Late goal breaks West Ham United hearts at Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com
Goals from Chicharito and Andre Ayew were not enough to secure West Ham United a first away league win of the season after a very late equaliser by Wilfried Zaha in a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace. A clever flicked finish from Chicharito on 31 minutes was followed up by a fantastic strike by Ayew moments before half-time, giving the forward three goals in his last two matches. Palace got a goal back after the interval via the penalty spot through Luka Milivojevic while Joe Hart produced some moments of brilliance in goal, most notably a double stop just before the half-time whistle. But, despite a gallant effort, West Ham's resolve was broken seven minutes into injury time as Zaha squeezed home with virtually the last kick of the game. After a tepid start to the game at Selhurst Park the match exploded into life after half an hour. Ayew found Aaron Cresswell in space on the flank, and the defender's first-time cross eluded the legs of every Palace player.
The ball found Chicharito, who brilliantly finished with the outside of his right foot to put the Irons into the lead. The finish sprung the home side into action and the Eagles came close to equalising, and would have done, if not for a fantastic double save from Joe Hart. The England international brilliantly checked his momentum to stop James Tomkins' headed effort finding the net, before blocking away Zaha's follow-up effort. With Hart's terrific save keeping West Ham in front, Ayew put the Hammers in control just before half-time with a fantastic finish from outside the box. The forward crafted the chance himself, having taken possession on the half-way line, and fired into the top corner from the edge of the area. Ruben Loftus-Cheek had a chance to half the deficit for Palace in added time but his header went just wide of the post.
It took just five minutes of the second period for Palace to get a goal back however. Angelo Ogbonna brought down Andros Townsend in the box, and Milivojevic tucked away the resulting penalty to cut West Ham's lead to one. The Eagles then hit the post through a Yohan Cabaye strike while Jose Fonte, who came off for Declan Rice, saw a header go wide. Palace continued to threaten and if not for some excellent work by Hart, the home team may have levelled. The shot-stopper palmed away a Zaha effort before also brilliantly saving a Cabaye free-kick. Captain Noble also put his body on the line with some tremendous blocks in and around the area, stopping Palace from levelling the game. Former Hammer Tomkins then hit the crossbar while Bakary Sako hooked over from two yards. But, as the game played out to a close, Zaha received the ball inside the box and was able to turn home low effort, breaking West Ham heart's with what was almost the last kick of the match.
West Ham United: Hart; Kouyate, Fonte (76'), Ogbonna; Zabaleta (Antonio 61'), Noble, Fernandes, Cresswell (Masuaku 46'); Ayew, Chicharito, Lanzini
Subs not used: Adrian, Obiang, Arnautovic, Carroll
Goals: Chicharito 31', Ayew 43'
Crystal Palace: Speroni; Ward (Sako 60'), Tomkins, Dann, Van Aanholt (Fosu-Mensah 11'); Milivojevic, Cabaye, Townsend, Loftus-Cheek, Schlupp; Zaha
Subs not used: Hennessey, Delaney, Kelly, Puncheon, Riedewald
Goals: Milivojevic (p) 50', Zaha 90+7
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Bilic - Palace draw feels like a defeat
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic said that Saturday's 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace 'felt like a defeat' after West Ham surrendered a two goal lead to leave Selhurst Park with just the one point. Goals from Chicharito and Andre Ayew had given the Hammers a 2-0 lead at half-time, however Luka Milivojevic's penalty five minutes after the restart and Wilfried Zaha's 96th minute strike levelled things up in South London. "We are very disappointed, it feels like a defeat" the Hammers boss explained. "We are gutted because we were winning 2-0 and of course the game isn't over but we were in a great position. They put us under a lot of pressure in the second half, but the game was there for us."
West Ham had controlled much of the game in the first 45' and the scoreline at halfway reflected it, but the second period belonged to the hosts. Palace clawed one back just five minutes in to the second half and clearly took confidence from that in to the rest of the game. "Things were very good for us, we knew we had 45 minutes to play where they were going to take more risks and play more direct so we wanted to keep our shape but also explore the space that would leave behind – unfortunately we didn't do it" Bilic said. "I am very disappointed with the penalty, it came too early for us but to concede the second in this manner it makes it even harder to take."
The equaliser came in the last of six additional minutes. When Michail Antonio lost the ball high up the field, the hosts quickly moved it back towards the West Ham penalty area where Wilfried Zaha was on hand to slot it in the bottom corner. "To concede a goal in the last second, in that way when we have the ball high up the pitch, we are gutted." Bilic said. "It was a good goal well taken by Zaha but to be fair, we gave it to them. With five or ten seconds to go, we were in a position where all we had to do was to keep the ball and we made the wrong decision. "All we had to do is keep a hold of the ball but we made a few bad decisions in the last two minutes. Those couple of decisions were very naïve, but these things happen. "The point is not bad, but not right now. It feels like defeat."
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Chicharito: I'd happily swap my goals for points
WHUFC.com
Chicharito has admitted he would gladly swap his goal scored against Crystal Palace for a West Ham United win after the Eagles battled back to claim a 2-2 draw against the Irons. Chicharito netted his fourth Premier League goal of the season in the first half at Selhurst Park before Andre Ayew extended the Hammers' lead, but a Luka Milivojevic penalty and a finish in the 97th minute by Wilfried Zaha meant Slaven Bilic's side departed south London with only a point. The result leaves the Irons still waiting for a first league away win of the season and the Mexican says he would gladly give his goal against Palace – and indeed all of his finishes this campaign – in exchange for more points on the board. When asked about his goal Chicharito told whufc.com: "It's nice and it gives you lot of confidence. I'm a striker and goals give you that but the goals I have so far for the team haven't got us points or a victory so far, so I'm a little disappointed also. "I always say I'd prefer to win matches and change those goals to points. But yeah it was good feeling for Andre Ayew and me. We are both strikers and we scored one goal each."
The 29-year-old struggled to contain his disappointment at Saturday's result after he and Ayew fired the Hammers into the lead before half-time, but insists the side will look to take heart from a positive first-half showing. Chicharito also indicated that he and the team will take the positives from this game as the Club starts to turn towards next weekend's match, against Liverpool. "It's disappointing because we got a good advantage in the first half with two goals," the striker added: "We were two goals up but unfortunately they fought and we couldn't hold them, and then they scored in the last minute. The feeling is disappointment obviously because we felt like we could win this match. "Of course (we will take the positives). We played a good second half at Wembley and now a very good first half – as well the second half was good but they pushed us and they deserve credit as well. "It's not an easy team and it's a very difficult pitch here, it's very close. The fans push them and support them. We got one point at least and then we need to start thinking tomorrow towards the match against Liverpool."
Chicharito also reserved praise for the loyal West Ham United fans in attendance at Selhurst Park, thanking the supporters for their fantastic following at the match. He added: "They were great. They are always great. They always come and they always support us. You can see a very big amount of West Ham supporters and we just want to say thank you to the supporters."
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Martinez and Holland strike again as U23s beat Manchester City
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23s continued their bright start to the Premier League 2 Division 1 season with a scintillating 2-1 win over Manchester City. The Hammers and the Citizens combined to create well over 30 goal attempts during a hugely entertaining game at Dagenham & Redbridge FC's Chigwell Construction Stadium.
And it was leading scorer Toni Martinez who stole the headlines again, slamming an unstoppable low drive into the bottom left-hand corner with just seven minutes remaining. Saturday's victory means the newly-promoted Hammers now have 17 points from nine games and are up to third in the table. That there were just three goals scored – Nathan Holland had levelled Taylor Richards' 20th-minute opener before half-time – was largely down to the performances of goalkeepers Nathan Trott and Aro Muric. West Ham's England U20 stopper and City's Swiss youth international were both in inspired form, producing a succession of saves to keep their respective teams in the game. The two sides created chance after chance, although it was Terry Westley's hosts who will be more frustrated to have to settle for a single point, rather than all three. Trott was truly outstanding in the opening half, denying Richards, Rabbi Matondo and his 2017 UEFA European Championship-winning teammate Lukas Nmecha, who also side-footed wide when it looked easier to score. Even when City did finally beat the Bermuda-born 'keeper, Trott saved Nmecha's initial shot with his feet and Richards reacted quickest to find the roof of the net.
Having fallen behind, West Ham responded superbly, pinning City back and causing untold problems for centre-half Tosin Adarabioyo, who played 90 minutes in the midweek Carabao Cup win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The chances continued to flow, with the Hammers' exciting attackers – Holland, Sead Haksabanovic, Daniel Kemp, Domingos Quina and Toni Martinez – catching the eye with their quick feet, movement and combination play. Conor Coventry curled over before Muric denied Holland on no fewer than three occasions. Then, seven minutes before the break, Trott denied Nmecha and the Hammers broke the length of the field to level when the England U20 winger converted from Haksabanovic's pass. The chances continued at both ends as half-time approached, with Pask's superb challenge stopping Richards, Nmecha firing wide, Trott saving from Matondo, Haksabanovic firing wide and Kemp testing Muric with a rising drive.
The fun continued into the second half as West Ham went close five times in the opening five minutes as Holland saw two more shots blocked and a third saved by Muric, Kemp dragged wide and Quina's drive was charged down. City were struggling to contain the home side and Martinez saw a low shot saved comfortably before cutting back for Kemp, who smashed a rising effort agonisingly wide. At the other end, Trott had a much calmer time as City threatened sporadically, with Benjamin Garre's low shot into the side netting and Conor Coventry blocking Richards' effort.
Academy Director Westley sent on Martin Samuelsen and Grady Diangana for the closing stages, and it was the Norwegian who teed up Martinez to win it with an unstoppable low drive with seven minutes remaining, leaving Muric grasping at thin air. Even then, Trott was called into action again, saving superbly from substitute Jairo Dilrosun moments after Martinez's winner to secure three deserved points for his side. Next up for the Hammers is a Checkatrade Trophy group-stage fixture at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday evening.
West Ham United U23s: Trott, Johnson, Pask ©, Pike, R.Longelo, Coventry, Quina (Diangana 73), Holland, Kemp (Samuelsen 72), Haksabanovic (Hector-Ingram 87), Martinez
Subs not used: Scully, Wells
Goals: Holland 38, Martinez 83
Manchester City U23s: Muric, Oliver, Adarabioyo, Francis, Davenport, Smith, Matondo, Dele-Bashiru, Nmecha © (Bolton 66), Richards (Gonzalez 82), Garre (Dilrosun 59)
Subs not used: Sokol (GK), Diallo
Goal: Richards 20
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Crystal Palace 2-2 West Ham United
BBC.co.uk
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson felt Wilfried Zaha's 96th-minute equaliser against West Ham earned his side "scant reward" from a game they dominated.
Zaha snatched Palace their fourth point of the season with the final kick of the game, turning inside the box and finishing low through a host of bodies into the far corner. It came at the end of a battling second half from the home side, who found themselves 2-0 down at the break thanks to a neat finish from Javier Hernandez and a stunning 20-yard drive from Andre Ayew. Luka Milivojevic reduced the deficit from the penalty spot after Andros Townsend had been fouled in the box by Angelo Ogbonna. Palace also hit the woodwork twice and forced a number of good saves from Joe Hart, but the Hammers keeper was powerless to prevent Zaha's effort finding the net. "If we had not got something then it would have been really, really unjust," Hodgson told BBC Sport. "To lose a game where you only faced two shots and you've had 20-odd, and hit the post and had one cleared off the line, it is hard to take. "Although we are pleased, because you are always pleased to get a point when staring defeat in the face, I still thought it was scant reward. "We are happy with a point but I believe, on the performance, we deserved more."
Hodgson's side remain bottom of the Premier League table, but have reduced the gap between themselves and the safety of 17th to four points. The draw also adds to the foundations given to them two weeks ago courtesy of their home win over champions Chelsea. It is a bitter blow to West Ham, who came into the game off the back of a rousing comeback win over Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, but now find themselves just a point above the bottom three.
Zaha the hero again
Wilfried Zaha's goal (96:06) was the second-latest goal scored in the Premier League this season, after Raheem Sterling's winner at Bournemouth in August (96:34) It is no surprise that Palace's upturn in results - at home at least - has coincided with Zaha's return from injury. The Ivory Coast international missed six of the seven defeats with which Palace began their league season, but returned to score the winner against Chelsea before again proving his worth on Saturday as the focal point of his side's attack. He was not alone in offering little in the first half, but significantly upped his game in the second to provide a regular threat, forcing Hart into full-stretch diving saves from two of his six attempts at goal. Zaha's fellow forward Townsend was also a greater presence in the game after the break and it was his run that coaxed a clumsy challenge from Ogbonna for the penalty, fired home by Milivojevic. Cabaye struck the post with a shot and the combative James Tomkins hit the bar with a header from a corner as Palace strove, initially in vain, for a parity that Zaha would dramatically provide. "We worked so hard. We did all the right things. We are buzzing and we deserved it," said Zaha. "The manager said at half-time that we were not playing badly. "The stress must be crazy as a Palace fan. We are playing cup finals every week."
One step forward, two steps back
West Ham's remarkable comeback from two goals down in their Carabao Cup tie at Tottenham on Wednesday suggested that reports of Slaven Bilic's imminent sacking were a tad premature. The Hammers' stirring response at Wembley showcased a determination and togetherness previously lacking in what has been a dire start to a Premier League campaign that plumbed new depths with last Friday's 3-0 home loss against Brighton. Bilic admitted that this result "felt like a defeat", with the final blow coming deep into a game in which they had shown an initial ruthlessness and then backs-to-the-wall resolve. The first half was full of positives for the Hammers, who drafted in four of their protagonists from Wednesday's game - Ogbonna and Cresswell at the back, Mark Noble in midfield and Ayew, scorer of two in that game, in attack. It was from Cresswell's cross that Hernandez opened the scoring with a neat finish using the outside of his boot, before Ayew scored the game's best goal, a long-range finish off the underside of the bar following a jinking run.
After conceding early in the second half they showed a resolve that has been largely lacking this season, but tarnished it in the game's final moments. Given the opportunity to hold on to the ball deep in Palace territory, and with 96 minutes on the clock, substitute Michail Antonio fired a loose and pointless cross straight into the arms of home keeper Julian Speroni. Less than a minute later, the home side were level and the under-pressure Bilic was storming to the changing room shaking his head in frustration. "We knew that the game was not over at 2-0 up at half-time," said Bilic. "I am very disappointed with the penalty, but the way we conceded the leveller was very disappointing. "We needed to keep the ball and we made the wrong decision, with Michail Antonio choosing to cross the ball rather than keep it. "We have to manage the game on the pitch. The game was finished."
Man of the match - Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Since the 2014-15 season, no player has scored more Premier League goals for Crystal Palace than Wilfried Zaha (15, level with Christian Benteke)
Palace still to keep a clean sheet - the stats you need to know
Crystal Palace are one of just four teams in the big 5 European leagues yet to keep a clean sheet this season (also Benevento, Malaga and Dijon).
West Ham are unbeaten in the Premier League versus Crystal Palace under Slaven Bilic (W3 D2 L0).
All 41 of Javier Hernandez's Premier League goals have been scored from inside the box; only Tim Cahill (56/56) has a higher 100% record.
Andre Ayew has scored three goals in his last two games in all competitions for West Ham - more than he'd managed in his previous 10 this season (2).
West Ham scored with both of their shots on target in this match.
What's next?
Both teams have tough fixtures. Palace travel to Tottenham on Sunday for a 12:00 BST Premier League kick-off.
West Ham are at home to Liverpool the day before (17:30).
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CRYSTAL PALACE 2-2 WEST HAM – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 28 OCTOBER 2017 AT 5:43PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
Today West Ham drew even with Crystal Palace 2-2 late, in heartbreaking fashion as Wilfried Zaha scored the final goal in the 96th minute of play. The day began with promise for the Hammers who resumed their Premier League campaign after a surprising League Cup victory over Tottenham earlier in the week. Both Palace and West Ham have had disappointing starts to their year, and both sides were sorely in need of a victory to improve their position on the league table.
Midway through the opening half, it was West Ham who earned their way to the score sheet first. After some tight play in Palace penalty area it was Aaron Cresswell doing what he does best and perfectly crossing from the left side to Javier Hernandez who easily finished.
A few moments later it was Joe Hart earning his wages for the day blocking a very close header from James Tomkins. In the first half Hart showed great poise under attack. But the next goal came from the visiting club again as Andre Ayew took the ball on a long counter attack, sidestepped the defense and cracked a long range 25 yard strike into the net.
By halftime, West Ham had a commanding 2-0 lead and all of the momentum. Cresswell was replaced during the break by Arthur Masuaku after Cresswell showed some discomfort in the closing minutes of the half.
Early in the second half, the Eagles found their own lifeline as Angelo Ogbonna clumsily brought down Andros Townsend in the box and Luka Milivojevic easily converted the penalty kick to bring Crystal Palace back into the match. Unfortunately for West Ham it was their fourth and league leading penalty kick earned this early season. (All four have been converted to goals).
Moments later the West Ham supporters who traveled to Selhust Park almost gasped as Yohan Cabaye had a strong strike on goal. Once again the post saved West Ham from surrendering the equaliser.
In the 80th minute Palace was awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. With a strong attempt, Cabaye almost had the goal if not for the acrobatic save of Joe Hart who punched it wide.
Playing behind the ball for much of the final moments, Palace mustered one last attack in the waning seconds of the match and it was Wilfried Zaha coming open from a defending Michail Antonio, who scored the needed goal basically in the final second of play.
After such a promising week with the Cup victory at Wembley, this defeat hurts. If West Ham can't secure three points against the bottom of the table, who will they fare in December when they play much of the top of the league? It has long been rumoured and reported in London sports media that Bilic had two games prevent his sacking. Only the board can know what these results mean for the embattled manager.
For West Ham, the road doesn't get easier as next week they host Liverpool, who are coming off a 3-0 victory over Huddersfield. Whether the club and the fans can bring some Boleyn magic to the London Stadium next weekend, will be a very important question.
Please check out TheWestHamWay.co.uk all week for any breaking news regarding the coaching status or injury updates for the team.
Crystal Palace: Speroni, Ward, van Aanholt, Tomkins, Dann, Milivojevic, Cabaye, Loftus-Cheek, Schlupp, Townsend, Zaha
Subs: Hennessey, Fosu-Mensah (11'), Delaney, Riedewald, Kelly, Sako (60'), Puncheon
West Ham: Hart, Cresswell, Fonte, Zabaleta, Ogbonna, Kouyate, Noble, Fernandes, Lanzini, Ayew, Chicharito
Subs: Adrian, Masuaku (45'), Rice (76′), Obiang, Arnautovic, Antonio (62′), Carroll
Referee: Robert Madley
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#REFWATCH: BOBBY MADLEY – CRYSTAL PALACE VS WEST HAM
AUTHOR: SAMTWHWREF. PUBLISHED: 28 OCTOBER 2017 AT 6:07PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
After a good evening against Spurs in the cup midweek, we've been very quickly brought back down to earth, which was a must win game against Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace. Palace are rock bottom of the league with only 4 points so far this season with 29 defeats in 2017. West Ham visit Selhurt Park with no away wins so far in the Premier League and only scoring on 3 occasions so far this season. With two games to prove himself after being thumped by Brighton, all eyes on Slaven Bilic.
Bobby Madley was the referee appointed for this fixture. This was Madley's first West Ham fixture of the season and I've been heavily critical of Madley in past game due his inconsistency; it can be hugely costly. Madley had a good first half and to his credit he got 95% of the decisions spot on, although I feel his management of persistent fouls needs to be reviewed. Mark Noble gave a captain's display midweek but he was a little off the pace in the first half, with some rogue challenges. Noble gave away four fouls and even after Madley gave Noble a talking too, the West Ham man fouled once again but no action was taken by Madley. This is the type of inconsistencies that Madley needs to work on. Madley needs to manage this to ensure he's enforcing the laws of the games when it comes to misconduct.
The biggest decision Madley had to make was whether Wilfred Zaha was fouled by Jose Fonte in West Ham's penalty area. Madley's positioning was good, he was directly behind the incident and he would have seen that Jose Fonte pulled his leg out of the challenge and Zaha's right knee made contact with the West Ham defender thigh. Madley got this decision spot on in my opinion and 30 seconds later, West Ham scored the first goal of the game from Javier Hernandez. I have to take my hat off to Madley for this decision because he could have easily misinterpreted the challenge if he was at the wrong angle and behind play.
The only yellow card in the first half went to West Ham's Pablo Zabaleta. This was Zabaleta's fifth caution of the season which means that he is now banned for next weekend's home game against Liverpool. It was a poor touch by Zabaleta which made the Argentine lunge into a challenge with Fosu-Mensah who came out second best.
It was an awful start from West Ham in the second half, a moment of madness from Angelo Ogbonna who brought Andros Townsend down in the penalty area for Crystal Palace. Andros Townsend was going away from goal before the Italian stuck out a lazy right foot catching Townsend's ankle. Regardless whether you feel it was soft or not, there was contact and Ogbonna gave Madley that decision.
Bobby Madley had an odd couple of minutes with two obvious fouls which were either incorrectly awarded or not awarded at all. The first incident was between former Hammer James Tomkins and Javier Hernandez. Hernandez and Tomkins were having words before the throw-in when the West Ham men side barged into Tomkins and Tomkins retaliated with a rugby-style challenge with Madley awarding West Ham the free kick. In my opinion, Hernandez made the initial foul so this was incorrectly seen by Madley and his assistant referee. Secondly, Madley viewed this challenge as an over-aggressive challenge by Tomkins with arm around Hernandez's neck yet he wasn't cautioned. I question why because he gave a foul against Tomkins and it should have been a yellow card. Within two minutes of the first incident, Madley missed a stone wall free kick against Fosu-Mensah in the middle of the park – a surprising decision to some but this goes back to my comments earlier about a lack of consistency.
There were two additional cautions in the second half, one for each team. Scott Dann had his hands full all game with Javier Hernandez and the Palace man was caught out of position and pulled the Mexican down to the ground. Following injury to Aaron Cresswell at half time, Arthur Masuaku was bought on as a substitute however was cautioned for late challenges on Townsend from silly decisions.
Overall, Madley's performance was ok but the inconsistency is always a talking point which a referee in the Elite Select Group in the Premier League should have ironed out. To give Madley some credit, he did get the bigger decisions correct during the game with both penalty decisions which are always tough to call.
As I said in the opening paragraph, "brought back down to earth"; this is exactly what Crystal Palace did to us in the second half. Who's to blame? The players for not holding out 6 minutes into additional time. The manager's substitutions. Bilic replacing Zabaleta with Antonio? Regardless, for a Premier League club, against a team who are rock bottom of the league, to concede two goals after being 2-nil in front at half time is outrageous. The players' mentality is not a winning mentality, it's a weak mentality and to not to see out a game that you're leading for 96 minutes is criminal. It's going to be an uncomfortable weekend for Slaven Bilic. Will the board keep him after this performance? Personally, you have to look at the Cup in isolation and focus on Premier League results, the Cup is a one off and to beat Spurs is always added incentive. We need to win the Premier League games to stay out of a relegation battle, these games are vital against the likes of Swansea, Burnley, Brighton and Palace of which we've taken 5 points from a possible 12. If they keep him Bilic for another weekend with Liverpool visiting next weekend, are the board preventing the inevitable? We'll see in due course.
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Family thank life saver
KUMb.com
Filed: Saturday, 28th October 2017
By: Staff Writer
The son of a Hammers fan who suffered a heart attack prior to West Ham United's 3-2 win at Wembley on Wednesday night has thanked the individual who saved his father's life. Wayne Perry's father collapsed prior to the start of West Ham's Carabao Cup match with Tottenham on Wednesday but due to the quick-thinking of a fellow supporter who administered CPR on the spot, survived the ordeal. "Around 20 mins before kick off my Dad collapsed after having a heart attack (not known at the time)," Wayne told KUMB. "It got chaotic and we were shouting for a medic. We put Dad in the recovery position. "Then a gentleman approached my friend and said: "I'm a medic", ripped off Dad's shirt and began administering CPR. Although it seemed like this went on for an age, apparently the paramedics were there in two minutes and shocked him with a defibrillator to get his heart going. "The Doctors said that without that CPR he would not have made it. I never got to say anything to the guy who saved Dad's life as it was all a bit mad, hence my request to do so."
Following his father's recovery in hospital, Wayne and the Perry family asked KUMB to help find the individual who saved his father's life. And we are delighted to reveal that the Hammers hero is company director Ian Pearse. "When my Dad is better we plan to get together and sink a few!" added Wayne. "I can't thank everyone enough for their help and support. I was never a fan of social media but the messages and response has blown me away. "We are planning on turning an awful experience into a positive and I'd like to thank everyone involved for getting the message out there."
Administering CPR is known to save about five per cent of those who experience a heart attack or seizure. The chance of survival is hugely enhanced (to some 50 per cent) if a defibrillator is used, as in this case.
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Crystal Palace 2-2 West Ham: Wilf ried Zaha leads Palace to vital point with last-gasp strike
By James Kilpatrick
Last Updated: 29/10/17 7:55am
SSN
Wilfried Zaha gave Crystal Palace a morale-boosting point against West Ham as they came from behind to draw 2-2.First-half strikes from Javier Hernandez (31) and Andre Ayew (43) were cancelled out by a Luka Milivojevic penalty (50) and Zaha's dramatic last-minute equaliser (90+7) in a fiery contest at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half, but Joe Hart pulled off a string of superb saves before Zaha slotted home to secure Roy Hodgson's men a crucial draw with seconds left on the clock. The result means Crystal Palace remain bottom on four points, while West Ham move up to 16th.
Player ratings
West Ham: Hart (9), Cresswell (7), Fonte (6), Zabaleta (5), Ogbonna (5), Kouyate (6), Noble (5), Fernandes (6), Lanzini (6), Ayew (7), Hernandez (7)
Subs: Masuaku (6), Rice (5), Antonio (5)
C Palace: Speroni (6), Ward (5), van Aanholt (N/A), Tomkins (6), Dann (6), Milivojevic (6), Cabaye (7), Loftus-Cheek (6), Schlupp (6), Townsend (7), Zaha (8)
Subs: Fosu-Mensah (6), Sako (6)
Man of the Match: Joe Hart
After a very slow beginning to the match with both sides tentative when attacking, the first real sign of action was in the 29th minute when Zaha tumbled in the box, but referee Bobby Madley waved away any protests. Following the incident came a West Ham counter-attack which Hernandez finished off as he slotted in Aaron Cresswell's low cross from close range.
Moments later, Joe Hart pulled off an incredible double save. First, he denied Tomkins's header with a stunning reflex stop before he unintentionally batted away Jeffrey Schlupp's point-blank strike with his shoulder.
With Palace looking sloppy going forward, it was perhaps no surprise that West Ham's second goal came from a poor giveaway by Milivojevic in central midfield. Ayew was given the licence to go on a fine individual run before he smashed the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Crystal Palace responded brightly in the second half and were back in the game five minutes in after Andros Townsend was bundled over in the box by Angelo Ogbonna. Milivojevic converted the penalty straight down the centre of the goal to provide Palace some much-needed momentum.
Yohan Cabaye so nearly found the equaliser for Palace minutes later but his venomous drive from outside the box beat Hart, but clattered off the inside of the post and out. Palace continued to dominate in the second half but Joe Hart was proving hard to beat. In the 77th minute, he superbly pushed away Zaha's fierce strike shortly before he dived across goal to keep out Cabaye's free-kick.
In the 90th minute, Hart tipped James Tomkins' header onto the bar but Palace would get their equaliser in the 97th minute. Zaha engineered space in the box to beat Cheikhou Kouyate, before firing a shot through substitute Damian Rice's legs into the bottom corner to hand Palace what could be a vital point at the end of the season.
Man of the match - Joe Hart
Joe Hart had his best match in a West Ham shirt. He pulled off two superb saves in quick succession in the opening 45 minutes before denying Zaha twice, Cabaye and Tomkins in the second half. Hart will feel hard done by to concede so late on to the Ivory Coast international, but he put on a display to be proud of and arguably justified Slaven Bilic's decision to start ahead of Adrian.
The pundit - Phil Thompson
"Crystal Palace thoroughly deserved it, as poor as they were in the first half they were as good in the second. "Joe Hart dispelled whatever people have been saying about him because he was absolutely terrific, on his own he kept Palace out. "It was such a good atmosphere in this ground and the home fans were sucking the ball in the second half and they thoroughly deserved it because they gave it a right good go."
Opta stats
West Ham are unbeaten in the Premier League versus Crystal Palace under Slaven Bilic (W3 D2 L0).
Wilfried Zaha's goal (96:06) was the second latest goal scored in the Premier League this season, after Raheem Sterling's winner at Bournemouth in August (96:34).
All 41 of Javier Hernandez's Premier League goals have been scored from inside the box; only Tim Cahill (56/56) has a higher 100% record.
Crystal Palace are one of just four teams in the big five European leagues yet to keep a clean sheet this season (also Benevento, Malaga and Dijon).
What's next?
Crystal Palace face a tough away trip to Tottenham Hotspur for next weekend's Super Sunday. West Ham, meanwhile, next play Liverpool on Saturday evening.
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HERNANDEZ AND AYEW SCORE WITH TWO TOP CLASS STRIKES - BBC MOTD FAILS TO NOTICE!
By S J Chandos 29 Oct 2017 at 08:00
WTID
It was unusual to see a West Ham match second in the MoTD schedule on Saturday evening. Usually we are last or second from last, with some rushed and clipped comments from the match analysts. It was obviously the Palace fight-back from 0-2 down, to grab a draw, that brought about our rare promotion. The post-highlight analysis was a joke as per usual, plenty of stuff about Palace 'deserving' the win and West Ham's naivety, which I expected. What I did not expect was the absence of even a single reference to the quality of West Ham's two goals. The Hernandez opener was a superb strike with the outside of the Mexican international's boot and the build up play was also very sharp, carving open the Palace rear guard with a cool and beautiful efficiency. While, Ayew scored with a great long range strike, that hit the top left of the net like a rocket. So much for Ayew only scoring penalty box tap-ins!
In all honesty, and with due respect, how can any decent TV match analysis fail to praise such outstanding finishing? Would they have been ignored if they had been scored by Man City, Spurs, Man Utd or Liverpool strikers? I think we all know the answer to that. Anyway, do not expect either goal to feature on the short-list for BBC MoTD goal of the month for October!
Today's result was undoubtedly disappointing. Having gone two goals ahead, we should have scored a third and killed the game off. Instead, Palace come out in the second half all fire and determination. And we allowed them to boss the rest of the game. The role of Zaha and Townsend was crucial in that and their wing play (plus some fairly obvious dives) resulted in a penalty and a glut of Palace corners and free-kicks. This does, of course, beg the question why we did not better adapt our tactics to counter their threat and grab back the initiative? As for bad luck (if one is tempted to use that excuse), losing two points in the 7th minute of extra time is beyond being unlucky in my book. Especially as we were in the last minute and Antonio had possession out on the flank, deep in Palace territory. Criticism of Antonio's play in that situation is justified, but lets keep it real and in proportion. The Palace keeper gathered the ball from Antonio's poor cross, it was poor decision-making not to keep the ball, but there was still a awful lot to do between the punt up field and Zaha's shot finding the corner of the net. We must equally scrutinise not just Antonio's decision-making, but also our poor defending in the lead up to the equaliser.
The match report in the Daily Mail was excessively negative in my opinion, arguing that the positivity/momentum arising from the Spurs win has been dissipated and the pressure was back on Bilic. They would argue that because the would much rather run with 'doom and gloom' headlines and stories about Bilic's imminent sacking. It is part of their 'modus operandi.' Mistakes and losing points unnecessarily hurts, but this experience can be productive in the long-run if we only learn from it. The bottom line is the team must learn from it and use it to make us stronger for the remainder of the campaign.
And there were actually positives arising from the match. Firstly, Joe Hart had his best match in a West Ham keeper's shirt. He pulled off some first class saves and, hopefully, his form will continue to improve with his confidence. Cresswell looked much more like his old self in this match and his contribution to the build up to Hernandez's opening goal was excellent. Hernandez demonstrated what a class striker he is. His strike with the outside of his boot was a technically difficult skill, beautifully executed. While Ayew seems to be a player re-born. His long-distance strike was superb and just shows what increased self-confidence can do. Indeed, having a goal scoring midfielder back within our ranks (weighing with 10-15 goals) can be an important factor in revitalising our season. Mark Noble is still not at his very best, but he has improved and is applying himself manfully. He is our leader on the pitch and it is quality leadership and experience that we need at the moment. Moreover, he cares about the club and his reaction at the end of the Palace game (regardless of the rights and wrongs of it from a disciplinary perspective) at least demonstrates his passion. Finally, we still have Reid and Carroll to come back in to the team. Reid is our best defender and leads the defensive unit; while Carroll brings a different set of attributes to our forward line.
So, the bottom line for me is that things were not all wonderful after the Spurs win and ruinous after dropping points to Palace. The team need to learn from the Palace result and use the experience constructively. There were positives from yesterday, if we care to look for them, and these needs to also be considered by the fans (if not MoTD) along with the obvious negatives.
Yes, to climb the table we need a run of wins and it would have been preferable to have began that yesterday, but it will happen. And why not start by beating Liverpool, at home, on 4th November? Stranger things have happened! This is West Ham United after all. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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CRYSTAL PALACE 2, WEST HAM 2. FROM WORST TO BAD.
By David Hautzig 28 Oct 2017 at 19:15
WTID
Slaven has two games to save his job.
Save Our Season.
Watershed moment.
Blah blah blah. We've heard it all before. I was almost surprised that I was so annoyed before today's match as opposed to my regular feelings of despair. I said after the Newcastle match that the sample size was big enough to make a strong argument for a change at the top. The cat was already out of the proverbial bag, yet the board were supposedly still contemplating. Reviewing. And after reading a superb piece on Claret & Hugh by Bobby Galbraith, http://www.claretandhugh.info/west-hams-thinking-must-change-from-bottom-to-top/, I don't feel much confidence that the club as a whole can climb out of the ditch we always find ourselves in. And yes, I do know what we did Wednesday night. It was enthralling and brilliant. But a nice meal and a film with your partner doesn't mean a relationship that has been awful for a year should continue. Three points today would ease the pain. Control the rot. Maybe I'm being dramatic, which those who know me won't be surprised by. But I stand by my opinion, and today only reinforced it.
One statistic that has driven me nuts lately is that West Ham have played the most long balls in the Premier League, precisely what supporters hated during the days of He Who Shall Not Be Named. So what did we do twenty seconds into the match? Ogbonna sent a long ball to nobody that ended in a Palace goal kick. Another area of concern has been our defensive mistakes. So what did Lanzini do two minutes later? Commit a silly foul just outside the West Ham penalty area, giving Palace a dangerous free kick. The more things change, etc.
The opening fifteen minutes were a combination of dire and boring. With a few injuries for good measure. Hideous giveaways, passes to phantom players, and virtually zero skill. Even Hernandez gave the ball away time and time again. Like a tennis match with unforced errors all over the place. Neither team looked even remotely Premier League quality….yeah, I know what you're thinking, but I ain't gonna write that. In fact, I didn't know what to say at that point. My trip to the garbage dump this morning to unload an old set of stairs was significantly more exciting. So I decided silence in the written form, along with some coffee, was my best bet.
Like an alarm clock when you are fast asleep, West Ham woke us up in the 31st minute. After Zaha and his fellow Palace players wanted Madley to call a penalty on Fonte, West Ham broke on the counter. Lanzini fed Ayew on the top of the box. The man with the brace on Wednesday rolled a pass to Cresswell on the left, who then whipped a low cross that Hernandez guided in with the outside of his right foot.
Crystal Palace 0
West Ham 1
West Ham almost doubled their lead a few minutes later when Lanzini sent a corner into the box that Ogbonna should have done better with but the ball rolled out for a goal kick. Moments later, Palace earned two quick corners, and on the second Hart showed the qualities that made him one of the better keepers in England for a few years. Palace had a number of unmarked headers in the box, a potentially bad sign for sure, and the third one came off the noggin of James Tomkins. It was headed for goal but Hart somehow got his right hand on it. The rebound fell to Schlupp two yards out, but his shot hit Hart's left armed and went over the bar. If that series of events happens 100 times, 99 result in a goal. So West Ham got one of a few mulligans for the day.
When Andre Ayew signed for Swansea, reportedly over West Ham, I knew a few supporters who were royally disappointed. When he jumped the Welsh ship for us last year, many were pleased in spite of the price tag. He has scored a few goals, but overall he has been a disappointment. But Wednesday gave us a glimpse of what he can do if he fires on all cylinders. In the 43rd minute, Milivojevic took a turn playing the Horrible Giveaway game, and Ayew went to the races. He turned Dann inside out before rifling a shot past a dining Speroni.
Crystal Palace 0
West Ham 2
Zaha earned Crystal Palace a corner in the dying seconds of first half added time. The set piece flew into the West Ham penalty area, and again it looked like no West Ham defender had any interest in, well, defending. Dann had a free header that he sent to Loftus Cheek at the near post. Hart may have had it covered, but he didn't need to because the ball went wide.
Halftime
Crystal Palace 0
West Ham 2
The second half brought an unexpected substitution from Slaven Bilic, with Cresswell coming off for Masuaku. As an attacking move I could see it. But at two-nil up, it had to be an injury to Cresswell. There were reports on Twitter that Cresswell was seen limping at the end of the opening forty five minutes. Masuaku was beaten by Townsend on the right, but Palace couldn't capitalize. But moments later, a pass into the West Ham penalty area was run down by Townsend. Ogbonna stupidly bumped him in the area, and Madley pointed at the spot. Milivojevic, the man responsible for sending Ayew off on the run for West Ham's second goal, stepped up and put it past Hart.
Crystal Palace 1
West Ham 2
Palace went right back on the front foot after their goal, and couldn't have come any closer to an equalizer if they tried. After good work by Zaha on the left, the ball went to Cabaye near the top of the penalty area. His shot hit the inside of the far post and rebounded out to safety. For years I have always feared two-nil leads. One of those crazy West Ham neuroses we all have in some form or another. My fear felt appropriate.
Antonio came on for Zabaleta in the 60th minute in what could only be thought of as injury related again. At least I hope so, because if that was a tactical move you would be hard pressed to find anyone to defend it.
With 17 minutes to go, Fonte went down and signaled his day was done. To those who wanted to see youth given a chance to show what they can do, Declan Rice entered the game while Fonte hobbled off. Despite the desire for The Academy Of Football to return, it was the kind of moment West Ham fans know can be a turning point for the worst.
Moments after the switch, Hart again came to the rescue with a lovely save off of Zaha. A minute later, Ogbonna was again at fault for a bad challenge, giving Palace a free kick at the top of the penalty area. I couldn't watch. I walked out of the room but heard the groans. Thankfully the replay was the same as the live action as Hart dove to his left to make the stop.
Crystal Palace kept up the pressure and won their ninth corner of the match in the 81st minute. The ball bounced around before Milivojevic fired a shot well over the bar. A few minutes later Masuaku saw yellow for continued infringement, and Cabaye whipped in a set piece that West Ham handled well. Then Townsend again beat Masuaku on the right but nobody was in the box to get on the end of his cutback.
I fired another antacid tablet down my throat.
In the 88th minute, my stream died. I got a little bit of audio, most of which sounded like Tony Gale saying West Ham were sloppy and daring Crystal Palace to level the match. Hart made a great save on Tomkins again, and Rice made a good play to intercept a cross. But West Ham had chances to kill off the game, and in the end couldn't. I'm told Antonio was downright negligent when he flipped the ball to Speroni with two Hammers in the box. Zaha beat Kouyate and Rice to score in the final seconds of added time, and we dropped a 2-0 halftime lead to a team that had conspired to lose 29 games this year while not scoring in 17 of them.
Final Score
Crystal Palace 2
West Ham 2
We are on a path that is eerily similar to the season under Grant. If we don't act soon, and in my opinion it's already later than it should have been, we could suffer the same fate. And if the board don't realize relegation at the London Stadium would be far different than it was at Upton Park, they are sadly mistaken. Which doesn't mean I have any faith in them fixing what appears to be broken. They would rather put tar on a hole in their roof than replace the roof itself. So I still expect Bilic to be in charge in May.
I only hope it's more like Zola than Grant and we stay up.
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Winston Reid misses match for West Ham ahead of World Cup playoffs
Last updated 10:16 29/10/2017
Where is Winston Reid?
The All Whites captain was absent from West Ham United's squad for the latest English Premier League round – a fortnight out from the intercontinental World Cup playoff series against Peru. Reid was missing from West Ham's 2-2 draw with lowly Crystal Palace on Saturday (Sunday NZ Time). The 29-year-old – who signed a new six-year contract last August – captained West Ham's 3-0 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion and a 1-1 draw with Chris Wood's Burnley in the previous two EPL rounds. Reid has played more than 150 EPL games since joining West Ham in 2010 after playing for the All Whites at the World Cup finals in South Africa. He is contracted to the east London club until 2023. There has been no word from West Ham manager Slaven Bilic about Reid's absence. Bilic did not mention Reid in his post-match comments after a Palace draw the West Ham boss likened to "a defeat".
Reid was certainly expected to play by most major news outlets, who listed him in the probable starting lineup for the Palace match and his omission was queried by some Hammers supporters in online forums. The New Zealand skipper's sidelining could be a mixed blessing for All Whites coach Anthony Hudson. It reduces the risk of injury to the defensive lynchpin before the Peru series, but it also means he has missed some match practice. Reid could be in line for a return for next weekend's home match against Liverpool with West Ham criticised for defensive blunders in the Palace stalemate.
Hammers centreback Angel Obanna – Reid's replacement – gave away a penalty, converted by Wilfred Zaha, who scored Palace's equaliser in the sixth minute of injury time after a blunder by West Ham's Michail Antonio. The substitute right wingback opted to launch a cross into Palace's area rather than run the ball out to the corner flag and Zaha scored on the counter-attack. Bilic said: "That was just a bad decision that shouldn't happen at this level of football, definitely.
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1899 Hoffenheim 1-3 Borussia Mönchengladbach
Reece Oxford made a belated competitive debut for Borussia Monchengladbach more than two months into the Bundesliga season. The England Under-20 defender, signed on loan from West Ham in July, came on for the final 10 minutes of Saturday's 3-1 win at Hoffenheim. Oxford, 18, played in five pre-season games for the club, but had only been an unused substitute in the league. Thorgan Hazard, Matthias Ginter and Jannik Vestergaard scored for Gladbach. They came from behind to secure the victory, which lifted them above their opponents into sixth place, after Kerem Demirbay had given Hoffenheim a half-time lead.
Oxford, who spent five months on loan at Reading last season, has made seven Premier League appearances.
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Slaven Bilic: Michail Antonio's mistake shouldn't happen at Premier League level
JACK ROSSER at Selhurst Park
ES Sport
Slaven Bilic says Michail Antonio's late mistake which cost West Ham two precious points against Crystal Palace should not happen at Premier League level. In the final moments of six additional minutes at Selhurst Park, and with Hammers closing in on three vital points, Antonio opted to cross into the Palace area rather than dribble towards the corner flag to see the game out. Antonio, who had come off the bench to fill in at right wing-back, spotted Manuel Lanzini on the far side of the box but Palace regained possession with ease and immediately started an attack which Wilfried Zaha finished in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Bilic was blunt in his assessment, praising his players' efforts after a stunning comeback against Tottenham just three days ago before expressing his disappointment at the manner of the equaliser. "The players gave everything again," he said. "They ran, they defended, as I said some of them played 90 minutes three days ago. "That goal has nothing to do with their attitude in terms of being too sloppy or too casual or not in position. That was just a bad decision that shouldn't happen at this level of football, definitely." The late goal means Bilic now faces the task of once again lifting his players' spirits before they welcome Liverpool to London Stadium next weekend.
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Every word of Joe Hart's emotional outburst to his teammates after West Ham's draw with Crystal Palace
The Hammers conceded an equaliser in stoppage time
Football London
Andy Ha
06:30, 29 OCT 2017UPDATED07:24, 29 OCT 2017
Joe Hart slammed his West Ham United teammates after the Hammers conceded a 96th minute equaliser against Crystal Palace. Goals from Javier Hernandez and Andre Ayew gave Slaven Bilic's a 2-0 lead, before Luka Milivojevic reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, after Andros Townsend had been fouled in the box by Angelo Ogbonna. With the clock ticking down and the Hammers heading towards an important three points, Wilfried Zaha snatched Palace their fourth point of the season with the final kick of the game.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Hart said: "I can't believe we've done that. We've come in quick after the game, we probably shouldn't have come in quick after the game, but I can't believe we've fought all the way til the end and been so unprofessional at the end."
Asked if the dressing room was quiet after the game, Hart added: "Yeah a little bit. No one does things on purpose in this team, but I think it's two points dropped, it's as simple as that."
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was equally disappointed, suggesting Michail Antonio should have displayed better game management at the end. "We knew that the game was not over at 2-0 up at half-time," said Bilic. "I am very disappointed with the penalty, but the way we conceded the leveller was very disappointing. "We needed to keep the ball and we made the wrong decision, with Michail Antonio choosing to cross the ball rather than keep it. "We have to manage the game on the pitch. The game was finished."
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HAM BUSTER West Ham landlords on verge of going bust – with millions more in public cash set be poured into London Stadium
New dispute over the club's low-cost lease seems certain as the price of keeping E20 Stadium LLP out of administration is likely to be MORE public funding on top of hundreds of millions
EXCLUSIVE
By Dan King
26th October 2017, 5:25 pm
Updated: 26th October 2017, 5:29 pm
The Sun
WEST HAM'S landlords at the London Stadium are on the verge of going bust. The Mayor of London and Newham Council will move heaven and earth to avoid the humiliation of the Hammers being locked out of their ground or made homeless. West Ham were dumped 3-0 by Brighton in their last match at London Stadium and could now face off-field problems. But the price of keeping E20 Stadium LLP out of administration is almost certain to be the investment of even more public money on top of the hundreds of millions already spent. And athletics chiefs are worried the crisis could lead to their sport losing its annual right to stage events in the former Olympic Stadium, totally undermining the London 2012 legacy.
Sources indicate there is no realistic prospect of persuading or forcing West Ham to increase their current annual rent of just £2.5m. But the generous terms of the Premier League strugglers' 99-year lease are likely to come under renewed attack. The row was already due to go public again in the coming weeks with the publication of a report into why it cost £323m to convert the stadium - on top of the £429m spent on construction. E20 Stadium LLP is a joint venture between the London Legacy Development Corporation – an offshoot of the Greater London Authority – and Newham Legacy Investments Ltd, a company controlled by the London Borough of Newham. They invested about £260m and £40m of public money respectively into the conversion costs, with West Ham providing £15m. Current London mayor Sadiq Khan commissioned the report last year and is putting pressure on accountancy firm Moore Stephens to deliver their findings, which were due back in June. Khan will use the report as political ammunition to attack predecessor Boris Johnson over key decisions made about the stadium. But the review is also expected to lay bare the troubled finances of E20 and major stakeholders are already privately discussing the possibility of administration.
The main issue is the annual £8m cost of converting West Ham's football arena into a track and field venue and back again, in accordance with the separate 99-year deal signed with UK Athletics. E20's last accounts, for the year to March 31 2016, showed the stadium lost more than £9m through its day to day operations BEFORE West Ham took up residence in August 2016. As well as the £8m summer conversion costs, E20 is now also liable for other expenses related to the Hammers' tenancy, from heating, lighting, policing, stewarding, cleaning and turnstile operators to the goalposts, net and corner flags. The failure to secure a naming rights deal is another factor in the current financial uncertainty surrounding a venue whose overall cost is well over £700m. Newham and GLA hoped to recoup their investment from E20's profits, but there ARE no profits and no prospect of any under the current arrangements. All that public money would be at risk if E20 went into administration, so high-level discussions are now taking place to find a long-term solution. But West Ham coughing up more is unlikely to be it.
Another approach would be to invest in adapting the stadium so it was quicker and cheaper to convert for athletics each summer. The cost would depend on the method chosen, but a state-of-the-art system like the Stade de France's would need about £100m and require West Ham to vacate the site for a while or face years of disruption while work was done on a stand-by-stand basis. There are also degrees of possible compromise on athletics. The sport fears losing its annual presence in the iconic London 2012 venue altogether but other options are under consideration, such as partial summer conversion which would leave the East Stand seats undisturbed. This is a modal window.
A Newham Council spokesperson said: "We are working closely with the Mayor of London, the London Legacy Development Corporation and the E20 contractors to explore all potential solutions and improve the overall financial position of the stadium." An LLDC spokesman said: "The Mayor and officials are in discussions with the relevant parties and we will comment further when the Moore Stephens review has been published."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, October 29
Saturday, October 28
Daily WHUFC News II - 28th October 2017
Slaven Bilic column: I am expecting a big performance today
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is expecting a big performance at
Crystal Palace today after a confidence-boosting comeback victory over
Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Wednesday evening...
Hello everyone,
We have certainly seen the contrasting emotions that football can bring over
the course of the past seven days. There is no denying that our defeat
against Brighton at London Stadium was a painful experience, and there was
not much I could say after the game to make things seem better. But in this
game there is simply nothing to be achieved from dwelling on negatives or
feeling sorry for yourself, and our victory on Wednesday at Wembley was a
reward for the character and belief that the players showed. It is not the
first time we have come from 2-0 down to win - it happened in my first
season as manager up at Everton. And I have to say that there were
similarities between the two games, in that even when we were 2-0 down, I
saw signs that convinced me that we were still in the game. We had enough of
the ball and dealt with the opposition well enough to be in a position to
turn it around. Of course, goals change games, and the main thing on
Wednesday is that we took our chances when we got them, but it wasn't a
complete shock to me that we managed to produce a fightback. I was also
happy with what I saw in the dressing room following the game. After a
victory like that, it is important to let the players enjoy the moment and
share the celebration together - that is how a team builds a special bond.
But there was a determination and focus among them, that we all want to
carry into this afternoon's game at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace, like us, haven't had the start to the season they would have
hoped for. They are a club who have already made some big changes this
season, and they are desperate for a positive run. We go into the game on
the back of very different results - us beating Tottenham in the way we did,
and them losing 4-1 to Bristol City. They are a wounded animal, as we were
after last Friday's game. For that reason, we have to be completely focused
and make sure that we start the game in the same way we finished off on
Wednesday. But that doesn't mean it automatically happen, and it isn't just
a case of putting out the same players who came from behind against Spurs.
My job is to pick the team that I believe has the best chance of beating
Crystal Palace, based on how we expect them to set up and which of our
players we believe are best suited to the type of encounter we are likely to
face. Of course, confidence and form is a big part of that selection
process, and there are some players who came into the team on Wednesday and
performed well enough, in the second half particularly, to deserve to be
considered for today's game. But, as a manager, that is what you hope for.
That you get to a position where players who haven't been in the team
regularly take their chance when given an opportunity and give you a
selection headache for the next game. I don't ever take anything for
granted, but I am hoping and expecting a big performance today. We go into
the match fresh from the positive experience of Wednesday and having beaten
Crystal Palace twice last season.
Manu Lanzini scored in both those victories, and he is a big player for us.
Wednesday was an important game for him - he is now reaching the physical
levels he needs to be at his best, and that is a very promising sign. I know
that the majority of our fans at Selhurst Park today will have been at
Wembley on Wednesday, and I hope we can all share and feel that momentum
once the game kicks off today. It is another London derby, another huge
game, and we are all determined to repeat that feeling we had walking back
into the dressing-room at Wembley after the final whistle in midweek.
Come on you Irons!
Slaven
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Joe Hart welcomes competition from 'top goalkeeper' Adrian
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart says West Ham United can only benefit from players competing for
places - including his own! England's No1 was among those impressed by the
Hammers' sensational comeback from two goals down to defeat Tottenham
Hotspur 3-2 at Wembley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening. West Ham's
win was made possible, in part, by the performance of Adrian in goal and,
rather than be worried about how it may impact on his own position, Hart
welcomed the Spaniard's impressive display. ''It's good," said Hart, who has
started all nine Premier League games so far this season, while Adrian has
played in all three Carabao Cup ties. For the No25, competition for his
place is nothing new, with the likes of Andreas Isaksson, Shay Given, Costel
Pantilimon and Willy Caballero all challenging Hart for his place at
Manchester City.
At international level, he has consistently held off the challenge of a
succession of challengers for his starting spot, including Jack Butland,
John Ruddy, Fraser Forster, Tom Heaton and Jordan Pickford. "I have been a
part of strong goalkeeping line ups everywhere I have gone. This is no
different. Adrian is a top goalkeeper and capable of big performances like
he proved on Wednesday night. "I enjoy working with him every day and we
leave it up to the manager to work out what's going on and we will try and
give our best for the team.''
Indeed, Hart believes West Ham have two players battling for every position
in Slaven Bilic's side, particularly in the light of the performance put in
by a much-changed team at Wembley in midweek. Bilic's selection for
Saturday's Premier League fixture at Crystal Palace is eagerly-awaited, with
the likes of Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell, Angelo Ogbonna and Andre Ayew all
pushing for starts after being left out for the 3-0 Premier League defeat by
Brighton & Hove Albion last Friday. "When everyone is fit at our Club, we
have a good enough squad to make it difficult for the manager. There's
strength in depth in every position so that's why he gets paid his money and
he will pick the best team to win.''
Saturday's game will see Hart come up against a manager he knows well in Roy
Hodgson, the man who picked him 46 times for his country, took him to three
major tournaments and named him England captain for the first time in Spain
in November 2015. The Hammers stopper believes the 70-year-old has the
experience and knowhow to get Palace out of their current predicament,
pointing to last weekend's 2-1 win over champions Chelsea as proof. "It's
been a tough time for them but I'm sure they are trying to address that in
house and they have the same kind of hunger and desire as us - it's who
shows the quality on the day. "You can't beat Chelsea with one man. They'd
have beaten Chelsea with all their players playing out of their skin. It
helps having players like him. They have quality throughout their team. I
don't think there's any team in the Premier League that doesn't possess at
least three standout players and the rest are very, very good. "Roy has got
lots of experience and can help. He's managed at international level to a
high level and up to the levels of Liverpool in the Premier League, so he's
knows what it takes to manage an important team and I am sure he will be
drilling his players for a massive game."
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CRYSTAL PALACE MATCH PREVIEW
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 27 OCTOBER 2017 AT 9:38PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @deportivohammer
Well, I can honestly say that I did not see that result coming. I checked
the score as I left work and saw that we were 2-0 down and my heart sank, I
took a slow walk back to my car for the 15 min journey home. Whilst arriving
home I checked again to find we had got 2 goals back. I quickly turned on
the computer in time to see Ogbonna glance his header into the Spurs net. I
decided to wake up my boys so they could witness another great West Ham
moment.Lets hope its not the only one this year.
Which leads me onto Crystal Palace bottom of the league with just the one
win this year coming against an unlikely opponent in Chelsea. But I think
its safe to say that they have been awful this year. Roy Hodgson has come in
to replace Frank De Boer and managed to get the team to find the net, which
was more than his predecessor did. Although losing heavily midweek against a
Championship side Bristol City can not be the best preperation for what is
looking very much like a relegation scrap.
West Ham on the other hand, obviously had a great result against rivals
Tottenham midweek but we can not forget how bad our previous league game
was. Losing 0-3 at home to anyone is embarrassing but to Brighton. The
players should be ashamed of their performance. Which is why I was so
surprised Wednesday evening. Form has not really been great for West Ham we
seem to be incapable of getting some consistency in our performances. This l
feel needs to be addressed and maybe we need to stop playing players on
reputation.
James McArthur is facing a late fitness test and Chung-Yong is a doubt for
the game One time West Ham transfer targets Benteke and Wickham are both out
West Ham have a better fitness report, with the only absentee from the squad
being defender James Collins. Sakho has decided he wants to turn up again.
But Mikhail Antonio will have a late test on a bruised rib.
Predicted Line ups :
Crystal Palace: Speroni, Ward, Dann, Sakho, Van Arnholdt, Cabaye,
Milivojevic, McArthur, Schlupp, Townsend, Zaha.
West Ham United : Hart, Cresswell, Zabaleta, Fonte, Reid, Ogbonna, Noble,
Kouyate, Lanzini, Ayew, Hernandez.
Difficult one to try and predict this week with many fringe players putting
in a good shift midweek it will be interesting to see if he continues to
play around with the players and the formation. We know from Ex that Byram,
Rice, Holland, Martinez and Sakho will not be involved though. I have gone
for 3 at the back again as it seems to be our most solid formation
defensively. This is not something I would agree with. I would go out to
attack Palace and get an early goal and hopefully they would lose
confidence. But Slav knows his job is on the line and can not afford anymore
slip ups like Brighton. I think we will win again tomorrow but make hard
work of it as usual. 2-1 to the Hammers with goals coming from Lanzini and
Hernandez
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT ARE THE ODDS? CRYSTAL PALACE AWAY
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 27 OCTOBER 2017 AT 9:50PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Martin Backhouse @martinbackhouse
Who else is still buzzing after Wednesday night?! What a second half that
was. However, that's done now and the main focus is back on the league; it's
Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Betway have us priced up at a generous 9/4 to win it, with the draw at
23/10. We've beaten Palace the last three times we've visited their neck of
the woods, and we are actually unbeaten in the Premier League against them
under Slaven Bilic (W3 D1 L0). Crystal Palace have also won only seven of
their 23 Premier League home games since the start of 2016-17 (W7 D2 L14),
which is another reason why I think we're such good value this weekend.
Crystal Palace have lost 12 of their last 14 Premier League games to nil.
Over 2017, 17 of their 29 Premier League games have seen them lose without
scoring. With this in mind, it might be worth having a few pennies on the
1-0 and 2-0 scorelines, which are available with our sponsors at 8/1 and
12/1 respectively. That stat coupled with the fact that they have scored
just two goals in their nine Premier League games so far this season, makes
the prices on those correct scores very tempting.
Manuel Lanzini has scored in all four of his Premier League games against
Palace (four goals). He has netted more league goals vs the Eagles than any
other West Ham player. In fact, nine of Manuel Lanzini's 14 Premier League
goals have come in London derby matches (64%). If you fancy him to score
again on Saturday you can enjoy 15/2 on him to bag the opener, and he's 11/4
to score anytime. Will it be Andy Carroll or Chicharito up top? Or both? If
you think either of the two will net this weekend, they're available at 9/2
and 4/1 to score first respectively, with both priced at 21/10 to score
anytime.
There's just one #betyourway market available as I type this. West Ham to
win, under 3.5 goals, Hernandez to score and Milivojeciv to be booked is
priced up at 25/1! Be sure to have a check prior to kick off as I'm sure
there will be plenty more to choose from!
What will I bet on? I'm lumping on a West Ham win at 9/4, with a few pennies
on a 1-0 and 2-0 win. We've also beaten Palace 3-1 at their place a couple
of times recently, so I'll be backing that too at 22/1! Good luck with your
bets. COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Hart says West Ham's trip to Crystal Palace is biggest game of the
season
Last Updated: 27/10/17 4:39pm
SSN
Joe Hart says West Ham's trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday is "humongous",
and their biggest match of the season. The Hammers currently sit 16th in the
Premier League, above the drop zone only on goal difference, while Roy
Hodgson's struggling Crystal Palace are bottom with three points from nine
games. A win for Palace could change the complexion of the bottom end of the
table, and goalkeeper Hart says the clash at Selhurst Park is their cup
final. Hart told Soccer Saturday: "We've had wins, big wins, and not
followed them up. Saturday is a humongous game, no matter what had happened
at Wembley, Saturday is a huge game. We want to bring that second half form
into Saturday. "We're approaching it as the biggest game of the season.
Crystal Palace are our cup final right now. We need to get some points on
the board, and we need to get the group of fans behind us, who are
struggling at the moment, and I understand why.
"That's the most important thing. Palace are probably having the same
meetings, discussions as we are, they have the same feelings about the game
as us. It's a huge, important game, and we need to be right. "We want to be
in games, in charge of games, and don't want to have to react, but we did
what we had to do. But that was one of however many games we've had this
season, and one of the highlights, but there has been a lot that hasn't been
good enough."
Fresh from a dramatic comeback at Wembley, where West Ham came from 2-0 down
to beat Spurs 3-2 in the Carabao Cup fourth round, Hart added that the win
is only a good result if they take it into their next game. "It's only a
good result if we can build on it," Hart said. "We have [done ourselves
justice] in short bursts. We've not had any games where we've been blown
away by anyone, but we've had 20 good minutes, then five minutes off, and
you can't afford that in this league. "You can't afford to not concentrate.
It's not a question of not giving 100 per cent - I genuinely believe we have
a squad of players who want to give their all - but the channelling a
direction of our intensity needs to be at the right times."
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has come under pressure in recent weeks after some
poor performances, but Hart says he and his team-mates are invested in what
the Croatian is trying to do. "I don't think we have to prove that we're
playing for the manager, we turn up for training every day for him; he tells
us what to do and we do it. "Speculation will always be rife in football,
and that's people's jobs: to talk, create the atmosphere outside [of the
club]. But we stay strong inside, train hard, ask a lot of each other, and
we're going to have to keep doing that. "We ask a lot of the manager,
hopefully he's going to ask a lot from us, and when we come together, we've
seen what we can do, so there's no excuse for us not to do it."
Hart is currently at West Ham on loan from Manchester City, having lost his
place as No 1 at the Etihad Stadium once Pep Guardiola arrived last summer.
The 30-year-old's England place is also under threat from Jack Butland and
Jordan Pickford, but Hart insists that despite a rollercoaster two years, he
has nothing to prove to his critics outside of the game. "I've still got
plenty of time, plenty of football left in me, so I want to make the most
out of my [time at West Ham]. It's not changed my hunger and desire for
football. "I need to keep Slaven Bilic happy, I need to keep playing well
for Gareth Southgate, my team-mates, other than that I've got nothing to
prove to anyone. Simple as that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham "senators" have boss Slaven Bilic's vote to steer his strugglers
away from relegation trouble
Fifth-bottom Hammers counting on the leadership of senior pros who have won
major trophies and captained their countries
The Mirror
Neil McLeman
22:30, 27 OCT 2017UPDATED23:25, 27 OCT 2017
Slaven Bilic has backed his West Ham "senators" to lead the club clear of
the drop zone and repay his faith in them. The Hammers eased the -pressure
on their beleaguered boss in midweek with a stunning League Cup fightback
against Tottenham, led by the recalled Mark Noble. But the heat will be back
on if they lose another -Premier League derby, away to bottom club Crystal
Palace on Saturday. With Michail Antonio fit again, Bilic has -selections
problems having made nine changes against Spurs from the team humbled by
Brighton a week ago. But he will rely on his battle-hardened core of senior
pros at Selhurst Park. "Mental strength is most -important thing," he said.
"That's why you need leaders, those kind of senators in your team. We've
enough of them, a few captains of national teams. "We've people who won
major trophies with their national teams or with -previous clubs. We've a
good mixture of them and young -players who will hopefully achieve what
their colleagues achieved. "That mental strength is key today, especially in
the Premier League when you have a -feeling it's like big brother, you are
there 24/7, on the radar, every move being analysed."
Bilic has been careful to avoid public criticism of his men, even after the
3-0 home defeat to Brighton. "You have your principles and have to make them
believe in you," he said. "And if you stay behind them in the bad times,
then they feel trust." Noble was dropped for the previous two league games
but his spat with Tottenham's Danny Rose at the start of the second half was
the catalyst for the League Cup comeback. Bilic said: "Was it a coincidence
or was it more important than the first goal? Nobody knows. Maybe it helped.
"Mark Noble has that in him. He's the captain who loves to be the captain.
He is Mr West Ham, has been all his life, and he is first for that." Bilic
did not play down the significance of today's visit to Selhurst park. "I
know our situation," he said. "Our situation -determines my situation. It's
a massively important game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is expecting a big performance at
Crystal Palace today after a confidence-boosting comeback victory over
Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Wednesday evening...
Hello everyone,
We have certainly seen the contrasting emotions that football can bring over
the course of the past seven days. There is no denying that our defeat
against Brighton at London Stadium was a painful experience, and there was
not much I could say after the game to make things seem better. But in this
game there is simply nothing to be achieved from dwelling on negatives or
feeling sorry for yourself, and our victory on Wednesday at Wembley was a
reward for the character and belief that the players showed. It is not the
first time we have come from 2-0 down to win - it happened in my first
season as manager up at Everton. And I have to say that there were
similarities between the two games, in that even when we were 2-0 down, I
saw signs that convinced me that we were still in the game. We had enough of
the ball and dealt with the opposition well enough to be in a position to
turn it around. Of course, goals change games, and the main thing on
Wednesday is that we took our chances when we got them, but it wasn't a
complete shock to me that we managed to produce a fightback. I was also
happy with what I saw in the dressing room following the game. After a
victory like that, it is important to let the players enjoy the moment and
share the celebration together - that is how a team builds a special bond.
But there was a determination and focus among them, that we all want to
carry into this afternoon's game at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace, like us, haven't had the start to the season they would have
hoped for. They are a club who have already made some big changes this
season, and they are desperate for a positive run. We go into the game on
the back of very different results - us beating Tottenham in the way we did,
and them losing 4-1 to Bristol City. They are a wounded animal, as we were
after last Friday's game. For that reason, we have to be completely focused
and make sure that we start the game in the same way we finished off on
Wednesday. But that doesn't mean it automatically happen, and it isn't just
a case of putting out the same players who came from behind against Spurs.
My job is to pick the team that I believe has the best chance of beating
Crystal Palace, based on how we expect them to set up and which of our
players we believe are best suited to the type of encounter we are likely to
face. Of course, confidence and form is a big part of that selection
process, and there are some players who came into the team on Wednesday and
performed well enough, in the second half particularly, to deserve to be
considered for today's game. But, as a manager, that is what you hope for.
That you get to a position where players who haven't been in the team
regularly take their chance when given an opportunity and give you a
selection headache for the next game. I don't ever take anything for
granted, but I am hoping and expecting a big performance today. We go into
the match fresh from the positive experience of Wednesday and having beaten
Crystal Palace twice last season.
Manu Lanzini scored in both those victories, and he is a big player for us.
Wednesday was an important game for him - he is now reaching the physical
levels he needs to be at his best, and that is a very promising sign. I know
that the majority of our fans at Selhurst Park today will have been at
Wembley on Wednesday, and I hope we can all share and feel that momentum
once the game kicks off today. It is another London derby, another huge
game, and we are all determined to repeat that feeling we had walking back
into the dressing-room at Wembley after the final whistle in midweek.
Come on you Irons!
Slaven
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Hart welcomes competition from 'top goalkeeper' Adrian
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart says West Ham United can only benefit from players competing for
places - including his own! England's No1 was among those impressed by the
Hammers' sensational comeback from two goals down to defeat Tottenham
Hotspur 3-2 at Wembley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening. West Ham's
win was made possible, in part, by the performance of Adrian in goal and,
rather than be worried about how it may impact on his own position, Hart
welcomed the Spaniard's impressive display. ''It's good," said Hart, who has
started all nine Premier League games so far this season, while Adrian has
played in all three Carabao Cup ties. For the No25, competition for his
place is nothing new, with the likes of Andreas Isaksson, Shay Given, Costel
Pantilimon and Willy Caballero all challenging Hart for his place at
Manchester City.
At international level, he has consistently held off the challenge of a
succession of challengers for his starting spot, including Jack Butland,
John Ruddy, Fraser Forster, Tom Heaton and Jordan Pickford. "I have been a
part of strong goalkeeping line ups everywhere I have gone. This is no
different. Adrian is a top goalkeeper and capable of big performances like
he proved on Wednesday night. "I enjoy working with him every day and we
leave it up to the manager to work out what's going on and we will try and
give our best for the team.''
Indeed, Hart believes West Ham have two players battling for every position
in Slaven Bilic's side, particularly in the light of the performance put in
by a much-changed team at Wembley in midweek. Bilic's selection for
Saturday's Premier League fixture at Crystal Palace is eagerly-awaited, with
the likes of Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell, Angelo Ogbonna and Andre Ayew all
pushing for starts after being left out for the 3-0 Premier League defeat by
Brighton & Hove Albion last Friday. "When everyone is fit at our Club, we
have a good enough squad to make it difficult for the manager. There's
strength in depth in every position so that's why he gets paid his money and
he will pick the best team to win.''
Saturday's game will see Hart come up against a manager he knows well in Roy
Hodgson, the man who picked him 46 times for his country, took him to three
major tournaments and named him England captain for the first time in Spain
in November 2015. The Hammers stopper believes the 70-year-old has the
experience and knowhow to get Palace out of their current predicament,
pointing to last weekend's 2-1 win over champions Chelsea as proof. "It's
been a tough time for them but I'm sure they are trying to address that in
house and they have the same kind of hunger and desire as us - it's who
shows the quality on the day. "You can't beat Chelsea with one man. They'd
have beaten Chelsea with all their players playing out of their skin. It
helps having players like him. They have quality throughout their team. I
don't think there's any team in the Premier League that doesn't possess at
least three standout players and the rest are very, very good. "Roy has got
lots of experience and can help. He's managed at international level to a
high level and up to the levels of Liverpool in the Premier League, so he's
knows what it takes to manage an important team and I am sure he will be
drilling his players for a massive game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CRYSTAL PALACE MATCH PREVIEW
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 27 OCTOBER 2017 AT 9:38PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @deportivohammer
Well, I can honestly say that I did not see that result coming. I checked
the score as I left work and saw that we were 2-0 down and my heart sank, I
took a slow walk back to my car for the 15 min journey home. Whilst arriving
home I checked again to find we had got 2 goals back. I quickly turned on
the computer in time to see Ogbonna glance his header into the Spurs net. I
decided to wake up my boys so they could witness another great West Ham
moment.Lets hope its not the only one this year.
Which leads me onto Crystal Palace bottom of the league with just the one
win this year coming against an unlikely opponent in Chelsea. But I think
its safe to say that they have been awful this year. Roy Hodgson has come in
to replace Frank De Boer and managed to get the team to find the net, which
was more than his predecessor did. Although losing heavily midweek against a
Championship side Bristol City can not be the best preperation for what is
looking very much like a relegation scrap.
West Ham on the other hand, obviously had a great result against rivals
Tottenham midweek but we can not forget how bad our previous league game
was. Losing 0-3 at home to anyone is embarrassing but to Brighton. The
players should be ashamed of their performance. Which is why I was so
surprised Wednesday evening. Form has not really been great for West Ham we
seem to be incapable of getting some consistency in our performances. This l
feel needs to be addressed and maybe we need to stop playing players on
reputation.
James McArthur is facing a late fitness test and Chung-Yong is a doubt for
the game One time West Ham transfer targets Benteke and Wickham are both out
West Ham have a better fitness report, with the only absentee from the squad
being defender James Collins. Sakho has decided he wants to turn up again.
But Mikhail Antonio will have a late test on a bruised rib.
Predicted Line ups :
Crystal Palace: Speroni, Ward, Dann, Sakho, Van Arnholdt, Cabaye,
Milivojevic, McArthur, Schlupp, Townsend, Zaha.
West Ham United : Hart, Cresswell, Zabaleta, Fonte, Reid, Ogbonna, Noble,
Kouyate, Lanzini, Ayew, Hernandez.
Difficult one to try and predict this week with many fringe players putting
in a good shift midweek it will be interesting to see if he continues to
play around with the players and the formation. We know from Ex that Byram,
Rice, Holland, Martinez and Sakho will not be involved though. I have gone
for 3 at the back again as it seems to be our most solid formation
defensively. This is not something I would agree with. I would go out to
attack Palace and get an early goal and hopefully they would lose
confidence. But Slav knows his job is on the line and can not afford anymore
slip ups like Brighton. I think we will win again tomorrow but make hard
work of it as usual. 2-1 to the Hammers with goals coming from Lanzini and
Hernandez
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT ARE THE ODDS? CRYSTAL PALACE AWAY
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 27 OCTOBER 2017 AT 9:50PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Martin Backhouse @martinbackhouse
Who else is still buzzing after Wednesday night?! What a second half that
was. However, that's done now and the main focus is back on the league; it's
Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Betway have us priced up at a generous 9/4 to win it, with the draw at
23/10. We've beaten Palace the last three times we've visited their neck of
the woods, and we are actually unbeaten in the Premier League against them
under Slaven Bilic (W3 D1 L0). Crystal Palace have also won only seven of
their 23 Premier League home games since the start of 2016-17 (W7 D2 L14),
which is another reason why I think we're such good value this weekend.
Crystal Palace have lost 12 of their last 14 Premier League games to nil.
Over 2017, 17 of their 29 Premier League games have seen them lose without
scoring. With this in mind, it might be worth having a few pennies on the
1-0 and 2-0 scorelines, which are available with our sponsors at 8/1 and
12/1 respectively. That stat coupled with the fact that they have scored
just two goals in their nine Premier League games so far this season, makes
the prices on those correct scores very tempting.
Manuel Lanzini has scored in all four of his Premier League games against
Palace (four goals). He has netted more league goals vs the Eagles than any
other West Ham player. In fact, nine of Manuel Lanzini's 14 Premier League
goals have come in London derby matches (64%). If you fancy him to score
again on Saturday you can enjoy 15/2 on him to bag the opener, and he's 11/4
to score anytime. Will it be Andy Carroll or Chicharito up top? Or both? If
you think either of the two will net this weekend, they're available at 9/2
and 4/1 to score first respectively, with both priced at 21/10 to score
anytime.
There's just one #betyourway market available as I type this. West Ham to
win, under 3.5 goals, Hernandez to score and Milivojeciv to be booked is
priced up at 25/1! Be sure to have a check prior to kick off as I'm sure
there will be plenty more to choose from!
What will I bet on? I'm lumping on a West Ham win at 9/4, with a few pennies
on a 1-0 and 2-0 win. We've also beaten Palace 3-1 at their place a couple
of times recently, so I'll be backing that too at 22/1! Good luck with your
bets. COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Hart says West Ham's trip to Crystal Palace is biggest game of the
season
Last Updated: 27/10/17 4:39pm
SSN
Joe Hart says West Ham's trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday is "humongous",
and their biggest match of the season. The Hammers currently sit 16th in the
Premier League, above the drop zone only on goal difference, while Roy
Hodgson's struggling Crystal Palace are bottom with three points from nine
games. A win for Palace could change the complexion of the bottom end of the
table, and goalkeeper Hart says the clash at Selhurst Park is their cup
final. Hart told Soccer Saturday: "We've had wins, big wins, and not
followed them up. Saturday is a humongous game, no matter what had happened
at Wembley, Saturday is a huge game. We want to bring that second half form
into Saturday. "We're approaching it as the biggest game of the season.
Crystal Palace are our cup final right now. We need to get some points on
the board, and we need to get the group of fans behind us, who are
struggling at the moment, and I understand why.
"That's the most important thing. Palace are probably having the same
meetings, discussions as we are, they have the same feelings about the game
as us. It's a huge, important game, and we need to be right. "We want to be
in games, in charge of games, and don't want to have to react, but we did
what we had to do. But that was one of however many games we've had this
season, and one of the highlights, but there has been a lot that hasn't been
good enough."
Fresh from a dramatic comeback at Wembley, where West Ham came from 2-0 down
to beat Spurs 3-2 in the Carabao Cup fourth round, Hart added that the win
is only a good result if they take it into their next game. "It's only a
good result if we can build on it," Hart said. "We have [done ourselves
justice] in short bursts. We've not had any games where we've been blown
away by anyone, but we've had 20 good minutes, then five minutes off, and
you can't afford that in this league. "You can't afford to not concentrate.
It's not a question of not giving 100 per cent - I genuinely believe we have
a squad of players who want to give their all - but the channelling a
direction of our intensity needs to be at the right times."
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has come under pressure in recent weeks after some
poor performances, but Hart says he and his team-mates are invested in what
the Croatian is trying to do. "I don't think we have to prove that we're
playing for the manager, we turn up for training every day for him; he tells
us what to do and we do it. "Speculation will always be rife in football,
and that's people's jobs: to talk, create the atmosphere outside [of the
club]. But we stay strong inside, train hard, ask a lot of each other, and
we're going to have to keep doing that. "We ask a lot of the manager,
hopefully he's going to ask a lot from us, and when we come together, we've
seen what we can do, so there's no excuse for us not to do it."
Hart is currently at West Ham on loan from Manchester City, having lost his
place as No 1 at the Etihad Stadium once Pep Guardiola arrived last summer.
The 30-year-old's England place is also under threat from Jack Butland and
Jordan Pickford, but Hart insists that despite a rollercoaster two years, he
has nothing to prove to his critics outside of the game. "I've still got
plenty of time, plenty of football left in me, so I want to make the most
out of my [time at West Ham]. It's not changed my hunger and desire for
football. "I need to keep Slaven Bilic happy, I need to keep playing well
for Gareth Southgate, my team-mates, other than that I've got nothing to
prove to anyone. Simple as that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham "senators" have boss Slaven Bilic's vote to steer his strugglers
away from relegation trouble
Fifth-bottom Hammers counting on the leadership of senior pros who have won
major trophies and captained their countries
The Mirror
Neil McLeman
22:30, 27 OCT 2017UPDATED23:25, 27 OCT 2017
Slaven Bilic has backed his West Ham "senators" to lead the club clear of
the drop zone and repay his faith in them. The Hammers eased the -pressure
on their beleaguered boss in midweek with a stunning League Cup fightback
against Tottenham, led by the recalled Mark Noble. But the heat will be back
on if they lose another -Premier League derby, away to bottom club Crystal
Palace on Saturday. With Michail Antonio fit again, Bilic has -selections
problems having made nine changes against Spurs from the team humbled by
Brighton a week ago. But he will rely on his battle-hardened core of senior
pros at Selhurst Park. "Mental strength is most -important thing," he said.
"That's why you need leaders, those kind of senators in your team. We've
enough of them, a few captains of national teams. "We've people who won
major trophies with their national teams or with -previous clubs. We've a
good mixture of them and young -players who will hopefully achieve what
their colleagues achieved. "That mental strength is key today, especially in
the Premier League when you have a -feeling it's like big brother, you are
there 24/7, on the radar, every move being analysed."
Bilic has been careful to avoid public criticism of his men, even after the
3-0 home defeat to Brighton. "You have your principles and have to make them
believe in you," he said. "And if you stay behind them in the bad times,
then they feel trust." Noble was dropped for the previous two league games
but his spat with Tottenham's Danny Rose at the start of the second half was
the catalyst for the League Cup comeback. Bilic said: "Was it a coincidence
or was it more important than the first goal? Nobody knows. Maybe it helped.
"Mark Noble has that in him. He's the captain who loves to be the captain.
He is Mr West Ham, has been all his life, and he is first for that." Bilic
did not play down the significance of today's visit to Selhurst park. "I
know our situation," he said. "Our situation -determines my situation. It's
a massively important game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 28th October 2017
Crystal Palace v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United return to Premier League action on Saturday as the Irons
travel to south London to take on Crystal Palace.
Read on for all the information you need to know ahead of this fixture,
including team news, travel information and recent history...
Where and when?
West Ham United will meet Crystal Palace on Saturday 28 October at Selhurst
Park, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
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!
Unfortunately, due to being a Saturday 3pm kick-off the match is not
available for viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click
here.
Team news:
Slaven Bilic will offer updates on his squad and team ahead of Saturday's
Premier League match with Crystal Palace during his pre-game press
conference on Friday afternoon.
The press conference is due to begin at 12pm.
Match officials:
Referee: Bobby Madley
Assistant Referees: Marc Perry and Adrian Holmes
Fourth Official: James Linington
Meet the opposition:
Not many clubs in England have endured a more difficult start to the season
than Crystal Palace. The Eagles have already changed their manager this
campaign and now have former England boss Roy Hodgson at the helm.
Just one win in the league this campaign sees Palace rooted to the bottom of
the Premier League table. That victory however came in their last home match
against reigning champions Chelsea, which shows that on their day the Eagles
can soar.
Player to watch:
Two goals in Wednesday's 3-2 comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the
Carabao Cup has pushed Andre Ayew to the front of the West Ham United
collect mind.
The versatile forward now has four goals in all competitions this season and
will be eager to continue that form against Palace on Saturday.
Head-to-head:
Last season West Ham completed the double over Crystal Palace in the Premier
League. A Manuel Lanzini goal was the difference in the fixture at Selhurst
Park while the Argentinian was also on the score-sheet in the match at
London Stadium, a game now fixed in the memory thanks to Andy Carroll's
wonderful bicycle kick.
The last time the Hammers lost to Palace was in February 2015 but the Irons
have won their last three away contests against the Eagles.
Last five meetings:
West Ham United 3-0 Crystal Palace, Premier League, January 14 2017
Crystal Palace 0-1 West Ham United, Premier League, October 15 2016
West Ham United 2-2 Crystal Palace, Premier League, April 2 2016
Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham United, Premier League, October 17 2015
West Ham United 1-3 Crystal Palace, Premier League, February 28 2015
How to get there:
By rail
The nearest stations are Selhurst, Thornton Heath or Norwood Junction. All
of these are served by London Victoria main line station. Both Thornton
Heath and Norwood Junction are also served by trains from London Bridge.
By car
Leave the M25 at Junction 7 and follow the signs for the A23 to Croydon,
then go left onto the A23 at its junction with the A235. You will pass
roundabouts and junctions with the A232 and A236 as you pass Croydon, after
which the A23 bears left.
Follow the road, and turn right onto the high street. Go left onto
Whitehorse Lane and Selhurst Park is on your right.
Postcode: SE25 6PU
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Adrian: I've given the boss a selection headache
WHUFC.com
Adrian is hopeful his performance against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao
Cup on Wednesday will have left his manager with a selection headache before
tomorrow's clash with Crystal Palace. The Hammers staged a phenomenal
comeback against London rivals Spurs, scoring three times in 15 minutes
after being 2-0 down at half-time, to win the game 3-2. The goalkeeper
played an important role in the win, having made crucial saves from Dele
Alli and Moussa Sissoko either side of the break as West Ham progressed to
the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup for the second year in a row. The
Spaniard saw the match as an opportunity to stake his claim in the first
team and believes Wednesday's performance is evidence of his commitment to
the team and the level he wishes to play at. He told whufc.com: "It was a
good moment to vindicate my position in the team and for the manager. "I
enjoyed making these crucial saves [against Alli and Sissoko], helping the
team whenever I can to get that good result. We won the game and I'm so
happy. "Now I've given the boss a headache to choose which keeper to play.
Like I showed on Wednesday, I can do it. I am ready to play week-in,
week-out."
While opportunities have been few and far between for the No13, the three
games that Adrian has played this campaign have all been victories, yet none
have come in the league. The game against Tottenham was one of those three
wins and the 30-year-old shed light on how the team's dressing room talk at
half-time inspired the Hammers stage a stunning comeback. "The first half
was very hard for us and also very hard for the fans because they went there
to support us and we started losing. "2-0 down in the first half was hard.
But in the second half we spoke about giving our all in the dressing room,
to do the maximum level in 45 minutes and see if we can snatch a win. We won
and it was such a great night for us and all the Hammer fans." He added: "I
need to do my best when the opportunity arises for me to play. In the moment
it's cup football so I try to show the boss the level that I am at, giving
consistently 100%."
Adrian believes the win over Tottenham has given the team with much-needed
belief ahead of their match against local rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday.
"It's a great motivation for us because the last game at home was very bad
and we understood that. "After the victory on Wednesday, everyone is in a
positive way because we've come back with a hard fought victory against a
top side. "The win has given us a platform to feed off, go to Palace on
Saturday and get a good result. It's time we climbed up the table."
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Bilic: Balance, belief and a love of big matches
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic met with the media on Friday afternoon to provide insight and
analysis ahead of West Ham United's Premier League match with Crystal
Palace. The manager was asked about the squad's mood after Wednesday's win
over Tottenham, the Eagle's recent form, and media speculation. 'I like big
games'
West Ham's opponents, Palace, head into Saturday's match on the back of a
tough run of form – one that has seen them win just once this season in the
league and lose their last match in the Carabao Cup to lower league
opposition. With this in mind Bilic was questioned whether he was pleased to
be playing the Eagles at this point in their season, just a few weeks after
Roy Hodgson was named their new manager. Bilic said: "When the new manager
comes it's better to play them straight away because everybody needs a
little bit of time to get to know the players and vice versa. They beat
Chelsea and it was a big boost for them, and since Chelsea they lost to
Newcastle although they played good and deserved something out of that game.
"No defeat is good but that Cup defeat was big for them, but then there were
resting most of their players."
Despite this the manager is still anticipating a difficult match for his
Hammers in another London derby, but Bilic is relishing the challenge. "I'm
expecting a very tough game tomorrow. A very big game. A game of characters.
A game of basic things. A physical game. A mental game. A game that will be
decided with togetherness and also a bit of quality, that I know we have but
also, they have. I hope we are going to use it to make a difference. But
first of all, both teams will have to be very strong, mentally and
physically. "Again, it's a derby and to be fair I'm really looking forward
to the game. I like big games and we're expecting that tomorrow."
A confidence boost from Spurs
A 3-2 comeback victory over rivals Tottenham has put the entire team,
supporters, and Bilic himself in good spirits heading into Saturday's
fixture. The manager was asked what such a win, in such a manner against
local opposition, did for the team. It means a lot of course," Bilic said:
"Like every defeat gets you a little bit down. Also, every win gives you a
boost and a better atmosphere, both for the team and also the individuals.
Especially if it happens like it happened the other night. It was a very
important game against Spurs, it's always a special kind of game and
especially at Wembley. To come back from 2-0 down to 3-2, it gives us a lot
of confidence. "I noticed if we raised the level of quality in the last
third we had a chance. The next goal was the key one and we also improved
our game when they had the ball. I asked that they raised the level and to
stay calm, not to lose focus or faith. That's what the guys did in the most
beautiful way." The manager was keen to emphasis however that his players
would not assume victory over Palace was guaranteed due to the win over
Tottenham. "No, no way. No way," he said when asked about over complacency:
"We beat Tottenham and I said straight after the game that if we think that
now we've beat Spurs that good performances would come by default it would
be totally wrong. "We know we have to build on that performance and to make
it even better, to cut out the mistakes. No one thinks like that."
'My job is about balance'
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson recently described football as a
"constant succession of funerals and parties" and that his job as the new
boss was to keep his players level. When asked about this quote Bilic was in
agreement with his coaching colleague, saying balance is crucial to any
team. He said: "The whole world, no matter in what way of life, there is no
middle. It's all extremes. The weather is like that! There's no Spring or
Autumn, there's Winter or Summer. "As I said before, your job is to keep the
team balanced and in the zone. Not to be too down when on a bad run and not
to fly when you're winning three or four games. Always stay focused and
think about the next game you have. "That's a big part of our job because
everybody else is trying to bring you down if are good and if you aren't,
everyone else is trying to lift you as high as possible. You can't allow
that."
'I'm focused on the things I can influence'
Bilic was once again asked about media speculation but the manager says he
is only worried about the things he can influence in his position. The
Croatian believes that focusing and bringing positivity will see that
speculation subside. "There are rumours but I talk to the chairmen, not
every day, but often enough. I know my situation and our situation. "As I've
told you, I'm totally focused on the things I can influence and that is only
the training, talking to the players, and the game. I am totally focused on
the game because only with that in your head can you improve and you can
affect those kinds of rumours to change."
'The next game is most important game'
West Ham have eight points so far in the Premier League this season but,
when asked if Crystal Palace was the most important game of the campaign,
Bilic offered a philosophical answer. "We said the same against Huddersfield
and the same against Swansea. The same against Brighton and the same against
Burnley. It's the Premier League and it's a very important game. "It's the
most important game. In every league, the biggest game and most important
game is the next one. For us that's the game against Palace tomorrow."
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Team news: Antonio back in training ahead of Crystal Palace clash
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Michail Antonio has returned to first team
training and could be involved in West Ham United's Premier League fixture
with Crystal Palace on Saturday. Antonio sustained a bruised rib in last
Friday's defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, a knock which forced the
27-year-old to sit out the comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur at
Wembley on Wednesday. The winger however retuned to training on Thursday,
according to Bilic, and will be involved in the session on Friday afternoon.
A decision will be made on Antonio's availability for Saturday's game based
on how he comes through training. The manager also confirmed that the Iron's
only other absence due to injury will be James Collins, who is still out
after a knock against West Brom last month.
"It's good," Bilic told his press conference when asked about injuries:
"It's only Collins [who will miss out]. Michail Antonio had that bruise on
his rib and he only trained yesterday since the Brighton game, and even
yesterday was without contact. "Antonio will train today and based on that
training we will see what shape he is in for tomorrow's game. "We are going
to see today. As you know we played a couple of days ago and the players who
played had regeneration. We are going to see today with training this
afternoon, but nobody said yesterday that they felt this or that or were
tired. "The situation is that most of the squad is fit and we have to
consider a few things before we decide who will start tomorrow."
Bilic made nine changes to his starting XI for the match with Tottenham on
Wednesday, and that victory has prompted curiosity about West Ham's team for
this weekend's game. The manager admitted those players who performed so
well in the midweek game had given him a pleasant selection headache. Bilic
added: "We wanted to put a strong team out against Spurs. Okay we wanted to
rest some players but the players who played, deserved their chance. They
had already played and had minutes in the Premier League on the Cup in
previous rounds. "On one hand, you have the team that won the game in Spurs
away, and on the other hand you had the guys who played good, not in the
Brighton game, but in the games before that. We also have to bear in mind
that this game is less than 72 hours after the game against Spurs. Sometimes
the energy level, you can't expect the guys to repeat them in that short
period of time. "We will put all that into consideration when we decide who
starts tomorrow. When we decide, and I've said this publicly and to the
guys, the team is above every individual. There's no time or space for long
faces."
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Second cup winner another 'special moment' – Ogbonna
WHUFC.com
Almost two years ago, Angelo Ogbonna provided West Ham United fans
everywhere with a night to remember when he headed in an FA Cup winner
against Liverpool. Fast-forward almost 21 months, and the Italian was at it
again, nodding in the Hammers' third in another cup tie – this time in the
Carabao Cup – to put Slaven Bilic's men into the quarter-finals. Andre Ayew
had already drawn the visitors level at Wembley against Tottenham Hotspur
with a double after Spurs had raced into a two-goal first half lead. It
wasn't just the centre-back's second cup-tie winning goal in a Claret and
Blue shirt, but also Ogbonna's second goal in two games, following a similar
header against Bolton Wanderers in the last round of the competition. The
defender could not hide his delight at the final whistle and beamed as he
hailed the night as one of his top moments at the Club. "It was so
incredible," he said. "It was a really special night and the way we got back
into the game was just incredible. Nobody expected that when we were 2-0
down! "It was so important for us in this situation we are in, to get the
victory. I guess it is not that common for defenders to score so much in cup
competitions like this! "But for me, now I have scored two winners in them
and I am very happy. They are both very, very memorable and special for me.
"For me, it is better to focus more on defending but still of course, at
Wembley, a huge stadium with a history, it was a great moment for me. More
importantly, it was huge for the team and the Club."
With Spurs 2-0 to the good at the break, the Hammers' chances of staging a
comeback looked bleak, but Bilic's men rallied and soon found a way back
into the game through Ayew's tap-in. The Ghanaian was at it again five
minutes later, side-footing past Michel Vorm and into the top corner from
Manuel Lanzini's centre as the momentum swung the Hammers' way. And sure
enough, Ogbonna was there to capitalise and head in the winner from another
terrific Lanzini delivery.
"We were scared when we were 2-0 down," admitted Ogbonna afterwards. "We
were scared but we talked to each other and we said that we cannot give up,
and we have to do something. "We had to be focused and we had to be brave,
because it's not easy in the situation we are in. No matter what we think,
no matter what we say, the important thing is getting results and this will
have helped us. "Maybe we could lose 5-0 or 6-0 but if we focus and do our
best and be brave, we can get back into the game and we did so well to do
that and get something from this game. "I think that I was in the right
position for the corner. One corner earlier, I missed my chance, so I said
to myself I will go there for the next one and if the balls comes, try to
get the ball and win it and it was good to do that."
Without a win in two in the Premier League, however, West Ham are in need of
a performance at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace on Saturday and
Ogbonna believes his side can use the confidence gained at Wembley to pick
up points. "It's given us a good mentality going into the next match, it's
given us confidence," he explained. "We showed really good form [against
Tottenham] so we are excited for the match. "It's important for us. [Palace]
are a different type of team to Tottenham in the style they play, but we
know it will be tough. "We have to look step-by-step and not talk too early.
We have to make sure that we are doing it on the pitch."
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com
Fresh from their brilliant comeback against Spurs in the EFL Cup on
Wednesday, West Ham have their sights on a second London away win in the
space of four days this weekend. Interestingly, it was actually against
Crystal Palace that the Hammers picked up their first three points on the
road last season, winning at Selhurst Park for the third successive season.
And, given the Eagles' struggles so far this time around, Slaven Bilic's
side have good reason to feel confident of extending that winning run.
Palace are bottom of the league after accruing just three points from their
first nine matches, with a shock result against Chelsea earlier this month
not proving to be the turning point that some predicted. Their defeat away
to Newcastle last weekend was the eighth time in nine matches this season
that they have lost without scoring a goal. It was also the second time
under Roy Hodgson that they have failed to register a single shot on target,
an inevitable side effect of the former England manager's early attempts to
tighten them up at the back. So, with Christian Benteke still injured and
Wilfried Zaha feeling his way back from injury, another clean sheet for West
Ham's defence – who twice shut out their opponents last season – is more
than achievable.
Particularly considering how little Palace's fringe players did to state
their case on Tuesday, after being thrashed 4-1 by Championship side Bristol
City. West Ham playmaker Manuel Lanzini showed signs in midweek that he is
getting back up to full speed after his own spell on the sidelines, with two
assists to help swing the tie at Wembley. The Argentine has a remarkable
scoring record against Palace, with a goal in each of his four appearances
against them. And, considering that 11 of the 19 goals their hosts have
conceded so far this season have been scored by midfielders popping up in
the box, it is he who may well prove the biggest danger to Palace's
vulnerable defence.
Recommended bets:
West Ham to win – 9/4
West Ham to keep a clean sheet – 5/2
Manuel Lanzini to score at any time – 11/4
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Rice: Beating Spurs was the best night of my life!
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice says West Ham United are targeting a maiden Carabao Cup triumph
after overcoming Tottenham Hotspur on the 'best night' of his life. The
teenager returned to the starting XI at Wembley Stadium and helped the
Hammers recover from two goals down at half-time to win 3-2 and set up a
quarter-final tie at Arsenal. Rice could hardly contain his delight at
playing his part in a night that will live long in the memories of everyone
associated with the Club. "Being my first game at Wembley, after coming here
to watch as a fan many, many times, to get onto the pitch and beat Tottenham
was an amazing moment for me," he said.
"After the first half, most people thought we were down and out, but we had
a big get-together at half-time in the changing room and second half we came
out and showed what we're about. "I've never been part of something like
this before. I can't stop smiling. It's the best night of my life!"
Arsenal will host the Hammers in the fifth round in the week before
Christmas and Rice sees no reason why Slaven Bilic's side cannot complete a
north London double. But before that, there is the not insignificant matter
of Saturday's Premier League fixture at bottom side Crystal Palace. "We're
into the quarter-finals now and that makes Wednesday's result even more
important. We said at the start of the season that we wanted to have a
really good cup run and we've had three good results now and it is Arsenal
up next. "We're really confident, especially after beating a top side like
Spurs. We watched them against Liverpool on Sunday and they were
frightening, but we stopped that and everyone was unbelievable. "Without a
doubt, now we've beaten Spurs, it'll give us confidence going into a big
game at Crystal Palace on Saturday because the camp is buzzing."
Reflecting on the personal experience of facing a top team at the Home of
Football, the 18-year-old was proud, not only of the way West Ham came back,
but defended their lead in the closing stages. "It was kind of one of those
games where you think to yourself 'There are fans here, people are watching,
we're Premier League footballers and we don't want to embarrass ourselves,
so we've got to come out and show what we're really all about', and in the
second half that's what we did. "We had us three (Rice, Cheikhou Kouyate and
Angelo Ogbonna) and Andy [Carroll] dropping in at times at the end. I've
never experienced anything like that, with Premier League stars on top of
me. "It was amazing to be marking those types of players, taking in how they
move. It was a great experience for me."
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Pask: Home support can push us to U23 Manchester City glory
WHUFC.com
Josh Pask hopes the home support for West Ham United's U23s can help them to
victory when they face Manchester City at Dagenham and Redbridge's Chigwell
Construction Stadium on Saturday. Terry Westley's side have put together a
good run of form in the last few games, recording wins over the likes of
Sunderland and Manchester United as well as a goalless draw against Chelsea
in their last Premier League 2 clash. And the centre-back hopes that can
continue when the Sky Blues are visitors to east London on Saturday. He
said: "Hopefully we get a good turnout on Saturday because the first team
are away and it really helps the whole team and means a lot when the fans
are in support of us. "When there is a crowd there to cheer you on, it means
a lot and it has definitely helped us at times in the last couple of seasons
at Dagenham. "We have picked up some really good results recently and
hopefully that can keep going against Manchester City. The boys have been
excellent so far and we are confident going into any game we play."
The Hammers' youngsters have struggled early on in games recently, conceding
early goals to the likes of Villarreal and Manchester United but Pask, and
the rest of the side, were delighted to shut out Chelsea in their 0-0 draw
on Sunday. "It was something that had been the talk of the week leading up
to Chelsea so it was really important for us," continued the centre back.
"Early on, we have struggled recently so that was really important to us
that we stood strong and kept it tight against Chelsea, not just in the
first half but throughout the match. "There has been a couple of injuries in
defence recently, so it has been really good for everyone to have Dec [Rice]
back in the side in defence, and really good for me for him to be alongside
me. "It's helped solidify the back four and we were delighted to get a clean
sheet against Chelsea – Dec's former club."
West Ham face Man City at the Dagenham on Saturday, and supporters not
making the trip to watch Slaven Bilic's first team take on Crystal Palace
can support the U23s for free providing they are Season Ticket Holders.
Alternatively, adult tickets are priced at £5 and concessions are £3 at the
Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Despite the tough task the north west provide, Pask is keen to reward any
supporters who offer their support in east London on Saturday. "We want to
show the fans how much they mean to us," he said. "City are a good side, but
I just will go out there and do my job as best as i can. "I believe all the
boys will do the same and hopefully the outcome will result in a win, for us
and the fans that are there on Saturday."
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Crystal Palace v West Ham United
SAT, 28 OCT 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: Selhurst Park
West Ham's Manuel Lanzini has scored in each of the last four Premier League
matches against Crystal Palace
TEAM NEWS
Crystal Palace are assessing the fitness of James McArthur and Lee
Chung-yong, who have both been receiving treatment this week.
Christian Benteke remains injured and is not scheduled to return for at
least another four weeks.
Forward Michail Antonio will have a fitness test on the rib injury which
ruled him out of West Ham's Carabao Cup win on Tuesday.
Defender James Collins remains sidelined with an ankle problem.
Forward Andy Carroll is available for league action after serving a
one-match suspension while Andre Ayew is among those pushing for a recall
after impressing against Tottenham.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Simon Brotherton: "West Ham were narrow 1-0 winners in this fixture 12
months ago and we can expect a keenly-fought encounter this weekend in front
of a noisy full house at Selhurst Park.
"Wednesday's Carabao Cup comeback win at Wembley over Tottenham was a major
boost for the Hammers and their beleaguered manager Slaven Bilic, but it
won't mean much if they slip up again here.
"Palace saw off the champions Chelsea, and deservedly so, in their last home
match. If they can play to that level on something like a consistent basis,
they'll soon start moving up the table."
Twitter: @SimonBrotheron
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson: "I think there is a belief which is
growing, there is a faith in what they are trying to do as a team.
"Training sessions are one thing, though, matches on a Saturday are a
different thing. We're not judged on how well we do in training, we're
judged on winning on Saturday or not."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "I know our situation, our situation also
determines my situation. All I can say is it is a massively important game
and we have to get some points after we lost against Brighton at home.
"There are rumours... I talk to the chairman, not every day, but often
enough and I know my situation and I know our situation. But I am totally
focused on the things that I can influence and that is only the training,
talking to the players, and the game.
"I am totally focused on the game because only with that in your head can
you improve and affect those kind of rumours."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Crystal Palace were unlucky to lose at Newcastle in their last game - they
had enough of the play, and enough chances, to take something from the game
but could not convert any of them.
If the Eagles play like that again, they will get something out of this one.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Crystal Palace have won only one of the last six Premier League meetings
between the clubs, losing four.
West Ham are unbeaten in their last four league matches with Palace (W3,
D1).
The Hammers earned a league double over the Eagles last season, with Manuel
Lanzini scoring the only goal at Selhurst Park last October.
Crystal Palace
Palace have lost 12 of their last 14 league matches, failing to score in any
of those defeats.
The Eagles have been beaten in 29 league matches in 2017, failing to score
in 17 of them.
This is the third occasion that Palace have started a top-flight season with
one win and eight defeats in their opening nine league matches.
They are the only Premier League side yet to keep a clean sheet.
West Ham United
West Ham are winless in five away league matches this season, drawing two
and losing three.
Their tally of eight points after nine Premier League matches is their
lowest in seven years.
The Hammers have conceded a league-high three penalties, all of which have
resulted in goals.
Under Slaven Bilic, West Ham have conceded 18 penalties in the Premier
League - four more than any other side.
They have conceded five headed goals this season, more than any other side.
Follow Match of the Day on Instagram for the best photos from the world of
football.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 28%
Probability of home win: 41% Probability of away win: 31%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Liverpool hat is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.
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West Ham boss hails Ayew as a 'game changer'
By Stanley Kwenda
BBC Sport
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says Andre Ayew is a "game changer" who can
help the struggling Premier League side rise up the table. Bilic said the
Ghanaian's performance in West Ham's Carabao Cup win against Tottenham on
Wednesday is exactly why he sanctioned a big money move to bring him to the
London club.
"It's me who wanted Andre to join us from Swansea," Bilic told BBC Sport. "I
rate Andre very highly. He's a great player. He was the game changer."
Ayew inspired West Ham to an unlikely win against Tottenham in the Carabao
Cup, scoring two quick-fire goals that sparked West Ham's revival in a 3-2
win.
The West Ham boss is hoping Ayew can add to his two league goals this season
when the Hammers travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday. "He's got that
(knack) for goals," said Bilic. "He's always in a good position at the right
time."
Ayew joined West Ham in August 2016 for around £20m after scoring 15 goals
in his debut Premier League season with Swansea City. The Croatian now wants
his form to continue as his side seek to rise up the Premier League
following a poor start. After nine games, West Ham lie 16th in the table and
are only out of the relegation zone thanks to their goal difference. "I told
him I want him to continue like this - not only scoring, but his game
overall. It's a big boost and I hope it's going to continue," said Bilic.
Just like his manager, Ayew has been under a lot of pressure to perform with
West Ham fans criticising his recent performances. He also recently lost his
place in Ghana's national team, overlooked for the last World Cup qualifier
against Uganda. Bilic, however, is tipping him to regain his form for both
club and country. "Players are always questioned, especially big ones like
Andre," said the Croatian. "For young people, it's not easy to be under that
kind of pressure but he's very strong in his head. He's very mature. "He's
been around for a long time in different countries, and also with Ghana. I
haven't been to Ghana but I can imagine how big the pressure he is under
when he's there for World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers." Ghana,
who can no longer qualify for Russia 2018, play their final qualifier at
home to Egypt next month.
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WHAT WENT WRONG AGAINST BRIGHTON AND CANNOT BE REPEATED!!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 27 OCTOBER 2017 AT 10:02AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
Editor's note: Before I write this can I just say that Fareham wrote the
article on Monday and because of the radio show and the Spurs match I have
only just got round to putting this on. It's well written and deserves to
be published but of course didn't then take into account we have beaten
Spurs since it was written. I think it is important to see the clear
differences between Fareham's great summary here of the Brighton game and
what made the second half against Spurs so much better.
Mama put the guns in the ground.
I can't shoot them anymore.
That cold black cloud is coming down.
Feels like I'm knocking on Heaven's door.
Knock-knock-knocking on Heaven's door.
The words of the song boomed through the Fareham precinct this morning, as
shopping was being done. Appropriate word's for every West Ham supporter on
Friday night! After that fiasco many would have come to the conclusion that
this is a black cloud too many. "I'm finished with this mob! Not coming back
until Bilic, The Board, The Players or whoever you blamed for the fiasco
have left The Club".
On Twitter supporters voiced their fury out on said individuals. We are
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, to vent our fury regards Friday nights shambles! But
unfortunately for us as supporters, there is no escape. West Ham is in the
blood It's a way of life. Almost like a couple who have had a furious bust
up, the one half knocks on the door and sheepishly says "Can we talk?" The
person comes in, they talk, and five minutes later they are holding hands
again. Same with us Hammers. Finished on Friday night, but back on board by
Sunday.
It is clear something is seriously amiss at The Club. I don't know if there
was more to the HMRC raid than we were led to believe. There may even be bad
blood between Sullivan and Bilic over Payet. I don't think Sullivan had any
intention of selling Payet. He had just given him a loyalty bonus. When
Slaven went public, Sullivan was left with no option but to sell the player.
This is just speculation but something is rotten at The Club and things need
to be sorted quickly or we will go down. If we did go down, we could well
land up like Coventry.
The Board are not going to sack Bilic. It's a myth that Gold and Sullivan
never sack a manager. The only reason why they don't sack them is because
they won't pay compensation. As for the tear jerker "The Board are worried
about the quality of manager available", yeah right! Just like "The
Portuguese are difficult to deal with in the transfer window". What a load
of crap! As with everything regards our Board, money is the issue. Enticing
a good manager from a Club would involve having to pay compensation. No
chance!
Anyway, I will revisit The Board in the not too distant future. However,
when I see some of the managerial 'candidates' suggested by fans on twitter
I cringe: Di Canio, Dicks, Kevin Nolan, some even calling for the ultimate
football prostitute, Harry Redknapp, to return. We are NOT that desperate!
I do have a certain amount of sympathy for The Board for the situation they
find themselves in. Sacking the manager is just one side of the story. If we
brought in the likes of Benitez, Pellegrini, Mancini, or any other big name
manager, they will demand a large transfer war chest for the January
transfer window. 40-50M is a conservative estimate. A lot of dough for a
growing Club like ourselves. If they go the other way and appoint someone
like Sean Dyche or Eddie Howe, there is a reasonable chance things could go
belly up big time. Dyche has limited managerial experience, in charge
nowhere bar Burnley. As for Eddie Howe, ironically the only other Club he
has managed other than Bournemouth has been Burnley. At the latter he most
certainly was not a success.
Like Dyche and Howe, Owen Coyle, Tony Mowbray and Phil Parkinson were hyped
up as young managers headed to the very top. Sadly they are now history.
West Ham simply cannot afford to gamble. I will say it again, Brendan
Rodgers is the one. He can work with a budget, plays attractive football,
and gives youth a chance. I think The Board could well get him now if they
wanted to.
The worst thing about Friday night was that no one could see it coming. We
seemed to have turned the corner and were on the way up, having played some
beautiful football at Burnley in patches. Then we absolutely imploded like
an alcoholic suffering a relapse. This has been the case too often under
Slaven Bilic. We can spend the whole day pointing fingers at this person or
that person, but that won't solve anything. Collectively Bilic, Players, and
Owners are all to blame! The Club is in permanent decline! "This is just
simply not true" some maintain. We have one of the best squads we have in
recent memory. And for the first time in the best part of two decades we
have some quality players coming through from the youth set up. However that
is no good if we produce performances likeFriday Night.
They say that money is the root of all evil but as far as our squad is
concerned money has definitely played a contributing role in the low squad
morale. Wages! When you get the likes of Snodgrass, Fonte, Arnautovic and
Hernandez on huge wages and bonuses, yet you have Mark Noble on £45,000,
Kouyate on £27,000, and Lanzini on £40,000. Then you get the likes of Sakho
on virtual peanuts. Are you telling me there are no camps and division and
resentment in the squad? There must be! It's a bit like you and I working
for a company for ten years, then the company brings in someone to do the
same job as you and gives them double your wages. Of course you would be
pissed off! Upgrading contracts will go a long way towards lifting squad
morale. Do it now, and lift the morale!
What of the manager and his coaching staff? Well, we cannot let it go on
like this! The players don't look fit. Even a workhorse like Antonio looked
exhausted after 20 minutes. The squad looked as though they were strangers
who never had played together before. Bilic resembled a punch drunk boxer,
standing on the touchline not having a clue how to change things. Good
players don't become bad players overnight. Neither do players go on to the
pitch and think "F*** Bilic, I'm going to play s*** today". It's all about
confidence. The manager loses confidence and obviously it has a knock on
effect with the players. A fresh face often gives a team a boost, gradually
raising everyones confidence. If I was Sullivan I would give Terry Westley a
duel role. Head of The Academy, as well as Director of Football at The Club.
He needs to be able to give an input as far as the first team squad affairs
are concerned, as well as running The Academy. We would then hopefully see a
couple of our youth players given a chance to showcase their talents. Just
thinking about some of the youth coming through lifts the gloom.
It is true that Bilic may not want the likes of Westley or anyone else as
Director of Football. In that case he should do the honourable thing and
resign. Either way, whether it be via Director of Football or managerial,
change is coming. So it should be! It is ridiculous that we find ourselves
in the position we are in the first place. However we shall overcome!
We are more than a football club!
We're a way of life!
COYI!!
Farehamhammer!!!
(Edited By Danny Twigg)
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Rice: the camp is buzzing
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th October 2017
By: Staff Writer
Declan Rice says that beating Tottenham at Wembley on Wednesday night was
the highlight of his fledgling career. The 18-year-old defender played the
full 90 minutes as West Ham sent Spurs crashing out of the competition
thanks to a superb second half comeback, having been 2-0 behind at half
time. And Rice - who has made seven first team appearances since his full
debut at Burnley on the opening day of last season - was in no doubt that it
was the finest moment he is yet to experience. "After coming to Wembley as a
fan to watch many, many times, to get onto the pitch and beat Tottenham was
an amazing moment for me," he told West Ham's website. "After the first
half, most people thought we were down and out - but we had a big
get-together at half-time in the changing room and, in the second half, came
out and showed what we're about. "I've never been part of something like
this before. I can't stop smiling. It's the best night of my life!"
Although Rice is likely to return to the bench for tomorrow trip to Crystal
Palace, he firmly believes that Wednesday's win at Wembley will provide a
springboard to better things for the squad. "We said at the start of the
season that we wanted to have a really good cup run and we've had three good
results now," he added. "We're really confident, especially after beating a
top side like Spurs. "Without a doubt, now we've beaten Spurs, it'll give
us confidence going into a big game at Crystal Palace on Saturday because
the camp is buzzing."
Meanwhile Wednesday night's match winner, Angelo Ogbonna, also feels that
the confidence boost from beating Spurs on their own turf will prove
instrumental.
"It's given us a good mentality going into the next match and it's given us
confidence," he added. "We showed really good form so we are excited for the
match [against Palace]. "It's important for us. They are a different type of
team to Tottenham in the style they play, but we know it will be tough. We
have to take it step-by-step and make sure that we are doing it on the
pitch."
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Tufnell refutes 'fix' allegations
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th October 2017
By: Staff Writer
Former cricketer Phil Tufnell had denied charges of foul play relating to
the Carabao Cup quarter final draw in which he was involved yesterday.
Tufnell, along with former England rugby union international Matt Dawson
conducted the draw in secret after it was claimed that plans to broadcast it
live fell through due to a "technical hitch" at Twitter UK. And the former
England international spin bowler responded to the furore this morning by
insisting that the draw was perfectly legitimate - and that claims it had
been delayed due to his poor-timekeeping were also wide of the mark. "I
understand football fans' frustrations yesterday due to the delay in the
Carabao Cup quarter-final draw due to technical issues that were beyond both
Matt's and my control," said the Arsenal-supporting Tufnell, in a statement.
"However, due to the outpouring on Twitter where some suggested the delay
was likely due to my lateness, I feel I need to clarify this was certainly
not the case. "In fact, despite sledging by not only members of the general
public but also people within the media suggesting it's my 'form' to be
late, I actually pride myself on my time-keeping and arrived at the venue in
good time. "'Further, I totally refute ludicrous allegations that I would be
involved in anything not above board. Matt and I pulled out the balls in
front of various representatives who from my understanding were official
adjudicators! "Worse, for people to accuse me of anything untoward disgusts
and upsets me. I'm a football fan and former sportsman that was excited and
honoured to be asked to be a part of this and took the role seriously. "If
you have any further issues with this please take it up with the organisers
of this event and not me!"
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic focused on football not future
By Richard Cooke
Last Updated: 27/10/17 2:16pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he knows his situation and talks
regularly to the chairman but he is focused on playing Palace and not his
future.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic insists he is not thinking about the rumours
that persist about his future. Bilic has been under increasing pressure with
the team winning just two of their nine league games this season, the 3-0
defeat at home to Brighton last Friday leaving them 16th in the table ahead
of Saturday's trip Crystal Palace. West Ham's stunning comeback to beat
Tottenham 3-2 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday when they were 2-0 down at
half-time has gone some way to ease the pressure on Bilic, but he is under
no illusions that defeat at bottom club Palace would up the ante again. He
said: "I know our situation, our situation also determines my situation. All
I can say is that it is a massively important game and we have to get some
points after we lost against Brighton at home. "There are rumours and all
that. I talk to the chairman, not every day, but often enough and I know my
situation and I know our situation. "But I am totally focused on the things
that I can influence and that is only the training, talking to the players,
and the game. I am totally focused on the game because only with that in
your head can you improve and affect those kind of rumours."
Bilic was delighted by the resilience his side showed at Wembley in midweek
and he is hoping they can carry that momentum into their league campaign.
"For the next game it is very important," he added. "We want to continue
like that and we want to use that kind of a win, and self-confidence now,
when we approach the game tomorrow. "But tomorrow is a new game and
definitely we are in a position to build on something that was good only a
couple of days ago. It's a game of massive importance and we have to show
the same quality and character."
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Crystal Palace v West Ham preview: James McArthur a doubt for Palace
Last Updated: 27/10/17 2:05pm
SSN
Crystal Palace are hopeful James McArthur will be available to face West Ham
on Saturday. The midfielder has been undergoing treatment all week in a bid
to be fit to face the Hammers, who, like Palace, have struggled in the
Premier League this season. Palace have just one win from nine games while
West Ham have only won twice. The two sides are coming off contrasting
results in the Carabao Cup in midweek, though, with Palace losing 4-1 to
Championship side Bristol City and the Hammers coming from 2-0 down to beat
Tottenham 3-2 at Wembley. "Wednesday night's game should set the standard
for us, in terms of closing teams down, in terms of compactness, in terms of
team play, in terms of sacrificing everything for the team," said West Ham
manager Slaven Bilic, whose position has been under scrutiny this week. "We
will win some games and we will lose some games, but I am quite confident we
are on a good way."
Team news
West Ham will have Andy Carroll available after he was banned for the defeat
to Brighton last week, but Andre Ayew will be pushing to start after scoring
twice against Tottenham. Michail Antonio faces a late fitness test after
missing the win at Wembley due to a bruised rib. Defender James Collins
remains sidelined because of an ankle problem.
McArthur will face a late fitness test for Palace while Lee Chung-yong has
been sent for a scan after receiving a nasty kick in the defeat at Bristol
City on Tuesday, so remains doubtful. Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham
are both out.
Opta stats
Crystal Palace have lost their last three home games against West Ham in
league competition, their longest losing run versus the Hammers on home
soil.
West Ham are unbeaten in the Premier League versus Crystal Palace under
Slaven Bilic (W3 D1 L0).
Crystal Palace have lost 12 of their last 14 Premier League games to nil.
Over 2017 as a whole, 17 of their 29 Premier League games have seen them
lose without scoring.
Manuel Lanzini has scored in all four of his Premier League games against
Crystal Palace (four goals). Lanzini has netted more Premier League goals vs
the Eagles than any other West Ham player and nine of his 14 Premier League
goals have come in London derby matches (64%). Only Riyad Mahrez (50) has
attempted more dribbles this season than Palace's Andros Townsend & West
Ham's Michail Antonio (both 43). However, the Palace winger has beaten his
opponent with 30 of these (70%) while Antonio has only been successful with
13 (30%).
Merson's prediction
West Ham will get a massive amount of belief from beating Tottenham and
Crystal Palace, who lost a six-pointer to Newcastle, just got hammered 4-1
by Bristol City in the Carabao Cup. I know they didn't put out a full team
but you don't lose by that many to a Championship side. You need to start
building your confidence.
Any fan wants to see desire, a bit of heart, and West Ham showed that in the
second half at Wembley. Fair play to them, I can't imagine too many of the
players wanted to come back onto the pitch 2-0 down at half-time but to
rally and win the match is impressive.
Paul predicts: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 5/1)
Betting
Crystal Palace are 13/10 favourites against fellow strugglers West Ham, who
can be backed at 21/10 with the draw on offer at 23/10.
Wilfried Zaha is 5/1 favourite to open the scoring, with the Hammers' Javier
Hernandez 6/1. It's 9/1 for no goals in this one.
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MATCH PREVIEW: CRYSTAL PALACE V WEST HAM
By Dan Coker 27 Oct 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Blast from the past
Today's blast from the past involves a trip back to 28th March 1910 when
West Ham United enjoyed a 4-2 Southern League First Division victory over
Crystal Palace in front of 20,000. Edward VII had fallen very ill in Paris
with bronchitis and was in the last six weeks of his life and reign, Bela
Bartok's 'String Quartet No.1' had premiered in Budapest nine days earlier
and, ten days before the game, the first cinematic version of Mary Shelley's
Frankenstein had been released in the United States by Edison Studios,
becoming one of the first ever horror films.
This Easter Monday match was West Ham's third of four games in five days –
they had beaten Palace 3-1 at home in the reverse fixture on Good Friday,
lost 2-1 at Millwall on Easter Saturday and went on to win 1-0 at Southend
on Tuesday 29th March. I wonder how Jose Mourinho would cope with such a
schedule! Legendary Hammers goal-getter Danny Shea was on the scoresheet at
the Crystal Palace Stadium (the pre-Wembley home of the FA Cup Final), as
was outside-right Herbert 'Tiddler' Ashton. Shea would end the 1909/10
season as the Irons' top scorer with 31 goals in 43 games and Ashton would
make 336 appearances for the Hammers but it was a lesser-known light who
stole the show against our south London neighbours.
23-year-old Albert Scanes (pictured) made his debut during this game and
outshone both Shea and Ashton on the day. Born in Stepney on 19th December
1886 and signed from Barking as an understudy to West Ham's first ever
England international George Webb, whose business commitments often
prevented him from appearing for the Hammers, Scanes bagged a brace on his
debut to help the Hammers to this 4-2 victory over the Glaziers. He would
play only three games for West Ham, scoring three goals, with his other
strike coming in a 1-0 home victory over Northampton twelve days later. He
would move on to Croydon Common in 1911 and was a wood machinist in later
life. He passed away in 1972 at the age of 85.
Syd King's Hammers would finish ninth in the Southern League First Division
in 1909/10, while the Glaziers would end the campaign in seventh place, one
point and two places above the Irons. Brighton were promoted from the
division to the Football League as champions. Aston Villa won the league
title and Newcastle won the FA Cup.
West Ham United: George Kitchen, Fred Shreeve, Bob Fairman, Robert Whiteman,
Fred Massey, Tommy Randall, Herbert Ashton, Danny Shea, Albert Scanes, Fred
Blackburn, Thomas Caldwell.
Club Connections
Jose Fonte returns to Selhurst Park, while West Ham United Academy product
and 2012 Hammer of the Year runner-up James Tomkins could feature for
Crystal Palace. A large group of players have turned out for the Hammers and
the Eagles. Divided here by position, they include:
Goalkeepers: Perry Suckling, Steve Mautone, Vincent Blore.
Defenders: Eddie Presland, Kenny Brown, Malcolm Pyke, Alf Noakes, Bill
Roberts, Neil Ruddock, Paul Brush, Danny Gabbidon, Chris Powell, Alan
Stephenson, Tony Gale, Matthew Upson, Darren Powell.
Midfielders: Jimmy Wood, Anton Otulakowski, Hayden Mullins, Derek Jackman,
Carl Fletcher, Harry Gunning, Jobi McAnuff, Fred Norris, Trevor Dawkins,
Kyel Reid, Ray Houghton, Michael Hughes.
Strikers: Joe Johnson, Ron Williams, Ian Wright, Andy Smillie, Jeroen Boere,
Johnny Cartwright, Johnny Byrne, Peter Simpson, Clive Allen, Dave
Swindlehurst, Paul Kitson, Ron Brett, Dave Sexton, Marouane Chamakh, George
Petchey, Freddie Sears.
Malcolm Allison and Jack Tresadern played for the Hammers and managed the
Eagles, while Iain Dowie played for both clubs and also managed Palace. Alan
Pardew played for the Eagles and managed both clubs. Sam Allardyce has also
managed both clubs.
Today's focus though is on a current Nigeria international winger. Victor
Moses was born in Lagos, Nigeria on 12th December 1990, the son of a
Christian pastor. When Victor was just 11 years old in 2002 and playing in
the street with a football bound together with sticky tape, his parents
Austin and Josephine were attacked in their home and murdered. Religious
riots between the Muslim majority and Christian minority divided Nigeria and
Moses' father, who had his own church, was a target. The orphaned Victor was
hidden by his uncle for a week after the murder before he was flown to
England for his own safety to seek asylum.
Moses, who was coached by former Chelsea and Arsenal defender Colin Pates
while at school in Croydon, was offered a place in Crystal Palace's Academy
and scored 50 goals in one season for the Under-14s. He made his first team
debut at the age of 16 on 6th November 2007 in a 1-1 draw with Cardiff. His
first goal for the club arrived on 12th March 2008 in a 1-1 draw with West
Brom. Moses made 16 appearances as the Eagles reached the Championship
play-offs and signed a new contract with Neil Warnock's men at the end of
the season.
The winger scored twice in 32 matches in 2008/09 but Palace plummeted to
finish in 15th position. Moses went on a run of scoring six goals in eight
matches in the first half of 2009/10 and, as Palace went into administration
in January 2010, the 20-year-old Moses was sold to Premier League Wigan for
£2.5m. He had scored 11 goals for Crystal Palace in 69 appearances.
Moses spent two and a half years at Wigan before signing for Chelsea in
August 2012. He made a loan move to Liverpool the next summer, spending the
2013/14 season at Anfield before another season-long loan move to Stoke
materialised for 2014/15.
A third season-long loan took him to Slaven Bilic's West Ham United on 1st
September 2015 but not before the 24-year-old Moses had signed a four-year
contract with Chelsea, his parent club. He made his debut in a 2-0 home win
over Newcastle on 14th September 2015 and scored his first goal for the
Hammers in his next match five days later, the opener in our terrific 2-1
triumph at Manchester City.
An injury sustained at Old Trafford in early December, coupled with the
emergence of Michail Antonio as a force in his stead, curtailed Moses'
progress but he did score his second goal for the Irons in our 5-1 FA Cup
fifth round win at Blackburn on 21st February 2016. His final appearance for
the club was as a substitute on the final day of last season in the 2-1
defeat at Stoke. Having scored twice in 26 matches for West Ham United,
Moses returned to Chelsea.
Moses, now 26, was a revelation for Antonio Conte's title-winning Blues last
season in the right wing-back position. He has also scored nine goals in 27
appearances for Nigeria since making his debut in 2012, having appeared for
England at youth levels.
Referee
The referee on Saturday will be Bobby Madley. The Yorkshire-based official
will take charge of a West Ham game for the eighth time in the Premier
League, having also refereed our 2-1 victory at Manchester City in September
2015 and our 2-0 home win over Liverpool in January 2016. Madley's most
controversial appointment with the Irons saw him award Chelsea a last-minute
penalty at Stamford Bridge in March 2016 which saw the Blues salvage a 2-2
draw – replays showed that Michail Antonio's foul on Reuben Loftus-Cheek had
occurred outside the penalty area.
The 32-year-old refereed four Hammers matches last season, those being the
1-0 home wins against Sunderland in October and Burnley in December, as well
as the 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth in March, when he awarded the home side two
penalties which were both missed, and the final day 2-1 win at Burnley.
Madley was also the man in the middle on a previous occasion when the
Hammers travelled to Burnley – Matt Taylor and Jack Collison converted one
spot-kick each in a 2-0 League Cup fourth round win at Turf Moor in October
2013, while Keith Treacy was sent off for the hosts for his involvement in
the second penalty incident.
Possible line-ups
Crystal Palace will be without injured midfielder Chung-Yong Lee, as well as
strikers Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke. Roy Hodgson also has a doubt
over James McArthur, who faces a late fitness test.
Slaven Bilic has seen a number of players put themselves into contention for
a starting spot after Wednesday night's win over Tottenham. James Collins,
Michail Antonio and Diafra Sakho could all be unavailable. West Ham will be
aiming for their fourth consecutive win at Selhurst Park.
Possible Crystal Palace XI: Speroni; Ward, Dann, Sakho, van Aanholt; Sako,
Milivojevic, Cabaye, Schlupp; Townsend, Zaha.
Possible West Ham United XI: Hart; Fonte, Reid, Ogbonna; Zabaleta, Noble,
Kouyate, Cresswell; Lanzini, Chicharito, Ayew.
Enjoy the game – Up The Hammers!
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WEST HAM STARLET'S LONG WAIT FOR FIRST TEAM ACTION COULD BE ABOUT TO END
Date: 27th October 2017 at 5:15pm
Written by: David Tully
Forever WestHam
German newspaper Express are tipping on loan West Ham defender Reece Oxford
to make his first appearance for Borussia Monchengladbach this weekend.
There has been speculation that the centre back could return to the Hammers
due to a lack of game time, but the player has spoken out in recent weeks
that he wants to remain on loan.
The German club have the joint worst defensive record in the Bundesliga,
conceding 17 goals in their first nine games, but manager Dieter Hecking has
so far failed to select Oxford for any competitive match this season. The
England under 20 international has been on the bench for every league game
this season but was not included in the squad for Tuesday's German Cup tie
against Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Express suggest the 18 year old's absence was a good sign that he may be
selected to start against Hoffenheim tomorrow afternoon. Changes are
expected in the defence for the game after Gladbach were hammered 5-1 by
Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. The Bundesliga side are currently eighth in
the league heading into the match.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United return to Premier League action on Saturday as the Irons
travel to south London to take on Crystal Palace.
Read on for all the information you need to know ahead of this fixture,
including team news, travel information and recent history...
Where and when?
West Ham United will meet Crystal Palace on Saturday 28 October at Selhurst
Park, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
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!
Unfortunately, due to being a Saturday 3pm kick-off the match is not
available for viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click
here.
Team news:
Slaven Bilic will offer updates on his squad and team ahead of Saturday's
Premier League match with Crystal Palace during his pre-game press
conference on Friday afternoon.
The press conference is due to begin at 12pm.
Match officials:
Referee: Bobby Madley
Assistant Referees: Marc Perry and Adrian Holmes
Fourth Official: James Linington
Meet the opposition:
Not many clubs in England have endured a more difficult start to the season
than Crystal Palace. The Eagles have already changed their manager this
campaign and now have former England boss Roy Hodgson at the helm.
Just one win in the league this campaign sees Palace rooted to the bottom of
the Premier League table. That victory however came in their last home match
against reigning champions Chelsea, which shows that on their day the Eagles
can soar.
Player to watch:
Two goals in Wednesday's 3-2 comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the
Carabao Cup has pushed Andre Ayew to the front of the West Ham United
collect mind.
The versatile forward now has four goals in all competitions this season and
will be eager to continue that form against Palace on Saturday.
Head-to-head:
Last season West Ham completed the double over Crystal Palace in the Premier
League. A Manuel Lanzini goal was the difference in the fixture at Selhurst
Park while the Argentinian was also on the score-sheet in the match at
London Stadium, a game now fixed in the memory thanks to Andy Carroll's
wonderful bicycle kick.
The last time the Hammers lost to Palace was in February 2015 but the Irons
have won their last three away contests against the Eagles.
Last five meetings:
West Ham United 3-0 Crystal Palace, Premier League, January 14 2017
Crystal Palace 0-1 West Ham United, Premier League, October 15 2016
West Ham United 2-2 Crystal Palace, Premier League, April 2 2016
Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham United, Premier League, October 17 2015
West Ham United 1-3 Crystal Palace, Premier League, February 28 2015
How to get there:
By rail
The nearest stations are Selhurst, Thornton Heath or Norwood Junction. All
of these are served by London Victoria main line station. Both Thornton
Heath and Norwood Junction are also served by trains from London Bridge.
By car
Leave the M25 at Junction 7 and follow the signs for the A23 to Croydon,
then go left onto the A23 at its junction with the A235. You will pass
roundabouts and junctions with the A232 and A236 as you pass Croydon, after
which the A23 bears left.
Follow the road, and turn right onto the high street. Go left onto
Whitehorse Lane and Selhurst Park is on your right.
Postcode: SE25 6PU
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Adrian: I've given the boss a selection headache
WHUFC.com
Adrian is hopeful his performance against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao
Cup on Wednesday will have left his manager with a selection headache before
tomorrow's clash with Crystal Palace. The Hammers staged a phenomenal
comeback against London rivals Spurs, scoring three times in 15 minutes
after being 2-0 down at half-time, to win the game 3-2. The goalkeeper
played an important role in the win, having made crucial saves from Dele
Alli and Moussa Sissoko either side of the break as West Ham progressed to
the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup for the second year in a row. The
Spaniard saw the match as an opportunity to stake his claim in the first
team and believes Wednesday's performance is evidence of his commitment to
the team and the level he wishes to play at. He told whufc.com: "It was a
good moment to vindicate my position in the team and for the manager. "I
enjoyed making these crucial saves [against Alli and Sissoko], helping the
team whenever I can to get that good result. We won the game and I'm so
happy. "Now I've given the boss a headache to choose which keeper to play.
Like I showed on Wednesday, I can do it. I am ready to play week-in,
week-out."
While opportunities have been few and far between for the No13, the three
games that Adrian has played this campaign have all been victories, yet none
have come in the league. The game against Tottenham was one of those three
wins and the 30-year-old shed light on how the team's dressing room talk at
half-time inspired the Hammers stage a stunning comeback. "The first half
was very hard for us and also very hard for the fans because they went there
to support us and we started losing. "2-0 down in the first half was hard.
But in the second half we spoke about giving our all in the dressing room,
to do the maximum level in 45 minutes and see if we can snatch a win. We won
and it was such a great night for us and all the Hammer fans." He added: "I
need to do my best when the opportunity arises for me to play. In the moment
it's cup football so I try to show the boss the level that I am at, giving
consistently 100%."
Adrian believes the win over Tottenham has given the team with much-needed
belief ahead of their match against local rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday.
"It's a great motivation for us because the last game at home was very bad
and we understood that. "After the victory on Wednesday, everyone is in a
positive way because we've come back with a hard fought victory against a
top side. "The win has given us a platform to feed off, go to Palace on
Saturday and get a good result. It's time we climbed up the table."
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Bilic: Balance, belief and a love of big matches
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic met with the media on Friday afternoon to provide insight and
analysis ahead of West Ham United's Premier League match with Crystal
Palace. The manager was asked about the squad's mood after Wednesday's win
over Tottenham, the Eagle's recent form, and media speculation. 'I like big
games'
West Ham's opponents, Palace, head into Saturday's match on the back of a
tough run of form – one that has seen them win just once this season in the
league and lose their last match in the Carabao Cup to lower league
opposition. With this in mind Bilic was questioned whether he was pleased to
be playing the Eagles at this point in their season, just a few weeks after
Roy Hodgson was named their new manager. Bilic said: "When the new manager
comes it's better to play them straight away because everybody needs a
little bit of time to get to know the players and vice versa. They beat
Chelsea and it was a big boost for them, and since Chelsea they lost to
Newcastle although they played good and deserved something out of that game.
"No defeat is good but that Cup defeat was big for them, but then there were
resting most of their players."
Despite this the manager is still anticipating a difficult match for his
Hammers in another London derby, but Bilic is relishing the challenge. "I'm
expecting a very tough game tomorrow. A very big game. A game of characters.
A game of basic things. A physical game. A mental game. A game that will be
decided with togetherness and also a bit of quality, that I know we have but
also, they have. I hope we are going to use it to make a difference. But
first of all, both teams will have to be very strong, mentally and
physically. "Again, it's a derby and to be fair I'm really looking forward
to the game. I like big games and we're expecting that tomorrow."
A confidence boost from Spurs
A 3-2 comeback victory over rivals Tottenham has put the entire team,
supporters, and Bilic himself in good spirits heading into Saturday's
fixture. The manager was asked what such a win, in such a manner against
local opposition, did for the team. It means a lot of course," Bilic said:
"Like every defeat gets you a little bit down. Also, every win gives you a
boost and a better atmosphere, both for the team and also the individuals.
Especially if it happens like it happened the other night. It was a very
important game against Spurs, it's always a special kind of game and
especially at Wembley. To come back from 2-0 down to 3-2, it gives us a lot
of confidence. "I noticed if we raised the level of quality in the last
third we had a chance. The next goal was the key one and we also improved
our game when they had the ball. I asked that they raised the level and to
stay calm, not to lose focus or faith. That's what the guys did in the most
beautiful way." The manager was keen to emphasis however that his players
would not assume victory over Palace was guaranteed due to the win over
Tottenham. "No, no way. No way," he said when asked about over complacency:
"We beat Tottenham and I said straight after the game that if we think that
now we've beat Spurs that good performances would come by default it would
be totally wrong. "We know we have to build on that performance and to make
it even better, to cut out the mistakes. No one thinks like that."
'My job is about balance'
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson recently described football as a
"constant succession of funerals and parties" and that his job as the new
boss was to keep his players level. When asked about this quote Bilic was in
agreement with his coaching colleague, saying balance is crucial to any
team. He said: "The whole world, no matter in what way of life, there is no
middle. It's all extremes. The weather is like that! There's no Spring or
Autumn, there's Winter or Summer. "As I said before, your job is to keep the
team balanced and in the zone. Not to be too down when on a bad run and not
to fly when you're winning three or four games. Always stay focused and
think about the next game you have. "That's a big part of our job because
everybody else is trying to bring you down if are good and if you aren't,
everyone else is trying to lift you as high as possible. You can't allow
that."
'I'm focused on the things I can influence'
Bilic was once again asked about media speculation but the manager says he
is only worried about the things he can influence in his position. The
Croatian believes that focusing and bringing positivity will see that
speculation subside. "There are rumours but I talk to the chairmen, not
every day, but often enough. I know my situation and our situation. "As I've
told you, I'm totally focused on the things I can influence and that is only
the training, talking to the players, and the game. I am totally focused on
the game because only with that in your head can you improve and you can
affect those kinds of rumours to change."
'The next game is most important game'
West Ham have eight points so far in the Premier League this season but,
when asked if Crystal Palace was the most important game of the campaign,
Bilic offered a philosophical answer. "We said the same against Huddersfield
and the same against Swansea. The same against Brighton and the same against
Burnley. It's the Premier League and it's a very important game. "It's the
most important game. In every league, the biggest game and most important
game is the next one. For us that's the game against Palace tomorrow."
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Team news: Antonio back in training ahead of Crystal Palace clash
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Michail Antonio has returned to first team
training and could be involved in West Ham United's Premier League fixture
with Crystal Palace on Saturday. Antonio sustained a bruised rib in last
Friday's defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, a knock which forced the
27-year-old to sit out the comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur at
Wembley on Wednesday. The winger however retuned to training on Thursday,
according to Bilic, and will be involved in the session on Friday afternoon.
A decision will be made on Antonio's availability for Saturday's game based
on how he comes through training. The manager also confirmed that the Iron's
only other absence due to injury will be James Collins, who is still out
after a knock against West Brom last month.
"It's good," Bilic told his press conference when asked about injuries:
"It's only Collins [who will miss out]. Michail Antonio had that bruise on
his rib and he only trained yesterday since the Brighton game, and even
yesterday was without contact. "Antonio will train today and based on that
training we will see what shape he is in for tomorrow's game. "We are going
to see today. As you know we played a couple of days ago and the players who
played had regeneration. We are going to see today with training this
afternoon, but nobody said yesterday that they felt this or that or were
tired. "The situation is that most of the squad is fit and we have to
consider a few things before we decide who will start tomorrow."
Bilic made nine changes to his starting XI for the match with Tottenham on
Wednesday, and that victory has prompted curiosity about West Ham's team for
this weekend's game. The manager admitted those players who performed so
well in the midweek game had given him a pleasant selection headache. Bilic
added: "We wanted to put a strong team out against Spurs. Okay we wanted to
rest some players but the players who played, deserved their chance. They
had already played and had minutes in the Premier League on the Cup in
previous rounds. "On one hand, you have the team that won the game in Spurs
away, and on the other hand you had the guys who played good, not in the
Brighton game, but in the games before that. We also have to bear in mind
that this game is less than 72 hours after the game against Spurs. Sometimes
the energy level, you can't expect the guys to repeat them in that short
period of time. "We will put all that into consideration when we decide who
starts tomorrow. When we decide, and I've said this publicly and to the
guys, the team is above every individual. There's no time or space for long
faces."
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Second cup winner another 'special moment' – Ogbonna
WHUFC.com
Almost two years ago, Angelo Ogbonna provided West Ham United fans
everywhere with a night to remember when he headed in an FA Cup winner
against Liverpool. Fast-forward almost 21 months, and the Italian was at it
again, nodding in the Hammers' third in another cup tie – this time in the
Carabao Cup – to put Slaven Bilic's men into the quarter-finals. Andre Ayew
had already drawn the visitors level at Wembley against Tottenham Hotspur
with a double after Spurs had raced into a two-goal first half lead. It
wasn't just the centre-back's second cup-tie winning goal in a Claret and
Blue shirt, but also Ogbonna's second goal in two games, following a similar
header against Bolton Wanderers in the last round of the competition. The
defender could not hide his delight at the final whistle and beamed as he
hailed the night as one of his top moments at the Club. "It was so
incredible," he said. "It was a really special night and the way we got back
into the game was just incredible. Nobody expected that when we were 2-0
down! "It was so important for us in this situation we are in, to get the
victory. I guess it is not that common for defenders to score so much in cup
competitions like this! "But for me, now I have scored two winners in them
and I am very happy. They are both very, very memorable and special for me.
"For me, it is better to focus more on defending but still of course, at
Wembley, a huge stadium with a history, it was a great moment for me. More
importantly, it was huge for the team and the Club."
With Spurs 2-0 to the good at the break, the Hammers' chances of staging a
comeback looked bleak, but Bilic's men rallied and soon found a way back
into the game through Ayew's tap-in. The Ghanaian was at it again five
minutes later, side-footing past Michel Vorm and into the top corner from
Manuel Lanzini's centre as the momentum swung the Hammers' way. And sure
enough, Ogbonna was there to capitalise and head in the winner from another
terrific Lanzini delivery.
"We were scared when we were 2-0 down," admitted Ogbonna afterwards. "We
were scared but we talked to each other and we said that we cannot give up,
and we have to do something. "We had to be focused and we had to be brave,
because it's not easy in the situation we are in. No matter what we think,
no matter what we say, the important thing is getting results and this will
have helped us. "Maybe we could lose 5-0 or 6-0 but if we focus and do our
best and be brave, we can get back into the game and we did so well to do
that and get something from this game. "I think that I was in the right
position for the corner. One corner earlier, I missed my chance, so I said
to myself I will go there for the next one and if the balls comes, try to
get the ball and win it and it was good to do that."
Without a win in two in the Premier League, however, West Ham are in need of
a performance at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace on Saturday and
Ogbonna believes his side can use the confidence gained at Wembley to pick
up points. "It's given us a good mentality going into the next match, it's
given us confidence," he explained. "We showed really good form [against
Tottenham] so we are excited for the match. "It's important for us. [Palace]
are a different type of team to Tottenham in the style they play, but we
know it will be tough. "We have to look step-by-step and not talk too early.
We have to make sure that we are doing it on the pitch."
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com
Fresh from their brilliant comeback against Spurs in the EFL Cup on
Wednesday, West Ham have their sights on a second London away win in the
space of four days this weekend. Interestingly, it was actually against
Crystal Palace that the Hammers picked up their first three points on the
road last season, winning at Selhurst Park for the third successive season.
And, given the Eagles' struggles so far this time around, Slaven Bilic's
side have good reason to feel confident of extending that winning run.
Palace are bottom of the league after accruing just three points from their
first nine matches, with a shock result against Chelsea earlier this month
not proving to be the turning point that some predicted. Their defeat away
to Newcastle last weekend was the eighth time in nine matches this season
that they have lost without scoring a goal. It was also the second time
under Roy Hodgson that they have failed to register a single shot on target,
an inevitable side effect of the former England manager's early attempts to
tighten them up at the back. So, with Christian Benteke still injured and
Wilfried Zaha feeling his way back from injury, another clean sheet for West
Ham's defence – who twice shut out their opponents last season – is more
than achievable.
Particularly considering how little Palace's fringe players did to state
their case on Tuesday, after being thrashed 4-1 by Championship side Bristol
City. West Ham playmaker Manuel Lanzini showed signs in midweek that he is
getting back up to full speed after his own spell on the sidelines, with two
assists to help swing the tie at Wembley. The Argentine has a remarkable
scoring record against Palace, with a goal in each of his four appearances
against them. And, considering that 11 of the 19 goals their hosts have
conceded so far this season have been scored by midfielders popping up in
the box, it is he who may well prove the biggest danger to Palace's
vulnerable defence.
Recommended bets:
West Ham to win – 9/4
West Ham to keep a clean sheet – 5/2
Manuel Lanzini to score at any time – 11/4
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Rice: Beating Spurs was the best night of my life!
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice says West Ham United are targeting a maiden Carabao Cup triumph
after overcoming Tottenham Hotspur on the 'best night' of his life. The
teenager returned to the starting XI at Wembley Stadium and helped the
Hammers recover from two goals down at half-time to win 3-2 and set up a
quarter-final tie at Arsenal. Rice could hardly contain his delight at
playing his part in a night that will live long in the memories of everyone
associated with the Club. "Being my first game at Wembley, after coming here
to watch as a fan many, many times, to get onto the pitch and beat Tottenham
was an amazing moment for me," he said.
"After the first half, most people thought we were down and out, but we had
a big get-together at half-time in the changing room and second half we came
out and showed what we're about. "I've never been part of something like
this before. I can't stop smiling. It's the best night of my life!"
Arsenal will host the Hammers in the fifth round in the week before
Christmas and Rice sees no reason why Slaven Bilic's side cannot complete a
north London double. But before that, there is the not insignificant matter
of Saturday's Premier League fixture at bottom side Crystal Palace. "We're
into the quarter-finals now and that makes Wednesday's result even more
important. We said at the start of the season that we wanted to have a
really good cup run and we've had three good results now and it is Arsenal
up next. "We're really confident, especially after beating a top side like
Spurs. We watched them against Liverpool on Sunday and they were
frightening, but we stopped that and everyone was unbelievable. "Without a
doubt, now we've beaten Spurs, it'll give us confidence going into a big
game at Crystal Palace on Saturday because the camp is buzzing."
Reflecting on the personal experience of facing a top team at the Home of
Football, the 18-year-old was proud, not only of the way West Ham came back,
but defended their lead in the closing stages. "It was kind of one of those
games where you think to yourself 'There are fans here, people are watching,
we're Premier League footballers and we don't want to embarrass ourselves,
so we've got to come out and show what we're really all about', and in the
second half that's what we did. "We had us three (Rice, Cheikhou Kouyate and
Angelo Ogbonna) and Andy [Carroll] dropping in at times at the end. I've
never experienced anything like that, with Premier League stars on top of
me. "It was amazing to be marking those types of players, taking in how they
move. It was a great experience for me."
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Pask: Home support can push us to U23 Manchester City glory
WHUFC.com
Josh Pask hopes the home support for West Ham United's U23s can help them to
victory when they face Manchester City at Dagenham and Redbridge's Chigwell
Construction Stadium on Saturday. Terry Westley's side have put together a
good run of form in the last few games, recording wins over the likes of
Sunderland and Manchester United as well as a goalless draw against Chelsea
in their last Premier League 2 clash. And the centre-back hopes that can
continue when the Sky Blues are visitors to east London on Saturday. He
said: "Hopefully we get a good turnout on Saturday because the first team
are away and it really helps the whole team and means a lot when the fans
are in support of us. "When there is a crowd there to cheer you on, it means
a lot and it has definitely helped us at times in the last couple of seasons
at Dagenham. "We have picked up some really good results recently and
hopefully that can keep going against Manchester City. The boys have been
excellent so far and we are confident going into any game we play."
The Hammers' youngsters have struggled early on in games recently, conceding
early goals to the likes of Villarreal and Manchester United but Pask, and
the rest of the side, were delighted to shut out Chelsea in their 0-0 draw
on Sunday. "It was something that had been the talk of the week leading up
to Chelsea so it was really important for us," continued the centre back.
"Early on, we have struggled recently so that was really important to us
that we stood strong and kept it tight against Chelsea, not just in the
first half but throughout the match. "There has been a couple of injuries in
defence recently, so it has been really good for everyone to have Dec [Rice]
back in the side in defence, and really good for me for him to be alongside
me. "It's helped solidify the back four and we were delighted to get a clean
sheet against Chelsea – Dec's former club."
West Ham face Man City at the Dagenham on Saturday, and supporters not
making the trip to watch Slaven Bilic's first team take on Crystal Palace
can support the U23s for free providing they are Season Ticket Holders.
Alternatively, adult tickets are priced at £5 and concessions are £3 at the
Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Despite the tough task the north west provide, Pask is keen to reward any
supporters who offer their support in east London on Saturday. "We want to
show the fans how much they mean to us," he said. "City are a good side, but
I just will go out there and do my job as best as i can. "I believe all the
boys will do the same and hopefully the outcome will result in a win, for us
and the fans that are there on Saturday."
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Crystal Palace v West Ham United
SAT, 28 OCT 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: Selhurst Park
West Ham's Manuel Lanzini has scored in each of the last four Premier League
matches against Crystal Palace
TEAM NEWS
Crystal Palace are assessing the fitness of James McArthur and Lee
Chung-yong, who have both been receiving treatment this week.
Christian Benteke remains injured and is not scheduled to return for at
least another four weeks.
Forward Michail Antonio will have a fitness test on the rib injury which
ruled him out of West Ham's Carabao Cup win on Tuesday.
Defender James Collins remains sidelined with an ankle problem.
Forward Andy Carroll is available for league action after serving a
one-match suspension while Andre Ayew is among those pushing for a recall
after impressing against Tottenham.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Simon Brotherton: "West Ham were narrow 1-0 winners in this fixture 12
months ago and we can expect a keenly-fought encounter this weekend in front
of a noisy full house at Selhurst Park.
"Wednesday's Carabao Cup comeback win at Wembley over Tottenham was a major
boost for the Hammers and their beleaguered manager Slaven Bilic, but it
won't mean much if they slip up again here.
"Palace saw off the champions Chelsea, and deservedly so, in their last home
match. If they can play to that level on something like a consistent basis,
they'll soon start moving up the table."
Twitter: @SimonBrotheron
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson: "I think there is a belief which is
growing, there is a faith in what they are trying to do as a team.
"Training sessions are one thing, though, matches on a Saturday are a
different thing. We're not judged on how well we do in training, we're
judged on winning on Saturday or not."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "I know our situation, our situation also
determines my situation. All I can say is it is a massively important game
and we have to get some points after we lost against Brighton at home.
"There are rumours... I talk to the chairman, not every day, but often
enough and I know my situation and I know our situation. But I am totally
focused on the things that I can influence and that is only the training,
talking to the players, and the game.
"I am totally focused on the game because only with that in your head can
you improve and affect those kind of rumours."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Crystal Palace were unlucky to lose at Newcastle in their last game - they
had enough of the play, and enough chances, to take something from the game
but could not convert any of them.
If the Eagles play like that again, they will get something out of this one.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Crystal Palace have won only one of the last six Premier League meetings
between the clubs, losing four.
West Ham are unbeaten in their last four league matches with Palace (W3,
D1).
The Hammers earned a league double over the Eagles last season, with Manuel
Lanzini scoring the only goal at Selhurst Park last October.
Crystal Palace
Palace have lost 12 of their last 14 league matches, failing to score in any
of those defeats.
The Eagles have been beaten in 29 league matches in 2017, failing to score
in 17 of them.
This is the third occasion that Palace have started a top-flight season with
one win and eight defeats in their opening nine league matches.
They are the only Premier League side yet to keep a clean sheet.
West Ham United
West Ham are winless in five away league matches this season, drawing two
and losing three.
Their tally of eight points after nine Premier League matches is their
lowest in seven years.
The Hammers have conceded a league-high three penalties, all of which have
resulted in goals.
Under Slaven Bilic, West Ham have conceded 18 penalties in the Premier
League - four more than any other side.
They have conceded five headed goals this season, more than any other side.
Follow Match of the Day on Instagram for the best photos from the world of
football.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 28%
Probability of home win: 41% Probability of away win: 31%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Liverpool hat is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.
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West Ham boss hails Ayew as a 'game changer'
By Stanley Kwenda
BBC Sport
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says Andre Ayew is a "game changer" who can
help the struggling Premier League side rise up the table. Bilic said the
Ghanaian's performance in West Ham's Carabao Cup win against Tottenham on
Wednesday is exactly why he sanctioned a big money move to bring him to the
London club.
"It's me who wanted Andre to join us from Swansea," Bilic told BBC Sport. "I
rate Andre very highly. He's a great player. He was the game changer."
Ayew inspired West Ham to an unlikely win against Tottenham in the Carabao
Cup, scoring two quick-fire goals that sparked West Ham's revival in a 3-2
win.
The West Ham boss is hoping Ayew can add to his two league goals this season
when the Hammers travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday. "He's got that
(knack) for goals," said Bilic. "He's always in a good position at the right
time."
Ayew joined West Ham in August 2016 for around £20m after scoring 15 goals
in his debut Premier League season with Swansea City. The Croatian now wants
his form to continue as his side seek to rise up the Premier League
following a poor start. After nine games, West Ham lie 16th in the table and
are only out of the relegation zone thanks to their goal difference. "I told
him I want him to continue like this - not only scoring, but his game
overall. It's a big boost and I hope it's going to continue," said Bilic.
Just like his manager, Ayew has been under a lot of pressure to perform with
West Ham fans criticising his recent performances. He also recently lost his
place in Ghana's national team, overlooked for the last World Cup qualifier
against Uganda. Bilic, however, is tipping him to regain his form for both
club and country. "Players are always questioned, especially big ones like
Andre," said the Croatian. "For young people, it's not easy to be under that
kind of pressure but he's very strong in his head. He's very mature. "He's
been around for a long time in different countries, and also with Ghana. I
haven't been to Ghana but I can imagine how big the pressure he is under
when he's there for World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers." Ghana,
who can no longer qualify for Russia 2018, play their final qualifier at
home to Egypt next month.
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WHAT WENT WRONG AGAINST BRIGHTON AND CANNOT BE REPEATED!!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 27 OCTOBER 2017 AT 10:02AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
Editor's note: Before I write this can I just say that Fareham wrote the
article on Monday and because of the radio show and the Spurs match I have
only just got round to putting this on. It's well written and deserves to
be published but of course didn't then take into account we have beaten
Spurs since it was written. I think it is important to see the clear
differences between Fareham's great summary here of the Brighton game and
what made the second half against Spurs so much better.
Mama put the guns in the ground.
I can't shoot them anymore.
That cold black cloud is coming down.
Feels like I'm knocking on Heaven's door.
Knock-knock-knocking on Heaven's door.
The words of the song boomed through the Fareham precinct this morning, as
shopping was being done. Appropriate word's for every West Ham supporter on
Friday night! After that fiasco many would have come to the conclusion that
this is a black cloud too many. "I'm finished with this mob! Not coming back
until Bilic, The Board, The Players or whoever you blamed for the fiasco
have left The Club".
On Twitter supporters voiced their fury out on said individuals. We are
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, to vent our fury regards Friday nights shambles! But
unfortunately for us as supporters, there is no escape. West Ham is in the
blood It's a way of life. Almost like a couple who have had a furious bust
up, the one half knocks on the door and sheepishly says "Can we talk?" The
person comes in, they talk, and five minutes later they are holding hands
again. Same with us Hammers. Finished on Friday night, but back on board by
Sunday.
It is clear something is seriously amiss at The Club. I don't know if there
was more to the HMRC raid than we were led to believe. There may even be bad
blood between Sullivan and Bilic over Payet. I don't think Sullivan had any
intention of selling Payet. He had just given him a loyalty bonus. When
Slaven went public, Sullivan was left with no option but to sell the player.
This is just speculation but something is rotten at The Club and things need
to be sorted quickly or we will go down. If we did go down, we could well
land up like Coventry.
The Board are not going to sack Bilic. It's a myth that Gold and Sullivan
never sack a manager. The only reason why they don't sack them is because
they won't pay compensation. As for the tear jerker "The Board are worried
about the quality of manager available", yeah right! Just like "The
Portuguese are difficult to deal with in the transfer window". What a load
of crap! As with everything regards our Board, money is the issue. Enticing
a good manager from a Club would involve having to pay compensation. No
chance!
Anyway, I will revisit The Board in the not too distant future. However,
when I see some of the managerial 'candidates' suggested by fans on twitter
I cringe: Di Canio, Dicks, Kevin Nolan, some even calling for the ultimate
football prostitute, Harry Redknapp, to return. We are NOT that desperate!
I do have a certain amount of sympathy for The Board for the situation they
find themselves in. Sacking the manager is just one side of the story. If we
brought in the likes of Benitez, Pellegrini, Mancini, or any other big name
manager, they will demand a large transfer war chest for the January
transfer window. 40-50M is a conservative estimate. A lot of dough for a
growing Club like ourselves. If they go the other way and appoint someone
like Sean Dyche or Eddie Howe, there is a reasonable chance things could go
belly up big time. Dyche has limited managerial experience, in charge
nowhere bar Burnley. As for Eddie Howe, ironically the only other Club he
has managed other than Bournemouth has been Burnley. At the latter he most
certainly was not a success.
Like Dyche and Howe, Owen Coyle, Tony Mowbray and Phil Parkinson were hyped
up as young managers headed to the very top. Sadly they are now history.
West Ham simply cannot afford to gamble. I will say it again, Brendan
Rodgers is the one. He can work with a budget, plays attractive football,
and gives youth a chance. I think The Board could well get him now if they
wanted to.
The worst thing about Friday night was that no one could see it coming. We
seemed to have turned the corner and were on the way up, having played some
beautiful football at Burnley in patches. Then we absolutely imploded like
an alcoholic suffering a relapse. This has been the case too often under
Slaven Bilic. We can spend the whole day pointing fingers at this person or
that person, but that won't solve anything. Collectively Bilic, Players, and
Owners are all to blame! The Club is in permanent decline! "This is just
simply not true" some maintain. We have one of the best squads we have in
recent memory. And for the first time in the best part of two decades we
have some quality players coming through from the youth set up. However that
is no good if we produce performances likeFriday Night.
They say that money is the root of all evil but as far as our squad is
concerned money has definitely played a contributing role in the low squad
morale. Wages! When you get the likes of Snodgrass, Fonte, Arnautovic and
Hernandez on huge wages and bonuses, yet you have Mark Noble on £45,000,
Kouyate on £27,000, and Lanzini on £40,000. Then you get the likes of Sakho
on virtual peanuts. Are you telling me there are no camps and division and
resentment in the squad? There must be! It's a bit like you and I working
for a company for ten years, then the company brings in someone to do the
same job as you and gives them double your wages. Of course you would be
pissed off! Upgrading contracts will go a long way towards lifting squad
morale. Do it now, and lift the morale!
What of the manager and his coaching staff? Well, we cannot let it go on
like this! The players don't look fit. Even a workhorse like Antonio looked
exhausted after 20 minutes. The squad looked as though they were strangers
who never had played together before. Bilic resembled a punch drunk boxer,
standing on the touchline not having a clue how to change things. Good
players don't become bad players overnight. Neither do players go on to the
pitch and think "F*** Bilic, I'm going to play s*** today". It's all about
confidence. The manager loses confidence and obviously it has a knock on
effect with the players. A fresh face often gives a team a boost, gradually
raising everyones confidence. If I was Sullivan I would give Terry Westley a
duel role. Head of The Academy, as well as Director of Football at The Club.
He needs to be able to give an input as far as the first team squad affairs
are concerned, as well as running The Academy. We would then hopefully see a
couple of our youth players given a chance to showcase their talents. Just
thinking about some of the youth coming through lifts the gloom.
It is true that Bilic may not want the likes of Westley or anyone else as
Director of Football. In that case he should do the honourable thing and
resign. Either way, whether it be via Director of Football or managerial,
change is coming. So it should be! It is ridiculous that we find ourselves
in the position we are in the first place. However we shall overcome!
We are more than a football club!
We're a way of life!
COYI!!
Farehamhammer!!!
(Edited By Danny Twigg)
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Rice: the camp is buzzing
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th October 2017
By: Staff Writer
Declan Rice says that beating Tottenham at Wembley on Wednesday night was
the highlight of his fledgling career. The 18-year-old defender played the
full 90 minutes as West Ham sent Spurs crashing out of the competition
thanks to a superb second half comeback, having been 2-0 behind at half
time. And Rice - who has made seven first team appearances since his full
debut at Burnley on the opening day of last season - was in no doubt that it
was the finest moment he is yet to experience. "After coming to Wembley as a
fan to watch many, many times, to get onto the pitch and beat Tottenham was
an amazing moment for me," he told West Ham's website. "After the first
half, most people thought we were down and out - but we had a big
get-together at half-time in the changing room and, in the second half, came
out and showed what we're about. "I've never been part of something like
this before. I can't stop smiling. It's the best night of my life!"
Although Rice is likely to return to the bench for tomorrow trip to Crystal
Palace, he firmly believes that Wednesday's win at Wembley will provide a
springboard to better things for the squad. "We said at the start of the
season that we wanted to have a really good cup run and we've had three good
results now," he added. "We're really confident, especially after beating a
top side like Spurs. "Without a doubt, now we've beaten Spurs, it'll give
us confidence going into a big game at Crystal Palace on Saturday because
the camp is buzzing."
Meanwhile Wednesday night's match winner, Angelo Ogbonna, also feels that
the confidence boost from beating Spurs on their own turf will prove
instrumental.
"It's given us a good mentality going into the next match and it's given us
confidence," he added. "We showed really good form so we are excited for the
match [against Palace]. "It's important for us. They are a different type of
team to Tottenham in the style they play, but we know it will be tough. We
have to take it step-by-step and make sure that we are doing it on the
pitch."
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Tufnell refutes 'fix' allegations
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th October 2017
By: Staff Writer
Former cricketer Phil Tufnell had denied charges of foul play relating to
the Carabao Cup quarter final draw in which he was involved yesterday.
Tufnell, along with former England rugby union international Matt Dawson
conducted the draw in secret after it was claimed that plans to broadcast it
live fell through due to a "technical hitch" at Twitter UK. And the former
England international spin bowler responded to the furore this morning by
insisting that the draw was perfectly legitimate - and that claims it had
been delayed due to his poor-timekeeping were also wide of the mark. "I
understand football fans' frustrations yesterday due to the delay in the
Carabao Cup quarter-final draw due to technical issues that were beyond both
Matt's and my control," said the Arsenal-supporting Tufnell, in a statement.
"However, due to the outpouring on Twitter where some suggested the delay
was likely due to my lateness, I feel I need to clarify this was certainly
not the case. "In fact, despite sledging by not only members of the general
public but also people within the media suggesting it's my 'form' to be
late, I actually pride myself on my time-keeping and arrived at the venue in
good time. "'Further, I totally refute ludicrous allegations that I would be
involved in anything not above board. Matt and I pulled out the balls in
front of various representatives who from my understanding were official
adjudicators! "Worse, for people to accuse me of anything untoward disgusts
and upsets me. I'm a football fan and former sportsman that was excited and
honoured to be asked to be a part of this and took the role seriously. "If
you have any further issues with this please take it up with the organisers
of this event and not me!"
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic focused on football not future
By Richard Cooke
Last Updated: 27/10/17 2:16pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he knows his situation and talks
regularly to the chairman but he is focused on playing Palace and not his
future.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic insists he is not thinking about the rumours
that persist about his future. Bilic has been under increasing pressure with
the team winning just two of their nine league games this season, the 3-0
defeat at home to Brighton last Friday leaving them 16th in the table ahead
of Saturday's trip Crystal Palace. West Ham's stunning comeback to beat
Tottenham 3-2 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday when they were 2-0 down at
half-time has gone some way to ease the pressure on Bilic, but he is under
no illusions that defeat at bottom club Palace would up the ante again. He
said: "I know our situation, our situation also determines my situation. All
I can say is that it is a massively important game and we have to get some
points after we lost against Brighton at home. "There are rumours and all
that. I talk to the chairman, not every day, but often enough and I know my
situation and I know our situation. "But I am totally focused on the things
that I can influence and that is only the training, talking to the players,
and the game. I am totally focused on the game because only with that in
your head can you improve and affect those kind of rumours."
Bilic was delighted by the resilience his side showed at Wembley in midweek
and he is hoping they can carry that momentum into their league campaign.
"For the next game it is very important," he added. "We want to continue
like that and we want to use that kind of a win, and self-confidence now,
when we approach the game tomorrow. "But tomorrow is a new game and
definitely we are in a position to build on something that was good only a
couple of days ago. It's a game of massive importance and we have to show
the same quality and character."
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Crystal Palace v West Ham preview: James McArthur a doubt for Palace
Last Updated: 27/10/17 2:05pm
SSN
Crystal Palace are hopeful James McArthur will be available to face West Ham
on Saturday. The midfielder has been undergoing treatment all week in a bid
to be fit to face the Hammers, who, like Palace, have struggled in the
Premier League this season. Palace have just one win from nine games while
West Ham have only won twice. The two sides are coming off contrasting
results in the Carabao Cup in midweek, though, with Palace losing 4-1 to
Championship side Bristol City and the Hammers coming from 2-0 down to beat
Tottenham 3-2 at Wembley. "Wednesday night's game should set the standard
for us, in terms of closing teams down, in terms of compactness, in terms of
team play, in terms of sacrificing everything for the team," said West Ham
manager Slaven Bilic, whose position has been under scrutiny this week. "We
will win some games and we will lose some games, but I am quite confident we
are on a good way."
Team news
West Ham will have Andy Carroll available after he was banned for the defeat
to Brighton last week, but Andre Ayew will be pushing to start after scoring
twice against Tottenham. Michail Antonio faces a late fitness test after
missing the win at Wembley due to a bruised rib. Defender James Collins
remains sidelined because of an ankle problem.
McArthur will face a late fitness test for Palace while Lee Chung-yong has
been sent for a scan after receiving a nasty kick in the defeat at Bristol
City on Tuesday, so remains doubtful. Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham
are both out.
Opta stats
Crystal Palace have lost their last three home games against West Ham in
league competition, their longest losing run versus the Hammers on home
soil.
West Ham are unbeaten in the Premier League versus Crystal Palace under
Slaven Bilic (W3 D1 L0).
Crystal Palace have lost 12 of their last 14 Premier League games to nil.
Over 2017 as a whole, 17 of their 29 Premier League games have seen them
lose without scoring.
Manuel Lanzini has scored in all four of his Premier League games against
Crystal Palace (four goals). Lanzini has netted more Premier League goals vs
the Eagles than any other West Ham player and nine of his 14 Premier League
goals have come in London derby matches (64%). Only Riyad Mahrez (50) has
attempted more dribbles this season than Palace's Andros Townsend & West
Ham's Michail Antonio (both 43). However, the Palace winger has beaten his
opponent with 30 of these (70%) while Antonio has only been successful with
13 (30%).
Merson's prediction
West Ham will get a massive amount of belief from beating Tottenham and
Crystal Palace, who lost a six-pointer to Newcastle, just got hammered 4-1
by Bristol City in the Carabao Cup. I know they didn't put out a full team
but you don't lose by that many to a Championship side. You need to start
building your confidence.
Any fan wants to see desire, a bit of heart, and West Ham showed that in the
second half at Wembley. Fair play to them, I can't imagine too many of the
players wanted to come back onto the pitch 2-0 down at half-time but to
rally and win the match is impressive.
Paul predicts: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 5/1)
Betting
Crystal Palace are 13/10 favourites against fellow strugglers West Ham, who
can be backed at 21/10 with the draw on offer at 23/10.
Wilfried Zaha is 5/1 favourite to open the scoring, with the Hammers' Javier
Hernandez 6/1. It's 9/1 for no goals in this one.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MATCH PREVIEW: CRYSTAL PALACE V WEST HAM
By Dan Coker 27 Oct 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Blast from the past
Today's blast from the past involves a trip back to 28th March 1910 when
West Ham United enjoyed a 4-2 Southern League First Division victory over
Crystal Palace in front of 20,000. Edward VII had fallen very ill in Paris
with bronchitis and was in the last six weeks of his life and reign, Bela
Bartok's 'String Quartet No.1' had premiered in Budapest nine days earlier
and, ten days before the game, the first cinematic version of Mary Shelley's
Frankenstein had been released in the United States by Edison Studios,
becoming one of the first ever horror films.
This Easter Monday match was West Ham's third of four games in five days –
they had beaten Palace 3-1 at home in the reverse fixture on Good Friday,
lost 2-1 at Millwall on Easter Saturday and went on to win 1-0 at Southend
on Tuesday 29th March. I wonder how Jose Mourinho would cope with such a
schedule! Legendary Hammers goal-getter Danny Shea was on the scoresheet at
the Crystal Palace Stadium (the pre-Wembley home of the FA Cup Final), as
was outside-right Herbert 'Tiddler' Ashton. Shea would end the 1909/10
season as the Irons' top scorer with 31 goals in 43 games and Ashton would
make 336 appearances for the Hammers but it was a lesser-known light who
stole the show against our south London neighbours.
23-year-old Albert Scanes (pictured) made his debut during this game and
outshone both Shea and Ashton on the day. Born in Stepney on 19th December
1886 and signed from Barking as an understudy to West Ham's first ever
England international George Webb, whose business commitments often
prevented him from appearing for the Hammers, Scanes bagged a brace on his
debut to help the Hammers to this 4-2 victory over the Glaziers. He would
play only three games for West Ham, scoring three goals, with his other
strike coming in a 1-0 home victory over Northampton twelve days later. He
would move on to Croydon Common in 1911 and was a wood machinist in later
life. He passed away in 1972 at the age of 85.
Syd King's Hammers would finish ninth in the Southern League First Division
in 1909/10, while the Glaziers would end the campaign in seventh place, one
point and two places above the Irons. Brighton were promoted from the
division to the Football League as champions. Aston Villa won the league
title and Newcastle won the FA Cup.
West Ham United: George Kitchen, Fred Shreeve, Bob Fairman, Robert Whiteman,
Fred Massey, Tommy Randall, Herbert Ashton, Danny Shea, Albert Scanes, Fred
Blackburn, Thomas Caldwell.
Club Connections
Jose Fonte returns to Selhurst Park, while West Ham United Academy product
and 2012 Hammer of the Year runner-up James Tomkins could feature for
Crystal Palace. A large group of players have turned out for the Hammers and
the Eagles. Divided here by position, they include:
Goalkeepers: Perry Suckling, Steve Mautone, Vincent Blore.
Defenders: Eddie Presland, Kenny Brown, Malcolm Pyke, Alf Noakes, Bill
Roberts, Neil Ruddock, Paul Brush, Danny Gabbidon, Chris Powell, Alan
Stephenson, Tony Gale, Matthew Upson, Darren Powell.
Midfielders: Jimmy Wood, Anton Otulakowski, Hayden Mullins, Derek Jackman,
Carl Fletcher, Harry Gunning, Jobi McAnuff, Fred Norris, Trevor Dawkins,
Kyel Reid, Ray Houghton, Michael Hughes.
Strikers: Joe Johnson, Ron Williams, Ian Wright, Andy Smillie, Jeroen Boere,
Johnny Cartwright, Johnny Byrne, Peter Simpson, Clive Allen, Dave
Swindlehurst, Paul Kitson, Ron Brett, Dave Sexton, Marouane Chamakh, George
Petchey, Freddie Sears.
Malcolm Allison and Jack Tresadern played for the Hammers and managed the
Eagles, while Iain Dowie played for both clubs and also managed Palace. Alan
Pardew played for the Eagles and managed both clubs. Sam Allardyce has also
managed both clubs.
Today's focus though is on a current Nigeria international winger. Victor
Moses was born in Lagos, Nigeria on 12th December 1990, the son of a
Christian pastor. When Victor was just 11 years old in 2002 and playing in
the street with a football bound together with sticky tape, his parents
Austin and Josephine were attacked in their home and murdered. Religious
riots between the Muslim majority and Christian minority divided Nigeria and
Moses' father, who had his own church, was a target. The orphaned Victor was
hidden by his uncle for a week after the murder before he was flown to
England for his own safety to seek asylum.
Moses, who was coached by former Chelsea and Arsenal defender Colin Pates
while at school in Croydon, was offered a place in Crystal Palace's Academy
and scored 50 goals in one season for the Under-14s. He made his first team
debut at the age of 16 on 6th November 2007 in a 1-1 draw with Cardiff. His
first goal for the club arrived on 12th March 2008 in a 1-1 draw with West
Brom. Moses made 16 appearances as the Eagles reached the Championship
play-offs and signed a new contract with Neil Warnock's men at the end of
the season.
The winger scored twice in 32 matches in 2008/09 but Palace plummeted to
finish in 15th position. Moses went on a run of scoring six goals in eight
matches in the first half of 2009/10 and, as Palace went into administration
in January 2010, the 20-year-old Moses was sold to Premier League Wigan for
£2.5m. He had scored 11 goals for Crystal Palace in 69 appearances.
Moses spent two and a half years at Wigan before signing for Chelsea in
August 2012. He made a loan move to Liverpool the next summer, spending the
2013/14 season at Anfield before another season-long loan move to Stoke
materialised for 2014/15.
A third season-long loan took him to Slaven Bilic's West Ham United on 1st
September 2015 but not before the 24-year-old Moses had signed a four-year
contract with Chelsea, his parent club. He made his debut in a 2-0 home win
over Newcastle on 14th September 2015 and scored his first goal for the
Hammers in his next match five days later, the opener in our terrific 2-1
triumph at Manchester City.
An injury sustained at Old Trafford in early December, coupled with the
emergence of Michail Antonio as a force in his stead, curtailed Moses'
progress but he did score his second goal for the Irons in our 5-1 FA Cup
fifth round win at Blackburn on 21st February 2016. His final appearance for
the club was as a substitute on the final day of last season in the 2-1
defeat at Stoke. Having scored twice in 26 matches for West Ham United,
Moses returned to Chelsea.
Moses, now 26, was a revelation for Antonio Conte's title-winning Blues last
season in the right wing-back position. He has also scored nine goals in 27
appearances for Nigeria since making his debut in 2012, having appeared for
England at youth levels.
Referee
The referee on Saturday will be Bobby Madley. The Yorkshire-based official
will take charge of a West Ham game for the eighth time in the Premier
League, having also refereed our 2-1 victory at Manchester City in September
2015 and our 2-0 home win over Liverpool in January 2016. Madley's most
controversial appointment with the Irons saw him award Chelsea a last-minute
penalty at Stamford Bridge in March 2016 which saw the Blues salvage a 2-2
draw – replays showed that Michail Antonio's foul on Reuben Loftus-Cheek had
occurred outside the penalty area.
The 32-year-old refereed four Hammers matches last season, those being the
1-0 home wins against Sunderland in October and Burnley in December, as well
as the 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth in March, when he awarded the home side two
penalties which were both missed, and the final day 2-1 win at Burnley.
Madley was also the man in the middle on a previous occasion when the
Hammers travelled to Burnley – Matt Taylor and Jack Collison converted one
spot-kick each in a 2-0 League Cup fourth round win at Turf Moor in October
2013, while Keith Treacy was sent off for the hosts for his involvement in
the second penalty incident.
Possible line-ups
Crystal Palace will be without injured midfielder Chung-Yong Lee, as well as
strikers Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke. Roy Hodgson also has a doubt
over James McArthur, who faces a late fitness test.
Slaven Bilic has seen a number of players put themselves into contention for
a starting spot after Wednesday night's win over Tottenham. James Collins,
Michail Antonio and Diafra Sakho could all be unavailable. West Ham will be
aiming for their fourth consecutive win at Selhurst Park.
Possible Crystal Palace XI: Speroni; Ward, Dann, Sakho, van Aanholt; Sako,
Milivojevic, Cabaye, Schlupp; Townsend, Zaha.
Possible West Ham United XI: Hart; Fonte, Reid, Ogbonna; Zabaleta, Noble,
Kouyate, Cresswell; Lanzini, Chicharito, Ayew.
Enjoy the game – Up The Hammers!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM STARLET'S LONG WAIT FOR FIRST TEAM ACTION COULD BE ABOUT TO END
Date: 27th October 2017 at 5:15pm
Written by: David Tully
Forever WestHam
German newspaper Express are tipping on loan West Ham defender Reece Oxford
to make his first appearance for Borussia Monchengladbach this weekend.
There has been speculation that the centre back could return to the Hammers
due to a lack of game time, but the player has spoken out in recent weeks
that he wants to remain on loan.
The German club have the joint worst defensive record in the Bundesliga,
conceding 17 goals in their first nine games, but manager Dieter Hecking has
so far failed to select Oxford for any competitive match this season. The
England under 20 international has been on the bench for every league game
this season but was not included in the squad for Tuesday's German Cup tie
against Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Express suggest the 18 year old's absence was a good sign that he may be
selected to start against Hoffenheim tomorrow afternoon. Changes are
expected in the defence for the game after Gladbach were hammered 5-1 by
Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. The Bundesliga side are currently eighth in
the league heading into the match.
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