
off the park, but it didn't turn out like that and it wasn't our night. "We
will go again on Sunday and try to do our best in the league and the other
cup competitions."
One of the major positives to come out of the night was the performance by
Fletcher when he appeared as a second half substitute. The talented forward
produced an oustanding display and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
Fletcher added: "It is a small thing that I can take from the game, but it
is a team effort and unfortunately we have not got the right result.
"I am just happy to get out there and get more minutes under my belt and
show the West Ham fans what I am about. Hopefully I can put the next one
away."
Having arrived from Manchester United during the summer, Fletcher has extra
reason for wanting to do well against their arch rivals Manchester City on
Sunday. The Hammers recorded a famous 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium last
season and Fletcher sees no reason why they cannot cause another big upset
against the Premier League leaders. "I watched that game last year and it
was a massive win for West Ham. Hopefully we can go up there and repeat it.
"Having played for United, it would be nice for me to put one over City as
well! I am sure the United fans will want me to do that, as well as the West
Ham fans and it is a game I am looking forward to. "I am loving my time here
and the players, staff and fans have made me feel very welcome. I cannot
wait to show the West Ham fans what I can do. "I have settled in really well
and cannot wait to play more games."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian receives first Spain call-up!
WHUFC.com
Adrian receives first-ever senior Spain call-up, James Collins is set to
earn his 50th Wales cap
Havard Nordtveit and Martin Samuelsen included in Norway squad
Enner Valencia's Ecuador face Brazil and Peru in South American World Cup
qualifying
Adrian, James Collins, Dimitri Payet, Enner Valencia, Havard Nordtveit and
Martin Samuelsen have all been called up by their respective nations for
2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Goalkeeper Adrian has been included in the Spain squad for the first time
for a friendly with Belgium in Brussels on Thursday 1 September and the
opening World Cup qualifying Group G fixture at home to Liechtenstein in
Leon on Monday 5 September. The No13, who was a stand-by for UEFA Euro 2016,
is named alongside Manchester United's David de Gea and Napoli's former
Liverpool stopper Pepe Reina.
Collins has been named in the Wales squad for their opening 2018 FIFA World
Cup Group D qualifier with Moldova. The West Ham United centre-half is in
Chris Coleman's 23-man selection for the tie, which will take place at
Cardiff City Stadium on 5 September at 7.45pm BST. Should he feature,
Newport-born Collins will earn his 50th cap for his country. The defender,
who turned 33 on Tuesday, helped Wales to reach the semi-finals of UEFA Euro
2016, where they were edged out by eventual winners Portugal. The Dragons
have not reached the World Cup finals since 1958, when they reached the
quarter-finals in Sweden. However, following their recent success, Coleman,
Collins and company will be hopeful of qualifying from a group that also
includes Austria, Georgia – both of whom Wales face in October – Serbia and
Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland.
Martin O'Neill has yet to name the Irish squad for the Boys in Green's
opening qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade on Monday 5 December. Ireland
also host Oman in a warm-up fixture at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday 31
August.
Norway pair Nordtveit and Samuelsen have arguably the toughest opening
qualifying job on their hands, as they host Germany at the Ullevaal Stadium
in Oslo on Sunday 4 September. To prepare for the visit of the Germans,
Belarus will visit the same venue on 31 August. Nordtveit has 28 caps and
two goals to his name, while Samuelsen made his senior debut against Iceland
in June – both will hope Norway can emerge from a Group C that also includes
Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and San Marino.
Elsewhere, Dimitri Payet is in France manager Didier Deschamps' selection
for a friendly with Italy in Bari on Thursday 1 September and their opening
World Cup Group A qualifier against Belarus in Borisov on Tuesday 6
September. France face a tough qualifying campaign, with the Netherlands,
Sweden, Bulgaria and Luxembourg also vying for one automatic qualifying
place.
Angelo Ogbonna's Italy will continue on from Bari to Haifa, where they will
take on Israel in their own Group G opener on 5 September.
Further afield, Enner Valencia has been called up by Ecuador for
mouth-watering fixtures with Brazil in Quito on 1 September and Peru in Lima
on 5 September. Ecuador have made a fantastic start to South American World
Cup qualifying, winning four of their opening six fixtures to sit second to
Uruguay only on goal difference. The top four will automatically reach
Russia 2018.
In Africa, World Cup qualification Round 3 does not commence until October,
but Cheikhou Kouyate's Senegal will be in action in 2017 Africa Cup of
Nations qualifying instead. The Lions of Teranga host Namibia in their final
Group K fixture, having already won five out of five to cement their place
in Gabon in January.
Elsewhere, Sofiane Feghouli's Algeria have also secured qualification from
Group J with a match to spare, but the winger will miss their closing
fixture with Lesotho through injury.
At age-group leve, Reece Oxford is in the England U20 squad for a friendly
with Brazil in Kidderminster on 4 September, while new boy Edmilison
Fernandes is in the Switzerland U21 squad for a European Championship
qualifying double-header with Kazakhstan and Bosnia/Herzegovia.
Finally, former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will name his first England
squad for his opening game in charge – a FIFA World Cup Group F qualifier
with Slovakia – on Sunday.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stat's a Fact - Fantastic Fletcher
WHUFC.com
One of the few bright spots to emerge from Thursday's UEFA Europa League
play-off round second leg defeat by Astra Giurgiu was the performance of
young striker Ashley Fletcher.
Of West Ham United's seven shots on target, the 20-year-old forward had two
of them, despite the fact he was only on the pitch for 35 minutes.
Tall, strong and able to carry the ball, Fletcher was a constant threat to
the Romanians, who somehow clung on to secure a 1-0 victory on the night to
progress 2-1 on aggregate.
West Ham enjoyed 65% possession, had 17 attempts at goal to Astra's four and
forced ten corners to the visitors' one, but Astra held out to go through to
the group stage.
Fletcher, for one, did everything he could to try and score the equaliser
the Hammers craved, repeatedly coming short or pulling into wide areas to
receive possession before laying the ball off to a teammate, linking up the
play or turning and running at the over-worked Astra defence.
Twice, the former Manchester United youngster came agonisingly close to
equalising – first when he collected Angelo Ogbonna's shot before seeing his
own effort saved by the foot of goalkeeper Silviu Lung, then with a low
20-yard shot that the Romania international did well to tip around the post.
It was not just his willingness to shoot that excited the London Stadium
crowd, though, as he twice slalomed past a succession of defenders. The
first time, a third came across and Fletcher went down in the box, but no
penalty was given, while the second he beat his man before being fouled a
yard outside the Astra area.
All in all, Fletcher looked by far the most likely West Ham hero on a night
when one was sorely needed. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, a goal
just would not come.
Casting that disappointment aside, the Yorkshire-born forward impressed both
his manager and the Claret and Blue Army hugely.
Ashley is a very bright lad, he believes in himself, he is ready to work,
willing to learn and train and sacrifice and I am sure we're going to
benefit from him in the future
Slaven Bilic
Manager Slaven Bilic summed up his performance by saying: "He was really
good, not only last night when he came on but when he came on against
Bournemouth. He made a big impact, not in terms of scoring or creating
assists, but he was one of the reasons we won that game.
"He makes the pitch smaller because he is there in no time with that energy
and quality. He did a really good pre-season with us and scored a couple of
goals against really decent opposition and then last night, when he came on,
he did really well and showed he has that quality.
"We had a few chats, me and him, during pre-season and he's a very bright
lad, he believes in himself, he is ready to work, willing to learn and train
and sacrifice and I am sure we're going to benefit from him in the future.
He's really good and I like him."
Bilic confirmed on Friday that more opportunities are set to come Fletcher's
way and, if he approaches his work the way he did against Astra, the
likelihood is that his fortune in front of goal will soon change.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Speaks - Manchester City
WHUFC.com
Manager reveals Dimitri Payet or Manuel Lanzini could feature at Manchester
City on Sunday
Slaven Bilic also lifts the lid on a potential move for Juventus and Italy
striker Simone Zaza
Hammers travel to the Etihad Stadium looking to build on a home win over AFC
Bournemouth
Slaven Bilic has revealed that West Ham United stars Dimitri Payet or Manuel
Lanzini return for the Premier League trip to Manchester City on Sunday. The
Hammers will take on Pep Guardiola's table-toppers looking to build on a
home win over AFC Bournemouth - and overcome the disappointment of a UEFA
Europa League exit at the hands of Romanian side Astra Giurgiu.
Bilic was also asked about the Club's seemingly imminent move for Juventus
and Italy striker Simone Zaza, and the exciting introduction of young centre
forward Ashley Fletcher.
Slaven, can we start with team news ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture
at Manchester City?
SB: "We had a game on Thursday night and Havard Nordtveit got a kick on his
foot. He got a kick a few days before but he played a couple of games, but
in the first half against Astra he got a kick in the same spot and he's very
likely to be out on Sunday.
"Mark Noble should be all right. After training we're going to know more
about whether he's going to be available for Sunday.
"Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini, we're going to know more on Saturday.
Maybe one of them will be in the squad for Sunday's game. We still have one
training session, but the situation is that after this game we have a couple
of weeks and the temptation is not to play them because is it worth the
risk?
"Of course if there is no risk, of course we would pick them, but there is a
big question-mark. Only if there is no risk are we going to use them, and
then only one of them."
With your injury issues and Manchester City's talented squad and playing
style under Pep Guardiola, can you hope to repeat last season's win at the
Etihad Stadium?
SB: "It wasn't very likely last year because they had started great and had
15 points from five games without conceding a goal, but we played a really
good game. We scored twice in the first half.
"In the second half they put us under pressure and were really dominating
and creating a few chances, but they missed them and we were good in
defending the box. Then we made that huge win.
"There's no reason why we shouldn't do it this season. We know it's a big
challenge, not only regarding our injury situation, but we are hoping and
our whole plan is to have a good game and to get something out of it.
"Pep has new tactics which are a little bit different than last year's and
they're not very common tactics, with the full-backs playing with the ball
in areas that are not normal. We can live with that because it's far away
from the goal, but we have to stop them being free with time and space in
front and in our box.
"It's going to be hard, of course. They've shown already they are top-class
players and they've gelled. They were the most impressive in their Champions
League game against Steaua in Bucharest, but what gives us hope is that
Sunderland made it hard for them and so did Stoke – the result was 4-1 but
it was not that easy and the game was very even for a long period.
"Man City were Man City last year and we can do it again."
Reports suggest your move for Juventus and Italy striker Simone Zaza is
nearly complete – what can you tell us?
SB: "With the Zaza situation, it looks very likely that it is going to
happen today, but until it happens you never know! As far as I know, the
deal is agreed between the clubs, his personal terms are also agreed, but
it's still not signed.
"I think he is coming to London today in the early afternoon and hopefully
we're going to do it today.
"It is a boost. It was our plan for a long time now to get a top-quality
striker and there were a few of them on our list, and Zaza was always
mentioned there, so let's see what's going to happen today."
Ashley Fletcher impressed on Thursday evening – what did you make of his
performance?
SB: "He was really good, not only last night when he came on but when he
came on against Bournemouth. He made a big impact, not in terms of scoring
or creating assists, but he was one of the reasons we won that game.
"He makes the pitch smaller because he is there in no time with that energy
and quality. He did a really good pre-season with us and scored a couple of
goals against really decent opposition and then last night, when he came on,
he did really well and showed he has that quality.
"We had a few chats, me and him, during pre-season and he's a very bright
lad, he believes in himself, he is ready to work, willing to learn and train
and sacrifice and I am sure we're going to benefit from him in the future.
He's really good and I like him."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United condemn unreservedly the behaviour of individuals involved
in incidents captured on video during the fixture against Astra Giurgiu.
This behaviour has no place in football and we will work with the police and
other stakeholders to identify the individuals involved. Once identified,
they will be banned from attending any West Ham United fixture for life and
we will request the courts serve a banning order to prevent these
individuals attending any football.
More than 200,000 supporters have already attended our opening at the London
Stadium and the West Ham United fans have been magnificent during the first
four games. With more than 10,000 Under-16 Season Ticket Holders, we are a
family-friendly Club and our priority is maintaining an inclusive
environment for all home and away supporters. We will not allow one isolated
incident to damage our supporters' and the Club's reputation, hence our zero
tolerance approach to this matter.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian's pride at Spain selection
WHUFC.com
Adrian has been named in the Spain squad for the first time in his career
Goalkeeper is picked alongside David de Gea and Pepe Reina in Julen
Lopetegui's selection
No13 has made 106 appearances since joining West Ham United in summer 2013
Adrian says being called-up by Spain for the first time is the proudest
moment of his career.
The Seville-born West Ham United goalkeeper has been included in the squad
for a friendly international in Belgium and opening 2018 FIFA World Cup
qualifier with Liechtenstein.
The Hammers stopper, who has been rewarded for three outstanding seasons in
Claret and Blue, revealed that he had received hundreds of messages from
family, friends, teammates and fellow professionals.
"I was on the standby list for a couple of squads before Euro 2016, but this
time around I didn't ask my agent if I was included, then when I finished
training on Thursday I got back to the dressing room and checked my phone, I
had 360 WhatsApp messages, emails, texts and missed Facetime calls!" he
smiled.
"It's great news and a great moment. For me, for my family, my friends, my
wife, my baby and for West Ham United, I am really happy for this news. It's
so exciting to go there and train with all the international players and to
give my best, as I always do here.
"My grandfather recently passed away and he was probably the proudest person
of all about where I have got to, and he was always looking after me and
called me after every game. This is a great moment for him, also, and I'll
give everything to play in the national team.
"The work has paid-off for me because I work hard. I made my debut in Real
Betis and after a season I came to West Ham and have played most of the
games in the starting XI.
"It's a great moment for me. I'm still only 29, which is so young for a
goalkeeper who can play for a long time, so with the new manager [former
Barcelona goalkeeper Julen Lopetegui] he has given opportunities to new
players to show they are ready for the national team."
To be named in the Spain squad is some achievement for Adrian, as the
country is in possession of a host of top stoppers, including Manchester
United's David de Gea and Napoli's former Liverpool star Pepe Reina, who
have been called-up alongside the Hammers man.
The vastly-experienced Iker Casillas, Sevilla's two-time UEFA Europa League
winner Sergio Rico and Villarreal's recently-capped Sergio Asenjo have been
left out in favour of Adrian, showing how highly thought of he is among his
fellow countrymen.
"I am really, really proud of this – to be one of the three best goalkeepers
in the national team," he confirmed. "It's so, so hard to be named in the
national team because we have so many goalkeepers playing at the top level.
"The manager has a different decision to pick just three, so I am so proud
of this. I'll give 150 per cent in the training and, if I have the
opportunity to play, of course in the game."
Before he had even made his first-team debut for Betis, Adrian met Reina
randomly in Spain's capital, Madrid, where the pair chatted about the art of
goalkeeping. They remained in touch, and Reina was one of the first to
congratulate the No13 on his historic call-up.
"Pepe was one of the first to text me and congratulate me, and I
congratulated him again because he has gone a long time without a call to
the national team," he said. "He is a great man and I have a good
relationship with him and also with De Gea, as we have played against each
other many times.
"I think we'll train very well together and will give our best in every
session."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FT - Swansea City 2-0 West Ham United PL2
WHUFC.com
FT: Swansea City 2-0 West Ham United
FT: And that's it for the action at the Liberty Stadium. Swansea run out 2-0
winners but it could have been different had the luck been on the visitors'
side. It was a game that always looked likely to be won by the first
scorers. Nathan Trott in goal impressed, saving a penalty late on, and
Marcus Browne looked the most dangerous going forward. The Hammers have the
chance to bounce back quickly, though - they face Coventry City in the EFL
Trophy on Tuesday night. Stay tuned next week on whufc.com for live action
of that tie. Over and out from south Wales.
90+4: Hector-Ingram has a chance to cut the deficit, but heads wide from
Sylvestre's lovely cross from the left. Perhaps West Ham's best chance of
the night?
90+1: We're into four minutes of injury time and Martinez lashes one wide on
the volley from outside the box. A slightly frustrating evening for the
Spaniard.
89: Swansea grab a second. Botti Bia Bi goes clear and comfortably slips one
past Trott from 12 yards. That should be the points for the hosts.
88: Dan James smashes one against the post for Swansea. Trott seemed sure it
wasn't goalbound.
86: Saved by Trott! Emnes' penalty is poor, but Trott does well to get down
and push it away! They're still in this, the Hammers!
86: Penalty for Swansea. Hector-Ingram bundles over a white shirt. Chance to
seal the points for Swansea.
85: Chance for West Ham! Either Akinola or Hector-Ingram - we're not sure
which - rose at the back stick and headed just wide from a Browne free-kick!
83: JHI is introduced and Grady Diangana makes way. On the pitch now for
West Ham is Browne, Martinez, Gordon, Kemp and Hector-Ingram.
82: Jahmal Hector-Ingram, who scored two in pre-season is being redied here.
Another forward for West Ham.
79: Great strike from Browne from 25 yards, but Birighitti is equal to it,
low to his right. The Hammers are doing their best to test Swansea's back
line.
77: Final Swansea sub - goalscorer Jones is replaced by Alex Bray.
75: Free-kick for Browne in a dangerous area here, but his deep cross comes
off Jaanai Gordon and rolls off for a goal kick.
74: Swansea looking to keep possession and see out this game now. West Ham
have plenty of attacking flair still on the pitch and coupled with fresh
legs, they remain dangerous. Come on you Irons!
71: Subs here. Jaanai Gordon replaces Alfie Lewis and Dan Kemp comes on for
Joe Powell, while Neil Taylor makes way for Aaron Lewis in all white.
66: Delicious delivery from Browne from the left, but Diangana, racing in at
the back post, can't get on the end of it. West Ham are probing here,
looking for the so far elusive equaliser.
63: Superb stop from Trott again! The ball finds its way to Emnes on the
left of the penalty area, and Trott denies the Dutchman with his legs. Good
goalkeeping again to keep the Hammers in this!
61: West Ham twice go close but twice it's a Swansea player who nearly
converts into his own net. First a deflected free-kick, then an attempted
corner clearance. They get lucky, and it remains 1-0.
57: Goal for Swansea. Owain Jones smashes a Tyler Reid cross into the roof
of the net from close range. Harsh on the Hammers.
55: WHAT A BLOCK! Declan Rice heroically throws himself to the ground to
volley a Swansea attempt off the line. He crashes into the first but
receives a warm reception after rising to his feet again. Superb by the
skipper!
53: Double save from Nathan Trott! The stopper denies Jones from point blank
range before diving on a second Swansea attempt. Brave work by the No1!
50: Ryan Blair, who took to the field one minute ago, takes a piece out of
Marcus Browne and goes into the book.
49: Best chance of the game falls to City. Jones is again the man it falls
to, as Emnes' cross from the left finds the forward in the box, but he heads
wide unmarked. A missed opportunity.
48: Strike from Swansea's Dan Jones flies just wide of Nathan Trott's right
hand post. Good chance for the hosts.
46: We're back underway and West Ham are straight on the front foot - there
were a few chances to shoot in the box but Claret and Blue shirts got in the
way of each other!
HT: And that's it for the first period. The Hammers have looked more
dangerous on the balance of play, but Swansea have held their own so far and
had one or two opportunities themselves. Let's see what words of inspiration
from Terry Westley provides at half time! 0-0.
45+1: Browne hits another attempt, and it's low to the keeper's left. He
saves well. Marcus Browne is getting plenty of space on the edge of the box.
45: Powell curls one round the wall but it goes wide for a goal kick.
44: Booking for Swansea, as Maric hacks down Browne. Free-kick for the
Hammers 30 yards out on the left-hand-side. Chance to shoot...
42: To be fair, Swansea look very dangerous from set pieces tonight. To not
give too many away in the second half will surely be a priority for Terry
Westley's men. The Hammers still the most dangerous going forward, however.
Just three minutes remain in this first half.
40: Save from Nathan Trott! Marvin Emnes powers one towards goal, and Trott,
blocking the first attempt, collects at the second time of asking. Good
goalkeeping from the Bermudian youngster.
38: Martinez is proving to be a real handful up top. He has won a number of
free-kicks and certainly looks dangerous when the ball nears the box. Can he
get a fourth of the season tonight?
34: Alex Pike has some space down the right, and his cross collects a nick
on the way to the box. It causes Birighitti a few problems, but Swansea get
lucky. Still goalless in Wales.
32: End to end stuff here! Martinez lets one drop in the box but his volley
is blocked, and Swansea race clear and shoot against Alex Pike at the other
end. Entertaining stuff at the Liberty!
30: Jones breaks for Swansea, but fires well over from a tight angle.
Probably the Swans' best opportunity yet.
28: Close! A rasping drive from Toni Martinez swishes against the side
netting from 20 yards. A inch or two the wrong side of the post, but
encouraging signs again for the Hammers.
26: Decent football from Swansea, as they work an opening on the edge of the
box. Emnes strikes, but his shot is high, wide, and definitely not handsome.
25: Browne again is at the heart of another West Ham attack, as he finds
space 25 yards from goal, before firing just over the top. A decent effort
from the match's most dangerous player so far.
23: Strong break from West Ham, as Marcus Browne cleverly lets it run across
his body before driving forward. He feeds Joe Powell, but the left-sider
blasts over.
21: Marvin Emnes, previously of Middlesbrough, is starting to look dangerous
out here. He hasn't had any opportunities yet, but he's looking to get in
front of Rice and Akinola at the back.
16: If we had possession stats for this clash so far, they'd certainly be
well and truly in West Ham's favour. We saw from Liverpool's defeat to
Burnley that possession isn't everything, but Terry Westley's men carry a
genuine threat up top tonight. Martinez and Browne have four goals in two
games between them.
14: It's cleared, but the visitors come again and Alfie Lewis' cross finds
Diangana at the back stick. He can't connect properly though, and Birighitti
collects.
13: Again, excellent passing from West Ham and Joe Powell earns the side a
corner on the left hand side...
11: Another opportunity for the Hammers! Toni Martinez - the other half of
the side's dynamic forward duo - has a second attempt after his first is
blocked. Birighitti is foreced to turn it behind, but he claims the
resulting corner.
9: Owain Jones' shot is blocked and from the resulting corner, the Hammers
deal with Marvin Emnes' poor delivery.
7: Great chance for Marcus Browne! He steals possession at the back from
Swansea and races clear, but the bouncing ball causes problems and he fires
over. Encouraging start here from West Ham!
4: First attempt on goal of the evening comes from Grady Diangana, who was
on the first team bench last night. His curled effort was a decent effort,
but Birighitti in goal saves comfortably.
3: The Hammers are enjoying plentey of early possession here. Some great
passing leads to a chance, too - Noha Sylvestre breaks down the left but his
cross is intercepted.
1: And we're underway in Swansea. The Hammers are kicking from left to right
wearing their home strip, but with blue shorts to distinguish themselves
from the hosts' all-white strip.
7pm: The teams are out! There is a decent sized crowd here at the Liberty
tonight, so Terry Westley's men can expect plenty of noise. A few loyal
Hammers have also been spotted...
6:50pm: We're just ten minutes away from kick off in this Premier League 2
top of the table clash? Can one of these sides come away with three wins
from three? Stay with us over the next couple of hours to find out!
6:30pm: The Hammers have had a long journey across the UK this afternoon,
but they're here and raring to go now. Swansea are fielding a strong side,
with Wales full-back Neil Taylor lining up on the left hand side of defence.
He was vital for Dragons at Euro 2016 this summer. It will be an interesting
clash this evening!
Swansea City: Birighitti, Reid, Taylor (Lewis 71), Holland, Davies, Rodon,
James, Maric (Blair 49), Bia Bi, Jones (Bray 77), Emnes.
Subs not used: Zabret, Byers.
Goals: Jones 57, Bia Bi 89
Bookings: Maric 43, Blair 50
PL2: Trott, Pike, Akinola, Rice, Sylvestre, Makasi, Lewis (Gordon 71),
Diangana (Hector-Ingram 83), Browne, Powell (Kemp 71), Martinez.
Subs not used: Ford, Scully.
Bookings: Hector-Ingram 85
6pm: Good evening! Tonight the Hammers have travelled to south Wales to take
on Swansea City in their third Premier League 2 fixture of the season. Both
sides have 100 per cent records in the league so far, so it's sure to be
cracker at the Liberty Stadium tonight. Team news is to follow shortly!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SUN, 28 AUG 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
16:00
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Manchester City v West Ham United
BBC
TEAM NEWS
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says new signing Claudio Bravo will not
make his debut on Sunday, so Willy Caballero is likely to start in goal.
Striker Kelechi Iheanacho is available despite an injury scare in their
midweek Champions League play-off tie.
West Ham's Mark Noble should be fit despite missing Thursday's defeat by
Astra but Havard Nordtveit is likely to miss out with a foot injury.
Fellow midfielders Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini will be assessed.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Guy Mowbray: "To misquote Monty Python - what have the Romanians ever done
for us?
"Well, Steaua Bucharest have given Manchester City two nice easy training
games to hone their playing style under Pep Guardiola.
"Wednesday's 1-0 win was achieved with ease. It was practically an impromptu
testimonial match for Joe Hart.
"A day later it was a very different story, as Astra made West Ham's star
fall with a win at the London Stadium that did for the Hammers' European
hopes. Slaven Bilic was right to be "angry and frustrated".
"With some big players out and less time to prepare, it would be an even
bigger surprise than last year's first win at City in 11 visits if his team
does it again."
Twitter: @Guymowbray
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on being drawn to play Barcelona in
the Champions League: "I cannot deny this was special for me. I grew up in
Catalonia. I was 13 years old when I went to their academy and promoted to a
professional player and trainer.
"I spent most of my life there. I know the people there, most of the players
are still there. The emotion is there."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "We are all disappointed because it was a big
blow [going out of Europe].
"But we have to pick ourselves up and show character and quality. It wasn't
very likely for us to win there last season as Manchester City had started
great with five wins, 15 points and no goals conceded.
"There's no reason why we shouldn't do it again this season."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
I fancy City to win this one. West Ham have been hit by a few injuries and
were pretty ordinary for long spells against Bournemouth last week, although
the most important thing for them was winning the game.
Prediction: 2-0
Read Lawro's full predictions v four-time Olympic cycling champion Laura
Trott.
Think you can do better than Lawro? Predict the score for this match and the
rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in our Predictor Game.
Pep Guardiola
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Manchester City have only won one of their last four league games against
West Ham (D1, L2).
The Hammers won this fixture 2-1 last season - claiming their first league
victory at City since 2003.
Manchester City
Defeat would be Manchester City's 250th loss in the Premier League.
Sergio Aguero has 19 goals in his last 18 league games.
He has been involved in eight goals in his last seven Premier League matches
against West Ham (six goals, two assists).
Kevin de Bruyne has 14 assists in all competitions since debuting for
Manchester City, four more than any other player at the club.
Pep Guardiola has lost only eight of his 128 top-flight home league matches
as a manager, winning 110 and drawing 10 (a win ratio of 86%).
West Ham United
The Hammers claimed 30 points last term against the sides who ended in the
top half of the table (W8, D6, L4) - more than any other club.
Michail Antonio has scored seven headed goals in the Premier League since
the start of 2015-16, a joint-high with Olivier Giroud (prior to this
weekend's games).
They have scored in their last 15 Premier League games - the longest such
current run in the top flight.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 20%
Probability of home win: 68% Probability of away win: 12%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football
matches.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS CLOSING IN ON ZAZA CAPTURE
BY DAVID BOWDEN ON 26 AUGUST 2016 AT 11:20AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has confirmed the club is closing in on the
signing of Juventus forward Simone Zaza. His arrival will be a boost to the
Hammers after being embarrassed by Astra Giurgiu last night at the London
Stadium. Missed opportunities were the crux of the problem for the Irons
last night and the impending arrival of the Juventus man will be a welcome
one.
It is thought that he will initially join on a season-long loan deal with a
view to a permanent transfer next summer, which would smash the current
record fee paid by the Hammers. The fee will be in the region of 25 million
pounds for the Italian international. The 25-year-old had a stuttering start
to his career at Atlanta starting just three games before being transferred
to Sampdoria in 2010, where despite receiving many first team call-ups, he
would only make two appearances for Il Doria before being sent out on loan
to numerous Italian clubs. His first competitive goal came in the lower
echelons of Italian football for minnows Viareggio based in Tuscany. The
forward enjoyed a prosperous time bagging 11 goals in 18 appearances. That
record ensured he went up a few leagues to Ascoli, where his form continued
to improve scoring 18 goals in 35 games.
Juventus then bought the Italian outright after impressive loan spells, but
Zaza signed a co-agreement with Sassuolo, where he would ply his trade for a
couple of seasons. He went on to make 64 Serie A appearances for I Neroverdi
scoring 20 goals before moving to Turin permanently. He has, though, perhaps
unsurprisingly found first team chances limited at the Old Lady just
appearing in 19 matches scoring five goals, he has of course already scored
at his potential new home in the Hammers inaugural 'opening' against
Juventus, so Zaza should have good memories of the London Stadium.
After flitting around Italy, Zaza now looks set to make the East End his
home and is likely to go straight into the squad for Manchester City on
Sunday should he sign the paperwork in time. He is a player that Bilic has
admired for a long time having tried to welcome the Italian to Upton Park
last year only for the 25-year-old to decide he wanted to try and battle for
his place in the Juventus first team, but now it finally seems that Slaven
has his man.
In his pre-match Presser ahead of Sunday's clash against Pep Guardiola's
Manchester City, Bilic had this to say on the Zaza transfer. He said, "With
the Zaza situation, it looks very likely to happen and should happen today.
As far as I know the deal is agreed between the two clubs. "The personal
terms are also agreed and he is due into London today, so we hope it will be
done. "It's very positive and a boost. We've been trying for a long time now
to get a top-quality striker and he was always mentioned."
Another forward who might see his opportunities around the first team become
more frequent is Ashley Fletcher, who was one of few to impress for the
Irons last night. The former Manchester United man has seen opportunities
limited thus far, but his bright displays against Bournemouth and Astra have
not gone unnoticed by Bilic. The Croatian said, "Fletcher did really well
last night, and he also made a really big impact against Bournemouth. He's
one of the reasons we won. "He makes the pitch big. He did a really good
pre-season with us and scored goals against good opposition. "He is a very
bright lad and is willing to work, to train and to learn and to make
sacrifices and we'll benefit from him in the future."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Life bans for fighting fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have issued a statement in the wake of further crowd
disturbances at the Olympic Stadium during the Europa League clash with
Astra Giurgiu.
The club, who are already under scrutiny following previous ugly incidents
at the Olympic Stadium have confirmed that anyone involved in Thursday's
night's fracas will be banned from attending football matches for life.
"West Ham United condemn unreservedly the behaviour of individuals involved
in incidents captured on video during the fixture against Astra Giurgiu,"
began the statement, posted at whufc.com on Friday evening.
"This behaviour has no place in football and we will work with the police
and other stakeholders to identify the individuals involved.
"Once identified, they will be banned from attending any West Ham United
fixture for life and we will request the courts serve a banning order to
prevent these individuals attending any football.
"With more than 10,000 Under-16 Season Ticket Holders, we are a
family-friendly Club and our priority is maintaining an inclusive
environment for all home and away supporters.
"We will not allow one isolated incident to damage our supporters' and the
Club's reputation, hence our zero tolerance approach to this matter."
Small pockets of violence were witnessed around the stadium during the game
which Astra unexpectedly won 1-0, thereby confirming West Ham's exit from
the competition in the qualification rounds for the second season in
succession.
The most notable incidents, one of which was caught on video and posted to
social media appeared to occur in home areas of the ground in which a number
of away fans were also situated.
The clear need for more suitable security was also highlighted, with the
existing stadium team clearly ill-equipped - both professionally and
physically - to cope with the demands of a potentially-volatile football
crowd.
* The Met have confirmed that one man was been arrested as a result of last
night's unrest.
"A man was taken out of the stadium by stewards and arrested on suspicion of
ABH," read a statement. H"e was initially taken to hospital as a precaution,
but now is in custody at an east London police station.
"Enquiries continue to trace any other people who were involved in the
disturbance. Anyone found to have committed an offence will be dealt with by
police and football banning orders will be sought where appropriate."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zaza arrives in England
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's potential new record-braking signing jetted into London
this lunchtime ahead of talks and a medical.
According to gianlucadimarzio.com, Simone Zaza arrived in the capital
earlier today along with his father Antonio and Vincenzo Morabito, who often
accompanies Italian players abroad and will broker the deal.
Zaza arriving in London this lunchtime [Pic: Di Marzio}
According to Di Marzio, West Ham have agreed to pay around £28million to
sign 6'1"-tall Zaza, who has represented his country on 14 occasions.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Must do better
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th August 2016
By: Sir_Trevor
First game at the Olympic Stadium for me. A short summation - a fantastic
stadium fit for nights of great European football - and a team worthy of wet
Wednesday nights in the Conference.
The longer version: the club as a whole have messed up royally in Europe for
the second season running by trying to muddle through qualification before
putting together a team capable of competing. A striker was the single-most
important purchase of the close season and the club has failed to attract
one (at time of writing). Not having someone who could be a focal point for
attacks and put the ball in the net has cost us tonight. When will they
learn? Slav has to take some blame as well. I haven't seen much of Ashley
Fletcher before tonight but noticed he scored a couple in pre-season. But,
as soon as he came on, it was evident to everyone that he is by far the best
fit striker we have available and the most likely to create something.
Why has Slav been so reluctant to use him until now?
Ashley Fletcher should have started ahead of Jonathan Calleri. Several
people said after Sunday that they could see something in him, but I have
seen nothing from him yet other than a couple of missed chances he really
should have put away. I won't write him off yet, but there is no way that
he is ready to lead the line in the Premier League. The other new signings
(and Pedro Obiang) all need to show far much more to prove that, as a team,
we are not a one man team that can cope without Dimitri Payet. Also, as
Burnley showed against Liverpool and Hull have shown in their two games,
regardless of injuries, it should be possible for a Premier League club to
put out 11 players and organise them sufficiently well in an effective
formation, to get a result.
German referee Manuel Gräfe was appalling. He bought all their play-acting
and time-wasting and kept giving free kicks every time we put the ball in
the box, just because the 'keeper or a defender threw themselves to the
ground. Teams and referees like that do make me think we're better off out
of that competition - and tonight showed we haven't got the squad to cope
with a Europa League campaign anyway. I was disappointed when I realised
that I had missed out on a season ticket but I think the club have messed up
big time because, walking away, I just felt embarrassed. We have this
wonderful new stadium but have not put together a team worthy of playing in
it. I thought to myself that, with many more displays like that, I'll soon
enough be able to get a ticket, but I'll just be rattling around in a
half-empty stadium with a few other diehards.
If the club truly want to move to the next level and want to make a success
of the stadium then the first priority is to get the playing side sorted
and, so far, this summer's activity is looking deficient. I hope we keep
Fletcher and Reece Burke and don't loan them out as they look better bets at
the moment than many of the more senior players. However, Burke looked
uncomfortable on the left last night and we need to get in a versatile
defender who can cover the right and left. This and the striker, as so many
have said, should have been dealt with before the other positions we've
filled so far. All in all the report card for the whole club reads 'Must do
better'.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fans call for OS security overhaul
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Supporters have pleaded with West Ham United to introduce effective security
at the Olympic Stadium after yet more disturbing scenes inside the ground
last night. Stadium security - which is controlled by the arena's operators,
not West Ham - has been panned by Hammers fans this morning after the Europa
League clash with Astra was marred by yet more fights and disagreements.
Supporters posting on the KUMB Forum and social media post-match revealed
how a number of angry incidents took place inside thew stadium, whilst
inexperienced stewards either failed to intervene or in some cases, refused
to assist. As a result, a number of supporters have urged West Ham United to
raise the issue with the stadium operators as a matter of urgency, before a
serious incident occurs. "I have some significant experience in this field
and what I am seeing currently is going to end very badly," wrote KUMB
member AMC1964. "The incident in the East Stand could have been dealt with
very quickly if the stewards knew what they were doing. "Unfortunately
though, these folks are the bottom end of SIA [Security Industry Authority]
licensed staff and have very little experience in looking after football
crowds. They may have done brilliantly with the athletics and rugby lot, but
football is a very different game/crowd. "The bag searches were appalling,
the young steward with the search wand at Turnstile F hadn't even got it
turned on properly. Meanwhile there appeared to be about 200 away fans
un-segregated in the STBL - and whilst that may have been fine last night,
they need to up their game massively for a League game. "30 or 40
well-organised trouble-makers will cause absolute havoc in this ground at
present. I saw the response team on Sunday and they are going to get
destroyed if it kicks off."
Meanwhile the partner of a former Boleyn Ground steward revealed via the
KUMB Forum that it isn't just supporters who harbour major doubts about the
present security team's ability to deal with any type of large-scale
problem. "My partner was a steward for many years in the BMU, often in the
disabled section as that linked with his full time job," they wrote.
"He was prepared to give it a try at the new stadium and did actually work
as a steward at the first match, despite everything pointing towards the
organisation being somewhat lacking to say the least. "Suffice to say he
has decided to hang up his hi-viz jacket. He is not the only one. The
stewards he worked with were all well trained and had worked at West Ham for
many years, but a lot of them have not carried on."
"I don't think this lot have an utter clue what they're doing - and it's
getting to a point where something dangerous could now happen" - KUMB member
hammers92
In addition to the unsuitability of the current security team to effectively
police major football matches, fans were also disappointed that security
checks were not being carried out upon entering the stadium..
Further, the stadium's post-half time 'open door policy' - which has seen
ticketless fans enter the ground for the final 45 minutes of some games -
was also questioned.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic fumes as West Ham crash out of Europa League
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 26/08/16 8:49am
SSN
Simone Zaza will arrive too late to salvage West Ham's European dream after
they were dumped out by Astra Giurgiu. For the second year running, the
Romanian side ended West Ham's Europa League adventure in the qualifying
rounds, and to rub salt in the wounds inflicted their first defeat at the
London Stadium. A goal from 35-year-old former Barnsley and West Brom
midfielder Filipe Teixeira secured a 1-0 victory for the team currently 11th
in Romanian Liga 1. It meant a 2-1 aggregate defeat and no place in the
group stage for Slaven Bilic's side.
Italy striker Zaza is close to joining from Juventus, with boss Bilic
revealing: "I don't know the details, but we were in talks and it was quite
close. I would love it to happen."
But in the meantime, Bilic was left frustrated and angry as the Hammers
exited the competition before it had even really begun. He added: "We said
before that this was one of most important games for us this year. It was
like a final that we had to win to go through, so the disappointment is
massive. "I'm angry and frustrated, but I'm also disappointed because we
really wanted to go through. That's why we tried so hard last season, to get
this opportunity. "We wanted to play in Europe, we came so close and we
wanted to have that experience as a club, a club that is not often in
Europe."
A desperate evening had begun on a high note with West Ham announcing the
signing of young Swiss midfielder Edimilson Fernandes from FC Sion, but once
again it was evident a striker is what they desperately need. Instead, it
was left to rookie Argentinian forward Jonathan Calleri, then substitute
Ashley Fletcher and, by the end, centre-half James Collins to try, and
ultimately fail, to break down the visitors. They paid the price for an
uninspiring first half on the stroke of half-time when Sam Byram's
cross-field ball gave Reece Burke too much to do and left both Hammers
full-backs hopelessly out of position. Teixeira was able to stride into the
penalty area and slide the ball past Hammers goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
Astra keeper Silviu Lung was kept busy, but by no means under siege, as West
Ham huffed and puffed to no avail after the break. Jubilant Astra coach
Marius Sumudica, who only returned from a UEFA ban for betting on matches in
last week's home leg, beamed: "It was our evening. "We were also very lucky,
but in football you need a bit of luck to win and luck is on the side of the
strong ones. "This is one of the three best days in my life, pretty much the
same level as when my children were born - because I knew they were mine."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Don't blame me, says fight steward
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
The steward who was recorded standing by whilst a fight broke out in front
of him during last night's Europa League clash with Astra had defended his
actions.
Tunveer Teey Ch took to Facebook earlier today after videos of him failing
to intervene in the ugly scenes spread across social media.
The steward was accused of idly standing by whilst the fracas erupted in
front of him. However he has since taken to social media to refute
suggestions that he refused to act.
"I am the steward in orange," wrote Teey. "That's the fourth fight the
Indian guy had within two-and-a-half minutes. There's not much you can do.
"The guy started on everyone and I was in the midst of many punches thrown,
he was begging for it. My response team took ages to come and I don't have a
license to touch anyone.
"I told the Indian guy to go, but he had unfinished business."
The steward also explained how the fight - just one of many witnessed inside
the stadium since the move from Upton Park - began.
"The guy was standing up shouting random things aggressively and a supporter
behind him told him to sit down and not to swear. He swore at the lad in
front of his children, who received multiple punches.
"I broke that up but he got into another fight - and then another, with the
guy in a reddish top. Finally he got knocked down the stairs by the guy you
all see in the video."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City v West Ham preview: Claudio Bravo will not start for City
Last Updated: 26/08/16 3:54pm
SSN
New Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo will not go straight into the
team for the Super Sunday clash against West Ham.
Willy Caballero, who has played the first two league matches, is therefore
expected to feature again, even though Joe Hart kept a clean sheet in the
midweek Champions League play-off win over Steaua Bucharest.
Slaven Bilic believes West Ham United can pick themselves up after their
Europa League elimination by Astra Giurgiu and prove their character by
getting a result against City.
For the second year in a row, West Ham failed to make the competition's
group stage after being eliminated by Astra, following up a 1-1 draw in
Bucharest with a 1-0 defeat at the London Stadium on Thursday - their first
loss at their new home.
Despite the disappointment, Bilic believes his side can lift themselves and
get a result from Pep Guardiola's City, having masterminded a 2-1 victory in
the corresponding fixture last season.
"We are all disappointed because it was a big blow last night," Bilic told
reporters on Friday. "But we have to pick ourselves up and show character
and quality."
Team news
Striker Kelechi Iheanacho has been cleared of serious injury after being
carried off against Steaua, but captain Vincent Kompany, right-back Bacary
Sagna and midfielders Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan are not yet fit.
For West Ham, Bilic has recently been without his main creative threats,
Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini, but hopes at least one of them will be fit
to face City.
Skipper Mark Noble should be available after he rested a minor knock against
Astra, but fellow midfielder Havard Nordtveit is set to miss out.
Opta stats
City have lost only one of their last 10 Premier League meetings with West
Ham on home soil (W8 D1), though it did come last time out in September 2015
(1-2).
West Ham have beaten Man City just twice away from home in the Premier
League (D2 L11), 1-0 at Maine Road in 2003 and 2-1 at the Etihad in
September 2015.
Sergio Aguero has been involved in eight goals in his last seven Premier
League matches against West Ham United (six goals, two assists).
Aguero has scored 37 goals in 47 Premier League games against London teams
and six in eight league apps against West Ham United.
The Argentine striker is the fourth player to score a penalty in each of the
first two matchdays of a Premier League season (Duncan Ferguson in 2001/02,
Frank Lampard in 2012/13 and Roberto Soldado in 2013/14). None of those
players managed to continue the run into MD3.
West Ham have now scored in 15 successive Premier League matches - the
longest such current run in the competition.
Merson's predictions
West Ham fell over the line in their first league game at home and City
haven't really done anything wrong yet. They won well at Stoke and I think
they will be a bit more efficient this season.
West Ham have a tricky game on Thursday which could take a bit out of them.
Also, you can't work on team shape as much with a Thursday game so they
won't have as much time to prepare as City.
I didn't see too much change in City's first game against Sunderland but
since then they have scored four and five, so you can't really complain.
Guardiola is a winner and he gets teams going. I said at the start of the
season it's out of City, Manchester United and Chelsea and I can't see any
different.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 13/2)
Betting
Manchester City are just 2/7 with Sky Bet to secure the points on Super
Sunday, with West Ham up against odds of 9/1 for the win and 9/2 just to
secure a draw.
Aguero heads the first goalscorer betting at just 5/2 while the market in
wide open on the Hammers' side as Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho are
considered their main threat at 11/1 apiece.
All of the Soccer Saturday pundits are backing Aguero to net in a City win,
including Charlie Nicholas' 28/1 fancy for the Argentina star to score twice
in a 3-1 home win.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham condemn London Stadium violence after arrest confirmed
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 26/08/16 5:47pm
SSN
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the arrest of one man filmed fighting
inside West Ham's London Stadium on Thursday.
The incident took place during the Hammers' 1-0 defeat by Romanian champions
Astra Giurgiu, a result that saw the Premier League side knocked out of the
Europa League before the group stage.
A video was posted on social media which showed one man punching another
before being escorted away from the seating area by stewards.
A statement from the Met Police read: "A man was taken out of the stadium by
stewards and arrested on suspicion of ABH [actual bodily harm]. He was
initially taken to hospital as a precaution, but now is in custody at an
east London police station.
"Enquiries continue to trace any other people who were involved in the
disturbance. Anyone found to have committed an offence will be dealt with by
police and football banning orders will be sought where appropriate."
The reaction from West Ham was swift, as well, with the club issuing a
statement of their own promising tough action against any individuals found
guilty.
"West Ham United condemn unreservedly the behaviour of individuals involved
in incidents captured on video during the fixture against Astra Giurgiu,"
their statement read.
"This behaviour has no place in football and we will work with the police
and other stakeholders to identify the individuals involved.
"Once identified, they will be banned from attending any West Ham United
fixture for life and we will request the courts serve a banning order to
prevent these individuals attending any football."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to sign Simone Zaza from Juventus
By Andrew Dickson
Last Updated: 26/08/16 4:35pm
SSN
West Ham hope to complete the signing of Italy international forward Simone
Zaza from Serie A champions Juventus on Friday. The London club's manager
Slaven Bilic has confirmed the striker has agreed personal terms over a move
to east London. Zaza will move initially on loan with an option to buy, but
he only arrived in England for his medical on Friday afternoon - too late to
make the West Ham squad for their Premier League fixture away to Manchester
City on Sunday. Bilic said on Friday morning: "With the Zaza situation, it
looks very likely to happen and should happen today. "As far as I know, the
deal is agreed between the clubs. The personal terms are also agreed and he
is due in London today, so we hope it will be done. "It's very positive and
it's a boost. We've been trying for a long time now to get a top-quality
striker and he was always mentioned."
Zaza was in and out of the Juventus team last season but still scored eight
goals in 24 appearances and has spent one campaign with them after a
previous loan spell there when he was at Sampdoria. The 25-year-old was also
in the Italy squad which reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 under new
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. Zaza was ridiculed in some quarters for his
unconventional run up to take a penalty in the shoot-out of their last-eight
defeat to Germany.
After taking several small steps, he put the ball over the crossbar in
Italy's eventual 6-5 defeat after a 0-0 draw in Bordeaux. Zaza has already
played at the London Stadium this season, scoring Juventus' winner in their
3-2 friendly victory against West Ham earlier this month.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spain: Casillas out, Adrian in
By Football Espana staff
Iker Casillas' Spain career looks to be over as West Ham United's Adrian is
picked over the Porto goalkeeper in Julen Lopetegui's first squad. Casillas
had lost his No 1 jersey to David de Gea at Euro 2016, and the veteran's
fall sees him lose out to former Real Betis shot-stopper Adrian, despite the
presence of Lopetegui – the Coach who took him to Porto last summer – at the
helm. Elsewhere, there are returns in defence for Dani Carvajal, Javi
Martinez and converted full-back Sergi Roberto, while a youthful midfield is
headed by call-ups for Saul Niguez and Marco Asensio. Finally, a revamped
forward line boasts Diego Costa, Paco Alcacer and Vitolo, with only Alvaro
Morata, Lucas Vazquez and Nolito surviving from the summer's European
Championship. The Lopetegui era officially begins against Roberto Martinez's
Belgium in a friendly on September 1, before La Roja get their 2018 World
Cup qualifying campaign under way versus Lichtenstein four days later.
Spain squad in full: De Gea (Manchester United), Reina (Napoli), Adrian
(West Ham United); Pique (Barcelona), Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Sergi
(Barcelona), Carvajal (Real Madrid), Martinez (Bayern Munich), Alba
(Barcelona), Azpilicueta (Chelsea); Saul (Atletico Madrid), Asensio (Real
Madrid), Busquets (Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Koke (Atletico
Madrid), Silva (Manchester City), Vazquez (Real Madrid), Alcacer (Valencia),
Nolito (Manchester City), Morata (Real Madrid), Costa (Chelsea), Vitolo
(Sevilla)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic explains what role Edimilson Fernandes will play at West Ham
United this season
HITC
Michael Stevenson
The promising midfielder will be involved with the first-team. Slaven Bilic
has shed light on the role that he expects new signing Edimilison Fernandes
to play, in an interview with the club's official website. The 20-year old
midfielder comes highly-rated from Switzerland and Bilic wants him to make a
first-team impact this season. "He's a good player who we've been watching
for a whole year," said the Hammers boss "He's very young, a good midfielder
and is not only for the future. "We are not expecting him to come now and
change the game for us, but we didn't buy him as a talent to loan; we want
him to be part of the squad and play this year. "He's very talented and can
play in a few positions. He has good pace, good legs, good physique, good
skill and a great mentality. He's a good signing for us," he added.
Fernandes faces a tough challenge to break into an attacking midfield that
boasts the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Sofiane Feghouli but
he will be hopeful of making an immediate impact. Bilic was speaking after
last night's disappointing defeat to Astra Guirgiu, a result that denies the
club the chance to enjoy European football in their first season at the
Olympic Stadium. West Ham were without a host of key men for the crucial
encounter and failed to break down a stout Astra defence after conceding a
sloppy goal on the stroke of half-time. Bilic's men improved in the second
half but couldn't find the net with any of their 17 attempts on goal. New
signing Jonathan Calleri missed two guilt-edged chances and fans will hope
that isn't a worrying sign of things to come. Fellow new boy Ashley Fletcher
provided some cause for optimism with an exciting cameo but it ultimately
turned into a night to forget for the East London club.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GRRR…. BOO… BOOOO ….. BOOOOOOOO!
By Terence Bates 26 Aug 2016 at 06:37
WTID
'Get off the pitch you muppet!'… 'You're shite mate!'… 'My effing Nan can
play better than that!'… 'What a donkey!' Booooooooo…… and on it goes….
Whoaoh everyone. Talk about doom and gloom. we lost to Astra again, yes it's
painful, but let's get some perspective…
1. Astra are not Real Madrid, but they are not Accrington Stanley either.
Astra won their league last season, there is good football in Romania, they
are a useful side.
2. We could have scored 6/7/8 goals such were our chances, and whilst luck
played a big part in this, we didn't take those chances. This was a very
one-sided game. We could have won even with a second string filled with
young prospects, but we didn't. That's life, move on.
3. Their goalkeeper had the game of his life.
4. Out injured Payet, Lanzini, Noble, Carroll, Sahko, Ayew, Cresswell
Sofiane Feghouli etc… almost all our first choice players.
5. Astra scored with virtually the only one chance they had, a sucker punch
against the run of play. It happens.
6. Did we really need the distraction of the Europa League at the moment? We
are not ready, are we? We do not have a high enough quality squad to foray
into Europe and succeed on the domestic front at the same time coping with
inevitable injuries, few teams do. Let's be realistic, this will take time
and money.
For me the most noticeable aspects of the Astra game was how we missed Noble
and just like in the game against Bournemouth we lacked a killer finisher.
Of course this is ignoring the absence of Payet. This is a carry on from
last season where we achieved a lofty position, yet we still lacked that
killer striker that could have really elevated us in the top four. When
Payet was out last season we couldn't score for toffee, but did grind out a
succession of draws. As unpopular as this is I wish we had buried the
hatchet and signed Jermain Defoe. This was one of those frustrating games
and had we played for a month of Sundays we may still not of scored, yet a
player like Defoe can make the difference as he has shown at Sunderland.
And new boys Tore, Calleri and Nordveit? Before we execute them after three
games shall we take a step back?
Tore hasn't made an impact yet and yes maybe, he won't. His strengths are
passing and running with the ball to create chances (There wasn't this
berating noise after he flighted in a beautiful cross for Antonio to score
against Bournemouth… was there?). His weaknesses are in challenging for the
ball and as a result any defensive contribution, it is noticeable, it could
be a problem.
Nordviet? He was a constant in Gladbach's team for 200 games in the
Bundeslige over 6 seasons. Last season they qualified for the Champions
league, he arrived on the back of being out of contract with Gladbach. He is
a ball winner and has good stats for passing accuracy and completion, he put
in some inch perfect long balls to set up attacks against Astra. He needs
time to settle, I think he is a good player but clearly not a great player.
His weaknesses are when he goes forward he loses concentration and can lose
possession. However, you don't play 200 games in the Bundeslige consistently
for one club without being a useful player.
Calleri, is a rookie striker and what I would call a punt. He is on loan and
like Lanzini it is a punt based on showing promise and potential that could
lead to a permanent transfer. His stats for scoring are around 1 goal per 3
games. He is not prolific in the goal scoring department, it is there for us
all to see, this player is unlikely to score more than 12 goals per season.
But he still needs time to prove himself and those statistics wrong, he is a
young apprentice after all.
One other note my seat is within touching distance of the subs and coaches
seating. It is an interesting position to watch the players expressions. If
you really want to see us struggle this season then continue getting on the
back of players like Valencia, Calleri, Tore and Nordviet, berate them
destroy their confidence, make them scared to try, force them out and also
show the other players sitting next to them what they have in store for them
should they have a bad day at the office. Let's create a horrible
environment for all West Ham players to both play in and sit close to the
spectators.
Confidence is a huge part of success and even the best players can lose
confidence and have bad runs, look at Valencia. Bilic is a good motivator,
yet all his good work could easily be screwed up by the boo boys and
impatience of certain supporters that kill players confidence.
So let's not morph into a poor man's Arsenal… let's be smart and mature,
let's be the 12th man, not the bogey man.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was making no excuses after West Ham United were knocked out of
the UEFA Europa League by Astra Giurgiu for the second season in succession.
The Hammers were edged out 1-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate by the
Romanian champions, with Filipe Teixeira's counter-attack goal just before
half-time the difference between the two sides. Bilic gave a frank
assessment after a disappointing night at London Stadium, admitting Astra
had deserved to progress to the group stage over the two legs. "I would like
to congratulate Astra as they deserved it," he began. "It is a huge
frustration because I said before the game that this was one of the most
important games of the year for us. "I said after the Bournemouth game that
in the Premier League you can make it up, but this was like a final because
you need to win to go through, therefore the disappointment is massive. "OK,
we can always find excuses like missing players and that we should have
scored the chances we created and all that, but we didn't play good. In the
first half, we didn't play with desire as a team, it was all individuals and
we were second best. "I said before the game in Romania that if you give
their players the time to turn and play, they can pass the ball, of course,
and we were doing plenty of that. There was not enough movement, we played
very slowly and we didn't take the few chances we should have taken. ?"They
took their chance with a goal on the counter-attack. From our point of view,
we lost the ball in a very strange way and they took advantage of the
situation."
Bilic threw on strikers Enner Valencia and Ashley Fletcher to no avail,
despite an improved second half display, as further chances went begging and
Astra goalkeeper Silviu Lung produced a succession of saves to further
frustrate the Hammers. "To be fair, we changed a bit in the second and
thought we had to change the system and one or two players but deep down you
know it's not about the system, but about the way we played," he continued.
"We created a few chances, to be fair, and those chances you have to score.
It wasn't that we missed the chances, but that we didn't play good. "Of
course I am angry and frustrated and everything but I'm much more
disappointed than angry, because we really wanted to go through to the
Europa League. That's why we tried so hard last season, to have this
opportunity."
On a deflating evening, the one positive to report was the signing of Swiss
midfielder Edmilison Fernandes – a 20-year-old who Bilic believes can
contribute to the Claret and Blue cause this season. "He's a good player who
we've been watching for a whole year," Bilic revealed. "He's very young, a
good midfielder and is not only for the future. "We are not expecting him to
come now and change the game for us, but we didn't buy him as a talent to
loan; we want him to be part of the squad and play this year. "He's very
talented and can play in a few positions. He has good pace, good legs, good
physique, good skill and a great mentality. He's a good signing for us."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers secure Swiss star Fernandes
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Swiss midfielder
Edimilson Fernandes on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee. The
20-year-old joins the Hammers from hometown club FC Sion, where he scored in
the 2015 Swiss Cup final and featured regularly in the UEFA Europa League
last season. Despite his relative youth, Fernandes has made 66 first-team
appearances for Sion, and is looking to make an immediate impact at London
Stadium. "I am really happy to be here at West Ham United," said Fernandes,
who was presented to the Claret and Blue Army ahead of the UEFA Europa
League play-off round second-leg tie with Astra Giurgiu. "It is a new
challenge for me and now it is down to me to work hard to become a top
player. "I am a player capable of getting the game going and adding
excitement to the action on the pitch. I spoke to the manager [Slaven Bilic]
and the conversation was very positive and I appreciate this opportunity. "I
had never been to this stadium before, but it is a really magnificent
stadium and I will be working to my best to get to the top. It is a large
stadium, I have also played at Anfield here in England, but this stadium is
really impressive."
Of Cape Verde and Portuguese descent, Fernandes started his career with FC
Fully in Switzerland as a schoolboy. He is the cousin of former Manchester
City and Switzerland midfielder Gelson Fernandes. There, he was spotted by
the Sion's owner and president Christian Constantin, a former goalkeeper for
Swiss side Lugano and renowned architect, and signed by the Super League
club. There, he has thrived in recent seasons, making his first-team debut
against FC Zurich at the age of 17 years and two months in June 2013. The
2014/15 season was Fernandes' breakthrough campaign as he totalled 19
appearances and netted twice in three Swiss Cup ties as Sion defeated FC
Basel 3-0 to win the competition for a 13th time. Last season, still aged
just 19, Fernandes featured 39 times in all competitions, including all
eight UEFA Europa League ties as Sion finished second in a group behind
Liverpool before being edged out 4-3 by Portuguese club Braga in the Round
of 32. Fernandes has been a regular for Sion again this term, starting all
five Super League matches and helping his club to a 6-1 Swiss Cup win over
Romontois.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham bow out of Europe
WHUFC.com
West Ham United suffered heartbreak as Filipe Teixeira scored the only goal
of the game to help Astra Giurgiu record a 1-0 victory and secure their
place in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League. Despite coming away
with a 1-1 draw from the first leg and securing a crucial away goal, Slaven
Bilic's side failed to build on that result and suffered their first
competitive defeat at London Stadium. For the second consecutive year, the
Romanian champions managed to knock the east London club out of the
competition and it was bitterly disappointing that the Hammers failed to
book their place in the draw for the group stage which will take on Friday.
Former West Brom midfielder Teixeira netted the crucial winner on 44 minutes
and despite a battling display from the home side in the second half, they
failed to find a way back into the game. The night had started on such a
positive note after new signing Edimilson Fernandes was introduced to the
crowd just before kick-off. The Hammers could have opened the scoring after
just nine minutes when Reece Burke played the ball into Jonathan Calleri who
only had the goalkeeper to beat but he saw his close-range shot kept out by
the legs of Astra Giurgiu keeper Silviu Lung. The home side continued to
create the best openings and came close again on 15 minutes when Pedro
Obiang fired a shot from the edge of the box which produced a fine save from
Lung diving low to his left hand side. Cheikhou Kouyate was the next Hammers
player to come close on 32 minutes when Michail Antonio picked out the
Senegal midfielder and he headed the ball just over the bar. The Hammers
were made to pay for those missed opportunities when Astra caught West Ham
on the counter attack and opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time. The
ball fell to Teixeira and the former West Brom forward fired a left-foot
shot into the corner of the net. The home side tried everything to get back
on level terms and Angelo Ogbonna saw his header well saved by Lung on 51
minutes.
The Astra keeper was having the game of his life and made another superb
save to deny Calleri's close-range header on 54 minutes. Just seconds later
the Hammers had another great chance when Sam Byram's fierce cross was
headed wide by Antonio. You sensed it was not going to be West Ham's night
and they missed another great chance on 61 minutes when Gokhan Tore's corner
fell perfectly for Winston Reid but he directed his header inches past the
post. Having introduced Enner Valencia at half-time, Bilic used another
attacking option from the bench in an attempt to turn the game around and
Ashley Fletcher certainly impressed. The summer signing from Manchester
United almost made an immediate impact on 72 minutes when he picked up the
ball from Ogbonna and saw his close-range effort kept out by the legs of
Lung. Antonio finally had the ball in the back of the net on 77 minutes but
his effort was ruled out after the Hammers winger was adjudged to have
committed a foul on the half-way line. The Romanian side held on for another
big victory against the east London Club and Bilic will be hoping his side
can show an immediate response when they play Manchester City at the Etihad
Stadium on Sunday.
West Ham United: Randolph; Byram, Reid, Ogbonna, Burke (Collins 88);
Nordtveit (Valencia 45), Obiang, Kouyate; Tore, Calleri (Fletcher 60),
Antonio
Subs not used: Adrian, Oxford, Browne, Diangana
Bookings: Reid, Collins, Antonio, Byram
Astra Giurgiu: Lung, Alves, Fabricio, Seto, Alibec, Morais (C), Lovin
(Florea 87), Niculae (Oros 57), Sapunaru, Ionita (Stan 74), Teixeira
Subs not used: Gavrilas, Raileanu, Moise, Balaure
Bookings: Morais, Lung
Attendance: 56,932
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ten Fast Facts - Edimilson Fernandes
WHUFC.com
Find out more about our tenth summer signing from the Swiss Super League
club FC Sion...
Edmilison Fernandes was born in the town of Sion in south western
Switzerland on 15 April 1996
Fernandes is the cousin of former Manchester City and Switzerland midfielder
Gelson Fernandes, former Everton and Portugal midfielder Manuel Fernandes
and ex-Sunderland midfielder Cabral
The youngster was born in Switzerland of Portuguese and Cape Verdean descent
Fernandes was just 17 years and two months old when he made his first-team
debut for Sion in a 4-2 Swiss Super League win over FC Zurich on 1 June 2013
A first senior goal arrived in a 2-2 draw at home to FC Luzern on 1 March
2015 – one of two he scored in 48 Super League appearances
Fernandes lost just one of the nine Swiss Cup ties he played in and scored
in the 2015 final victory over FC Basel
The central midfielder assisted both goals on his European debut – a 2-1
UEFA Europa League victory over Russian club Rubin Kazan in September 2015
Fernandes played every minute of Sion's Europa League campaign last season,
when they finished second in a group containing Liverpool before being
knocked out by Portuguese side Braga in the Round of 32
Fernandes chalked up an assist in his final game for Sion – a 2-1 Super
League defeat at Grasshoppers on Sunday
In total, the 20-year-old played 65 times for Sion's first team and 41 more
games for the club's U21 side in the Promotion League
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Insider
WHUFC.com
The transfer window closes next Wednesday and there have been some major
developments at West Ham United over the last 24 hours. I can reveal the
Club are hoping to announce the imminent signing of a highly-rated young
midfielder after he successfully underwent a medical today. The youngster
has been one of the star performers for his Club and will become the eighth
major signing of the summer. The news will come as a major boost to Bilic
who wants to strengthen the squad and add more quality as the Club prepare
for a number of games in both domestic and European competition. The Hammers
have been struck by a number of major injury problems particularly in the
striking areas and Slaven Bilic has made it clear that he would like to
bring in another forward. The Club have been strongly linked with moves for
Wilfried Bony, Loic Remy and Simone Zaza and my sources have confirmed to me
that the Club are at an advanced stage of negotiations to sign a top
international forward. It is my understanding that the Club will discover in
the next 48 whether the deal will be finalised and they are 75 per cent
confident of getting their man.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fletcher - I cannot wait to play more games
WHUFC.com
Fletcher wants to show the West Ham fans what he is capable of
The former Manchester United forward is keen to put one over Manchester City
Fletcher is already settled in London and is loving his time at West Ham
Ashley Fletcher says the players are determined to bounce straight back from
their Europa League disappointment when they face Manchester City on Sunday.
Fletcher admits he was devastated to miss out on a place in the group stages
of the competition after Astra Giurgiu recorded a 1-0 victory at London
Stadium. For the second consecutive season, the Hammer failed at the final
hurdle to reach the group phase and were beaten by the Romanian side once
again. But despite the setback, Fletcher says there is still everything to
play for and hopes the players will have a major point to prove when they
travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Fletcher said: "It is a sickener for
a massive club to go out at this early stage and we are all disappointed.
"It wasn't our night. I had a great chance which I should have scored and
other players have had chances. "I cannot put my finger on why it happened
and it is hard to accept, but we have to move on. "We felt in the first leg
that we didn't put on a performance that we are capable of, but it was a
positive result. "We came back to the London Stadium expecting to play them
off the park, but it didn't turn out like that and it wasn't our night. "We
will go again on Sunday and try to do our best in the league and the other
cup competitions."
One of the major positives to come out of the night was the performance by
Fletcher when he appeared as a second half substitute. The talented forward
produced an oustanding display and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
Fletcher added: "It is a small thing that I can take from the game, but it
is a team effort and unfortunately we have not got the right result.
"I am just happy to get out there and get more minutes under my belt and
show the West Ham fans what I am about. Hopefully I can put the next one
away."
Having arrived from Manchester United during the summer, Fletcher has extra
reason for wanting to do well against their arch rivals Manchester City on
Sunday. The Hammers recorded a famous 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium last
season and Fletcher sees no reason why they cannot cause another big upset
against the Premier League leaders. "I watched that game last year and it
was a massive win for West Ham. Hopefully we can go up there and repeat it.
"Having played for United, it would be nice for me to put one over City as
well! I am sure the United fans will want me to do that, as well as the West
Ham fans and it is a game I am looking forward to. "I am loving my time here
and the players, staff and fans have made me feel very welcome. I cannot
wait to show the West Ham fans what I can do. "I have settled in really well
and cannot wait to play more games."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian receives first Spain call-up!
WHUFC.com
Adrian receives first-ever senior Spain call-up, James Collins is set to
earn his 50th Wales cap
Havard Nordtveit and Martin Samuelsen included in Norway squad
Enner Valencia's Ecuador face Brazil and Peru in South American World Cup
qualifying
Adrian, James Collins, Dimitri Payet, Enner Valencia, Havard Nordtveit and
Martin Samuelsen have all been called up by their respective nations for
2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Goalkeeper Adrian has been included in the Spain squad for the first time
for a friendly with Belgium in Brussels on Thursday 1 September and the
opening World Cup qualifying Group G fixture at home to Liechtenstein in
Leon on Monday 5 September. The No13, who was a stand-by for UEFA Euro 2016,
is named alongside Manchester United's David de Gea and Napoli's former
Liverpool stopper Pepe Reina.
Collins has been named in the Wales squad for their opening 2018 FIFA World
Cup Group D qualifier with Moldova. The West Ham United centre-half is in
Chris Coleman's 23-man selection for the tie, which will take place at
Cardiff City Stadium on 5 September at 7.45pm BST. Should he feature,
Newport-born Collins will earn his 50th cap for his country. The defender,
who turned 33 on Tuesday, helped Wales to reach the semi-finals of UEFA Euro
2016, where they were edged out by eventual winners Portugal. The Dragons
have not reached the World Cup finals since 1958, when they reached the
quarter-finals in Sweden. However, following their recent success, Coleman,
Collins and company will be hopeful of qualifying from a group that also
includes Austria, Georgia – both of whom Wales face in October – Serbia and
Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland.
Martin O'Neill has yet to name the Irish squad for the Boys in Green's
opening qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade on Monday 5 December. Ireland
also host Oman in a warm-up fixture at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday 31
August.
Norway pair Nordtveit and Samuelsen have arguably the toughest opening
qualifying job on their hands, as they host Germany at the Ullevaal Stadium
in Oslo on Sunday 4 September. To prepare for the visit of the Germans,
Belarus will visit the same venue on 31 August. Nordtveit has 28 caps and
two goals to his name, while Samuelsen made his senior debut against Iceland
in June – both will hope Norway can emerge from a Group C that also includes
Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and San Marino.
Elsewhere, Dimitri Payet is in France manager Didier Deschamps' selection
for a friendly with Italy in Bari on Thursday 1 September and their opening
World Cup Group A qualifier against Belarus in Borisov on Tuesday 6
September. France face a tough qualifying campaign, with the Netherlands,
Sweden, Bulgaria and Luxembourg also vying for one automatic qualifying
place.
Angelo Ogbonna's Italy will continue on from Bari to Haifa, where they will
take on Israel in their own Group G opener on 5 September.
Further afield, Enner Valencia has been called up by Ecuador for
mouth-watering fixtures with Brazil in Quito on 1 September and Peru in Lima
on 5 September. Ecuador have made a fantastic start to South American World
Cup qualifying, winning four of their opening six fixtures to sit second to
Uruguay only on goal difference. The top four will automatically reach
Russia 2018.
In Africa, World Cup qualification Round 3 does not commence until October,
but Cheikhou Kouyate's Senegal will be in action in 2017 Africa Cup of
Nations qualifying instead. The Lions of Teranga host Namibia in their final
Group K fixture, having already won five out of five to cement their place
in Gabon in January.
Elsewhere, Sofiane Feghouli's Algeria have also secured qualification from
Group J with a match to spare, but the winger will miss their closing
fixture with Lesotho through injury.
At age-group leve, Reece Oxford is in the England U20 squad for a friendly
with Brazil in Kidderminster on 4 September, while new boy Edmilison
Fernandes is in the Switzerland U21 squad for a European Championship
qualifying double-header with Kazakhstan and Bosnia/Herzegovia.
Finally, former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will name his first England
squad for his opening game in charge – a FIFA World Cup Group F qualifier
with Slovakia – on Sunday.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stat's a Fact - Fantastic Fletcher
WHUFC.com
One of the few bright spots to emerge from Thursday's UEFA Europa League
play-off round second leg defeat by Astra Giurgiu was the performance of
young striker Ashley Fletcher.
Of West Ham United's seven shots on target, the 20-year-old forward had two
of them, despite the fact he was only on the pitch for 35 minutes.
Tall, strong and able to carry the ball, Fletcher was a constant threat to
the Romanians, who somehow clung on to secure a 1-0 victory on the night to
progress 2-1 on aggregate.
West Ham enjoyed 65% possession, had 17 attempts at goal to Astra's four and
forced ten corners to the visitors' one, but Astra held out to go through to
the group stage.
Fletcher, for one, did everything he could to try and score the equaliser
the Hammers craved, repeatedly coming short or pulling into wide areas to
receive possession before laying the ball off to a teammate, linking up the
play or turning and running at the over-worked Astra defence.
Twice, the former Manchester United youngster came agonisingly close to
equalising – first when he collected Angelo Ogbonna's shot before seeing his
own effort saved by the foot of goalkeeper Silviu Lung, then with a low
20-yard shot that the Romania international did well to tip around the post.
It was not just his willingness to shoot that excited the London Stadium
crowd, though, as he twice slalomed past a succession of defenders. The
first time, a third came across and Fletcher went down in the box, but no
penalty was given, while the second he beat his man before being fouled a
yard outside the Astra area.
All in all, Fletcher looked by far the most likely West Ham hero on a night
when one was sorely needed. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, a goal
just would not come.
Casting that disappointment aside, the Yorkshire-born forward impressed both
his manager and the Claret and Blue Army hugely.
Ashley is a very bright lad, he believes in himself, he is ready to work,
willing to learn and train and sacrifice and I am sure we're going to
benefit from him in the future
Slaven Bilic
Manager Slaven Bilic summed up his performance by saying: "He was really
good, not only last night when he came on but when he came on against
Bournemouth. He made a big impact, not in terms of scoring or creating
assists, but he was one of the reasons we won that game.
"He makes the pitch smaller because he is there in no time with that energy
and quality. He did a really good pre-season with us and scored a couple of
goals against really decent opposition and then last night, when he came on,
he did really well and showed he has that quality.
"We had a few chats, me and him, during pre-season and he's a very bright
lad, he believes in himself, he is ready to work, willing to learn and train
and sacrifice and I am sure we're going to benefit from him in the future.
He's really good and I like him."
Bilic confirmed on Friday that more opportunities are set to come Fletcher's
way and, if he approaches his work the way he did against Astra, the
likelihood is that his fortune in front of goal will soon change.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Speaks - Manchester City
WHUFC.com
Manager reveals Dimitri Payet or Manuel Lanzini could feature at Manchester
City on Sunday
Slaven Bilic also lifts the lid on a potential move for Juventus and Italy
striker Simone Zaza
Hammers travel to the Etihad Stadium looking to build on a home win over AFC
Bournemouth
Slaven Bilic has revealed that West Ham United stars Dimitri Payet or Manuel
Lanzini return for the Premier League trip to Manchester City on Sunday. The
Hammers will take on Pep Guardiola's table-toppers looking to build on a
home win over AFC Bournemouth - and overcome the disappointment of a UEFA
Europa League exit at the hands of Romanian side Astra Giurgiu.
Bilic was also asked about the Club's seemingly imminent move for Juventus
and Italy striker Simone Zaza, and the exciting introduction of young centre
forward Ashley Fletcher.
Slaven, can we start with team news ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture
at Manchester City?
SB: "We had a game on Thursday night and Havard Nordtveit got a kick on his
foot. He got a kick a few days before but he played a couple of games, but
in the first half against Astra he got a kick in the same spot and he's very
likely to be out on Sunday.
"Mark Noble should be all right. After training we're going to know more
about whether he's going to be available for Sunday.
"Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini, we're going to know more on Saturday.
Maybe one of them will be in the squad for Sunday's game. We still have one
training session, but the situation is that after this game we have a couple
of weeks and the temptation is not to play them because is it worth the
risk?
"Of course if there is no risk, of course we would pick them, but there is a
big question-mark. Only if there is no risk are we going to use them, and
then only one of them."
With your injury issues and Manchester City's talented squad and playing
style under Pep Guardiola, can you hope to repeat last season's win at the
Etihad Stadium?
SB: "It wasn't very likely last year because they had started great and had
15 points from five games without conceding a goal, but we played a really
good game. We scored twice in the first half.
"In the second half they put us under pressure and were really dominating
and creating a few chances, but they missed them and we were good in
defending the box. Then we made that huge win.
"There's no reason why we shouldn't do it this season. We know it's a big
challenge, not only regarding our injury situation, but we are hoping and
our whole plan is to have a good game and to get something out of it.
"Pep has new tactics which are a little bit different than last year's and
they're not very common tactics, with the full-backs playing with the ball
in areas that are not normal. We can live with that because it's far away
from the goal, but we have to stop them being free with time and space in
front and in our box.
"It's going to be hard, of course. They've shown already they are top-class
players and they've gelled. They were the most impressive in their Champions
League game against Steaua in Bucharest, but what gives us hope is that
Sunderland made it hard for them and so did Stoke – the result was 4-1 but
it was not that easy and the game was very even for a long period.
"Man City were Man City last year and we can do it again."
Reports suggest your move for Juventus and Italy striker Simone Zaza is
nearly complete – what can you tell us?
SB: "With the Zaza situation, it looks very likely that it is going to
happen today, but until it happens you never know! As far as I know, the
deal is agreed between the clubs, his personal terms are also agreed, but
it's still not signed.
"I think he is coming to London today in the early afternoon and hopefully
we're going to do it today.
"It is a boost. It was our plan for a long time now to get a top-quality
striker and there were a few of them on our list, and Zaza was always
mentioned there, so let's see what's going to happen today."
Ashley Fletcher impressed on Thursday evening – what did you make of his
performance?
SB: "He was really good, not only last night when he came on but when he
came on against Bournemouth. He made a big impact, not in terms of scoring
or creating assists, but he was one of the reasons we won that game.
"He makes the pitch smaller because he is there in no time with that energy
and quality. He did a really good pre-season with us and scored a couple of
goals against really decent opposition and then last night, when he came on,
he did really well and showed he has that quality.
"We had a few chats, me and him, during pre-season and he's a very bright
lad, he believes in himself, he is ready to work, willing to learn and train
and sacrifice and I am sure we're going to benefit from him in the future.
He's really good and I like him."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United condemn unreservedly the behaviour of individuals involved
in incidents captured on video during the fixture against Astra Giurgiu.
This behaviour has no place in football and we will work with the police and
other stakeholders to identify the individuals involved. Once identified,
they will be banned from attending any West Ham United fixture for life and
we will request the courts serve a banning order to prevent these
individuals attending any football.
More than 200,000 supporters have already attended our opening at the London
Stadium and the West Ham United fans have been magnificent during the first
four games. With more than 10,000 Under-16 Season Ticket Holders, we are a
family-friendly Club and our priority is maintaining an inclusive
environment for all home and away supporters. We will not allow one isolated
incident to damage our supporters' and the Club's reputation, hence our zero
tolerance approach to this matter.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian's pride at Spain selection
WHUFC.com
Adrian has been named in the Spain squad for the first time in his career
Goalkeeper is picked alongside David de Gea and Pepe Reina in Julen
Lopetegui's selection
No13 has made 106 appearances since joining West Ham United in summer 2013
Adrian says being called-up by Spain for the first time is the proudest
moment of his career.
The Seville-born West Ham United goalkeeper has been included in the squad
for a friendly international in Belgium and opening 2018 FIFA World Cup
qualifier with Liechtenstein.
The Hammers stopper, who has been rewarded for three outstanding seasons in
Claret and Blue, revealed that he had received hundreds of messages from
family, friends, teammates and fellow professionals.
"I was on the standby list for a couple of squads before Euro 2016, but this
time around I didn't ask my agent if I was included, then when I finished
training on Thursday I got back to the dressing room and checked my phone, I
had 360 WhatsApp messages, emails, texts and missed Facetime calls!" he
smiled.
"It's great news and a great moment. For me, for my family, my friends, my
wife, my baby and for West Ham United, I am really happy for this news. It's
so exciting to go there and train with all the international players and to
give my best, as I always do here.
"My grandfather recently passed away and he was probably the proudest person
of all about where I have got to, and he was always looking after me and
called me after every game. This is a great moment for him, also, and I'll
give everything to play in the national team.
"The work has paid-off for me because I work hard. I made my debut in Real
Betis and after a season I came to West Ham and have played most of the
games in the starting XI.
"It's a great moment for me. I'm still only 29, which is so young for a
goalkeeper who can play for a long time, so with the new manager [former
Barcelona goalkeeper Julen Lopetegui] he has given opportunities to new
players to show they are ready for the national team."
To be named in the Spain squad is some achievement for Adrian, as the
country is in possession of a host of top stoppers, including Manchester
United's David de Gea and Napoli's former Liverpool star Pepe Reina, who
have been called-up alongside the Hammers man.
The vastly-experienced Iker Casillas, Sevilla's two-time UEFA Europa League
winner Sergio Rico and Villarreal's recently-capped Sergio Asenjo have been
left out in favour of Adrian, showing how highly thought of he is among his
fellow countrymen.
"I am really, really proud of this – to be one of the three best goalkeepers
in the national team," he confirmed. "It's so, so hard to be named in the
national team because we have so many goalkeepers playing at the top level.
"The manager has a different decision to pick just three, so I am so proud
of this. I'll give 150 per cent in the training and, if I have the
opportunity to play, of course in the game."
Before he had even made his first-team debut for Betis, Adrian met Reina
randomly in Spain's capital, Madrid, where the pair chatted about the art of
goalkeeping. They remained in touch, and Reina was one of the first to
congratulate the No13 on his historic call-up.
"Pepe was one of the first to text me and congratulate me, and I
congratulated him again because he has gone a long time without a call to
the national team," he said. "He is a great man and I have a good
relationship with him and also with De Gea, as we have played against each
other many times.
"I think we'll train very well together and will give our best in every
session."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FT - Swansea City 2-0 West Ham United PL2
WHUFC.com
FT: Swansea City 2-0 West Ham United
FT: And that's it for the action at the Liberty Stadium. Swansea run out 2-0
winners but it could have been different had the luck been on the visitors'
side. It was a game that always looked likely to be won by the first
scorers. Nathan Trott in goal impressed, saving a penalty late on, and
Marcus Browne looked the most dangerous going forward. The Hammers have the
chance to bounce back quickly, though - they face Coventry City in the EFL
Trophy on Tuesday night. Stay tuned next week on whufc.com for live action
of that tie. Over and out from south Wales.
90+4: Hector-Ingram has a chance to cut the deficit, but heads wide from
Sylvestre's lovely cross from the left. Perhaps West Ham's best chance of
the night?
90+1: We're into four minutes of injury time and Martinez lashes one wide on
the volley from outside the box. A slightly frustrating evening for the
Spaniard.
89: Swansea grab a second. Botti Bia Bi goes clear and comfortably slips one
past Trott from 12 yards. That should be the points for the hosts.
88: Dan James smashes one against the post for Swansea. Trott seemed sure it
wasn't goalbound.
86: Saved by Trott! Emnes' penalty is poor, but Trott does well to get down
and push it away! They're still in this, the Hammers!
86: Penalty for Swansea. Hector-Ingram bundles over a white shirt. Chance to
seal the points for Swansea.
85: Chance for West Ham! Either Akinola or Hector-Ingram - we're not sure
which - rose at the back stick and headed just wide from a Browne free-kick!
83: JHI is introduced and Grady Diangana makes way. On the pitch now for
West Ham is Browne, Martinez, Gordon, Kemp and Hector-Ingram.
82: Jahmal Hector-Ingram, who scored two in pre-season is being redied here.
Another forward for West Ham.
79: Great strike from Browne from 25 yards, but Birighitti is equal to it,
low to his right. The Hammers are doing their best to test Swansea's back
line.
77: Final Swansea sub - goalscorer Jones is replaced by Alex Bray.
75: Free-kick for Browne in a dangerous area here, but his deep cross comes
off Jaanai Gordon and rolls off for a goal kick.
74: Swansea looking to keep possession and see out this game now. West Ham
have plenty of attacking flair still on the pitch and coupled with fresh
legs, they remain dangerous. Come on you Irons!
71: Subs here. Jaanai Gordon replaces Alfie Lewis and Dan Kemp comes on for
Joe Powell, while Neil Taylor makes way for Aaron Lewis in all white.
66: Delicious delivery from Browne from the left, but Diangana, racing in at
the back post, can't get on the end of it. West Ham are probing here,
looking for the so far elusive equaliser.
63: Superb stop from Trott again! The ball finds its way to Emnes on the
left of the penalty area, and Trott denies the Dutchman with his legs. Good
goalkeeping again to keep the Hammers in this!
61: West Ham twice go close but twice it's a Swansea player who nearly
converts into his own net. First a deflected free-kick, then an attempted
corner clearance. They get lucky, and it remains 1-0.
57: Goal for Swansea. Owain Jones smashes a Tyler Reid cross into the roof
of the net from close range. Harsh on the Hammers.
55: WHAT A BLOCK! Declan Rice heroically throws himself to the ground to
volley a Swansea attempt off the line. He crashes into the first but
receives a warm reception after rising to his feet again. Superb by the
skipper!
53: Double save from Nathan Trott! The stopper denies Jones from point blank
range before diving on a second Swansea attempt. Brave work by the No1!
50: Ryan Blair, who took to the field one minute ago, takes a piece out of
Marcus Browne and goes into the book.
49: Best chance of the game falls to City. Jones is again the man it falls
to, as Emnes' cross from the left finds the forward in the box, but he heads
wide unmarked. A missed opportunity.
48: Strike from Swansea's Dan Jones flies just wide of Nathan Trott's right
hand post. Good chance for the hosts.
46: We're back underway and West Ham are straight on the front foot - there
were a few chances to shoot in the box but Claret and Blue shirts got in the
way of each other!
HT: And that's it for the first period. The Hammers have looked more
dangerous on the balance of play, but Swansea have held their own so far and
had one or two opportunities themselves. Let's see what words of inspiration
from Terry Westley provides at half time! 0-0.
45+1: Browne hits another attempt, and it's low to the keeper's left. He
saves well. Marcus Browne is getting plenty of space on the edge of the box.
45: Powell curls one round the wall but it goes wide for a goal kick.
44: Booking for Swansea, as Maric hacks down Browne. Free-kick for the
Hammers 30 yards out on the left-hand-side. Chance to shoot...
42: To be fair, Swansea look very dangerous from set pieces tonight. To not
give too many away in the second half will surely be a priority for Terry
Westley's men. The Hammers still the most dangerous going forward, however.
Just three minutes remain in this first half.
40: Save from Nathan Trott! Marvin Emnes powers one towards goal, and Trott,
blocking the first attempt, collects at the second time of asking. Good
goalkeeping from the Bermudian youngster.
38: Martinez is proving to be a real handful up top. He has won a number of
free-kicks and certainly looks dangerous when the ball nears the box. Can he
get a fourth of the season tonight?
34: Alex Pike has some space down the right, and his cross collects a nick
on the way to the box. It causes Birighitti a few problems, but Swansea get
lucky. Still goalless in Wales.
32: End to end stuff here! Martinez lets one drop in the box but his volley
is blocked, and Swansea race clear and shoot against Alex Pike at the other
end. Entertaining stuff at the Liberty!
30: Jones breaks for Swansea, but fires well over from a tight angle.
Probably the Swans' best opportunity yet.
28: Close! A rasping drive from Toni Martinez swishes against the side
netting from 20 yards. A inch or two the wrong side of the post, but
encouraging signs again for the Hammers.
26: Decent football from Swansea, as they work an opening on the edge of the
box. Emnes strikes, but his shot is high, wide, and definitely not handsome.
25: Browne again is at the heart of another West Ham attack, as he finds
space 25 yards from goal, before firing just over the top. A decent effort
from the match's most dangerous player so far.
23: Strong break from West Ham, as Marcus Browne cleverly lets it run across
his body before driving forward. He feeds Joe Powell, but the left-sider
blasts over.
21: Marvin Emnes, previously of Middlesbrough, is starting to look dangerous
out here. He hasn't had any opportunities yet, but he's looking to get in
front of Rice and Akinola at the back.
16: If we had possession stats for this clash so far, they'd certainly be
well and truly in West Ham's favour. We saw from Liverpool's defeat to
Burnley that possession isn't everything, but Terry Westley's men carry a
genuine threat up top tonight. Martinez and Browne have four goals in two
games between them.
14: It's cleared, but the visitors come again and Alfie Lewis' cross finds
Diangana at the back stick. He can't connect properly though, and Birighitti
collects.
13: Again, excellent passing from West Ham and Joe Powell earns the side a
corner on the left hand side...
11: Another opportunity for the Hammers! Toni Martinez - the other half of
the side's dynamic forward duo - has a second attempt after his first is
blocked. Birighitti is foreced to turn it behind, but he claims the
resulting corner.
9: Owain Jones' shot is blocked and from the resulting corner, the Hammers
deal with Marvin Emnes' poor delivery.
7: Great chance for Marcus Browne! He steals possession at the back from
Swansea and races clear, but the bouncing ball causes problems and he fires
over. Encouraging start here from West Ham!
4: First attempt on goal of the evening comes from Grady Diangana, who was
on the first team bench last night. His curled effort was a decent effort,
but Birighitti in goal saves comfortably.
3: The Hammers are enjoying plentey of early possession here. Some great
passing leads to a chance, too - Noha Sylvestre breaks down the left but his
cross is intercepted.
1: And we're underway in Swansea. The Hammers are kicking from left to right
wearing their home strip, but with blue shorts to distinguish themselves
from the hosts' all-white strip.
7pm: The teams are out! There is a decent sized crowd here at the Liberty
tonight, so Terry Westley's men can expect plenty of noise. A few loyal
Hammers have also been spotted...
6:50pm: We're just ten minutes away from kick off in this Premier League 2
top of the table clash? Can one of these sides come away with three wins
from three? Stay with us over the next couple of hours to find out!
6:30pm: The Hammers have had a long journey across the UK this afternoon,
but they're here and raring to go now. Swansea are fielding a strong side,
with Wales full-back Neil Taylor lining up on the left hand side of defence.
He was vital for Dragons at Euro 2016 this summer. It will be an interesting
clash this evening!
Swansea City: Birighitti, Reid, Taylor (Lewis 71), Holland, Davies, Rodon,
James, Maric (Blair 49), Bia Bi, Jones (Bray 77), Emnes.
Subs not used: Zabret, Byers.
Goals: Jones 57, Bia Bi 89
Bookings: Maric 43, Blair 50
PL2: Trott, Pike, Akinola, Rice, Sylvestre, Makasi, Lewis (Gordon 71),
Diangana (Hector-Ingram 83), Browne, Powell (Kemp 71), Martinez.
Subs not used: Ford, Scully.
Bookings: Hector-Ingram 85
6pm: Good evening! Tonight the Hammers have travelled to south Wales to take
on Swansea City in their third Premier League 2 fixture of the season. Both
sides have 100 per cent records in the league so far, so it's sure to be
cracker at the Liberty Stadium tonight. Team news is to follow shortly!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SUN, 28 AUG 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
16:00
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Manchester City v West Ham United
BBC
TEAM NEWS
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says new signing Claudio Bravo will not
make his debut on Sunday, so Willy Caballero is likely to start in goal.
Striker Kelechi Iheanacho is available despite an injury scare in their
midweek Champions League play-off tie.
West Ham's Mark Noble should be fit despite missing Thursday's defeat by
Astra but Havard Nordtveit is likely to miss out with a foot injury.
Fellow midfielders Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini will be assessed.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Guy Mowbray: "To misquote Monty Python - what have the Romanians ever done
for us?
"Well, Steaua Bucharest have given Manchester City two nice easy training
games to hone their playing style under Pep Guardiola.
"Wednesday's 1-0 win was achieved with ease. It was practically an impromptu
testimonial match for Joe Hart.
"A day later it was a very different story, as Astra made West Ham's star
fall with a win at the London Stadium that did for the Hammers' European
hopes. Slaven Bilic was right to be "angry and frustrated".
"With some big players out and less time to prepare, it would be an even
bigger surprise than last year's first win at City in 11 visits if his team
does it again."
Twitter: @Guymowbray
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on being drawn to play Barcelona in
the Champions League: "I cannot deny this was special for me. I grew up in
Catalonia. I was 13 years old when I went to their academy and promoted to a
professional player and trainer.
"I spent most of my life there. I know the people there, most of the players
are still there. The emotion is there."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "We are all disappointed because it was a big
blow [going out of Europe].
"But we have to pick ourselves up and show character and quality. It wasn't
very likely for us to win there last season as Manchester City had started
great with five wins, 15 points and no goals conceded.
"There's no reason why we shouldn't do it again this season."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
I fancy City to win this one. West Ham have been hit by a few injuries and
were pretty ordinary for long spells against Bournemouth last week, although
the most important thing for them was winning the game.
Prediction: 2-0
Read Lawro's full predictions v four-time Olympic cycling champion Laura
Trott.
Think you can do better than Lawro? Predict the score for this match and the
rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in our Predictor Game.
Pep Guardiola
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Manchester City have only won one of their last four league games against
West Ham (D1, L2).
The Hammers won this fixture 2-1 last season - claiming their first league
victory at City since 2003.
Manchester City
Defeat would be Manchester City's 250th loss in the Premier League.
Sergio Aguero has 19 goals in his last 18 league games.
He has been involved in eight goals in his last seven Premier League matches
against West Ham (six goals, two assists).
Kevin de Bruyne has 14 assists in all competitions since debuting for
Manchester City, four more than any other player at the club.
Pep Guardiola has lost only eight of his 128 top-flight home league matches
as a manager, winning 110 and drawing 10 (a win ratio of 86%).
West Ham United
The Hammers claimed 30 points last term against the sides who ended in the
top half of the table (W8, D6, L4) - more than any other club.
Michail Antonio has scored seven headed goals in the Premier League since
the start of 2015-16, a joint-high with Olivier Giroud (prior to this
weekend's games).
They have scored in their last 15 Premier League games - the longest such
current run in the top flight.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 20%
Probability of home win: 68% Probability of away win: 12%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football
matches.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS CLOSING IN ON ZAZA CAPTURE
BY DAVID BOWDEN ON 26 AUGUST 2016 AT 11:20AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has confirmed the club is closing in on the
signing of Juventus forward Simone Zaza. His arrival will be a boost to the
Hammers after being embarrassed by Astra Giurgiu last night at the London
Stadium. Missed opportunities were the crux of the problem for the Irons
last night and the impending arrival of the Juventus man will be a welcome
one.
It is thought that he will initially join on a season-long loan deal with a
view to a permanent transfer next summer, which would smash the current
record fee paid by the Hammers. The fee will be in the region of 25 million
pounds for the Italian international. The 25-year-old had a stuttering start
to his career at Atlanta starting just three games before being transferred
to Sampdoria in 2010, where despite receiving many first team call-ups, he
would only make two appearances for Il Doria before being sent out on loan
to numerous Italian clubs. His first competitive goal came in the lower
echelons of Italian football for minnows Viareggio based in Tuscany. The
forward enjoyed a prosperous time bagging 11 goals in 18 appearances. That
record ensured he went up a few leagues to Ascoli, where his form continued
to improve scoring 18 goals in 35 games.
Juventus then bought the Italian outright after impressive loan spells, but
Zaza signed a co-agreement with Sassuolo, where he would ply his trade for a
couple of seasons. He went on to make 64 Serie A appearances for I Neroverdi
scoring 20 goals before moving to Turin permanently. He has, though, perhaps
unsurprisingly found first team chances limited at the Old Lady just
appearing in 19 matches scoring five goals, he has of course already scored
at his potential new home in the Hammers inaugural 'opening' against
Juventus, so Zaza should have good memories of the London Stadium.
After flitting around Italy, Zaza now looks set to make the East End his
home and is likely to go straight into the squad for Manchester City on
Sunday should he sign the paperwork in time. He is a player that Bilic has
admired for a long time having tried to welcome the Italian to Upton Park
last year only for the 25-year-old to decide he wanted to try and battle for
his place in the Juventus first team, but now it finally seems that Slaven
has his man.
In his pre-match Presser ahead of Sunday's clash against Pep Guardiola's
Manchester City, Bilic had this to say on the Zaza transfer. He said, "With
the Zaza situation, it looks very likely to happen and should happen today.
As far as I know the deal is agreed between the two clubs. "The personal
terms are also agreed and he is due into London today, so we hope it will be
done. "It's very positive and a boost. We've been trying for a long time now
to get a top-quality striker and he was always mentioned."
Another forward who might see his opportunities around the first team become
more frequent is Ashley Fletcher, who was one of few to impress for the
Irons last night. The former Manchester United man has seen opportunities
limited thus far, but his bright displays against Bournemouth and Astra have
not gone unnoticed by Bilic. The Croatian said, "Fletcher did really well
last night, and he also made a really big impact against Bournemouth. He's
one of the reasons we won. "He makes the pitch big. He did a really good
pre-season with us and scored goals against good opposition. "He is a very
bright lad and is willing to work, to train and to learn and to make
sacrifices and we'll benefit from him in the future."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Life bans for fighting fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have issued a statement in the wake of further crowd
disturbances at the Olympic Stadium during the Europa League clash with
Astra Giurgiu.
The club, who are already under scrutiny following previous ugly incidents
at the Olympic Stadium have confirmed that anyone involved in Thursday's
night's fracas will be banned from attending football matches for life.
"West Ham United condemn unreservedly the behaviour of individuals involved
in incidents captured on video during the fixture against Astra Giurgiu,"
began the statement, posted at whufc.com on Friday evening.
"This behaviour has no place in football and we will work with the police
and other stakeholders to identify the individuals involved.
"Once identified, they will be banned from attending any West Ham United
fixture for life and we will request the courts serve a banning order to
prevent these individuals attending any football.
"With more than 10,000 Under-16 Season Ticket Holders, we are a
family-friendly Club and our priority is maintaining an inclusive
environment for all home and away supporters.
"We will not allow one isolated incident to damage our supporters' and the
Club's reputation, hence our zero tolerance approach to this matter."
Small pockets of violence were witnessed around the stadium during the game
which Astra unexpectedly won 1-0, thereby confirming West Ham's exit from
the competition in the qualification rounds for the second season in
succession.
The most notable incidents, one of which was caught on video and posted to
social media appeared to occur in home areas of the ground in which a number
of away fans were also situated.
The clear need for more suitable security was also highlighted, with the
existing stadium team clearly ill-equipped - both professionally and
physically - to cope with the demands of a potentially-volatile football
crowd.
* The Met have confirmed that one man was been arrested as a result of last
night's unrest.
"A man was taken out of the stadium by stewards and arrested on suspicion of
ABH," read a statement. H"e was initially taken to hospital as a precaution,
but now is in custody at an east London police station.
"Enquiries continue to trace any other people who were involved in the
disturbance. Anyone found to have committed an offence will be dealt with by
police and football banning orders will be sought where appropriate."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zaza arrives in England
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's potential new record-braking signing jetted into London
this lunchtime ahead of talks and a medical.
According to gianlucadimarzio.com, Simone Zaza arrived in the capital
earlier today along with his father Antonio and Vincenzo Morabito, who often
accompanies Italian players abroad and will broker the deal.
Zaza arriving in London this lunchtime [Pic: Di Marzio}
According to Di Marzio, West Ham have agreed to pay around £28million to
sign 6'1"-tall Zaza, who has represented his country on 14 occasions.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Must do better
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th August 2016
By: Sir_Trevor
First game at the Olympic Stadium for me. A short summation - a fantastic
stadium fit for nights of great European football - and a team worthy of wet
Wednesday nights in the Conference.
The longer version: the club as a whole have messed up royally in Europe for
the second season running by trying to muddle through qualification before
putting together a team capable of competing. A striker was the single-most
important purchase of the close season and the club has failed to attract
one (at time of writing). Not having someone who could be a focal point for
attacks and put the ball in the net has cost us tonight. When will they
learn? Slav has to take some blame as well. I haven't seen much of Ashley
Fletcher before tonight but noticed he scored a couple in pre-season. But,
as soon as he came on, it was evident to everyone that he is by far the best
fit striker we have available and the most likely to create something.
Why has Slav been so reluctant to use him until now?
Ashley Fletcher should have started ahead of Jonathan Calleri. Several
people said after Sunday that they could see something in him, but I have
seen nothing from him yet other than a couple of missed chances he really
should have put away. I won't write him off yet, but there is no way that
he is ready to lead the line in the Premier League. The other new signings
(and Pedro Obiang) all need to show far much more to prove that, as a team,
we are not a one man team that can cope without Dimitri Payet. Also, as
Burnley showed against Liverpool and Hull have shown in their two games,
regardless of injuries, it should be possible for a Premier League club to
put out 11 players and organise them sufficiently well in an effective
formation, to get a result.
German referee Manuel Gräfe was appalling. He bought all their play-acting
and time-wasting and kept giving free kicks every time we put the ball in
the box, just because the 'keeper or a defender threw themselves to the
ground. Teams and referees like that do make me think we're better off out
of that competition - and tonight showed we haven't got the squad to cope
with a Europa League campaign anyway. I was disappointed when I realised
that I had missed out on a season ticket but I think the club have messed up
big time because, walking away, I just felt embarrassed. We have this
wonderful new stadium but have not put together a team worthy of playing in
it. I thought to myself that, with many more displays like that, I'll soon
enough be able to get a ticket, but I'll just be rattling around in a
half-empty stadium with a few other diehards.
If the club truly want to move to the next level and want to make a success
of the stadium then the first priority is to get the playing side sorted
and, so far, this summer's activity is looking deficient. I hope we keep
Fletcher and Reece Burke and don't loan them out as they look better bets at
the moment than many of the more senior players. However, Burke looked
uncomfortable on the left last night and we need to get in a versatile
defender who can cover the right and left. This and the striker, as so many
have said, should have been dealt with before the other positions we've
filled so far. All in all the report card for the whole club reads 'Must do
better'.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fans call for OS security overhaul
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Supporters have pleaded with West Ham United to introduce effective security
at the Olympic Stadium after yet more disturbing scenes inside the ground
last night. Stadium security - which is controlled by the arena's operators,
not West Ham - has been panned by Hammers fans this morning after the Europa
League clash with Astra was marred by yet more fights and disagreements.
Supporters posting on the KUMB Forum and social media post-match revealed
how a number of angry incidents took place inside thew stadium, whilst
inexperienced stewards either failed to intervene or in some cases, refused
to assist. As a result, a number of supporters have urged West Ham United to
raise the issue with the stadium operators as a matter of urgency, before a
serious incident occurs. "I have some significant experience in this field
and what I am seeing currently is going to end very badly," wrote KUMB
member AMC1964. "The incident in the East Stand could have been dealt with
very quickly if the stewards knew what they were doing. "Unfortunately
though, these folks are the bottom end of SIA [Security Industry Authority]
licensed staff and have very little experience in looking after football
crowds. They may have done brilliantly with the athletics and rugby lot, but
football is a very different game/crowd. "The bag searches were appalling,
the young steward with the search wand at Turnstile F hadn't even got it
turned on properly. Meanwhile there appeared to be about 200 away fans
un-segregated in the STBL - and whilst that may have been fine last night,
they need to up their game massively for a League game. "30 or 40
well-organised trouble-makers will cause absolute havoc in this ground at
present. I saw the response team on Sunday and they are going to get
destroyed if it kicks off."
Meanwhile the partner of a former Boleyn Ground steward revealed via the
KUMB Forum that it isn't just supporters who harbour major doubts about the
present security team's ability to deal with any type of large-scale
problem. "My partner was a steward for many years in the BMU, often in the
disabled section as that linked with his full time job," they wrote.
"He was prepared to give it a try at the new stadium and did actually work
as a steward at the first match, despite everything pointing towards the
organisation being somewhat lacking to say the least. "Suffice to say he
has decided to hang up his hi-viz jacket. He is not the only one. The
stewards he worked with were all well trained and had worked at West Ham for
many years, but a lot of them have not carried on."
"I don't think this lot have an utter clue what they're doing - and it's
getting to a point where something dangerous could now happen" - KUMB member
hammers92
In addition to the unsuitability of the current security team to effectively
police major football matches, fans were also disappointed that security
checks were not being carried out upon entering the stadium..
Further, the stadium's post-half time 'open door policy' - which has seen
ticketless fans enter the ground for the final 45 minutes of some games -
was also questioned.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic fumes as West Ham crash out of Europa League
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 26/08/16 8:49am
SSN
Simone Zaza will arrive too late to salvage West Ham's European dream after
they were dumped out by Astra Giurgiu. For the second year running, the
Romanian side ended West Ham's Europa League adventure in the qualifying
rounds, and to rub salt in the wounds inflicted their first defeat at the
London Stadium. A goal from 35-year-old former Barnsley and West Brom
midfielder Filipe Teixeira secured a 1-0 victory for the team currently 11th
in Romanian Liga 1. It meant a 2-1 aggregate defeat and no place in the
group stage for Slaven Bilic's side.
Italy striker Zaza is close to joining from Juventus, with boss Bilic
revealing: "I don't know the details, but we were in talks and it was quite
close. I would love it to happen."
But in the meantime, Bilic was left frustrated and angry as the Hammers
exited the competition before it had even really begun. He added: "We said
before that this was one of most important games for us this year. It was
like a final that we had to win to go through, so the disappointment is
massive. "I'm angry and frustrated, but I'm also disappointed because we
really wanted to go through. That's why we tried so hard last season, to get
this opportunity. "We wanted to play in Europe, we came so close and we
wanted to have that experience as a club, a club that is not often in
Europe."
A desperate evening had begun on a high note with West Ham announcing the
signing of young Swiss midfielder Edimilson Fernandes from FC Sion, but once
again it was evident a striker is what they desperately need. Instead, it
was left to rookie Argentinian forward Jonathan Calleri, then substitute
Ashley Fletcher and, by the end, centre-half James Collins to try, and
ultimately fail, to break down the visitors. They paid the price for an
uninspiring first half on the stroke of half-time when Sam Byram's
cross-field ball gave Reece Burke too much to do and left both Hammers
full-backs hopelessly out of position. Teixeira was able to stride into the
penalty area and slide the ball past Hammers goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
Astra keeper Silviu Lung was kept busy, but by no means under siege, as West
Ham huffed and puffed to no avail after the break. Jubilant Astra coach
Marius Sumudica, who only returned from a UEFA ban for betting on matches in
last week's home leg, beamed: "It was our evening. "We were also very lucky,
but in football you need a bit of luck to win and luck is on the side of the
strong ones. "This is one of the three best days in my life, pretty much the
same level as when my children were born - because I knew they were mine."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Don't blame me, says fight steward
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th August 2016
By: Staff Writer
The steward who was recorded standing by whilst a fight broke out in front
of him during last night's Europa League clash with Astra had defended his
actions.
Tunveer Teey Ch took to Facebook earlier today after videos of him failing
to intervene in the ugly scenes spread across social media.
The steward was accused of idly standing by whilst the fracas erupted in
front of him. However he has since taken to social media to refute
suggestions that he refused to act.
"I am the steward in orange," wrote Teey. "That's the fourth fight the
Indian guy had within two-and-a-half minutes. There's not much you can do.
"The guy started on everyone and I was in the midst of many punches thrown,
he was begging for it. My response team took ages to come and I don't have a
license to touch anyone.
"I told the Indian guy to go, but he had unfinished business."
The steward also explained how the fight - just one of many witnessed inside
the stadium since the move from Upton Park - began.
"The guy was standing up shouting random things aggressively and a supporter
behind him told him to sit down and not to swear. He swore at the lad in
front of his children, who received multiple punches.
"I broke that up but he got into another fight - and then another, with the
guy in a reddish top. Finally he got knocked down the stairs by the guy you
all see in the video."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City v West Ham preview: Claudio Bravo will not start for City
Last Updated: 26/08/16 3:54pm
SSN
New Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo will not go straight into the
team for the Super Sunday clash against West Ham.
Willy Caballero, who has played the first two league matches, is therefore
expected to feature again, even though Joe Hart kept a clean sheet in the
midweek Champions League play-off win over Steaua Bucharest.
Slaven Bilic believes West Ham United can pick themselves up after their
Europa League elimination by Astra Giurgiu and prove their character by
getting a result against City.
For the second year in a row, West Ham failed to make the competition's
group stage after being eliminated by Astra, following up a 1-1 draw in
Bucharest with a 1-0 defeat at the London Stadium on Thursday - their first
loss at their new home.
Despite the disappointment, Bilic believes his side can lift themselves and
get a result from Pep Guardiola's City, having masterminded a 2-1 victory in
the corresponding fixture last season.
"We are all disappointed because it was a big blow last night," Bilic told
reporters on Friday. "But we have to pick ourselves up and show character
and quality."
Team news
Striker Kelechi Iheanacho has been cleared of serious injury after being
carried off against Steaua, but captain Vincent Kompany, right-back Bacary
Sagna and midfielders Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan are not yet fit.
For West Ham, Bilic has recently been without his main creative threats,
Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini, but hopes at least one of them will be fit
to face City.
Skipper Mark Noble should be available after he rested a minor knock against
Astra, but fellow midfielder Havard Nordtveit is set to miss out.
Opta stats
City have lost only one of their last 10 Premier League meetings with West
Ham on home soil (W8 D1), though it did come last time out in September 2015
(1-2).
West Ham have beaten Man City just twice away from home in the Premier
League (D2 L11), 1-0 at Maine Road in 2003 and 2-1 at the Etihad in
September 2015.
Sergio Aguero has been involved in eight goals in his last seven Premier
League matches against West Ham United (six goals, two assists).
Aguero has scored 37 goals in 47 Premier League games against London teams
and six in eight league apps against West Ham United.
The Argentine striker is the fourth player to score a penalty in each of the
first two matchdays of a Premier League season (Duncan Ferguson in 2001/02,
Frank Lampard in 2012/13 and Roberto Soldado in 2013/14). None of those
players managed to continue the run into MD3.
West Ham have now scored in 15 successive Premier League matches - the
longest such current run in the competition.
Merson's predictions
West Ham fell over the line in their first league game at home and City
haven't really done anything wrong yet. They won well at Stoke and I think
they will be a bit more efficient this season.
West Ham have a tricky game on Thursday which could take a bit out of them.
Also, you can't work on team shape as much with a Thursday game so they
won't have as much time to prepare as City.
I didn't see too much change in City's first game against Sunderland but
since then they have scored four and five, so you can't really complain.
Guardiola is a winner and he gets teams going. I said at the start of the
season it's out of City, Manchester United and Chelsea and I can't see any
different.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 13/2)
Betting
Manchester City are just 2/7 with Sky Bet to secure the points on Super
Sunday, with West Ham up against odds of 9/1 for the win and 9/2 just to
secure a draw.
Aguero heads the first goalscorer betting at just 5/2 while the market in
wide open on the Hammers' side as Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho are
considered their main threat at 11/1 apiece.
All of the Soccer Saturday pundits are backing Aguero to net in a City win,
including Charlie Nicholas' 28/1 fancy for the Argentina star to score twice
in a 3-1 home win.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham condemn London Stadium violence after arrest confirmed
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 26/08/16 5:47pm
SSN
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the arrest of one man filmed fighting
inside West Ham's London Stadium on Thursday.
The incident took place during the Hammers' 1-0 defeat by Romanian champions
Astra Giurgiu, a result that saw the Premier League side knocked out of the
Europa League before the group stage.
A video was posted on social media which showed one man punching another
before being escorted away from the seating area by stewards.
A statement from the Met Police read: "A man was taken out of the stadium by
stewards and arrested on suspicion of ABH [actual bodily harm]. He was
initially taken to hospital as a precaution, but now is in custody at an
east London police station.
"Enquiries continue to trace any other people who were involved in the
disturbance. Anyone found to have committed an offence will be dealt with by
police and football banning orders will be sought where appropriate."
The reaction from West Ham was swift, as well, with the club issuing a
statement of their own promising tough action against any individuals found
guilty.
"West Ham United condemn unreservedly the behaviour of individuals involved
in incidents captured on video during the fixture against Astra Giurgiu,"
their statement read.
"This behaviour has no place in football and we will work with the police
and other stakeholders to identify the individuals involved.
"Once identified, they will be banned from attending any West Ham United
fixture for life and we will request the courts serve a banning order to
prevent these individuals attending any football."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to sign Simone Zaza from Juventus
By Andrew Dickson
Last Updated: 26/08/16 4:35pm
SSN
West Ham hope to complete the signing of Italy international forward Simone
Zaza from Serie A champions Juventus on Friday. The London club's manager
Slaven Bilic has confirmed the striker has agreed personal terms over a move
to east London. Zaza will move initially on loan with an option to buy, but
he only arrived in England for his medical on Friday afternoon - too late to
make the West Ham squad for their Premier League fixture away to Manchester
City on Sunday. Bilic said on Friday morning: "With the Zaza situation, it
looks very likely to happen and should happen today. "As far as I know, the
deal is agreed between the clubs. The personal terms are also agreed and he
is due in London today, so we hope it will be done. "It's very positive and
it's a boost. We've been trying for a long time now to get a top-quality
striker and he was always mentioned."
Zaza was in and out of the Juventus team last season but still scored eight
goals in 24 appearances and has spent one campaign with them after a
previous loan spell there when he was at Sampdoria. The 25-year-old was also
in the Italy squad which reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 under new
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. Zaza was ridiculed in some quarters for his
unconventional run up to take a penalty in the shoot-out of their last-eight
defeat to Germany.
After taking several small steps, he put the ball over the crossbar in
Italy's eventual 6-5 defeat after a 0-0 draw in Bordeaux. Zaza has already
played at the London Stadium this season, scoring Juventus' winner in their
3-2 friendly victory against West Ham earlier this month.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spain: Casillas out, Adrian in
By Football Espana staff
Iker Casillas' Spain career looks to be over as West Ham United's Adrian is
picked over the Porto goalkeeper in Julen Lopetegui's first squad. Casillas
had lost his No 1 jersey to David de Gea at Euro 2016, and the veteran's
fall sees him lose out to former Real Betis shot-stopper Adrian, despite the
presence of Lopetegui – the Coach who took him to Porto last summer – at the
helm. Elsewhere, there are returns in defence for Dani Carvajal, Javi
Martinez and converted full-back Sergi Roberto, while a youthful midfield is
headed by call-ups for Saul Niguez and Marco Asensio. Finally, a revamped
forward line boasts Diego Costa, Paco Alcacer and Vitolo, with only Alvaro
Morata, Lucas Vazquez and Nolito surviving from the summer's European
Championship. The Lopetegui era officially begins against Roberto Martinez's
Belgium in a friendly on September 1, before La Roja get their 2018 World
Cup qualifying campaign under way versus Lichtenstein four days later.
Spain squad in full: De Gea (Manchester United), Reina (Napoli), Adrian
(West Ham United); Pique (Barcelona), Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Sergi
(Barcelona), Carvajal (Real Madrid), Martinez (Bayern Munich), Alba
(Barcelona), Azpilicueta (Chelsea); Saul (Atletico Madrid), Asensio (Real
Madrid), Busquets (Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Koke (Atletico
Madrid), Silva (Manchester City), Vazquez (Real Madrid), Alcacer (Valencia),
Nolito (Manchester City), Morata (Real Madrid), Costa (Chelsea), Vitolo
(Sevilla)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic explains what role Edimilson Fernandes will play at West Ham
United this season
HITC
Michael Stevenson
The promising midfielder will be involved with the first-team. Slaven Bilic
has shed light on the role that he expects new signing Edimilison Fernandes
to play, in an interview with the club's official website. The 20-year old
midfielder comes highly-rated from Switzerland and Bilic wants him to make a
first-team impact this season. "He's a good player who we've been watching
for a whole year," said the Hammers boss "He's very young, a good midfielder
and is not only for the future. "We are not expecting him to come now and
change the game for us, but we didn't buy him as a talent to loan; we want
him to be part of the squad and play this year. "He's very talented and can
play in a few positions. He has good pace, good legs, good physique, good
skill and a great mentality. He's a good signing for us," he added.
Fernandes faces a tough challenge to break into an attacking midfield that
boasts the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Sofiane Feghouli but
he will be hopeful of making an immediate impact. Bilic was speaking after
last night's disappointing defeat to Astra Guirgiu, a result that denies the
club the chance to enjoy European football in their first season at the
Olympic Stadium. West Ham were without a host of key men for the crucial
encounter and failed to break down a stout Astra defence after conceding a
sloppy goal on the stroke of half-time. Bilic's men improved in the second
half but couldn't find the net with any of their 17 attempts on goal. New
signing Jonathan Calleri missed two guilt-edged chances and fans will hope
that isn't a worrying sign of things to come. Fellow new boy Ashley Fletcher
provided some cause for optimism with an exciting cameo but it ultimately
turned into a night to forget for the East London club.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GRRR…. BOO… BOOOO ….. BOOOOOOOO!
By Terence Bates 26 Aug 2016 at 06:37
WTID
'Get off the pitch you muppet!'… 'You're shite mate!'… 'My effing Nan can
play better than that!'… 'What a donkey!' Booooooooo…… and on it goes….
Whoaoh everyone. Talk about doom and gloom. we lost to Astra again, yes it's
painful, but let's get some perspective…
1. Astra are not Real Madrid, but they are not Accrington Stanley either.
Astra won their league last season, there is good football in Romania, they
are a useful side.
2. We could have scored 6/7/8 goals such were our chances, and whilst luck
played a big part in this, we didn't take those chances. This was a very
one-sided game. We could have won even with a second string filled with
young prospects, but we didn't. That's life, move on.
3. Their goalkeeper had the game of his life.
4. Out injured Payet, Lanzini, Noble, Carroll, Sahko, Ayew, Cresswell
Sofiane Feghouli etc… almost all our first choice players.
5. Astra scored with virtually the only one chance they had, a sucker punch
against the run of play. It happens.
6. Did we really need the distraction of the Europa League at the moment? We
are not ready, are we? We do not have a high enough quality squad to foray
into Europe and succeed on the domestic front at the same time coping with
inevitable injuries, few teams do. Let's be realistic, this will take time
and money.
For me the most noticeable aspects of the Astra game was how we missed Noble
and just like in the game against Bournemouth we lacked a killer finisher.
Of course this is ignoring the absence of Payet. This is a carry on from
last season where we achieved a lofty position, yet we still lacked that
killer striker that could have really elevated us in the top four. When
Payet was out last season we couldn't score for toffee, but did grind out a
succession of draws. As unpopular as this is I wish we had buried the
hatchet and signed Jermain Defoe. This was one of those frustrating games
and had we played for a month of Sundays we may still not of scored, yet a
player like Defoe can make the difference as he has shown at Sunderland.
And new boys Tore, Calleri and Nordveit? Before we execute them after three
games shall we take a step back?
Tore hasn't made an impact yet and yes maybe, he won't. His strengths are
passing and running with the ball to create chances (There wasn't this
berating noise after he flighted in a beautiful cross for Antonio to score
against Bournemouth… was there?). His weaknesses are in challenging for the
ball and as a result any defensive contribution, it is noticeable, it could
be a problem.
Nordviet? He was a constant in Gladbach's team for 200 games in the
Bundeslige over 6 seasons. Last season they qualified for the Champions
league, he arrived on the back of being out of contract with Gladbach. He is
a ball winner and has good stats for passing accuracy and completion, he put
in some inch perfect long balls to set up attacks against Astra. He needs
time to settle, I think he is a good player but clearly not a great player.
His weaknesses are when he goes forward he loses concentration and can lose
possession. However, you don't play 200 games in the Bundeslige consistently
for one club without being a useful player.
Calleri, is a rookie striker and what I would call a punt. He is on loan and
like Lanzini it is a punt based on showing promise and potential that could
lead to a permanent transfer. His stats for scoring are around 1 goal per 3
games. He is not prolific in the goal scoring department, it is there for us
all to see, this player is unlikely to score more than 12 goals per season.
But he still needs time to prove himself and those statistics wrong, he is a
young apprentice after all.
One other note my seat is within touching distance of the subs and coaches
seating. It is an interesting position to watch the players expressions. If
you really want to see us struggle this season then continue getting on the
back of players like Valencia, Calleri, Tore and Nordviet, berate them
destroy their confidence, make them scared to try, force them out and also
show the other players sitting next to them what they have in store for them
should they have a bad day at the office. Let's create a horrible
environment for all West Ham players to both play in and sit close to the
spectators.
Confidence is a huge part of success and even the best players can lose
confidence and have bad runs, look at Valencia. Bilic is a good motivator,
yet all his good work could easily be screwed up by the boo boys and
impatience of certain supporters that kill players confidence.
So let's not morph into a poor man's Arsenal… let's be smart and mature,
let's be the 12th man, not the bogey man.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
