West Ham United v Bolton Wanderers: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United return to Carabao Cup action on Tuesday evening when the
Hammers take on Bolton Wanderers in the Third Round.
Read on to find out all the information you need to know about this midweek
fixture including team news, ticket information and the Fourth Round draw.
Where and when?
West Ham United v Bolton Wanderers will be played at the London Stadium on
Tuesday 19th September at 19:45 BST.
How to follow:
You can follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com, with
updates also available on Twitter throughout the afternoon. You can also
follow the match in different ways on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels!
Tuesday's match has not been selected for television or radio coverage but
highlights of the action will be available on the official West Ham United
channels after the final whistle.
Team news:
Having sustained an injury against West Brom it is unlikely that James
Collins will be available for this fixture.
Updates will be provided on the Welshman's condition, as well as the latest
on Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Edimilson Fernandes, after Slaven Bilic's
press conference on Monday afternoon.
Match officials:
Referee: Simon Hooper
Assistant Referees: Adam Crysell & Akil Howson
Fourth Official: Graham Horwood
Meet the opposition:
Despite being in the Premier League for the majority of this century the
last five years have not been too kind to Bolton Wanderers, with the club
dropping down to the third tier of English football.
Phil Parkinson has returned the Trotters to the Championship at the first
attempt but Bolton have struggled so far on their return to the division,
collecting just two points from their opening eight matches.
The Carabao Cup could however prove a welcome distraction for Bolton's
players and in a one-off game the Trotters may be tricky opposition for the
Hammers.
Player to watch:
Although he started the last two league contests on the bench, Andre Ayew
has made a decent impact in both our win over Huddersfield and draw with
West Brom, including scoring the second goal in last Monday's victory.
The Ghanian international is likely to return to the starting XI for this
Carabao Cup contest, having scored in our last Cup fixture - the win over
Cheltenham Town - and has the opportunity to once again impress.
Should the 27-year-old do so he could earn himself a run in the starting XI
for coming home league matches with Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City.
Head-to-head
Recent history in this fixture is not in West Ham's favour. The Irons have
not beaten Bolton in any competition since 2007, losing the last eight
fixtures.
The most recent of these came in April 2011 when two goals from loanee
Daniel Sturridge helped Bolton to a 3-0 win over the Hammers.
Slaven Bilic's men will be desperate to end this run of losses on Tuesday.
Last five meetings:
Bolton Wanderers 3-0 West Ham United, Premier League, April 9 2011
West Ham United 1-3 Bolton Wanderers, Premier League, August 21 2010
West Ham United 1-2 Bolton Wanderers, Premier League, March 6 2010
Bolton Wanderers 3-1 West Ham United, Premier League, December 15 2009
Bolton Wanderers 3-1 West Ham United, League Cup, September 22 2009
When is the Fourth Round draw?
Should West Ham beat Bolton then the Irons will be in the Fourth Round draw
of the Carabao Cup.
The Carabao Cup Round Four draw will take place on Wednesday 20 September
and will be broadcast live live on Sky Sports News following the Manchester
United v Burton Albion live contest.
How to get there:
There are four train stations that supporters are recommended to utilise to
reach the London Stadium.
Stratford Station makes use of the Central and Jubilee lines as well as the
DLR, Overground and TfL Rail.
Stratford International also uses the DLR line and National Rail.
Pudding Mill Lane is on the DLR line and is just south of the London Stadium
while Hackney Wick makes use of the London Overground.
Ticket information:
A number of fans are expected to collect tickets for the Bolton Wanderers
fixture on the day. West Ham United would like to advise supporters picking
up tickets that they should do so from the North Ticket Office and should
therefore approach the stadium using Bridge 2.
Supporters making use of the Club London hospitality are advised to approach
the London Stadium using Bridge 3.
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James Collins receives positive news from ankle scan
WHUFC.com
James Collins has been handed a boost with the news that the ankle injury he
suffered in Saturday's 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion is not as serious as
originally feared. The Wales international was forced off 13 minutes into
the second half at The Hawthorns, after picking up the knock just before
half-time and attempting to carry on. Collins left the stadium on crutches
but a scan this morning has revealed only a sprain and the 34-year-old is
likely to be back in action within two to three weeks. Head of Medical
Services Gary Lewin said: "It's good news for James in the sense that it is
not long-term or as serious as it perhaps looked at the time. "He is the
type of player who will run through brick walls for you and will be
desperate to get back as quickly as he can, but we will manage him very
carefully and ensure he returns when the time is right."
Lewin also revealed further good news on the injury front, with captain Mark
Noble recovered from a minor knee problem and Edimilson Fernandes and Manuel
Lanzini both making good progress. "Mark has returned to full training and
is available for selection tomorrow," he said. "Edimilson is progressing
well following the ankle sprain he suffered on international duty with
Switzerland, and should resume full training in the next few days. "Manuel
Lanzini is a bit further away but still on schedule in terms of his
rehabilitation from the knee injury that he irritated up at Newcastle last
month. "He is back on the training pitches and working hard, and we are
looking at him being available again after the next international break."
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Noble: I'd love to lead the Hammers to the Carabao Cup final
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble hopes to be fit enough to return to action and lead West Ham
United's charge down the road to Wembley. The Hammers captain was ruled out
of the Premier League fixtures with Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich
Albion with a knee injury, but has returned to training and hopes to play
some part in Tuesday's Carabao Cup fourth round meeting with Bolton
Wanderers at London Stadium. Having reached the semi-finals of the
competition on two previous occasions – in 2011 and 2014 – Noble would love
to go one better and lead his boyhood club out at the Home of Football in
February. "I trained over the weekend and am hoping to be fit enough to play
some part," said the skipper, who has appeared in 17 League Cup ties in
Claret and Blue. "If I do play, I'll certainly be determined to end our
recent record against Bolton. I was told we have lost the last eight games
against them, which is an unbelievable run. "The last time we beat Bolton,
Carlos Tevez scored two and I got one of my favourite goals, a volley, when
we were fighting to escape relegation ten years ago. We need to end that run
tonight! "The manager may choose to change things up a bit but, whoever he
picks, we have the quality in the squad and the motivation to get through to
the fourth round. I've been to the semi-finals of this competition twice and
would love to reach the final."
Noble rightly sees West Ham as favourites to see off the Championship's
bottom club, who have failed to win any of the eight league matches they
have contested this season. But with a manager in charge who has already led
a League Two club to the League Cup final in Phil Parkinson, the No16 is
taking nothing for granted. "Tuesday's tie presents us with an opportunity
to win another home game and to get through to the last 16 of a competition
we believe we can win," he confirmed. "Bolton will not make things easy,
though. They might not have made a great start to the season in the
Championship, but cup matches are a different proposition and they will come
to London Stadium motivated and believing they can pull off an upset. "In
addition, their manager Phil Parkinson has already led a League Two club,
Bradford City, to the final of this tournament, so he will certainly not be
intimidated. So, as is always the case, we will need to be on it from the
kick-off and not give Bolton a chance to settle here, as we did against
Huddersfield Town in the Premier League last week."
*Standard Tickets for Tuesday's Carabao Cup fourth round tie between West
Ham United and Bolton Wanderers are on General Sale now. Secure your seat
here now!
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Ladies must address 'small margins' after Chichester loss – De Carnys
WHUFC.com
Greg De Carnys has called on his West Ham United Ladies side to become
harder to beat after Sunday's loss to Chichester City. Despite looking the
better team in the opening period the West Ham Ladies fell to an unfortunate
4-0 defeat – a result which didn't completely reflect how the game played
out. Two quick finishes in the second period from a defensive error and a
world-class half-volley had put Chichester ahead before two other goals
later in the half. It continues a poor run of result for De Carnys's side
but the first team manager has hailed the quality showed by his players in
the first half of Sunday's match. And De Carnys has now called on the
ladies to show the quality needed to win these games and become a stronger
team defensively. "It was a tale of two halves," De Carnys told whufc.com:
"The girls showed some real determination in the first half and it was
pleasing to see the way the girls took on board everything we had worked on
in training this week. We competed well and overall, we had the upper hand.
"Then the two early goals in the second half broke our resolve and that was
very disappointing to see. It's small margins at this level and in our last
two league games now we've not had the quality to make it count during our
spells of pressure.
"We've conceded too many goals and we need to make sure we are harder to
beat going forward."
The West Ham Ladies return to action on Wednesday at Rush Green in what is
an important contest against Charlton Athletic. And De Carnys Is already
looking to put right the wrongs he saw in Sunday's loss in the midweek
fixture. He added: "We have another game on Wednesday to put it right but it
will require all the character we have spoken so much about against a very
strong Charlton outfit. I have made it very clear to the girls that this is
a squad game and we will need all the ladies, collectively, to pull together
and put it right."
De Carnys also offered special praise to the developmental team, which
defeated QPR in a stunning 11-0 victory. The first team manager added: "The
development squad had an unbelievable result against QPR winning 11-0 and I
can't ask for more from Myles and those players."
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Browne ready to continue comeback against Liverpool
WHUFC.com
Marcus Browne expressed his delighted at returning to action in a West Ham
United shirt and admitted he can't wait to turn out again for the U23s on
Monday.
Browne started in the Hammers' 3-1 defeat to Leicester City in Premier
League 2 last week, playing his first minutes since April after a lengthy
injury lay-off due to a knee problem. The attacker completed 45 minutes for
Terry Westley's men and was a constant threat at the King Power Stadium
before the hosts took control in the second period. And Browne this week has
the opportunity to work on his fitness further as Liverpool – top of
Division 1 after four successive wins – visit Dagenham and Redbridge's
Chigwell Construction Stadium. "Hopefully I can get some more minutes in the
tank against Liverpool to help with the fitness," the 19-year-old said.
"It's a big game for everyone involved as they have started well. "It's a
chance for us to bounce back after the Leicester game and a chance to put
things right and get back to winning ways. "It felt really good to be out
there against Leicester. It's been a long five months. I'm grateful to the
medical department we have at the Club as they've been tough on me, but it's
what I've needed. "I'd have expected nothing less, so yes, I'm very
grateful. "Training has also been good, the boys are training at a good
standard and it's tough but it's just the way we like it."
The Foxes fielded the likes of experienced Robert Huth and summer signing
Kelechi Iheanacho last week, meaning Browne's return was made even more of a
challenge. But the forward, who captained the U23s a number of times last
season before a loan spell at Wigan Athletic, was pleased with the test. "It
was a strong Leicester squad with some highly-rated first team players. But
it was a good test for me and the boys. "Of course it's always hard playing
against a player who is full of experience and has played in the Premier
League week-in, week-out for so many years, and I think their experience
showed. "It made it really hard for us. But these are the challenges we
thrive off and it'll only make us better players. "For now I'm just going to
continue working on and off the pitch with the physio department and the
coaches to rebuild my fitness until I'm at a stage where I'm ready to play a
full 90 minutes."
Tickets are free for Season Ticket Holders for Monday's clash – which
kicks-off at 7pm – against Liverpool at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Tickets for non-Season Ticket Holders are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for
children and concessions.
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Foundation delivering unique opportunities through PL/BT Disability Fund
WHUFC.com
For Sajid Shafiq, the West Ham United Foundation has given him and his son
unique and life-changing opportunities. He has been taking his son Luka, who
is on the autistic spectrum, to the Foundation's inclusive football sessions
since the PL/BT Disability Fund started in 2016.
Whilst he enjoyed watching Luka, who is a keen young footballer who has
taken to the sessions at the Foundation with impressive enthusiasm, Sajid
was always looking to do more.
So when he learnt that there may be an opportunity to gain his football
coaching badges and develop himself and his son through the Foundation, he
jumped at the chance.
"The inclusive programmes the Foundation run are fantastic, but I was
interested to know how I could help and get more involved" said Sajid.
"Rashid (the Foundation's Employability & Coach Education Manager) has been
a great tutor, and I've learnt so much from the Level 1 course that I can
now take forward to help both my son and other children and young people
within the programme."
For the Foundation, 'inclusive' work and delivery is absolutely vital.
Projects working with SEN youngsters and those with a disability have spread
into more schools than before, with the Foundations own inclusive sessions
engaging with other 500 youngsters and young adults with a disability. All
of this work is done with a view to those participants then being able to
follow a pathway into other sessions, just like any other participant. Many
Disability groups and charities now come to the Foundation to access their
coaches to deliver football or multi-sport sessions, host and run
tournaments, seek advice or even book awareness talks delivered by the head
of inclusion.
"It is important to us at the Foundation that our work is never seen in any
way as a 'tick-box' exercise", said Austin Hughes, Community Sport Manager
at the Foundation. "We have put on great sessions and linked many more
participants, not just specifically to football but physical activity as a
whole, which can bring many health benefits. Our next aim is to start to
spread that awareness and inclusive nature onwards."
The PL/BT Disability Fund was launched as a national programme to be
delivered by 22 clubs in 2016 to create possibilities for disabled people
through sport - helping to remove the barriers that mean, at present,
disabled people are half as likely to participate in sport as non-disabled
people.
During that first season, the West Ham United Foundation played a prominent
role, not only supporting the launch of the programme here at the Stadium
but also delivering some great support and sessions. After a great first
season, how exactly could the Foundation build on what it has already done?
One of the first actions for the new year within the PL/BT Disability Fund
has been to bring the parents and families around the participants closer to
the work – and Sajid has immediately benefited from this shift. Around any
disability, especially those such as Autism of which Sajid's son Luka lives
with, it can be difficult for parents to find that time to link with their
children doing what they enjoy.
"All parents are passionate about their children, so we know exactly what it
can mean to other parents to learn that they can become involved in this
way" said Austin. "That's why we were so keen to be able to offer this
coaching qualification to Sajid."
Sajid has now completed his FA Level 1 coaching badge through the
Foundation, and will not only be able to coach as a volunteer, but also be
able to link directly with his son in doing something that he enjoys. Rather
than standing to the side and just watching, Sajid can now become a very
real part of the sessions his son enjoys. His point of view as a parent will
also further guide and help the Foundation in setting more sessions, as well
as bring reassurance to any parents bringing new youngsters to our sessions.
For Sajid, this is just the beginning. "I'm delighted to have my coaching
badge now, and thank the West Ham United Foundation for all their support
through it. I'm now looking forward to getting out on the grass and
coaching!"
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West Ham's Boleyn Ground legacy continues as car park turned into school
playground
ES Sport
West Ham have extended their proud connection with Upton Park after Hammers
legend Sir Trevor Brooking opened new recreational facilities in the shadow
of the former Boleyn Ground. The new sports and play area, built on the
former site of the ground's car park which was gifted to St Edward's
Catholic Primary School in Green Street, was opened by Sir Trevor, Hammers
Under-23s midfielder Noha Sylvestre and Ladies' vice-captain Amber Stobbs.
Speaking at the school, Sir Trevor said: "In the heart of East London, to
get an area the size of this is fantastic and what they've put on it is
amazing really. The only downside is that the kids won't want to go to their
lessons! "The youngsters are going to have a lot of fun, it's all in claret
and blue and that link to the club is very strong. It's important for those
that have been here quite a while to retain that link with the club because
we're now only in striking distance of the old ground and the claret and
blue at the school will make sure that there is a lasting legacy here."
Headteacher at St Edward's, Chris Mabey, praised the West Ham United
Foundation's involvement in the school, saying: "Having the Foundation in
the school really motivates the students and they really look forward to
having the coaches in the school. "After years of wishing that we could have
a playground like this, and when West Ham decided they'd be moving onto the
London Stadium, we didn't imagine anything on this scale. It has really
transformed playtimes, PE and outdoor learning and the pupils' whole school
day."
St Edward's Catholic School, who were previously based on the site of the
former ground, was relocated at West Ham's expense in September 2000 to the
present site in Green Street following the development of a new main stand
at the Boleyn Ground in 2000.
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Lanzini facing another month off
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th September 2017
By: Staff Writer
Manuel Lanzini - who was tipped to return against Tottenham this weekend -
is unlikely to play again until the end of the next international break. The
Argentine midfielder has featured just the once for West Ham since damaging
a knee during the club's pre-season tour of Austria and Germany and,
according to Head Medic Gary Lewin, is unlikely to be seen again until
mid-October at the earliest. "Manuel is still on schedule in terms of his
rehabilitation from the knee injury that he irritated up at Newcastle last
month," Gary Lewin told whufc.com. "He is back on the training pitches and
working hard, and we are looking at him being available again after the next
international break."
The 24-year-old played the entire second half of West Ham's 3-0 defeat at St
James Park on 26 August having replaced Declan Rice at half time, but has
been ruled out since. He is likely to miss the forthcoming Carabao Cup clash
against Bolton (Carabao Cup) and the Premier League matches against
Tottenham (h), Swansea (h) and Burnley (a).
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Collins back by October
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th September 2017
By: Staff Writer
James Collins has been given the good news that he could be back in first
time action as early as the beginning of October. The 33-year-old centre
half collapased in agony midway through the second half of Saturday's
goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns and was
immediately diagnosed with ligament damage to the ankle. However a scan has
revealed that the damge is far less serious than first thought and as a
result, the Welsh international should be back in full training within two
to three weeks. "It's good news for James in the sense that it is not
long-term or as serious as it perhaps looked at the time," said West Ham's
experienced Head Medic Gary Lewin. "He is the type of player who will run
through brick walls for you and will be desperate to get back as quickly as
he can, but we will manage him very carefully and ensure he returns when the
time is right."
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Bilic defends Hernandez decision
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th September 2017
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic appears determined to continue with Andy Carroll as his central
striker - despite forking out £16million during the summer in order to
purchase Javier Hernandez. The Mexican international cut a forlorn figure as
he trudged off the field at West Brom on Saturday afternoon having been
substituted for the second successive match after once again failing to make
an impact. The manager's insistance on playing Hernandez out of position on
the left of a three-pronged attack has led to much criticism from the fan
base - however Bilic seems determined to continue with his experiment in
order to accomodate Carroll. "Andy is always a threat," Bilic told
whufc.com. "It is very important for him to get the games under his belt. He
looks good now, touch wood. "This was his second game; he looks fit, he
looks competitive and the quality will come through in the games. It's a big
boost for us and hopefully long may it continue. "He looked unhappy [when
substituted] but we have quality players on the bench and we changed the
whole three up front because we had Ayew, Arnautovic and Sakho. I was very
happy with the way they kept the shape, defended and pressed."
Carroll, who was replaced by Diafra Sakho with eight minutes of play
remaining at The Hawthorns enjoyed three of West Ham's nine efforts at goal
during the game. Meanwhile Hernandez, playing to the left of Carroll didn't
take a single shot - and managed to touch the ball just ONCE in Albion's box
during the entire match.
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West Ham's James Collins set to miss a month after suffering ankle injury in
West Brom draw
KEN DYER
ES Sport
West Ham centre-half James Collins looks set to face at least a month out of
action after injuring an ankle in the goalless draw at West Brom. The Wales
defender was due to have a scan today and there are fears he could have
suffered ligament damage. The 34-year-old has played a significant role in
West Ham's defensive improvement after they conceded 10 goals in their first
three Premier League matches and his absence will be a major blow for
manager Slaven Bilic. For the matches against Huddersfield and West Brom,
the Hammers boss changed to a back-three, including the vastly-experienced
Collins, and his team kept clean sheets in both games. Collins picked up the
injury in the first half but carried on before having to be replaced after
half-time. Bilic was today hoping that the injury is not too serious, but
Collins is certain to miss next Saturday's home match against Tottenham and
the match against Swansea seven days later. Bilic has options, with Angelo
Ogbonna, who looks certain to play against Bolton in tomorrow's Carabao Cup
tie, coming in or moving Pablo Zabaleta into a back-three. Zabaleta is
highly likely to be rested for tomorrow's match against Bolton. The
Argentine has been booked four times this season and needs just one more
yellow card before being given a one-match ban. Bilic is sure to make other
changes, too, with Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez likely to be rested.
Captain Mark Noble is fit again after injury and should come in, along with
full-backs Arthur Masuaku and Sam Byram. Marko Arnautovic, who came on as a
second-half substitute at West Brom after serving a three-match ban, will be
given more game time, while Diafra Sakho is also expected to start.
Meanwhile, Bilic has answered criticism that he is playing Hernandez out of
position. The Mexico striker has been deployed in a wide left role in the
last two matches but Bilic said: "He was not wide-wide, but more off the
striker."
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'It is almost impossible' Slaven Bilic admits he is struggling to fit West
Ham duo Javier Hernandez and Andy Carroll into their positions
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says it is 'almost impossible' to fit both
Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez up front together. Since the return of
Carroll to the starting eleven, the former Manchester United striker, who
joined the Hammers from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, has been deployed
out on the left-wing to little effect. Against both Huddersfield and West
Brom the Mexican international struggled to get into the areas in and around
the penalty area where he has been so successful in the Premier League,
although he did strike the crossbar against the Terriers. "It is possible,"
Bilic said when asked about playing the pair up front together. "I am
thinking about them the most but it is hard to have them both in their
natural positions. "It is hard to do that and then have three at the back,
then with Antonio and Arnautovic, it is almost impossible."
The Croatian also revealed that, in an attempt to manage his fitness,
Carroll will play no part in their League Cup Third Round tie with Bolton
Wanderers on Tuesday night. "We have to manage him," he added. "He looks
good and fit, hopefully he will last for ages now without an injury, touch
wood. "He isn't going to play tomorrow."
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West Ham fans urge Bilic to give Sead Haksabanovic his first start against
Bolton
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham United take on Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday
night. West Ham United are in Carabao Cup action on Tuesday night, as they
take on League One side Bolton Wanderers at the London Stadium. The Hammers
beat Cheltenham Town in the last round of the competition to set up a Third
Round clash with Bolton, as Slaven Bilic looks to pick up a victory. After
beating Huddersfield Town 2-0 last Monday night for their first league win
of the season, West Ham picked up a point with a 0-0 draw at West Brom on
Saturday. Tuesday's clash with Bolton gives Bilic a chance to rotate his
side, with summer signing Sead Haksabanovic possibly hoping to make his
first start for the club. Haksabanovic, 18, joined West Ham from Swedish
side Halmstads after hitting 13 goals in 70 games, and the Hammers now hope
that he can develop into a first-team star. The midfielder, who already has
one cap for Montenegro to his name, hasn't featured for the West Ham first
team yet, and fans believe that facing Bolton gives Bilic the ideal chance
to play him. Fans took to Twitter to name their ideal line-ups for the game
against Bolton, and many included Haksabanovic in their side, believing this
is the perfect opportunity to see him in action. Others have noticed that
Haksabanovic wasn't in the West Ham Under-23 side against Liverpool this
evening, suggesting that he could be in the squad for Tuesday night – and
fans are begging to see him in action alongside fellow youngster Nathan
Holland.
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Bilic transcript: Every word from the West Ham boss on Carroll & Hernandez,
stability & Bolton clash
Miss anything from the press conference? We've got you covered
Football london
COMMENTS
BYSAM INKERSOLE
15:22, 18 SEP 2017
How happy were you with the point at West Brom?
Look, we wanted to win the game of course but a point away is never a bad
point if we look at the big picture. If we look at the week, our priorities
to solve after Newcastle game - we conceded ten goals, we needed our
priority being getting stability back. Since then we have been working on
that, we got four points, two clean sheets, changed the system a little bit
and that worked for us really well. So we have the stability back, we
stopped that fall, you know? To be fair, we stopped the opponent by in two
games creating maybe one chance. It's a lot to build on, we can feel it
during, after the games, training, now is the time to get the second part of
being very dangerous and creating chances. So, that game was not a beautiful
game but very few are up there. Not just down to them but also on us, the
priority was to be compact, solid and stop them from counter attacking or
being dangerous in their patterns and not to be like last year were we were
4-0 down in an hour. We are not overwhelmed with our performance, we have to
add to that, add more creation and chances, that will come with confidence,
maintaining this pattern with points and also with some players to come
bacj. We are missing that kind of player creating things, for that I mean
mostly Manuel Lanzini.
How much of a blow to lose James Collins?
It looked worse, could have been a few months but it's only going to be a
few weeks. He done the scan, it is not ideal of course, but I expected worse
to be fair.
The Foster incident? The red card? No. I saw before a lot of those, when you
play at home the referee gives the red card but this was a fair decision
from the referee. He wasn't the last man and it was just mis-timed, not
brutal.
All points with Andy Carroll - how good is it to have him back?
Two things have hapened. We changed system then at the same time, he has
been available for us. Of course we have to manage him, he looks good, fit
and is training, hopefully he will last because that was his problem for
ages. He isn't going to play tomorrow for example, we have to try to manage
him. We tried that last year, two years ago too to be fair but it didn't
help. We are doing it a bit differently this season, maybe he was available
for Newcastle but knowing he had the break, gave us two more week,s we said
no, let him train. Definitely we will never say never of course but we will
never rush him or let him, when he just comes back, avoid him playing three
games a week for 90 minutes.
What is the chance of Javier Hernandez and Andy Carroll forming a number
9/10 partnership?
It is very hard to please everyone. It is possible of course, I think about
that the most but it is hard to put them in their ideal positions. It looks
really good on paper and is easy to do that but then it is hard to have
three at the back, plus Antonio, Arnautovic and Ayew, it is almost
impossible. It is nice to have the options but you want them all on the
pitch at the same time so of course I am thinking about that. OK, Chicharito
is not playing in an ideal position but I spoke to him, he is a great lad
and we have priorities and we need you there. He is doing the job, that was
a priority now we have to keep the stability, we can't lose it. Then we will
put the team out equally as good in possession which we are going to do but
we are still waiting for Lanzini to come back and give us creativity. It
will give the players in front of him with better service him with better
service.
What do you want to get out of the game tomorrow?
It is a big game for us. That's all we think about. We are very ambitious in
the club, all of the club. If you have a look at the round before, teams
were strong out there. There are some changes tomorrow but thats because we
want to give them a chance to play. But we are ambitious, we are playing at
home against Bolton and there will be some changes but it will be players
who played Premier League this season and last. As I said, we want to
progress because you never know in a cup, with a bit of luck, you are there.
Managing Andy, what do you mean by that?
We didn't rush him. Every day he is involved in something. His history tells
us he needs to be managed in an individual way but you can have too any of
the, this is not tennis. He is great in the group and we are doing that. So
far, he looks really good you know, we are going to try to use every
opportunity to keep him fit, long term.
Attacking players, a surprise scoring is a problem?
You have those kind of options in every club. I am not talking about the
big, big clubs but others. OK, we play West Brom, they had players like a
good line up, Phillips, Rodriguez, Brunt etc. Rondon was on the bench, Burke
was not there, Chadli was not there, you need the squad. The goals have been
a problem OK, we didn't score a lot, four in total. OK, we got some chances
against Huddersfield, the only games we didn't create was Newcastle and then
this last game against West Brom very much. To be fair, you have to give
them a lot of credit because not any teams do there or against them. It's
hard to create clear cut chances against them. I am also praising two clean
sheets. It's not just down to the keeper, defence and two defensive
midfielders, everyone is doing their job and helping them alot. I am
expecting better service a little bit, we are not creating enough if we talk
about Saturday. It's not down to three up front that they didn't move or
have a bad day in the office, they need good service. Especially against
teams who defend so deep like West Brom for only three of them it was
difficult to create anything, they need better servuce.
An article said you haven't turned the corner just yet but can see the
corner now, fair?
There is no time in football. I am the first one who would like to do it
sort it on one session. Thats a good line you know. We know what we want, we
lost three games, he crisis started too early but it was there anyway. It's
happened, thats modern football I accept it but I have to stop it. How do we
do it, lets do it step by step. Its very important, lets get that thing
back, stability, stubbornness and also play football. Did we get it, yes, we
got it good. We see the players are glad now, the back three especially and
the two holding midfielders, yes we are. We could have scored more against
Huddersfield but we have to go to the next step now without losing this one.
It has to stay and we have to fins the solutions, on paper, on the pitch, to
be as dangerous upront but without losing the stability Is it possible, yes
it is but we can't lose what we have now because we have worked so hard for
it.
Will you put out a strong side tomorrow?
Strong side but there will be some changes. Not because we are not
ambitious, we are dreaming about the cup, with a bit of luck and good
performances, you need three of them, don't need 35 of them. We can get
there. We are looking towards that competition but come on, with a good draw
we have with respect to Bolton, but considering lasts season we had Chelsea,
Man United or City this is a good draw, a home game but it's going to be
tough. Not only are they on the list of professionals they have already
played for us, have earned their chance and sooner or later they will get a
shot in the Premier League. I told them that, it's a good opportunity. If we
are looking for improvement a few of the paces are quite open and it is up
to them to impress me, the staff and the fans on the pitch.
What do want out of the game?
Well, obviously the best would be an easy win win and then maybe to rest
some players but again, we are playing against a Championship side who did
not have a good start of course, but we are playing them, it's never easy,
it's always hard and difficult, a tough game but we are looking to win of
course, without getting injuries and fatigue if possible but it isn't going
to be easy. We have to be on top of our game, if we drop five per cent of
anything because then, somehow your team performance energy and quality
drops 85 per cent instead.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE - Robert Snodgrass doesn't know if he has West Ham future and
praises John Terry's influence at Aston Villa
TalkSport
By Billy Hawkins - @bhawkinsss
Monday, September 18, 2017
Robert Snodgrass has responded to questions regarding his future as a West
Ham player, admitting he cannot say if he will play for the east London club
again.
Snodgrass, the Scotland winger, signed for Slaven Bilic's Hammers in January
for a £10.2m fee, leaving Hull after a superb opening half of their doomed
Premier League campaign.
He played 15 games for West Ham during the rest of the 2016/17 season, but
Bilic did not see the 30-year-old as part of his plans for the current term
and agreed to loan him out to Championship side Aston Villa for the duration
of the season.
Snodgrass has played three games since his arrival in the Midlands, and he
spoke to talkSPORT on Monday to discuss his time at the club so far –
answering the big question about his future as a West Ham player.
Asked by Jim White if he will ever play for the Hammers again, Snodgrass
replied: "It's very difficult to say, because you just don't know in
football where you're going to be or what the next chapter is.
"But I made the decision for the next chapter now to be at Aston Villa, and
my full heart and determination is to try and get the club back where it
belongs."
Snodgrass was one of seven arrivals at Villa Park over the summer, as Steve
Bruce built a team with a view to promotion back to the Premier League. Sam
Johnstone and Josh Onomah were, like the Scot, loan signings, while Ahmed
Elmohamady, Christopher Samba and Glenn Whelan came in on permanent deals.
However, none of those arrivals had the same impact as the signing of John
Terry on a free transfer after his Chelsea contract expired. Capturing the
Stamford Bridge legend was seen as a real coup for Villa seeing as he
fielded offers from the Premier League and across the globe, and he has
started all eight of Villa's league games having been named captain prior to
the start of the season.
Snodgrass has been impressed by Terry's impact since arriving at the club,
claiming the former England skipper has been working to change the mood
around Villa Park 'like the leader he is'.
"John's been great," Snodgrass added. "It's sort of different for John,
where he's been at Chelsea for years and it's a new sort of set up for him.
"He's come in and had to meet new lads, and slowly but surely implement his
character on the changing room. It's not been shouting to the rooftops… it's
just been quietly going about like the leader he is, trying to change little
things here and there. Because it is different when you move clubs.
"He's had to go in, and I think he's been asked by the manager to try and
get things and standards and lifting everybody. And he's doing that well,
but it takes time sometimes."
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Manuel Lanzini set to provide West Ham with massive injury boost ahead of
Bolton clash - report
He's been missed so far this season
Football London
BYADAM JONES
07:00, 18 SEP 2017
Manuel Lanzini could be set to provide West Ham with a major fitness boost
going in to this week's fixture against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.
The playmaker has missed the majority of the campaign for the Hammers so far
in 2017/18 - with his only appearance coming in the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle
United last month. His influence has been sorely missed by Slaven Bilic's
side for most of this season too after being influential for West Ham last
campaign with eight goals in 39 games in all competitions. Now, according to
Claret&Hugh, Lanzini could be about to give the Hammers a welcome boost and
could be involved against Bolton this week. The Argentine international is
now back in training with the club, but will be lacking match fitness.
However, the report suggests that Slaven Bilic may well be willing to give
Lanzini some much need game-time as he continues his recovery from injury.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham forward Javier Hernandez a little lost on the wing as Slaven Bilic
looks to find best attacking solution
Javier Hernandez may have to get used to playing on the wing for West Ham
Slaven Bilic was under pressure following three defeats before Huddersfield
win
Bilic knows scrutiny will return with more blunt showings like at the
Hawthorns
Grzegorz Krychowiak was the star performer for West Brom during stalemate
By Laurie Whitwell for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 17 September 2017 | UPDATED: 00:33, 18 September 2017
Javier Hernandez may have been brought to West Ham as a penalty-box poacher
but since the return of Andy Carroll a different task has been asked of him.
Out of the 18-yard area and on to the wing, Hernandez has been spotted
tracking back, dropping deep and cutting in, and Slaven Bilic says it is a
role the Mexican may have to get used to. Bilic is still juggling how best
to fit West Ham's attacking array together and the 0-0 draw at West Bromwich
Albion showed the current system needs refining. Bilic's side had only one
shot on target – an effort from range by Michael Antonio – and Hernandez,
the £16million summer signing, had scant opportunity to illustrate the kind
of predatory instinct that was in evidence during his brace at Southampton
earlier this season. On reflection a point at the Hawthorns was further
solace to Bilic after the win over Huddersfield, yet the Croatian knows the
scrutiny that fell on his position during three straight defeats will return
if West Ham continue as bluntly in attack. Thwarted by a team as defensively
drilled as West Brom, Bilic looked for the positives. 'We are getting that
confidence back as a team,' he said. 'We were attacking. But to get three
points you need quality up front, which we didn't have. The strikers were
fighting and were part of the team but we could do more. 'We played with
three strikers. There were a lot of positives by pressing them, keeping the
ball, but if we are talking about shots on target there wasn't much of that.
SUPER STAT
Gareth Barry equalled Ryan Giggs' Premier League record of 632 appearances
and also became the first player to start 600 Premier League games.
'Hernandez was not wide-wide, we are playing with three or five at the back
so he is more off the striker. Of course in defensive work they were coming
deep, which is why I am praising them.' Tony Pulis was satisfied by securing
a clean sheet. Grzegorz Krychowiak's classy display in midfield, while not
fully fit, hinted at the promise he possesses for this season. 'He still
feels that he is not sharp and as strong as he would like to be,' said
Pulis. 'He is going to be a really good player for us.'
Jake Livermore missed out due to mental fatigue after two games for England
and he will also be absent for the League Cup tie against Manchester City.
'Physically he is fine. But mentally he just feels a bit tired,' Pulis
added. 'Playing all the time has really taken it out of the boy. And he is
such a good player for us that we don't want to risk him going into a deeper
hole.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star Jose Fonte insists Hammers are growing in confidence after
West Brom draw
JOSE FONTE is convinced West Ham are up off the canvas and ready to start
packing a punch.
PUBLISHED: 00:02, Mon, Sep 18, 2017 | UPDATED: 00:15, Mon, Sep 18, 2017
Express.co.uk
Jose Fonte thinks West Ham have turned the corner on their season Victory
over Huddersfield on Monday and this hard-fought draw adds up to a tasty
four points in a week. "We have most definitely got some momentum now and
the results will come," said Hammers defender Fonte. "The confidence is
coming. We've had two good results. Now we have to grab on to that, keep
winning and climb the table. "Unfortunately we didn't start the season well
but four points from two games – we have to take that. We're not in the
position that we want to be but it's only five games. And we're taking the
right steps." Four of their next six games are at home and suddenly things
are looking a whole lot brighter for West Ham boss Slaven Bilic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jose Fonte finally looks to be justifying his place at West Ham United
HITC
Shane Callaghan
Jose Fonte continues to impress for West Ham United. In May, the consensus
among many West Ham United fans was that manager Slaven Bilic had wasted
close to £20 million in the previous January. Robert Snodgrass, signed for
£10 million, looked a pale imitation of Dimitri Payet, while £8 million
addition Jose Fonte did not look the same, commanding centre-back as he did
at Southampton. Fast forward four months and although Snodgrass is on loan
at Aston Villa, rubber-stamping his status as a waste of money, Fonte is now
proving good value for his. The Portugal defender has been a rare positive
in an otherwise shocking season for West Ham, who have won only one of their
first five Premier League games. Deployed in a three-man defence, the
33-year-old, who turns 34 in December, looks far more comfortable than he
had done for large spells in a West Ham shirt last season. He impressed
again in Saturday's 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion - a good result if only
for the fact it wasn't another away defeat - and Bilic will surely keep that
formation going forward. The under-fire manager could and should tinker with
some of his options in that system, namely not playing Javier Hernandez out
wide, but it's clear to see the defence is enjoying it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham not turned the corner yet, but Slaven Bilic reckons they can see it
from here
It's now four points from six after West Brom stalemate for a side that
started Prem season with three straight losses
The Mirror
COMMENTS
BYJAMES NURSEY
22:30, 17 SEP 2017UPDATED22:57, 17 SEP 2017
Slaven Bilic has halted West Ham's slide but admits their season still hangs
in the balance. The Hammers boss was the hot favourite for the sack, along
with Crystal Palace's Frank de Boer, as both clubs made poor starts to the
Premier League season. But while De Boer was axed by the Eagles after
opening his reign with four top-flight defeats in a row, Bilic, who is in
the final year of his contract, survived taking no points from the first
nine available. The Croat stopped the rot with a 2-0 victory at home to
promoted Huddersfield last Monday and his men followed that up with a
determined display on the weekend to earn a point at West Brom with a
goalless draw. They did not do enough to win the game — each side had just
one shot on target — but after a second clean sheet in a week, Bilic expects
his 17th-placed Hammers to soon be climbing up the table. He said: "We
can't say we've turned the season around. It's too early to say this. But we
get the confidence back and get the pattern back. We definitely have
something to be positive about. "To have two clean sheets is very important
for the whole team. Hopefully, we are going to do better in the last third
of the pitch."
West Ham's Pedro Obiang provided a rare moment of quality, spotting Ben
Foster off his line and hitting the bar with a shot from just outside the
centre circle.
After the break, Foster was arguably lucky to escape with only a booking as
he raced from the box and took out the on-rushing Javier Hernandez The match
was most notable for former England midfielder Gareth Barry's 632nd Premier
League appearance , equalling the record set by Ryan Giggs. Hammers
defender Jose Fonte said: "Unfortunately, we didn't start the season well
but four points from two games – we have to take that. "We're not in the
position we want to be but it's only five games. We're working to take the
right steps. We have some momentum now and the results will come. We've had
two good results. Now we must grab that and keep winning and if we can go
on a run, we will climb the table."
The Irons, who started Andy Carroll alongside Hernandez and Michail
Antonio, have enough firepower. They also brought on £24million new boy
Marko Arnautovic, Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho in off the bench.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LEAGUE CUP MEMORIES OF 1972
By Tony Hanna 17 Sep 2017 at 17:52
WTID
I wrote last week that I really feel for the younger generation of West Ham
fans that have seen us win – nothing. I guess the Play Off final of 2012
somewhat duplicates the emotions of a big Cup Final win but it would be nice
if we could win some proper silverware again. Perhaps Tuesdays game against
Bolton will be the second stepping stone to something special this season?
However, today I look back at the 1972 League Cup and the amazing run it
took us all on. It was a ride filled with all manner of footballing emotions
from exhilarating to despair and everything in between. Amazing to think
these events occurred over 45 years ago!
West Ham's League Cup run started with a draw at home to Cardiff before
winning the replay 2-1 in Wales. Never like to do things the easy way do we?
Next up was Don Revie's mighty Leeds. Again a draw at home followed by a
totally unexpected 1-0 win in the replay at Elland Road after extra time!
What did I say about the easy way? Two games down and both had gone to
replays with one going to extra time. Just to ensure things did not get
easier our next game was to be against Liverpool at home. More than 40,000
packed Upton Park that night as Pop Robson scored a late winner in a 2-1
victory. So to the quarter final and Pop scored a hat trick in a 5-0 win
against Sheffield United. These two games had been the typical vintage type
Hammers games under the lights. Cracking atmospheres and proper football
played in the cool mist of an East End autumns night. As the steam rose off
of the players the chants and singing from both North and South banks was
relentless. But more was to come. What was promised was a two legged home
and away semi- final against Stoke City, but what was delivered was quite
extraordinary.
The first leg was at Stoke and we came home with a 2-1 win and the Hammers
were just 90 minutes away from Wembley. The second leg at Upton Park saw
Stoke take the lead in the 73rd minute after a Tommy Taylor and John
McDowell mix up. In the final minutes there came a memory I have never
forgotten. I was right behind the North Bank goal to witness Harry Redknapp
brought down in the box and Geoff Hurst stepped up to take the penalty that
would have sent us to Wembley. Hurst was a brilliant penalty taker in his
day. He always put the ball in the same spot but the power he hit the ball
made it almost impossible for a goal keeper to stop. Well, history tells
that Gordon Banks was to save Geoff's spot kick and take us to extra time
yet again. We huffed and we puffed that final 30 minutes but to no avail. So
a third game was necessary and that was played at Hillsborough where the
kick off was to be delayed by traffic congestion. Yet again it went to extra
time but with no score it was to go to a fourth match to finally decide our
fate. Ron Greenwood had lost the toss after the match for choice of venue
and then found out that the team coach had been sabotaged. During the game
someone had taken the petrol cap off and filled the tank with sand!
So on to the 26th January, nearly two months after the two teams first met,
we trudged off to Old Trafford on the wettest and windiest night you could
imagine. The stadium was under renovation at the time and Hammers fans that
were there that night would remember there was no shelter for us against the
elements. The match was packed with incident, starting with Stokes Terry
Conroy kicking our keeper Bobby Ferguson "accidentally" in the head.
Ferguson had to go off and Bobby Moore volunteered to go in goal. There was
not the luxury of three subs back in those days and Ron Greenwood was hoping
Ferguson would come good with a small spell off the pitch before considering
our only substitute, Peter Eustace. Within minutes Stoke had a penalty and
incredibly Bobby Moore saved Mike Bernard's shot only for the rebound to be
drilled back for the opening goal. Still playing with ten men and with Moore
in goal, Billy Bonds fired us level and back in with a chance. A sublime
Trevor Brooking volley put us 2-1 ahead before Dobing made it 2-2. Ferguson
was to return in the second half but Stoke were to try and take every
opportunity to exploit Ferguson's now dodgy vision and Conroy struck the
winner as we continually back pedalled to try and provide extra cover for
him.
It was finally all over! That Cup run saw us play ten games with three going
to extra time and the four matches against Stoke saw 420 minutes played in
front of a total attendance exceeding 170,000. In days of muddy pitches and
no penalty shoot outs, this tie will never be forgotten by fans who
witnessed the incredible marathon. Stoke went on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the
final. It is their only major trophy in the clubs history. They were to go
on to finish 17th in the "old" first division that season whilst we finished
14th. Two of the teams we beat on our run, Leeds and Liverpool came 2nd and
3rd to Champions Derby County in a season where just one point separated the
top four.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 19
Monday, September 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th September 2017
Bilic: Time on the pitch can only benefit Carroll
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says Andy Carroll's threat will only grow with the amount of
time he spends on the pitch. The centre forward again led the line in
Saturday's goalless Premier League draw at West Bromwich Albion, where he
unleashed three of West Ham United's six goal attempts. And Bilic believes
the No9, who returned to action in the home win over Huddersfield Town after
four months on the sidelines with a hip problem, will get sharper and
stronger as he gets more game-time minutes under his belt. "Andy is always a
threat and he was good in the air and also with stopping the balls and
laying it off to the flanks," said the manager. We put a lot of balls in
where he couldn't find a position to get a clean header, which is also down
to West Brom, because they are known to defend well from those situations.
"It is very important for him to get the games under his belt. He looks good
now, touch wood. This was his second game and he looks fit and he looks
competitive and the quality will come through the games. It's a big boost
for us and hopefully long may it continue. "He looked unhappy [to come off]
but we have quality players on the bench and we changed the whole three up
front because, as I said, we had Ayew, Arnautovic and Sakho, and I was very
happy with the way they kept the shape, defended and pressed. "We wanted to
score a goal, which is why we put three quality players up front."
While Carroll led the line with typical determination, he was upstaged by a
truly audacious strike from Pedro Obiang, which was the width of the
crossbar away from winning the game for the Hammers. The Spaniard allowed
the ball to roll across his body just inside the West Brom half before
opening up and curling a wicked, dipping 45-yard effort that beat Ben Foster
and cannoned back off the woodwork. "It was special quality from Pedro," his
manager observed. "That was great individual skill and great vision that he
noted that Foster was out from the line a little bit and it was a great
strike, of course, and he deserved a goal for that wonderful piece of skill.
"Unfortunately, it did not go in for him, because it would have been a
magnificent strike."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fonte: We felt the game was there to be won
WHUFC.com
Jose Fonte says West Ham United need to build on the solid base a three-man
defence gives them and find ways to break down resilient opponents in
future.
The Hammers looked secure at the back for the second successive game in
Saturday's goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion, where they made it two
clean sheets in a row following the 2-0 home win over Huddersfield Town.
But, at the other end of the pitch, Fonte and company struggled to break
down a Baggies team that was not just well-organised, but also sat deep in
their own territory to restrict the space available to their visitors.
"There is a lot of disappointment in the dressing room because we felt, and
I think everyone saw, that the game was there to be won," he said. "Having
said that, West Brom made it really difficult. They didn't really come out
to play, they were only playing on mistakes and defending very, very deep
and frustrating us and making it difficult for us to play in the last third
of the pitch. "But, having said that again, we had two or three good chances
to score but we didn't manage to do it. We should have won, but we have to
take the clean sheet and the point."
Bilic opted to send on midfielder Marko Arnautovic when centre-back James
Collins was injured early in the second half but, rather than switch to a
more attack-minded formation, he simply moved his players around to new
positions in the same 3-4-3 system. Fonte had no issue with his manager's
tactical decision. "Some people might say, perhaps we could have changed or
gone a little bit more offensive but, in my opinion, first and foremost you
have to keep clean sheets and if you don't concede, you know that's the
base," the Portuguese explained. "We feel very comfortable and very secure
when we play like this and now it's just about working the system and trying
to find solutions when we play against teams like this, to break them down.
"We have the pace, we have the quality players, we have the players who can
create, so I feel certainly that this has helped us, like last year, when we
had a very good run with this system. We like it and the results are coming,
so we just need to keep working on the training ground, improving and
finding ways to break teams down."
One moment which could have opened up more space for the Hammers to operate
in came midway through the second half, when Ben Foster raced from his
penalty area before bringing down Chicharito. Referee Paul Tierney decided
the offence was worthy of a booking rather than a sending-off and allowed
the Baggies goalkeeper to stay on the pitch. Again, Fonte had no issue with
the decision. "On the pitch, we felt it was a sending-off, but having seen
it, if the touch was a little bit more straight, we could have argued that
it was definitely a red card, but the touch was a little bit too much to the
left, so we can't focus too much on that one, unfortunately. "The decision
didn't go our way. It was a frustrating game, but we have to take the
point."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dominant in possession: How the Hammers controlled the game v West Brom
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fans will consider their side unfortunate to come away from
The Hawthorns with just a point after a hard-fought goalless draw with West
Brom.
In truth, the away side were the better team, creating seven chances
compared to the Baggies' five and registering nine shots, significantly more
than the five attempted by West Brom. In possession, West Ham were also
dominant. Slaven Bilic's men held 63% of the ball in what was, on paper, a
tricky away test. The home side – despite their decent start to the campaign
– only enjoyed 37%. It was the same story for pass accuracy. West Ham earned
86% whereas West Brom could only register 73%. These statistics are more in
keeping with how a home side might be expected to perform, which just shows
how much West Ham have improved since the international break. The Irons
have now claimed four points from the last two matches.
A big part of the two good showings in the past week has been Jose Fonte,
who has stepped into the side as a part of a back-three, starting both
Saturday's draw at West Brom and the 2-0 home win over Huddersfield Town
alongside Winston Reid and James Collins. The Portugal defender was
outstanding against the Baggies. Fonte attempted 82 passes, easily the most
on the pitch, and also attempted the most tackles of any player in the game
with four – winning two of them.
But Saturday's draw was about more than Fonte. It was about a dominant team
showing; One in which West Ham bossed the ball by playing almost 200 more
passes than the Baggies – the away side attempted 484 compared to West
Brom's 289; One in which Bilic's side touched the ball 642 times to the home
side's 433.
Tackles? West Ham won 18 to West Brom's 12. The picture the statistics
paints speaks a thousand words and, in crucial areas in crucial metrics, the
game was bossed by West Ham. However, as both Bilic and Fonte said
afterwards, the Hammers need to find a way of turning that dominance into
clear-cut chances and goals. Despite their controlling of proceedings, West
Ham unleashed just one shot on target - Michail Antonio's low first-half
shot - and another from Pedro Obiang, which hit the crossbar.
Saturday's performance against the Baggies will give the fans, the team and
the manager heart heading into three successive home games. Bolton Wanderers
in the Carabao Cup comes next on Tuesday before matches against Tottenham
Hotspur and Swansea City in the Premier League.
If the Hammers can keep doing the basics right, and turning their possession
into opportunities to score, then their chances of extending their current
unbeaten run will certainly increase.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OTHER PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS HAVE A CLEAR STYLE OF PLAY, WHAT'S OURS?
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 17 SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 8:03PM
TheWesTHamWay.co.uk
Written by Daniel Fisk @fisko27
While I think some of the criticism from the Anti-Board and Anti-Bilic
brigades is over the top, it seems that everybody can agree that West Ham
are underperforming as a football club.
Away from Bilic's tactical ineptitude and The Dildo Brother's amateurish
antics, one of our major issues is a complete lack of strategic direction.
Other clubs in the Premier League with less resource than West Ham punch
above their weight because they have a clear game plan.
West Brom play a brand of football that even Big Sam must find turgid, but
at least they back Tony Pulis by signing 6.4ft workhorses that buy into his
philosophy.
People seem desperate for us to play 4-4-2 but do we have the players for
that? Burnley are one of the few teams to play 4-4-2 because Sean Dyche has
very deliberately built a squad designed to make things difficult for other
teams by playing direct to big forwards. Bournemouth have a completely
different style of play to Burnley, but it's distinctive and they stay true
to it. Both teams massively punch above their weight based on their revenue
and net spend.
We may not be a selling club anymore but you look at teams like Southampton
and Leicester and you question why their scouting is seemingly so much
better than ours.
I think it's brilliant that we now can sign players with the quality (and
wage demands) of Chicharito, because that hasn't always been the case. But
it is was so obvious that absolutely no thought was given to a system which
could accommodate him! Big Sam was hounded out for his style of play but 2
years later we still play the ball long because we haven't signed brave,
technically sound midfielders that are comfortable on the ball under
pressure.
So whose fault is our lack of strategy?
I don't think the board help matters with a Del Boy approach to the transfer
market, but ultimately I think the buck stops with the manager.
Despite being a passionate, articulate, all-round top bloke, it seems highly
unlikely that Slav will find an effective, consistent style before his
contract is inevitably not renewed at the end of the season.
Which all adds up to what feels like a big missed opportunity based on the
size of the club compared to the likes of West Brom, Burnley and
Bournemouth.
COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Playing Javier Hernandez on the wing denies West Ham a clinical goalscorer
and it has to stop
The Hammers can't keep playing one of their biggest assets out of position
Football London
BYADAM JONES
19:32, 17 SEP 2017
Whilst it has been great to see West Ham finally picking up some points in
the last week of Premier League action, there is still one thing that will
be irking a lot of supporters. Players not being lined up in their correct
positions sometimes produces a hidden gem, with Antonio Valencia's
metamorphosis in to a right-back for Manchester United a perfect example of
it working out. Playing Javier Hernandez on the left wing, however, will
never be one of those scenarios. You can see the thinking behind it from
Slaven Bilic - he wants to get all his best players on to the pitch at the
same time, and Hernandez is certainly a very hard-working and energetic
player. Playing the 29-year-old on the flank frees up space for the
returning Andy Carroll to make his mark which, granted, has played a big
part in West Ham's turnaround in results. But, the simple fact is, Hernandez
was brought in to score the goals that the Hammers were missing last season.
How is he going to do that playing from the left wing? Many would describe
the Mexico international as a real penalty box poacher - with all of the 39
strikes in his Premier League career coming from inside the opposition area.
Playing the him from the left flank, with the added defensive
responsibilities that position brings, gives him so little time in the
position where he would be most dangerous - right in the six yard box
harassing the centre-backs. Over the last couple of matches it's been clear
to see that Hernandez isn't too comfortable on the flanks either. Not
blessed with blistering pace or skill, the striker has been ineffective at
really delivering where it matters on the flank - not able to whip in
dangerous crosses or really test a full-back. Having played up front
throughout his career, Hernandez's intelligence at making darting runs has
been a major factor in how he always seems to have a yard of space whilst
inside the penalty area. Amongst his biggest assets are his intelligence,
his work rate, his ability to get in behind a defence and, when the right
ball is played to him, his ability to dispatch it in to the back of the net.
You're taking that all away if you play him on the left wing to try and
accommodate Andy Carroll in the centre.
West Ham's 3-4-3 system might have worked to collect points in the last two
matches but it's far from perfect if you're playing a £16 million striker
out of position.
To get the best out of Hernandez, he needs to be playing centrally - get him
up front with Carroll and lets see what kind of partnership they can make
with each other. It could be a match made in heaven - but we'll never know
if one of them is left on the wing.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic repeating Antonio mistake by playing Hernandez out of position
HITC
Vincent Ralph
The West Ham United manager has history with playing his best players out of
position. When West Ham United signed Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen
earlier this summer it was hailed as a masterstroke, the Hammers finally
bringing in a striker capable of scoring 20-plus goals a season and one with
substantial Premier League experience to boot. So what does West Ham manager
Slaven Bilic do? After seeing him shine through the middle, scoring a brace
against Southampton earlier in the campaign, he switches Hernandez out wide
to accommodate Andy Carroll and watches as the Mexican international
subsequently disappears. Hernandez is not now and never will be a winger. He
does his best work playing as a central striker, bursting into space and
putting the finishing touches to the great work of the players behind him.
He needs to feed off wingers, not act as one himself, and his anonymous
display for West Ham against West Bromwich Albion was testament to that.
Javier Hernandez of West Ham United reacts to being fouled by Ben Foster of
West Bromwich Albion during the Premier League match between West Bromwich
Albion and West Ham United at The...
The problem for West Ham supporters is that Bilic has previous in this
regard, utilising one of his finest attacking players - Michail Antonio - as
a right-back last season and wondering why everything was going wrong. West
Ham have the players to get out of their recent fug, but they need to play
them where they can excel. Using Hernandez out wide is like playing with 10
men, and while he can sometimes drop out there as he did to good effect at
former club Manchester United, stationing him there for a whole match is
foolish in the extreme. West Ham have one of the most naturally goal-scorers
of his generation at their disposal, and the sooner they realise how to get
the best out of him, the better.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says Andy Carroll's threat will only grow with the amount of
time he spends on the pitch. The centre forward again led the line in
Saturday's goalless Premier League draw at West Bromwich Albion, where he
unleashed three of West Ham United's six goal attempts. And Bilic believes
the No9, who returned to action in the home win over Huddersfield Town after
four months on the sidelines with a hip problem, will get sharper and
stronger as he gets more game-time minutes under his belt. "Andy is always a
threat and he was good in the air and also with stopping the balls and
laying it off to the flanks," said the manager. We put a lot of balls in
where he couldn't find a position to get a clean header, which is also down
to West Brom, because they are known to defend well from those situations.
"It is very important for him to get the games under his belt. He looks good
now, touch wood. This was his second game and he looks fit and he looks
competitive and the quality will come through the games. It's a big boost
for us and hopefully long may it continue. "He looked unhappy [to come off]
but we have quality players on the bench and we changed the whole three up
front because, as I said, we had Ayew, Arnautovic and Sakho, and I was very
happy with the way they kept the shape, defended and pressed. "We wanted to
score a goal, which is why we put three quality players up front."
While Carroll led the line with typical determination, he was upstaged by a
truly audacious strike from Pedro Obiang, which was the width of the
crossbar away from winning the game for the Hammers. The Spaniard allowed
the ball to roll across his body just inside the West Brom half before
opening up and curling a wicked, dipping 45-yard effort that beat Ben Foster
and cannoned back off the woodwork. "It was special quality from Pedro," his
manager observed. "That was great individual skill and great vision that he
noted that Foster was out from the line a little bit and it was a great
strike, of course, and he deserved a goal for that wonderful piece of skill.
"Unfortunately, it did not go in for him, because it would have been a
magnificent strike."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fonte: We felt the game was there to be won
WHUFC.com
Jose Fonte says West Ham United need to build on the solid base a three-man
defence gives them and find ways to break down resilient opponents in
future.
The Hammers looked secure at the back for the second successive game in
Saturday's goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion, where they made it two
clean sheets in a row following the 2-0 home win over Huddersfield Town.
But, at the other end of the pitch, Fonte and company struggled to break
down a Baggies team that was not just well-organised, but also sat deep in
their own territory to restrict the space available to their visitors.
"There is a lot of disappointment in the dressing room because we felt, and
I think everyone saw, that the game was there to be won," he said. "Having
said that, West Brom made it really difficult. They didn't really come out
to play, they were only playing on mistakes and defending very, very deep
and frustrating us and making it difficult for us to play in the last third
of the pitch. "But, having said that again, we had two or three good chances
to score but we didn't manage to do it. We should have won, but we have to
take the clean sheet and the point."
Bilic opted to send on midfielder Marko Arnautovic when centre-back James
Collins was injured early in the second half but, rather than switch to a
more attack-minded formation, he simply moved his players around to new
positions in the same 3-4-3 system. Fonte had no issue with his manager's
tactical decision. "Some people might say, perhaps we could have changed or
gone a little bit more offensive but, in my opinion, first and foremost you
have to keep clean sheets and if you don't concede, you know that's the
base," the Portuguese explained. "We feel very comfortable and very secure
when we play like this and now it's just about working the system and trying
to find solutions when we play against teams like this, to break them down.
"We have the pace, we have the quality players, we have the players who can
create, so I feel certainly that this has helped us, like last year, when we
had a very good run with this system. We like it and the results are coming,
so we just need to keep working on the training ground, improving and
finding ways to break teams down."
One moment which could have opened up more space for the Hammers to operate
in came midway through the second half, when Ben Foster raced from his
penalty area before bringing down Chicharito. Referee Paul Tierney decided
the offence was worthy of a booking rather than a sending-off and allowed
the Baggies goalkeeper to stay on the pitch. Again, Fonte had no issue with
the decision. "On the pitch, we felt it was a sending-off, but having seen
it, if the touch was a little bit more straight, we could have argued that
it was definitely a red card, but the touch was a little bit too much to the
left, so we can't focus too much on that one, unfortunately. "The decision
didn't go our way. It was a frustrating game, but we have to take the
point."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dominant in possession: How the Hammers controlled the game v West Brom
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fans will consider their side unfortunate to come away from
The Hawthorns with just a point after a hard-fought goalless draw with West
Brom.
In truth, the away side were the better team, creating seven chances
compared to the Baggies' five and registering nine shots, significantly more
than the five attempted by West Brom. In possession, West Ham were also
dominant. Slaven Bilic's men held 63% of the ball in what was, on paper, a
tricky away test. The home side – despite their decent start to the campaign
– only enjoyed 37%. It was the same story for pass accuracy. West Ham earned
86% whereas West Brom could only register 73%. These statistics are more in
keeping with how a home side might be expected to perform, which just shows
how much West Ham have improved since the international break. The Irons
have now claimed four points from the last two matches.
A big part of the two good showings in the past week has been Jose Fonte,
who has stepped into the side as a part of a back-three, starting both
Saturday's draw at West Brom and the 2-0 home win over Huddersfield Town
alongside Winston Reid and James Collins. The Portugal defender was
outstanding against the Baggies. Fonte attempted 82 passes, easily the most
on the pitch, and also attempted the most tackles of any player in the game
with four – winning two of them.
But Saturday's draw was about more than Fonte. It was about a dominant team
showing; One in which West Ham bossed the ball by playing almost 200 more
passes than the Baggies – the away side attempted 484 compared to West
Brom's 289; One in which Bilic's side touched the ball 642 times to the home
side's 433.
Tackles? West Ham won 18 to West Brom's 12. The picture the statistics
paints speaks a thousand words and, in crucial areas in crucial metrics, the
game was bossed by West Ham. However, as both Bilic and Fonte said
afterwards, the Hammers need to find a way of turning that dominance into
clear-cut chances and goals. Despite their controlling of proceedings, West
Ham unleashed just one shot on target - Michail Antonio's low first-half
shot - and another from Pedro Obiang, which hit the crossbar.
Saturday's performance against the Baggies will give the fans, the team and
the manager heart heading into three successive home games. Bolton Wanderers
in the Carabao Cup comes next on Tuesday before matches against Tottenham
Hotspur and Swansea City in the Premier League.
If the Hammers can keep doing the basics right, and turning their possession
into opportunities to score, then their chances of extending their current
unbeaten run will certainly increase.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OTHER PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS HAVE A CLEAR STYLE OF PLAY, WHAT'S OURS?
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 17 SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 8:03PM
TheWesTHamWay.co.uk
Written by Daniel Fisk @fisko27
While I think some of the criticism from the Anti-Board and Anti-Bilic
brigades is over the top, it seems that everybody can agree that West Ham
are underperforming as a football club.
Away from Bilic's tactical ineptitude and The Dildo Brother's amateurish
antics, one of our major issues is a complete lack of strategic direction.
Other clubs in the Premier League with less resource than West Ham punch
above their weight because they have a clear game plan.
West Brom play a brand of football that even Big Sam must find turgid, but
at least they back Tony Pulis by signing 6.4ft workhorses that buy into his
philosophy.
People seem desperate for us to play 4-4-2 but do we have the players for
that? Burnley are one of the few teams to play 4-4-2 because Sean Dyche has
very deliberately built a squad designed to make things difficult for other
teams by playing direct to big forwards. Bournemouth have a completely
different style of play to Burnley, but it's distinctive and they stay true
to it. Both teams massively punch above their weight based on their revenue
and net spend.
We may not be a selling club anymore but you look at teams like Southampton
and Leicester and you question why their scouting is seemingly so much
better than ours.
I think it's brilliant that we now can sign players with the quality (and
wage demands) of Chicharito, because that hasn't always been the case. But
it is was so obvious that absolutely no thought was given to a system which
could accommodate him! Big Sam was hounded out for his style of play but 2
years later we still play the ball long because we haven't signed brave,
technically sound midfielders that are comfortable on the ball under
pressure.
So whose fault is our lack of strategy?
I don't think the board help matters with a Del Boy approach to the transfer
market, but ultimately I think the buck stops with the manager.
Despite being a passionate, articulate, all-round top bloke, it seems highly
unlikely that Slav will find an effective, consistent style before his
contract is inevitably not renewed at the end of the season.
Which all adds up to what feels like a big missed opportunity based on the
size of the club compared to the likes of West Brom, Burnley and
Bournemouth.
COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Playing Javier Hernandez on the wing denies West Ham a clinical goalscorer
and it has to stop
The Hammers can't keep playing one of their biggest assets out of position
Football London
BYADAM JONES
19:32, 17 SEP 2017
Whilst it has been great to see West Ham finally picking up some points in
the last week of Premier League action, there is still one thing that will
be irking a lot of supporters. Players not being lined up in their correct
positions sometimes produces a hidden gem, with Antonio Valencia's
metamorphosis in to a right-back for Manchester United a perfect example of
it working out. Playing Javier Hernandez on the left wing, however, will
never be one of those scenarios. You can see the thinking behind it from
Slaven Bilic - he wants to get all his best players on to the pitch at the
same time, and Hernandez is certainly a very hard-working and energetic
player. Playing the 29-year-old on the flank frees up space for the
returning Andy Carroll to make his mark which, granted, has played a big
part in West Ham's turnaround in results. But, the simple fact is, Hernandez
was brought in to score the goals that the Hammers were missing last season.
How is he going to do that playing from the left wing? Many would describe
the Mexico international as a real penalty box poacher - with all of the 39
strikes in his Premier League career coming from inside the opposition area.
Playing the him from the left flank, with the added defensive
responsibilities that position brings, gives him so little time in the
position where he would be most dangerous - right in the six yard box
harassing the centre-backs. Over the last couple of matches it's been clear
to see that Hernandez isn't too comfortable on the flanks either. Not
blessed with blistering pace or skill, the striker has been ineffective at
really delivering where it matters on the flank - not able to whip in
dangerous crosses or really test a full-back. Having played up front
throughout his career, Hernandez's intelligence at making darting runs has
been a major factor in how he always seems to have a yard of space whilst
inside the penalty area. Amongst his biggest assets are his intelligence,
his work rate, his ability to get in behind a defence and, when the right
ball is played to him, his ability to dispatch it in to the back of the net.
You're taking that all away if you play him on the left wing to try and
accommodate Andy Carroll in the centre.
West Ham's 3-4-3 system might have worked to collect points in the last two
matches but it's far from perfect if you're playing a £16 million striker
out of position.
To get the best out of Hernandez, he needs to be playing centrally - get him
up front with Carroll and lets see what kind of partnership they can make
with each other. It could be a match made in heaven - but we'll never know
if one of them is left on the wing.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic repeating Antonio mistake by playing Hernandez out of position
HITC
Vincent Ralph
The West Ham United manager has history with playing his best players out of
position. When West Ham United signed Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen
earlier this summer it was hailed as a masterstroke, the Hammers finally
bringing in a striker capable of scoring 20-plus goals a season and one with
substantial Premier League experience to boot. So what does West Ham manager
Slaven Bilic do? After seeing him shine through the middle, scoring a brace
against Southampton earlier in the campaign, he switches Hernandez out wide
to accommodate Andy Carroll and watches as the Mexican international
subsequently disappears. Hernandez is not now and never will be a winger. He
does his best work playing as a central striker, bursting into space and
putting the finishing touches to the great work of the players behind him.
He needs to feed off wingers, not act as one himself, and his anonymous
display for West Ham against West Bromwich Albion was testament to that.
Javier Hernandez of West Ham United reacts to being fouled by Ben Foster of
West Bromwich Albion during the Premier League match between West Bromwich
Albion and West Ham United at The...
The problem for West Ham supporters is that Bilic has previous in this
regard, utilising one of his finest attacking players - Michail Antonio - as
a right-back last season and wondering why everything was going wrong. West
Ham have the players to get out of their recent fug, but they need to play
them where they can excel. Using Hernandez out wide is like playing with 10
men, and while he can sometimes drop out there as he did to good effect at
former club Manchester United, stationing him there for a whole match is
foolish in the extreme. West Ham have one of the most naturally goal-scorers
of his generation at their disposal, and the sooner they realise how to get
the best out of him, the better.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, September 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th September 2017
Hammers held by West Brom in Hawthorns stalemate
WHUFC.com
West Ham United collected their first away point of the season against West Brom on Saturday following a goalless draw at The Hawthorns. Slaven Bilic's side enjoyed the best chances in a physical and feisty encounter. Pedro Obiang's shot from 40 yards, which crashed into the woodwork, was the stand-out effort.
Michail Antonio also created a decent opportunity for himself while Chicharito may have been through on goal in the second period if not for a challenge by Ben Foster, earning the shot-stopper a booking. The Baggies meanwhile, despite some decent build-up play, failed to trouble Joe Hart's goal with the Hammers earning a second consecutive league clean-sheet. The best chance of the first period came from Spanish midfielder Obiang. The midfielder – who scored from distance on Monday – saw Ben Foster off his line and attempted a curling effort from 40 yards, only for the shot to smash against the cross-bar. Antonio also fashioned an excellent opportunity for himself when he received the ball and ran the length of the pitch, before checking back and firing a shot towards goal, which Foster saved. Andy Carroll's power and presence allowed the No9 to chest down a couple of crosses in dangerous areas, but one of these was marshalled away while the other effort went over the bar. The hosts meanwhile created a few opportunities without worrying Hart or the defence. Winston Reid made a brilliant tackle to stop a Chris Brunt cross from causing problems, while the winger also had a low shot comfortably saved early on.
The second half begun strongly for the Irons with Jose Fonte heading just wide after a decent corner by Aaron Cresswell. The away side lost James Collins due to injury just before the hour mark after the Welshman went dow, which in turn led to the introduction of Mark Arnautovic, returning from his recent suspension.
Arnautovic looked lively and caused problems for West Brom, with one such moment leading to another Obiang effort from distance, only for the shot to go over the bar. Chicharito found himself through on goal only to be brought down by Foster. The West Brom goalkeeper was given a yellow card for his high challenge outside the area, despite calls from the 2,671 travelling supporters for Foster to be given his marching orders, as Baggies defenders had also got back to cover.
West Ham's final chance for three points came in the form of another shirt from Obiang, which Foster was able to pull into his chest, giving both sides the draw.
West Brom: Foster; Hegazi, Evans, Dawson, Gibbs (Nyom 85'); Barry, Krychowiak, Phillips (McClean 76'), Morrison, Brunt (Robson-Kanu 72'); Rodriguez
Subs not used: Myhill, McAuley, Yacob, Rondon
Yellow Cards: Foster 66', McClean 83'
West Ham: Hart; Fonte, Reid, Collins (Arnautovic 58'); Zabaleta, Obiang, Kouyate, Cresswell; Antonio, Chicharito (Ayew 76'), Carroll (Sakho 82')
Subs not used: Adrian, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Rice
Yellow Cards: Zabaleta 9', Antonio 90'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Obiang satisfied with point earned in West Brom draw
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang believes he and his West Ham United teammates can be satisfied with a hard-fought point after playing out a draw against West Brom. The Irons collected their first point away from home in the league this season at The Hawthorns on Saturday, following a 0-0 draw between Slaven Bilic's men and the Baggies. The away side enjoyed the better chances in the fixture but couldn't break down Tony Pulis's side, leading to the two teams sharing the spoils of this weekend's match. But Obiang reckons the Irons can take heart from the battling performance and enjoy an earned draw from a contest in which West Ham more than played their part. "We've come through a difficult moment and we won the last game," Obiang said: "We needed another point to start to move up to the middle of the table. "Maybe this result is enough for us. We are a big team and we needed that point. We can take one point." The goalless game was also a second consecutive clean-sheet for the Hammers and goalkeeper Joe Hart, something the midfielder says is a sign of the improvements made in the team's ability already this season. Obiang has now called on the side to start finding the net on a regular basis in order to turn these good performances into wins and points on the board. The Spaniard added: "For the defenders, for us, and for the team, it's really nice to keep another clean-sheet. We've played difficult games where we've conceded many goals but we're starting to play better, and play together. "We just need to score more goals now."
West Ham's best chance of the game from an Obiang effort. The 25-year-old saw goalkeeper Ben Foster off his line and attempted a curling strike from over 40 yards. The effort went over the West Brom shot-stopper and seemed destined for the top corner, only to unfortunately strike the cross-bar. And Obiang has revealed his goal on Monday – the first finish in the win against Huddersfield Town – inspired him to try another effort from distance against the Baggies.
The midfielder explained: "I have friends who told me that when you score you have a higher capacity to score in the next game. "So I said I would do it, but it didn't happen. Maybe next time!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic: We were one moment of quality from winning
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic felt his side were one moment of quality away from securing a deserved Premier League victory at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. West Ham United were a dominant force at The Hawthorns, where they enjoyed two-thirds of possession, created more goal attempts than their hosts, hit the crossbar through Pedro Obiang's long-range curler and restricted the Baggies to one header on target. But while his team were well-organised and rarely threatened, Bilic was disappointed that they failed to create and convert the clear-cut chances required to turn one point into three. "It hasn't been a great game of football, but we were solid again and limited them to one chance in the game, which was James Morrison's header," said the manager. "Especially in the second half, we were dominant and much better than them and coming into those really good areas, still keeping the shape and all that. "To be fair, we looked to get more and that was three points and you have to say the quality in the last third was missing, either with a cross or a reaction from a cross or something, or when we had good one-on-ones in the last 20 minutes, when they opened a little bit. "We needed one of our players, especially our wide players one-against-one in wide positions, to do a bit better, but I have no complaints. It's been a good week for us. We were hoping we would get three points, but to get another clean sheet and a point away from home, you can't be too negative about it. "Of course, we are not going to be raving about this game but, let's be honest, this week has been good for us and, as I said, it's another clean sheet, another solid performance and we looked very concentrated for the whole 90 minutes as a team, knowing what to do, no matter where the ball was. "We were attacking and counter-attacking and, at the same time, when we were losing balls, we were stopping them from counter-attacking us, so there were a lot of positives."
The one big talking point of the game came midway through the second half, when Chicharito poked Andy Carroll's flick-on past Ben Foster outside the Baggies penalty area before being brought down by the England goalkeeper. Bilic initially felt Foster should have been sent-off but, on reflection, felt referee Paul Tierney was justified in not producing a red card. "To be fair, it looked to me to be a red card, but when I saw it again I can't blame the referee," the manager observed. "He didn't do anything wrong there because of two things – one, Foster wasn't last man because two players came behind, Evans and Hegazi, and second, that challenge was mistimed and it wasn't that brutal, so fair enough. "Fair enough, it didn't have to be red, but a lot of times I've seen red for that, especially when you play at home, to be fair."
The manager was also asked for an update on the condition of James Collins, who was helped from the pitch after suffering what has been initially diagnosed as ankle ligament damage. "It was a very strange injury," Bilic confirmed. "It happened in the first half and then maybe, because it was warm and it wasn't a very important ligament in his ankle, he continued to play. "Then, twice after that he felt it, but after the third one, no matter how brave he is, it was impossible to continue. Now, we're going to scan it of course and see, but it is an injury. "On the other hand, we have hope because he could continue, because it happened in the first half."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Bromwich Albion 0-0 West Ham United
By Matt Davis
BBC Sport
Gareth Barry can play for "another two or three years" after making a record-equalling 632nd Premier League appearance, says West Brom manager Tony Pulis.
Barry, who shares the record with Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, reached the milestone in Saturday's 0-0 draw against West Ham at The Hawthorns. The 36-year-old also became the first player to start 600 Premier League games. Pulis said Barry can continue to play at the highest level because of "the way he looks after himself". "I am disappointed he is not just starting with us and is coming to the back end of his career," Pulis told BBC Sport. "He was a player I admired and respected. When we brought him into the club we realised how good he was."
Saturday's match was short on chances, with just two shots on target in the 90 minutes. West Ham's Pedro Obiang provided the only real moment of quality, catching Ben Foster off his line and hitting the crossbar from just outside the centre circle. After the break, Foster was perhaps lucky to escape with just a booking as he raced out of his box and lunged at the onrushing Javier Hernandez. The result moves West Brom into the top half of the table, while the Hammers remain in the bottom three on goal difference.
'A proud moment'
Barry was just 17 when he made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa against Sheffield Wednesday on 2 May 1998. Boyzone's All That I Need topped the charts at the time, while Tony Blair was prime minister. Barry played for Everton and Manchester City between his spells at Villa and West Brom, and Saturday's record-equalling appearance came 19 years and 137 days since his debut. "It's a proud moment for me," said the 36-year-old, who moved to The Hawthorns on a one-year deal in August. Barry, who sent a first-half header wide, told BBC Sport: "It is a huge number. It is lucky I have managed to keep fit throughout the years. It is not until I look back when I hang my boots up that I will realise what a big number it is. "I still remember [his debut] so well, so much has happened since, it has gone quick. "I will stop when I stop enjoying it and I will know when I have had enough and can't keep up with the boys."
Hernandez's struggles
Both teams were lacking in front of goal, with only a tame Michail Antonio shot and a Hal Robson-Kanu header forcing a save from either keeper. Javier Hernandez was almost anonymous until he was involved in the incident with Foster in the 66th minute. He was substituted for the second game in a row. The former Manchester United striker, who has scored two goals this season, touched the ball just once in the Baggies box and did not seem to gel with Andy Carroll, who was the focal point of the Hammers' attack. Another worry for the Londoners will be the fitness of defender James Collins, who limped off in the 58th minute. "He has damaged the ankle ligaments. We will assess him and see how long he will be out," said manager Slaven Bilic.
Man of the match - Jonny Evans
Only a defender could get man of the match in this game. Jonny Evans marshalled his defence well, kept Andy Carroll quiet and has built a solid partnership with Ahmed Hegazi
What they said - 'Take a point and move on'
Baggies boss Tony Pulis: "We only had a couple of clear-cut chances, just two opportunities in the match against a good West Ham side. "But we got a clean sheet and the players gave it everything, we just need a bit more quality in the final third. We take a point and move on."
West Ham 'progress' pleases Bilic
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic: "We played solidly and limited them to one chance. In the second half we played more dominant football. "Two clean sheets in two games is important progress. I am not extremely delighted but there are a lot of positives to build on."
Stats - Baggies love a 0-0 draw
West Ham kept just their second clean sheet in their past 19 away matches in the Premier League.
Only Southampton (13) and Man Utd (12) have recorded more 0-0 draws in the Premier League than West Brom (10) since Tony Pulis took over in January 2015.
West Brom have won just two of their past 14 matches versus West Ham in the Premier League (D9 L3).
West Ham have won just once in their past 11 Premier League away games (W1 D4 L6).
What's next?
Both teams are in EFL Cup action this week. West Brom host Manchester City on Wednesday, while Championship side Bolton travel to West Ham on Tuesday.
The Hammers then host Tottenham in the league on Saturday, while the Baggies are at Arsenal on Monday 25 September.
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WEST BROM 0-0 WEST HAM – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 16 SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 7:28PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham played a scoreless draw today in action against West Brom. Neither team was able to muster much offensive firepower as both teams recorded only a single shot on target. While this was a dull affair to watch for the passive football fan, it did give West Ham a much needed point and was notable as Slaven Bilic's side now have gone back-to-back matches with clean sheets. Given, the poor start to the season, this was of good note. The low point of the match was losing James Collins to injury midway through the match. His status is unknown
West Ham's best action was a Michail Antonio shot from about 20 yards out that Ben Foster had no trouble collecting. Moments later it looked as if Pedro Obiang would have the play of the month as he saw Ben Foster off his line and crushed a strike from 40 yards out that, unfortunately, met the crossbar.
The Baggies single strike at Joe Hart was a Hal Robson-Kanu header that Hart handled without too much difficulty.
The greatest drama of the match came in the 66th minute when Javier Hernandez was challenged just outside the penalty area by Ben Foster, in a tackle that earned Foster a booking. Had there not been other defenders in the vicinity, it is probable that Paul Tierney would have sent the goalkeeper off. Plenty of West Ham supporters voiced their feeling that Foster's challenge did earn a red, but the center ref was content to limit the penalty to a yellow, and West Ham subsequently failed to threaten on the ensuing free kick.
By the five minutes of added time, neither team seemed to have enough creativity in their attack to threaten and take all three points. Fans at the Hawthornes began their exodus as early as the 80 minute mark, and neither group of supporters had much to crow about after the match.
For Bilic he has found some consistency in defending, although James Collins has been a big part of their recent form. He will certainly be out for the near future. Much has been voiced about Chicharito's play at wing, and his lack of chemistry with Andy Carroll, but early in the season and with Carroll only two games into his own season, hopefully the duo can find their stride (before Andy's next injury).
West Ham has a short week before they host Bolton in the third round of the League Cup. That is followed by a visit from Spurs to the London Stadium. After a long spell of games away from home, finally the Hammers can play some football in front of their own fans. Hopefully over the next week Carroll and Hernandez can develop a rhythm together. Possibly the return of Manuel Lanzini can spark some service to those talented attackers.
While today was a frustrating day, West Ham has suffered 9 draws out of 14 matches with West Brom. Playing against Tony Pulis can as challenging as fighting a hill of Texas fire ants, but taking a point at the Hawthornes and living to fight another day, isn't the worst outcome Bilic could have had.
West Brom: Foster, Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs, Krychowiak, Barry Brunt, Morrison, Phillips, Rodriguez
Subs: Nyom (85'), Robson-Kanu (72'), Yacob, Rondon, Myhill, McClean (76'), McAuley
West Ham: Hart, Fonte, Reid, Collins, Zabaleta, Koyate, Obiang, Cresswell, Antonio, Carroll, Hernandez
Subs: Adrian, Arnautovic (58'), Sakho (82'), Ayew (76'), Ogbonna, Masuaku, Rice
Referee: Paul Tierney
Attendance: 24,942
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West Brom 0-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 16th September 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham secured their first away point of the campaign - but could really have been celebrating all three. A second successive clean sheet was the foundation for United's first point of the season on their travels at The Hawthorns this afternoon, following reversals at Manchester United, Southampton and Newcastle. And had Pedro Obiang enjoyed a little more luck with a 45-yard first half effort that rebounded off the crossbar, Slaven Bilic's team could have been celebrating a well-deserved win. Such was West Ham's dominance, it took Albion 87 minutes before registering an effort on target. However the Hammers were unable to break the deadlock, depite fielding forwards Andy Carroll, Javier Hernandez, Marco Arnautovic, Michail Antonio, Andre Ayew AND Diafra Sakho during the match. Chiefly responsible for West Ham's inability to find the net were a string of poor deliveries; although the likes of Aaron Cresswell created plenty of space on the flanks, all too often the final delivery was substandard and easily dealt with by West Brom's experienced central defenders. The best chance of the opening half fell to Obiang, who was inches away from opening the scoring when his speculative 45-yard effort caught Foster off his line before crashing back off the crossbar - much to the England 'keeper's relief.
Bar that, the Hammers went closest to scoring through efforts from Joe Fonte - a free heading that narrowly missed the target - and Andy Carroll, who skied a good second-half chance high over the bar. In stark contrast Albion, who have now scored 100 goals in 100 matches under Tony Pulis, were entirely anonymous and failed to threaten Hart's goal seriously all afternoon. And for that reason, a draw today will be considered by many as two points dropped, rather than a point gained. The draw ensures West Ham remain in the relegation zone, with four points from their opening five games.
West Ham Utd: Hart, Fonte, Reid, Collins (Arnautovic 58), Zabaleta, Obiang, Kouyate, Cresswell, Antonio, Chicharito (Ayew 76), Carroll (Sakho 82).
Subs not used: Adrian, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Rice.
Booked: Zabaleta (9), Antonio (90).
West Bromwich Albion: Foster, Hegazi, Evans, Dawson, Gibbs (Nyom 85), Barry, Krychowiak, Phillips (McClean 76), Morrison, Brunt (Robson-Kanu 72), Rodriguez.
Subs not used: Myhill, McAuley, Yacob, Rondon.
Booked: Foster (66), McClean (83).
Referee: Paul Tierney.
Attendance: 24,942.
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West Brom 0-0 West Ham: Visitors held in game of few chances
By Pete Hall
Last Updated: 16/09/17 8:26pm
SSN
West Ham had the better of the action at The Hawthorns but couldn't find a winner as they were held to a 0-0 draw at West Brom. Pedro Obiang's incredible effort from 45 yards cannoned back off the crossbar in a first half that lacked any real quality. Things didn't improve a great deal after the interval, with Ben Foster arguably very fortunate to stay on the pitch for a lunge on Javier Hernandez. Andy Carroll had a few half chances, but nothing that caused Foster any real concern.
The result sees West Ham continue their improvement after a poor start to the season, while West Brom move into the top half of the table. Gareth Barry took the applause before kick-off as he equalled Ryan Giggs' Premier League appearance record against the Hammers, but it was a fresh face in Kieran Gibbs who almost got his West Brom career off to a flyer early on into his first start for the club, but he saw his goalbound effort well blocked. Then, with the quality elsewhere very low in the opening half hour, Obiang attempted an audacious effort from just inside his own half, from 45 yards, which beat Foster in the home goal, but his strike cannoned back off the crossbar. West Brom's best chance of the half came via the head of James Morrison in the 38th minute, but he failed to get to the desired purchase on the ball and it flashed across the face of goal.
The second half saw even less goalmouth action, but the main talking point was just how Foster managed to avoid being sent off for a lunging tackle on Hernandez. The long ball over the top was there to be won, but Hernandez kicked the ball away from the advancing England international before being upended, somewhat rashly, The Hammers bench was incensed. Several opportunities came and went to create that match-winning opening, but the final ball remained poor throughout match. A point was all either side deserved for showing such little endeavour.
Opta stats
Gareth Barry equalled Ryan Giggs' Premier League record of 632 appearances in the competition. Barry also become the first player to start 600 games in the Premier League.
West Ham kept just their second clean sheet in their last 19 away matches in the Premier League.
Only Southampton (13) and Man Utd (12) have recorded more nil-nil draws in the Premier League than West Brom (10) since Tony Pulis' took over in January 2015.
West Brom have won just two of their last 14 matches versus West Ham in the Premier League (D9 L3).
West Ham have won just once in their last 11 Premier League away games (W1 D4 L6)
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admitted it was not a great game to watch after they drew 0-0 at West Brom but was pleased to limit their opponents to few chances.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admitted it was not a great game to watch after they drew 0-0 at West Brom but was pleased to limit their opponents to few chances.
The managers
Tony Pulis: "It was two sides who cancelled each other out. We played different systems and it was a difficult game. We had two really good chances in the first half. Obiang has had that wonderful effort, but it was a game of few chances."
Slaven Bilic: "For me, in the game, it looked like Foster was the last man. But after we have looked and the referee made a good decision, it was a yellow as he was not last man. It wasn't that brutal. Of course sometimes that would be a red, but I can't see the referee has done too much wrong in that situation."
The pundit - Matt Le Tissier
I thought Foster was probably lucky to stay on. If that was a defender, he would have been off. He is two feet off the ground, out of control. Chicharito is going away from goal, so he isn't denying a goalscoring opportunity, but it is just the foul itself. Anywhere else on the pitch and it is a red card. Defensively it was an improvement for West Ham, but West Brom were very poor on the attack. I feel sorry for Jay Rodriguez up front, he was so isolated.
Man of the Match - Michail Antonio
Simply the only player who had a go. He got so exasperated by lack of movement ahead of him that he tried to go it alone too often. His work ethic cannot be questioned, as he never gave up.
What's next?
Manchester City travel to the Midlands to take on West Brom in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, which will be good preparation for an imposing-looking trip to Arsenal for Tony Pulis's men the following Monday.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic believes referee right to give Ben Foster yellow in draw at West Brom
Last Updated: 16/09/17 7:57pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic believes after getting a chance to see the incident again that Ben Foster only deserved a yellow card for a foul on Javier Hernandez in West Ham's 0-0 draw at West Brom. In a game of very few chances, the main talking point came in the second half as Foster raced from his line to somewhat recklessly upend Hernandez as he closed in on the area. At the time, the Hammers bench was incensed that referee Paul Tierney only brandished a yellow card for the challenge, but Bilic believes that, with the benefit of hindsight, the referee got the decision correct. "For me, in the game, it looked like Foster was the last man," Bilic told Sky Sports. "But after we have looked and the referee made a good decision, it was a yellow as he was not last man."It wasn't that brutal. Of course sometimes that would be a red, but I can't see the referee has done too much wrong in that situation."
The result sees West Ham continue their improvement after a disappointing start to the season. They have taken four points in a week, to ease the pressure on the Croatian. "It was not an amazing game to watch," Bilic added. "But it was a solid performance from us. "We defended well, we limited them to one chance, we were better on the ball in the second half. We got a point, which is good for us, another clean sheet. "What we are not happy about is our quality in the last third of the pitch because we had many times we were there as they defended deep. We got into dangerous areas but didn't create the chances."
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WEST BROM 0, WEST HAM 0. THANK GOD THAT'S OVER.
By David Hautzig 16 Sep 2017 at 17:13
WTID
100.
When I heard that before the match, I was stunned. But not for the reason one might think. After five years, the natural reaction would be that a century was a low number. But I was actually surprised the number was that high. Whenever Man Bun suits up for us, I think of it as a footballing unicorn. Not to mention the semi controversy that his health and inclusion has caused. While his presence does indeed cause panic attacks in defenders, it also causes Hernandez to play out left and invite the very kind of football that many supporters loathe. Which is precisely what everyone got.
West Ham had the first good chance for either side in the seventh minute when Antonio passed to Zabaleta on the right, who then sent a looping pass to Carroll at the top of the box. But a poor first touch by our number nine saw the ball roll away before Carroll could even attempt a shot. The Hammers earned a corner moments later but the Baggies cleared easily, forcing Zabaleta into a professional foul and a yellow card to stop a West Brom counter.
The home side might look back at the 11th minute and wonder how they didn't take the lead. Brunt completely wrong footed Obiang on the right side of the West Ham penalty area and tried to pass to Gibbs in the box. Reid got a foot on that pass, but only enough to slow the ball down on its journey. It still arrived at Gibbs, but so did Reid to get another foot in and send Gibbs shot out for a corner. The ensuing piece came to Barry, but his header went onto the top netting of the goal.
The other day, Joe Hart gave a bit of a warning to supporters of both sides, and possibly even neutrals who might have considered watching the match. It won't be a contest that will please the purists he said. The middle stretch of the first half made that comment seem tame. Awful deliveries on set pieces by Cresswell, giveaways on seemingly simple passes by center halves on both sides, and sloppy ball handling by all with the possible exception of the ball boys and girls. They were in fine form retrieving the dross on display.
Why do we love….and I mean love….Antonio? The 27th minute put that on display. After receiving the ball from Obiang on the right side of midfield, we went on one of his freight train runs. And then he lost the ball inside the box. And then he won it back. And then he fired it on goal. It was saved rather easily by Foster, but an A+ for effort wouldn't be an overstatement by any means.
Moments later, Obiang tried an ambitious shot from just inside the West Brom half when he saw Foster off his line. The keeper had that look that said he knew this might not end well for him, but the ball skimmed off the cross bar and Foster was saved from embarrassment. Who could have possibly imagined that it would be the closest thing to a goal we saw all day? Other than West Brom supporters, that is.
West Brom wasted a terrific chance in the 38th minute when Phillips beat Fonte down the left and sent a low cross into the box that Morrison got his head to. But maybe he didn't expect it to reach him that quickly because he headed it wide of the goal.
Halftime:
West Brom 0
West Ham 0
The Hammers had an early chance when a Cresswell corner found Fonte in the box. But Fonte didn't find anything but the advertising boards with his header. He made up for it somewhat a minute later with a good tackle on Phillips followed by a pass to Hernandez.
Hernandez. Riiiiight. That striker we signed. Real poacher in the box. Forgot about him.
Ahem.
At the end of the first half, my NBC stream died so I missed the injuries to Collins and Obiang. When Ginge went down in the 57th minute, Tony Gale was kind enough to give me and the other viewers the skinny on the issue. But instead of a like for like substitution with Ogbonna coming on, Arnautovic marked his return from stupidity. Zabaleta was moved to the left so the shape stayed the same. But that's not his natural side, so Bilic left himself open to even more questions.
In the 66th minute, a long ball to Carroll was flicked to the left and both Hernandez and Foster were off to the races. Foster slid out, got the ball and a piece of Hernandez who went flying. Foster saw yellow, which caused Reid to go into a rage that could have ended worse for the West Ham center back than for the man who committed the foul in question. In the end, the decision was correct and West Ham made nothing of the free kick Hernandez won.
When Bilic took off Hernandez for Ayew against Huddersfield, many supporters not only questioned the move but also thought if it backfired it could cost Bilic his job. It ended well on Monday, but I got into a discussion with Sean Whetstone the other day in which Sean wondered if Ayew had earned himself a start. I didn't think so, and on this one rare occasion I got it right. But the same substitution today had to ignite not only a similar question as Monday, but also the very nature of how Hernandez has been used. Then Sakho replaced Carroll, which worried me on a defensive level more than anything, and the last ten minutes had a potential new look.
In the 88th minute, my wife said she was going to make her homemade Mac and Cheese for lunch. The key is her Bechamel Sauce. Panko bread crumbs on top. That was by far the most exciting moment in quite a long time. Trust me.
Full Time
West Brom 0
West Ham 0
I guess considering I predicted a 2-0 loss, I should be satisfied with a point and a second clean sheet. And to a degree I am. But all of the concerns I had after the Newcastle game remain. Other than that, it's probably best to just say I'm glad those two hours are behind us.
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"That went well!" Fans react as Harry Redknapp is sacked as Birmingham boss after six straight defeats
The former West Ham and Spurs boss was given the boot at St Andrews after Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Preston, and sympathy was in short supply on social media
The Mirror
BYMARK JONES
19:45, 16 SEP 2017
Well, that was quite unexpected. Harry Redknapp had been having a poor time of it at Birmingham of late, but there wouldn't have been many who'd have thought he'd be sacked on Saturday night when they woke up on Saturday morning. Then Blues went and lost 3-1 at home to Preston. Redknapp - who signed 14 players in the summer - was left unable to find any answers following the damaging defeat, and on social media there wasn't much sympathy for the former Tottenham boss. Not much at all. Look away now, 'Arry.
Scott @AVFC_Scott
Redknapp joins Blues.
Signs 14 players.
Loses 5 in a row.
Leaves them in a mess.
Top job 'arry
6:50 PM - Sep 16, 2017
BenchWarmers ⚽️ @BeWarmers
Replying to @BeWarmers
Let's have a moments silence for the Birmingham fan who got a tattoo of Redknapp leaning out his car window...that's long enough and 😂😂😂
6:55 PM - Sep 16, 2017
4 4 Replies 42 42 Retweets 97 97 likes
Gary McGurk @garymcgurk
Never nice to see someone lose their job unless it's Harry 'alwight san' Redknapp #transferwindow
7:27 PM - Sep 16, 2017
Replies Retweets likes
Tom Jones @notawelshsinger
Villa win 3-0 away on TV, while Blues sack Redknapp after 6 straight losses. Today is a good day. #UTV
7:27 PM - Sep 16, 2017
Replies Retweets likes
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United collected their first away point of the season against West Brom on Saturday following a goalless draw at The Hawthorns. Slaven Bilic's side enjoyed the best chances in a physical and feisty encounter. Pedro Obiang's shot from 40 yards, which crashed into the woodwork, was the stand-out effort.
Michail Antonio also created a decent opportunity for himself while Chicharito may have been through on goal in the second period if not for a challenge by Ben Foster, earning the shot-stopper a booking. The Baggies meanwhile, despite some decent build-up play, failed to trouble Joe Hart's goal with the Hammers earning a second consecutive league clean-sheet. The best chance of the first period came from Spanish midfielder Obiang. The midfielder – who scored from distance on Monday – saw Ben Foster off his line and attempted a curling effort from 40 yards, only for the shot to smash against the cross-bar. Antonio also fashioned an excellent opportunity for himself when he received the ball and ran the length of the pitch, before checking back and firing a shot towards goal, which Foster saved. Andy Carroll's power and presence allowed the No9 to chest down a couple of crosses in dangerous areas, but one of these was marshalled away while the other effort went over the bar. The hosts meanwhile created a few opportunities without worrying Hart or the defence. Winston Reid made a brilliant tackle to stop a Chris Brunt cross from causing problems, while the winger also had a low shot comfortably saved early on.
The second half begun strongly for the Irons with Jose Fonte heading just wide after a decent corner by Aaron Cresswell. The away side lost James Collins due to injury just before the hour mark after the Welshman went dow, which in turn led to the introduction of Mark Arnautovic, returning from his recent suspension.
Arnautovic looked lively and caused problems for West Brom, with one such moment leading to another Obiang effort from distance, only for the shot to go over the bar. Chicharito found himself through on goal only to be brought down by Foster. The West Brom goalkeeper was given a yellow card for his high challenge outside the area, despite calls from the 2,671 travelling supporters for Foster to be given his marching orders, as Baggies defenders had also got back to cover.
West Ham's final chance for three points came in the form of another shirt from Obiang, which Foster was able to pull into his chest, giving both sides the draw.
West Brom: Foster; Hegazi, Evans, Dawson, Gibbs (Nyom 85'); Barry, Krychowiak, Phillips (McClean 76'), Morrison, Brunt (Robson-Kanu 72'); Rodriguez
Subs not used: Myhill, McAuley, Yacob, Rondon
Yellow Cards: Foster 66', McClean 83'
West Ham: Hart; Fonte, Reid, Collins (Arnautovic 58'); Zabaleta, Obiang, Kouyate, Cresswell; Antonio, Chicharito (Ayew 76'), Carroll (Sakho 82')
Subs not used: Adrian, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Rice
Yellow Cards: Zabaleta 9', Antonio 90'
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Obiang satisfied with point earned in West Brom draw
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang believes he and his West Ham United teammates can be satisfied with a hard-fought point after playing out a draw against West Brom. The Irons collected their first point away from home in the league this season at The Hawthorns on Saturday, following a 0-0 draw between Slaven Bilic's men and the Baggies. The away side enjoyed the better chances in the fixture but couldn't break down Tony Pulis's side, leading to the two teams sharing the spoils of this weekend's match. But Obiang reckons the Irons can take heart from the battling performance and enjoy an earned draw from a contest in which West Ham more than played their part. "We've come through a difficult moment and we won the last game," Obiang said: "We needed another point to start to move up to the middle of the table. "Maybe this result is enough for us. We are a big team and we needed that point. We can take one point." The goalless game was also a second consecutive clean-sheet for the Hammers and goalkeeper Joe Hart, something the midfielder says is a sign of the improvements made in the team's ability already this season. Obiang has now called on the side to start finding the net on a regular basis in order to turn these good performances into wins and points on the board. The Spaniard added: "For the defenders, for us, and for the team, it's really nice to keep another clean-sheet. We've played difficult games where we've conceded many goals but we're starting to play better, and play together. "We just need to score more goals now."
West Ham's best chance of the game from an Obiang effort. The 25-year-old saw goalkeeper Ben Foster off his line and attempted a curling strike from over 40 yards. The effort went over the West Brom shot-stopper and seemed destined for the top corner, only to unfortunately strike the cross-bar. And Obiang has revealed his goal on Monday – the first finish in the win against Huddersfield Town – inspired him to try another effort from distance against the Baggies.
The midfielder explained: "I have friends who told me that when you score you have a higher capacity to score in the next game. "So I said I would do it, but it didn't happen. Maybe next time!"
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Bilic: We were one moment of quality from winning
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic felt his side were one moment of quality away from securing a deserved Premier League victory at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. West Ham United were a dominant force at The Hawthorns, where they enjoyed two-thirds of possession, created more goal attempts than their hosts, hit the crossbar through Pedro Obiang's long-range curler and restricted the Baggies to one header on target. But while his team were well-organised and rarely threatened, Bilic was disappointed that they failed to create and convert the clear-cut chances required to turn one point into three. "It hasn't been a great game of football, but we were solid again and limited them to one chance in the game, which was James Morrison's header," said the manager. "Especially in the second half, we were dominant and much better than them and coming into those really good areas, still keeping the shape and all that. "To be fair, we looked to get more and that was three points and you have to say the quality in the last third was missing, either with a cross or a reaction from a cross or something, or when we had good one-on-ones in the last 20 minutes, when they opened a little bit. "We needed one of our players, especially our wide players one-against-one in wide positions, to do a bit better, but I have no complaints. It's been a good week for us. We were hoping we would get three points, but to get another clean sheet and a point away from home, you can't be too negative about it. "Of course, we are not going to be raving about this game but, let's be honest, this week has been good for us and, as I said, it's another clean sheet, another solid performance and we looked very concentrated for the whole 90 minutes as a team, knowing what to do, no matter where the ball was. "We were attacking and counter-attacking and, at the same time, when we were losing balls, we were stopping them from counter-attacking us, so there were a lot of positives."
The one big talking point of the game came midway through the second half, when Chicharito poked Andy Carroll's flick-on past Ben Foster outside the Baggies penalty area before being brought down by the England goalkeeper. Bilic initially felt Foster should have been sent-off but, on reflection, felt referee Paul Tierney was justified in not producing a red card. "To be fair, it looked to me to be a red card, but when I saw it again I can't blame the referee," the manager observed. "He didn't do anything wrong there because of two things – one, Foster wasn't last man because two players came behind, Evans and Hegazi, and second, that challenge was mistimed and it wasn't that brutal, so fair enough. "Fair enough, it didn't have to be red, but a lot of times I've seen red for that, especially when you play at home, to be fair."
The manager was also asked for an update on the condition of James Collins, who was helped from the pitch after suffering what has been initially diagnosed as ankle ligament damage. "It was a very strange injury," Bilic confirmed. "It happened in the first half and then maybe, because it was warm and it wasn't a very important ligament in his ankle, he continued to play. "Then, twice after that he felt it, but after the third one, no matter how brave he is, it was impossible to continue. Now, we're going to scan it of course and see, but it is an injury. "On the other hand, we have hope because he could continue, because it happened in the first half."
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West Bromwich Albion 0-0 West Ham United
By Matt Davis
BBC Sport
Gareth Barry can play for "another two or three years" after making a record-equalling 632nd Premier League appearance, says West Brom manager Tony Pulis.
Barry, who shares the record with Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, reached the milestone in Saturday's 0-0 draw against West Ham at The Hawthorns. The 36-year-old also became the first player to start 600 Premier League games. Pulis said Barry can continue to play at the highest level because of "the way he looks after himself". "I am disappointed he is not just starting with us and is coming to the back end of his career," Pulis told BBC Sport. "He was a player I admired and respected. When we brought him into the club we realised how good he was."
Saturday's match was short on chances, with just two shots on target in the 90 minutes. West Ham's Pedro Obiang provided the only real moment of quality, catching Ben Foster off his line and hitting the crossbar from just outside the centre circle. After the break, Foster was perhaps lucky to escape with just a booking as he raced out of his box and lunged at the onrushing Javier Hernandez. The result moves West Brom into the top half of the table, while the Hammers remain in the bottom three on goal difference.
'A proud moment'
Barry was just 17 when he made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa against Sheffield Wednesday on 2 May 1998. Boyzone's All That I Need topped the charts at the time, while Tony Blair was prime minister. Barry played for Everton and Manchester City between his spells at Villa and West Brom, and Saturday's record-equalling appearance came 19 years and 137 days since his debut. "It's a proud moment for me," said the 36-year-old, who moved to The Hawthorns on a one-year deal in August. Barry, who sent a first-half header wide, told BBC Sport: "It is a huge number. It is lucky I have managed to keep fit throughout the years. It is not until I look back when I hang my boots up that I will realise what a big number it is. "I still remember [his debut] so well, so much has happened since, it has gone quick. "I will stop when I stop enjoying it and I will know when I have had enough and can't keep up with the boys."
Hernandez's struggles
Both teams were lacking in front of goal, with only a tame Michail Antonio shot and a Hal Robson-Kanu header forcing a save from either keeper. Javier Hernandez was almost anonymous until he was involved in the incident with Foster in the 66th minute. He was substituted for the second game in a row. The former Manchester United striker, who has scored two goals this season, touched the ball just once in the Baggies box and did not seem to gel with Andy Carroll, who was the focal point of the Hammers' attack. Another worry for the Londoners will be the fitness of defender James Collins, who limped off in the 58th minute. "He has damaged the ankle ligaments. We will assess him and see how long he will be out," said manager Slaven Bilic.
Man of the match - Jonny Evans
Only a defender could get man of the match in this game. Jonny Evans marshalled his defence well, kept Andy Carroll quiet and has built a solid partnership with Ahmed Hegazi
What they said - 'Take a point and move on'
Baggies boss Tony Pulis: "We only had a couple of clear-cut chances, just two opportunities in the match against a good West Ham side. "But we got a clean sheet and the players gave it everything, we just need a bit more quality in the final third. We take a point and move on."
West Ham 'progress' pleases Bilic
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic: "We played solidly and limited them to one chance. In the second half we played more dominant football. "Two clean sheets in two games is important progress. I am not extremely delighted but there are a lot of positives to build on."
Stats - Baggies love a 0-0 draw
West Ham kept just their second clean sheet in their past 19 away matches in the Premier League.
Only Southampton (13) and Man Utd (12) have recorded more 0-0 draws in the Premier League than West Brom (10) since Tony Pulis took over in January 2015.
West Brom have won just two of their past 14 matches versus West Ham in the Premier League (D9 L3).
West Ham have won just once in their past 11 Premier League away games (W1 D4 L6).
What's next?
Both teams are in EFL Cup action this week. West Brom host Manchester City on Wednesday, while Championship side Bolton travel to West Ham on Tuesday.
The Hammers then host Tottenham in the league on Saturday, while the Baggies are at Arsenal on Monday 25 September.
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WEST BROM 0-0 WEST HAM – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 16 SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 7:28PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham played a scoreless draw today in action against West Brom. Neither team was able to muster much offensive firepower as both teams recorded only a single shot on target. While this was a dull affair to watch for the passive football fan, it did give West Ham a much needed point and was notable as Slaven Bilic's side now have gone back-to-back matches with clean sheets. Given, the poor start to the season, this was of good note. The low point of the match was losing James Collins to injury midway through the match. His status is unknown
West Ham's best action was a Michail Antonio shot from about 20 yards out that Ben Foster had no trouble collecting. Moments later it looked as if Pedro Obiang would have the play of the month as he saw Ben Foster off his line and crushed a strike from 40 yards out that, unfortunately, met the crossbar.
The Baggies single strike at Joe Hart was a Hal Robson-Kanu header that Hart handled without too much difficulty.
The greatest drama of the match came in the 66th minute when Javier Hernandez was challenged just outside the penalty area by Ben Foster, in a tackle that earned Foster a booking. Had there not been other defenders in the vicinity, it is probable that Paul Tierney would have sent the goalkeeper off. Plenty of West Ham supporters voiced their feeling that Foster's challenge did earn a red, but the center ref was content to limit the penalty to a yellow, and West Ham subsequently failed to threaten on the ensuing free kick.
By the five minutes of added time, neither team seemed to have enough creativity in their attack to threaten and take all three points. Fans at the Hawthornes began their exodus as early as the 80 minute mark, and neither group of supporters had much to crow about after the match.
For Bilic he has found some consistency in defending, although James Collins has been a big part of their recent form. He will certainly be out for the near future. Much has been voiced about Chicharito's play at wing, and his lack of chemistry with Andy Carroll, but early in the season and with Carroll only two games into his own season, hopefully the duo can find their stride (before Andy's next injury).
West Ham has a short week before they host Bolton in the third round of the League Cup. That is followed by a visit from Spurs to the London Stadium. After a long spell of games away from home, finally the Hammers can play some football in front of their own fans. Hopefully over the next week Carroll and Hernandez can develop a rhythm together. Possibly the return of Manuel Lanzini can spark some service to those talented attackers.
While today was a frustrating day, West Ham has suffered 9 draws out of 14 matches with West Brom. Playing against Tony Pulis can as challenging as fighting a hill of Texas fire ants, but taking a point at the Hawthornes and living to fight another day, isn't the worst outcome Bilic could have had.
West Brom: Foster, Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs, Krychowiak, Barry Brunt, Morrison, Phillips, Rodriguez
Subs: Nyom (85'), Robson-Kanu (72'), Yacob, Rondon, Myhill, McClean (76'), McAuley
West Ham: Hart, Fonte, Reid, Collins, Zabaleta, Koyate, Obiang, Cresswell, Antonio, Carroll, Hernandez
Subs: Adrian, Arnautovic (58'), Sakho (82'), Ayew (76'), Ogbonna, Masuaku, Rice
Referee: Paul Tierney
Attendance: 24,942
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West Brom 0-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 16th September 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham secured their first away point of the campaign - but could really have been celebrating all three. A second successive clean sheet was the foundation for United's first point of the season on their travels at The Hawthorns this afternoon, following reversals at Manchester United, Southampton and Newcastle. And had Pedro Obiang enjoyed a little more luck with a 45-yard first half effort that rebounded off the crossbar, Slaven Bilic's team could have been celebrating a well-deserved win. Such was West Ham's dominance, it took Albion 87 minutes before registering an effort on target. However the Hammers were unable to break the deadlock, depite fielding forwards Andy Carroll, Javier Hernandez, Marco Arnautovic, Michail Antonio, Andre Ayew AND Diafra Sakho during the match. Chiefly responsible for West Ham's inability to find the net were a string of poor deliveries; although the likes of Aaron Cresswell created plenty of space on the flanks, all too often the final delivery was substandard and easily dealt with by West Brom's experienced central defenders. The best chance of the opening half fell to Obiang, who was inches away from opening the scoring when his speculative 45-yard effort caught Foster off his line before crashing back off the crossbar - much to the England 'keeper's relief.
Bar that, the Hammers went closest to scoring through efforts from Joe Fonte - a free heading that narrowly missed the target - and Andy Carroll, who skied a good second-half chance high over the bar. In stark contrast Albion, who have now scored 100 goals in 100 matches under Tony Pulis, were entirely anonymous and failed to threaten Hart's goal seriously all afternoon. And for that reason, a draw today will be considered by many as two points dropped, rather than a point gained. The draw ensures West Ham remain in the relegation zone, with four points from their opening five games.
West Ham Utd: Hart, Fonte, Reid, Collins (Arnautovic 58), Zabaleta, Obiang, Kouyate, Cresswell, Antonio, Chicharito (Ayew 76), Carroll (Sakho 82).
Subs not used: Adrian, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Rice.
Booked: Zabaleta (9), Antonio (90).
West Bromwich Albion: Foster, Hegazi, Evans, Dawson, Gibbs (Nyom 85), Barry, Krychowiak, Phillips (McClean 76), Morrison, Brunt (Robson-Kanu 72), Rodriguez.
Subs not used: Myhill, McAuley, Yacob, Rondon.
Booked: Foster (66), McClean (83).
Referee: Paul Tierney.
Attendance: 24,942.
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West Brom 0-0 West Ham: Visitors held in game of few chances
By Pete Hall
Last Updated: 16/09/17 8:26pm
SSN
West Ham had the better of the action at The Hawthorns but couldn't find a winner as they were held to a 0-0 draw at West Brom. Pedro Obiang's incredible effort from 45 yards cannoned back off the crossbar in a first half that lacked any real quality. Things didn't improve a great deal after the interval, with Ben Foster arguably very fortunate to stay on the pitch for a lunge on Javier Hernandez. Andy Carroll had a few half chances, but nothing that caused Foster any real concern.
The result sees West Ham continue their improvement after a poor start to the season, while West Brom move into the top half of the table. Gareth Barry took the applause before kick-off as he equalled Ryan Giggs' Premier League appearance record against the Hammers, but it was a fresh face in Kieran Gibbs who almost got his West Brom career off to a flyer early on into his first start for the club, but he saw his goalbound effort well blocked. Then, with the quality elsewhere very low in the opening half hour, Obiang attempted an audacious effort from just inside his own half, from 45 yards, which beat Foster in the home goal, but his strike cannoned back off the crossbar. West Brom's best chance of the half came via the head of James Morrison in the 38th minute, but he failed to get to the desired purchase on the ball and it flashed across the face of goal.
The second half saw even less goalmouth action, but the main talking point was just how Foster managed to avoid being sent off for a lunging tackle on Hernandez. The long ball over the top was there to be won, but Hernandez kicked the ball away from the advancing England international before being upended, somewhat rashly, The Hammers bench was incensed. Several opportunities came and went to create that match-winning opening, but the final ball remained poor throughout match. A point was all either side deserved for showing such little endeavour.
Opta stats
Gareth Barry equalled Ryan Giggs' Premier League record of 632 appearances in the competition. Barry also become the first player to start 600 games in the Premier League.
West Ham kept just their second clean sheet in their last 19 away matches in the Premier League.
Only Southampton (13) and Man Utd (12) have recorded more nil-nil draws in the Premier League than West Brom (10) since Tony Pulis' took over in January 2015.
West Brom have won just two of their last 14 matches versus West Ham in the Premier League (D9 L3).
West Ham have won just once in their last 11 Premier League away games (W1 D4 L6)
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admitted it was not a great game to watch after they drew 0-0 at West Brom but was pleased to limit their opponents to few chances.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admitted it was not a great game to watch after they drew 0-0 at West Brom but was pleased to limit their opponents to few chances.
The managers
Tony Pulis: "It was two sides who cancelled each other out. We played different systems and it was a difficult game. We had two really good chances in the first half. Obiang has had that wonderful effort, but it was a game of few chances."
Slaven Bilic: "For me, in the game, it looked like Foster was the last man. But after we have looked and the referee made a good decision, it was a yellow as he was not last man. It wasn't that brutal. Of course sometimes that would be a red, but I can't see the referee has done too much wrong in that situation."
The pundit - Matt Le Tissier
I thought Foster was probably lucky to stay on. If that was a defender, he would have been off. He is two feet off the ground, out of control. Chicharito is going away from goal, so he isn't denying a goalscoring opportunity, but it is just the foul itself. Anywhere else on the pitch and it is a red card. Defensively it was an improvement for West Ham, but West Brom were very poor on the attack. I feel sorry for Jay Rodriguez up front, he was so isolated.
Man of the Match - Michail Antonio
Simply the only player who had a go. He got so exasperated by lack of movement ahead of him that he tried to go it alone too often. His work ethic cannot be questioned, as he never gave up.
What's next?
Manchester City travel to the Midlands to take on West Brom in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, which will be good preparation for an imposing-looking trip to Arsenal for Tony Pulis's men the following Monday.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic believes referee right to give Ben Foster yellow in draw at West Brom
Last Updated: 16/09/17 7:57pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic believes after getting a chance to see the incident again that Ben Foster only deserved a yellow card for a foul on Javier Hernandez in West Ham's 0-0 draw at West Brom. In a game of very few chances, the main talking point came in the second half as Foster raced from his line to somewhat recklessly upend Hernandez as he closed in on the area. At the time, the Hammers bench was incensed that referee Paul Tierney only brandished a yellow card for the challenge, but Bilic believes that, with the benefit of hindsight, the referee got the decision correct. "For me, in the game, it looked like Foster was the last man," Bilic told Sky Sports. "But after we have looked and the referee made a good decision, it was a yellow as he was not last man."It wasn't that brutal. Of course sometimes that would be a red, but I can't see the referee has done too much wrong in that situation."
The result sees West Ham continue their improvement after a disappointing start to the season. They have taken four points in a week, to ease the pressure on the Croatian. "It was not an amazing game to watch," Bilic added. "But it was a solid performance from us. "We defended well, we limited them to one chance, we were better on the ball in the second half. We got a point, which is good for us, another clean sheet. "What we are not happy about is our quality in the last third of the pitch because we had many times we were there as they defended deep. We got into dangerous areas but didn't create the chances."
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WEST BROM 0, WEST HAM 0. THANK GOD THAT'S OVER.
By David Hautzig 16 Sep 2017 at 17:13
WTID
100.
When I heard that before the match, I was stunned. But not for the reason one might think. After five years, the natural reaction would be that a century was a low number. But I was actually surprised the number was that high. Whenever Man Bun suits up for us, I think of it as a footballing unicorn. Not to mention the semi controversy that his health and inclusion has caused. While his presence does indeed cause panic attacks in defenders, it also causes Hernandez to play out left and invite the very kind of football that many supporters loathe. Which is precisely what everyone got.
West Ham had the first good chance for either side in the seventh minute when Antonio passed to Zabaleta on the right, who then sent a looping pass to Carroll at the top of the box. But a poor first touch by our number nine saw the ball roll away before Carroll could even attempt a shot. The Hammers earned a corner moments later but the Baggies cleared easily, forcing Zabaleta into a professional foul and a yellow card to stop a West Brom counter.
The home side might look back at the 11th minute and wonder how they didn't take the lead. Brunt completely wrong footed Obiang on the right side of the West Ham penalty area and tried to pass to Gibbs in the box. Reid got a foot on that pass, but only enough to slow the ball down on its journey. It still arrived at Gibbs, but so did Reid to get another foot in and send Gibbs shot out for a corner. The ensuing piece came to Barry, but his header went onto the top netting of the goal.
The other day, Joe Hart gave a bit of a warning to supporters of both sides, and possibly even neutrals who might have considered watching the match. It won't be a contest that will please the purists he said. The middle stretch of the first half made that comment seem tame. Awful deliveries on set pieces by Cresswell, giveaways on seemingly simple passes by center halves on both sides, and sloppy ball handling by all with the possible exception of the ball boys and girls. They were in fine form retrieving the dross on display.
Why do we love….and I mean love….Antonio? The 27th minute put that on display. After receiving the ball from Obiang on the right side of midfield, we went on one of his freight train runs. And then he lost the ball inside the box. And then he won it back. And then he fired it on goal. It was saved rather easily by Foster, but an A+ for effort wouldn't be an overstatement by any means.
Moments later, Obiang tried an ambitious shot from just inside the West Brom half when he saw Foster off his line. The keeper had that look that said he knew this might not end well for him, but the ball skimmed off the cross bar and Foster was saved from embarrassment. Who could have possibly imagined that it would be the closest thing to a goal we saw all day? Other than West Brom supporters, that is.
West Brom wasted a terrific chance in the 38th minute when Phillips beat Fonte down the left and sent a low cross into the box that Morrison got his head to. But maybe he didn't expect it to reach him that quickly because he headed it wide of the goal.
Halftime:
West Brom 0
West Ham 0
The Hammers had an early chance when a Cresswell corner found Fonte in the box. But Fonte didn't find anything but the advertising boards with his header. He made up for it somewhat a minute later with a good tackle on Phillips followed by a pass to Hernandez.
Hernandez. Riiiiight. That striker we signed. Real poacher in the box. Forgot about him.
Ahem.
At the end of the first half, my NBC stream died so I missed the injuries to Collins and Obiang. When Ginge went down in the 57th minute, Tony Gale was kind enough to give me and the other viewers the skinny on the issue. But instead of a like for like substitution with Ogbonna coming on, Arnautovic marked his return from stupidity. Zabaleta was moved to the left so the shape stayed the same. But that's not his natural side, so Bilic left himself open to even more questions.
In the 66th minute, a long ball to Carroll was flicked to the left and both Hernandez and Foster were off to the races. Foster slid out, got the ball and a piece of Hernandez who went flying. Foster saw yellow, which caused Reid to go into a rage that could have ended worse for the West Ham center back than for the man who committed the foul in question. In the end, the decision was correct and West Ham made nothing of the free kick Hernandez won.
When Bilic took off Hernandez for Ayew against Huddersfield, many supporters not only questioned the move but also thought if it backfired it could cost Bilic his job. It ended well on Monday, but I got into a discussion with Sean Whetstone the other day in which Sean wondered if Ayew had earned himself a start. I didn't think so, and on this one rare occasion I got it right. But the same substitution today had to ignite not only a similar question as Monday, but also the very nature of how Hernandez has been used. Then Sakho replaced Carroll, which worried me on a defensive level more than anything, and the last ten minutes had a potential new look.
In the 88th minute, my wife said she was going to make her homemade Mac and Cheese for lunch. The key is her Bechamel Sauce. Panko bread crumbs on top. That was by far the most exciting moment in quite a long time. Trust me.
Full Time
West Brom 0
West Ham 0
I guess considering I predicted a 2-0 loss, I should be satisfied with a point and a second clean sheet. And to a degree I am. But all of the concerns I had after the Newcastle game remain. Other than that, it's probably best to just say I'm glad those two hours are behind us.
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"That went well!" Fans react as Harry Redknapp is sacked as Birmingham boss after six straight defeats
The former West Ham and Spurs boss was given the boot at St Andrews after Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Preston, and sympathy was in short supply on social media
The Mirror
BYMARK JONES
19:45, 16 SEP 2017
Well, that was quite unexpected. Harry Redknapp had been having a poor time of it at Birmingham of late, but there wouldn't have been many who'd have thought he'd be sacked on Saturday night when they woke up on Saturday morning. Then Blues went and lost 3-1 at home to Preston. Redknapp - who signed 14 players in the summer - was left unable to find any answers following the damaging defeat, and on social media there wasn't much sympathy for the former Tottenham boss. Not much at all. Look away now, 'Arry.
Scott @AVFC_Scott
Redknapp joins Blues.
Signs 14 players.
Loses 5 in a row.
Leaves them in a mess.
Top job 'arry
6:50 PM - Sep 16, 2017
BenchWarmers ⚽️ @BeWarmers
Replying to @BeWarmers
Let's have a moments silence for the Birmingham fan who got a tattoo of Redknapp leaning out his car window...that's long enough and 😂😂😂
6:55 PM - Sep 16, 2017
4 4 Replies 42 42 Retweets 97 97 likes
Gary McGurk @garymcgurk
Never nice to see someone lose their job unless it's Harry 'alwight san' Redknapp #transferwindow
7:27 PM - Sep 16, 2017
Replies Retweets likes
Tom Jones @notawelshsinger
Villa win 3-0 away on TV, while Blues sack Redknapp after 6 straight losses. Today is a good day. #UTV
7:27 PM - Sep 16, 2017
Replies Retweets likes
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