Lanzini - We hope this is the start of a good run
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini has stressed the importance of getting another victory
against Sunderland at London Stadium on Saturday and hopes the Club can
force their way into the top half of the table. Lanzini was the match-winner
as the Hammers finally got back on the winning trail with an impressive 1-0
victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Slaven Bilic's side showed the
character and desire to beat an in-form Palace team who had taken ten points
from their previous four games. The Hammers manager had nothing but praise
for the way his team fought for every ball and showed the spirit which saw
them enjoy such a successful final-season at the Boleyn Ground. Lanzini
played a major role in the victory and now hopes it can be a major turning
point in the Club's season. Lanzini said: "I'm very happy and we needed the
three points. We were coming into the game off the back of some poor results
and had made a bad start to the season. "But we managed to get the win in
what was a tough game and we have to carry on in this vein. "We will have to
get used to playing at home and that's what we want to do. I think we are
improving and let's hope this is the start of a good run."
Lanzini suffered a frustrating start to the campaign after he picked up a
knee injury for Argentina on the eve of the Olympic Games, but he has now
regained full fitness and scored his second goal of the campaign at Selhurst
Park. The 23-year-old hopes he can build on last season where he scored
seven times in his opening year in the Premier League and has nothing but
praise for the way Bilic allows him to play his attacking game. Lanzini
added: "He expects me to score as many goals as I can because of the way the
team plays. He always gives me confidence so that the goals come. "He
congratulated me after the game. He has shown faith in me and I have faith
in him. I'm very happy for the team because we needed the win."
Lanzini hopes to maintain his good run of form against Sunderland this
weekend as he looks to catch the eye of Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza and
earn a call-up to the national squad. "I hope I can get a call-up. I'm
always striving for that because it's my target and dream to play for the
national team. "I know that if I can keep doing well, I could get an
opportunity and I hope to be involved. "I always watch Argentina play. There
are so many good players who are doing well for their teams and most of them
are stars at their clubs."
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Hammers host first pro clubs esports tournament
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's London Stadium was the backdrop for the historic first
ever esports tournament involving pro clubs.
The Hammers' own Sean 'Dragonn' Allen joined players from Manchester City,
Schalke, Wolfsburg, Sporting Lisbon and Spencer Owen's Hashtag United for
the right to be crowned champion.
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest
update - in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everyone,
I want to start by congratulating the team on achieving a big win at Crystal
Palace. The Medical and Sports Science team were particularly pleased for
Aaron Cresswell, who has worked hard on his rehab and made a successful
return from three months out with a knee injury.
We will continue with positive news, which is that Andre Ayew has returned
to full training from the quadriceps injury he suffered at Chelsea in
August. Andre has worked hard on his rehabilitation and joined the group on
Monday. His fitness levels improve with every day that passes and we are all
looking forward to seeing him back in action soon.
Diafra Sakho is another whose fitness levels are improving every day and he
will start training in controlled U23 sessions on Monday. He will then join
the first-team squad the following week.
Both of these pieces of news are positive, as is the news that Arthur
Masuaku is progressing very well following the knee injury he suffered
against Accrington Stanley in August. Arthur is continuing his rehab and
started running on the pitch with first-team physiotherapist Frazer Young.
We hope to see Arthur back in full training in November.
Andy Carroll has been out since suffering a knee injury at Astra Giurgiu in
August. The rehabilitation is taking longer than our initial prognosis.
However, I would reiterate that he is making steady progress and continues
his rehab.
Sam Byram and Gokhan Tore are both continuing their rehab.
Sam is recovering from surgery on his hamstring and is using crutches. On
Saturday he will make the next step and walk with one crutch instead of two.
The following week, we will progress to a more active stage of rehab, but
for now he remains in a period of healing and gym work.
Gokhan is in the gym working hard on his rehab after suffering a quadriceps
injury in training during the international break.
Finally, Darren Randolph came back from international duty with Republic of
Ireland with a minor knee injury. He is continuing his rehab and will be
reintroduced to training by the end of the week.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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Hutchison - This is a fantastic opportunity
WHUFC.com
Don Hutchison was thrilled to see his former team-mate Slaven Bilic get back
on the winning trail last weekend and feels it could be major turning point
in the Club's season.
The former West Ham and Sunderland midfielder can only see one outcome at
London Stadium on Saturday and feels the Hammers fans can make a major
difference....
Sunderland are in big trouble at the moment and you can see that David Moyes
team are lacking confidence.
West Ham got a good win against Crystal Palace last weekend and will take a
lot of confidence from that result heading into the game at the weekend.
Slaven got the desire and spirit from his players that he has been looking
for and I thought Aaron Cresswell made such a big difference on his return
to the team. I thought he was excellent.
I still cannot understand how he was sent-off. The first booking he received
was a stone-cold penalty and he never touched Zaha for the second booking.
It is ridiculous that he is not able to get it overturned.
I have spoken to Slaven and he has always maintained that wanted to get his
best players fully fit again and then you will see a difference.
I think we all started to see that on Saturday with Cresswell back in the
team and both Payet and Lanzini getting back to full fitness.
It was totally unfair on Slaven and the players that people have been
jumping on the bandwagon and criticising the bad start to the season.
I can tell everyone it has absolutely nothing to do with the move into
London Stadium.
I am sure the West Ham fans would have showed their disapproval if the team
had suffered a similar run of form playing at the Boleyn Ground this season.
Having played in front of the West Ham fans I know the passion they can have
for the team and this is a fantastic opportunity to perform in a wonderful
Stadium.
I cannot think of anywhere else I would want to play if you have nearly
60,000 West Ham fans making it an unbelievable atmosphere on Saturday. They
need to make it intimidating for the opposition.
From what I have witnessed I am 100 per cent confident that the Hammers will
get things right at London Stadium and turn their season around.
West Ham need their best players to perform but you cannot just rely on
Dimitri Payet to do everything. You wouldn't expect that at Barcelona with
Messi or Real Madrid with Ronaldo.
You need your other players to be at their best as well and I think we
started to see that against Palace last weekend.
Manuel Lanzini obviously got the crucial goal and played very well. He needs
to maintain that now.
Slaven changed the system around and it worked very well. I thought Cheikhou
Kouyate was excellent and whenever he has played there, he has done a very
good job.
The victory would have given the players a lot of confidence and they now
need another three points and a good performance against Sunderland.
I cannot see Sunderland winning the game and feel they are weak at the
moment. They cannot keep a clean sheet and I expect West Ham to get the
victory.
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From the Terraces
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at a return to winning ways.
The last couple of months since we beat Bournemouth at the London Stadium
have felt like an eternity. Since we picked up those first three points of
the season, we have had to endure more unfortunate injuries, frustrating
results and poorly timed international breaks.
But on Saturday at Selhurst Park, just as we did last year, Slaven Bilic's
men walked away with all three points after showing glimpses of the elusive
'West Ham Way'.
With a couple of enforced changes resulting in a back three, Cheikhou
Kouyate dropping deep, and the return of Aaron Cresswell as a left wing
back, Palace appeared a little unprepared for the way we approached the
game.
Our left back, who has missed most of the season through injury, was back to
his fantastic self, running down the line and linking up with Dimitri Payet,
who was able to drift into a more central role, subsequently.
The only goal of the game came from some brilliant build-up play in
midfield, before the phenomenal Pedro Obiang sprayed the ball out wide to
Cresswell, who exchanged passes with Payet before whipping in a perfect low
cross for Manuel Lanzini to turn home.
It was Lanzini's sixth goal away from home in a Hammers' shirt and you could
see how much it meant to the boys as they all ran over to celebrate in the
torrential rain.
Obiang was the stand-out performer, but many impressed, with Simone Zaza
excellent in the air and at closing down the defenders, and Winston Reid
back to his best with a vast array of blocks and challenges.
Angelo Ogbonna was unlucky when he conceded a penalty, going to clear the
ball before Benteke ran in and got in front of the defender's already
swinging leg. But it didn't matter, because the Belgian forward smashed his
spot kick into the stands, much to the away fans' relief.
There was a little controversy as the game entered the final knockings, as
Aaron Cresswell was clearly brought down in the Palace penalty area, but got
booked for simulation. Mere seconds later, he was shown a second yellow card
for a 'foul' on Wilfried Zaha, although replays showed the winger to go down
a tad too easily for a yellow, especially a second one.
Unfortunately for Bilic he cannot appeal the wrong decision, but Adrian made
sure that the Hammers left in good spirits, saving a point-blank header from
Connor Wickham to deny Palace a point.
There is a long way to go, but Saturday's win will hopefully be the turning
point in our season, and if we perform just as well this weekend, we should
take three points off Sunderland.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United
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Joe Cole nominated for NASL Most Valuable Player award
Telegraph.co.uk
Bob Williams
18 OCTOBER 2016 . 10:22PM
Joe Cole has been nominated for the Golden Ball award, handed to the best
player in the North American Soccer League. The former England, Chelsea and
West Ham player joined the Florida club in May and he has made an immediate
mark by being selected to the 10-player shortlist. Cole, 34, has scored
seven goals and registered seven assists so far this season and he was named
Player of the Week once. Among his highlights was a stunning bicycle kick
against Puerto Rico FC in July. The Tampa Bay Rowdies have an outside
chance of making the end-of-season play-offs with three matches remaining.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 20
Wednesday, October 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th October 2016
Westley - We need to learn
WHUFC.com
West Ham United PL2 were beaten 2-0 away at Aston Villa in Premier League 2
Division 2 on Monday night
The Hammers welcomed back loan stars Reece Burke and Kyle Knoyle
Terry Westley said his players need to learn from the defeat
West Ham United PL2 need to understand that teams will not just roll over
against them, according to manager Terry Westley. The Hammers were beaten
2-0 by Aston Villa on Monday night, in a performance that didn't quite match
the high standards they set in the Premier League Cup victory over Leicester
City two weeks ago. A plus for Westley's men was a return to action for
defenders Kyle Knoyle and Reece Burke who both continued their
rehabilitation from injuries suffered on loan at Wigan Athletic. There was
also starts for Ashley Fletcher, Domingos Quina and Raphael Spiegel. "It was
a poor performance all round, we never quite got going and didn't play with
the intensity we have been. But that's what happens when you work with young
players," said Westley. "We played very well at Leicester and you think it's
just going to happen again. We have to understand you have to earn the right
to get on the ball and make things happen – teams aren't just going to roll
over. We never quite got to that level at any stage of the game."
After a tight opening twenty minutes, it was the home side who took the lead
with virtually their first effort on goal. Callum O'Hare's deep cross found
Corey Blackett-Taylor at the back post and he nodded the ball past Raphael
Spiegel. The Hammers struggled to make use of their limited openings and
Villa doubled their lead in controversial circumstances just before the
interval. Knoyle was adjudged to have tugged back striker Keinan Davis in
the penalty area and Davis rolled the spot kick home to make it 2-0.
Westley's players stuck to their gameplan in the second half and should have
pulled a goal back when keeper Matija Starkic somehow kept out a powerful
drive from Ashley Fletcher. Fletcher hit the side netting with minutes to
play but Villa held on for the three points and succumbed the Hammers to
just their second league defeat of the season. "I think we maintained our
passing style in the first half and, strangely enough, I wasn't too
disappointed at half-time, apart from conceding two goals," Westley added.
"We didn't play with that same purpose in the second half and we didn't pass
the ball well enough. They scored the two goals and just sat back and made
it difficult for us. "Overall, it's one of the first games this season where
I've been disappointed with the players."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Knoyle happy to get some minutes
WHUFC.com
Kyle Knoyle appeared for West Ham United PL2 in their 2-0 defeat to Aston
Villa
The right-back has been on loan at Wigan Athletic all season but been
injured for the majority of his time there
He's was delighted to get 90 minutes under his belt as he returns to Wigan
next week
Kyle Knoyle was disappointed with West Ham United PL2's 2-0 defeat to Aston
Villa on Monday night, but delighted to get 90 minutes under his belt. The
right-back has been on loan at Wigan Athletic all season but has found
game-time hard to come by, considering he injured his tricep in pre-season.
Latics boss Gary Caldwell was in attendance to see Knoyle and teammate Reece
Burke, who's also been on loan with the Lancashire side this season, as they
continued their comeback from injuries. Knoyle hopes he showed enough on
Monday night to give himself a good run of games in the Sky Bet
Championship, having played a full 90 minutes for the first time this
season. "I started off the season with an unfortunate injury. Spent the last
3 months in the gym just working hard and trying to get back fit. But
hopefully, I can push on now and get some games under my belt for Wigan
Athletic," said Knoyle. "The experience is something I need at my age right
now. I'm 20 years old and I need to be in a first team environment to
develop because I've been playing U23 football since I was 17 and I don't
think another year would benefit me."
Terry Westley made five change in all from the side that was beaten 3-0 by
Wycombe Wanderers in the Checkatrade Trophy, with Knoyle and Burke coming
into the defence. Ashley Fletcher made his first Premier League 2 start
since the opening day win at Stoke City and there were starts for Raphael
Spiegel and Domingos Quina. The Hammers went behind midway through the first
half after Callum O'Hare's deep cross found Corey Blackett-Taylor at the
back post who headed past Spiegel. They doubled their lead on the stroke of
half-time – Knoyle was penalised for shirt pulling in the area and Keinan
Davis scored the penalty. The Hammers had chances in the second half with
Fletcher twice going close, but they couldn't find a way back into the
match. We were defensively sloppy in the first half but we had the majority
of possession and we should have finished off a lot of our chances," added
Knoyle. "Half-time we got a bit of a rollicking but the staff know we are
better than what we showed. '?>"I haven't been back at West Ham for about a
year so it felt good to be back. It was great to be amongst all the lads and
I did my best for the team."
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Slav hails hard-working duo
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says Pedro Obiang and Simone Zaza personified the work-rate and
attitude West Ham United need to show on a consistent basis. The two former
Serie A stars were to the fore in the Hammers' 1-0 Premier League win at
Crystal Palace on Saturday, as much for their defensive contributions than
their attacking input. Zaza won an incredible 12 aerial battles against
Palace's normally dominant centre-halves James Tomkins and Damien Delaney,
while his work-rate in closing down the home back four resulted in numerous
turnovers in possession.
Obiang, meanwhile, made four tackles, four clearances, an interception an 47
passes, including the raking ball out to Aaron Cresswell that led to Manuel
Lanzini's match-winning goal.
The manager singled out both players for praise, saying the level of effort
they had put in set the standard that the Hammers will need to reach in
every game if they are to continue climbing the Premier League table. "We
are going to have the opportunity to have another good season only if we
perform like this without the ball," Bilic observed. "We have the quality,
of course, but this is the cruellest league in the world if you are ten per
cent below par in any aspect of the game. Sometimes you get luck and
sometimes you win the game 3-0, but you cannot be like this. "Pedro waited
for chances. I spoke to him in the pre-season and he played 30-odd games for
us last season, not always as a starter, and is a great example for
everyone. "Last time out against Middlesbrough he got the chance and used it
really well. If he continues to play like this, the place is his. "Zaza was
different class on Saturday. I told him after the game 'This is the Zaza I
know from Sassuolo and from Juventus and the goals will come'. Goals are
really important for strikers, but they will come. "I told him after the
game straight away 'Zaza, you won today. Tonight you won more balls in the
air against two good centre-halves in Delaney and Tomkins than you won in
the four or five games you played before'. Without him, we wouldn't have
won, it's as simple as that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Pedro Obiang
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang has certainly made an impression in his last two starts for the
Hammers and showed his quality once again as he played a big role in helping
West Ham record a crucial 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Spanish midfielder does not always attract the headlines, but he was one
of the unsung heroes in the memorable win at Selhurst Park and now hopes to
carry on his good run of form when the team host Sunderland at London
Stadium on Saturday....
Pedro, it was a fantastic victory on Saturday and a great performance from
everyone in the team. How important is it for everyone at the Club that we
have now moved out of the bottom three
PO: "It is very important for us to be out of the bottom three. This is the
first game we have won away this season and it is good for the character of
the team.
"We need to continue this and have another good result against Sunderland
next weekend."
We certainly enjoy playing against Crystal Palace and this was a great way
to follow up our 3-1 victory last season. What is it about playing in south
London and getting such good results at Selhurst Park?
PO: "When you play in such a big London derby we know as players that we
need to chase everything and work hard. "When you have a chance you need to
put it away. We were very lucky that we scored a goal and then we worked
hard to protect that lead and came away with a big three points."
What can you say about the return of Aaron Cresswell. It was obviously
disappointing to see him get sent-off but he made such an impact in his
first game back and played a crucial role in the winning goal?
PO: "It is normal for Aaron to play like that and he can make a big
difference to the team."
How important is it that we now transform this result into the London
Stadium and get our home record back on track with a victory over Sunderland
on Saturday?
PO: "It is very important that we start winning at London Stadium. We know
that Sunderland will be a difficult game. "But we need to carry on this good
performance into the game on Saturday and if we show this kind of character
we can win more games."
Do you think the victory over Palace could be the turning point in the
Club's season?
PO: "We have to keep this mentality. We need to do something different this
season. We all know the start to the season has not been what we were
looking for.
"But we have changed things around and all the players came together at the
right time to get a result."
Slaven decided to change the system against Palace and revert to three at
the back. How much do you think that played a part in the team coming away
with all three points?
PO: "We played that system a few times last season against Tottenham and
Everton and we showed then that we are a good team. "We can play with
different systems and all the players can show their qualities playing in
different positions."
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Hammers welcome Benali's Big Race
WHUFC.com
Former Southampton star Francis Benali visited London Stadium during
Benali's Big Race
Benali attempting to raise £1 million for Cancer Research UK
One-time defender ran and cycled to 44 Premier League and Championship
grounds
West Ham United welcomed fundraising champion and former Southampton star
Francis Benali to London Stadium.
Joined by long-time teammate Matt Le Tissier, Benali ran to the Hammers' new
home as part of Benali's Big Race, a challenge which saw the one-time Saints
full-back run and cycle all 44 Premier League and Championship grounds in
the space of 15 days.
The Big Race saw the 47-year-old brave wind, rain and sore muscles to cover
1,500 miles to raise £1million for Cancer Research UK, completing his
journey at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium at the Saints' Premier League
fixture with Burnley on Sunday.
Prior to finishing his challenge, Benali spent a day running and pedalling
between NINE Premier League and Championship stadia, starting out at White
Hart Lane before visiting London Stadium, the Emirates, Stamford Bridge,
Craven Cottage, Loftus Road, Griffin Park, Vicarage Road and ending at
Reading's Madejski Stadium.
"Two years ago, I ran to every Premier League stadium to raise money for
Cancer Research UK and we managed to raise £265,000, which was an incredible
amount of money to be able to hand over to the charity," he told West Ham
TV.
"I set a huge fundraising target of £1 million, so I felt I had some
unfinished business and in the two years since the last challenge my
father-in-law has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and we've lost two
close family friends and another close friend of the family is currently
undergoing her battle with cancer, so I felt I wanted to take on another
challenge.
"We wanted to raise the bar by making it more grounds and more clubs and
added the discipline of the bike to make it more interesting. The plan was
to run a marathon every morning and then cycle at least 75 miles in the
afternoon, so it's been pretty intense."
West Ham is a Club which has been hit hard by cancer historically, with the
late, great Bobby Moore losing his life to bowel cancer in 1993, and young
Australian Dylan Tombides being taken by the disease as recently as 2014.
"I don't think there is anybody in the country whose life hasn't been
touched by cancer in some way, shape or form," observed Benali, who was
presented with a signed shirt by former Hammers striker Bobby Barnes. "So
that's why I'm doing what I can in my own unique way to raise funds to help
the scientists find a cure for this awful disease."
Benali was joined by his old friend Le Tissier on his visit to London
Stadium, with the former England forward spending his 48th birthday running
and cycling around the capital for the cause.
"It's Matt's birthday so it just goes to show his support for the cause and
the charity that he has run around the capital to support the challenge," he
added.
"It's always great to have him along and have a chat and it's the first time
the both of us have visited London Stadium, which was a nice experience as
it's an incredible place and a wonderful stadium."
There is still time to make a donation to Benali's Big Race and support
Cancer Research UK at www.benalisbigrace.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE EXPECTATIONS AT THE CLUB ARE TOO HIGH!! DO YOU AGREE?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 18 OCTOBER 2016 AT 10:15PM
TehWestHamWay.co.uk
The is written by Stephen Lawrence
So much has been written and said about the predicament of our club
following the various dramas both on and off the pitch. Fingers are being
pointed at all possible potential reasons from the move from The Boleyn, to
the crowd issues in the new stadium, to the size of the pitch, to the
distance of the fans from the pitch, to the abilities of the new players, to
the volume of injuries, to the attitude of the players, to the number of
injuries, to the training methods, to players playing out of position and so
on.
Whilst all of these matters may be an issue in their own right, collectively
they are the symptoms rather than the cause. The real cause of our difficult
situation in my opinion is EXPECTATION. It was so high at the start of the
season that you'd need a parachute to get down from it. We finished last
season just falling off from making the Champions League places. We were
moving to a new stadium, the scale of which would rival some of the best in
Europe. We were buying players rather than selling. We were holding onto
Dimitri Payet who was a star of the Euros. We had the second highest level
of season ticket holders in the EPL. We had arrived at the big time.
Overnight we had transformed. We were now a big club, on a par with Arsenal,
Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs. It had happened.
But it hadn't. We were just led to believe it. We believed our own hype. We
bought into our own dreams. We jumped on the bandwagon that was taking us to
glory. We had sky high EXPECTATIONS.
In arriving at this dreamy state of delusion playing Juventus in a
pre-season friendly and imagining this was just the start of life in the
fast lane, we dismissed the Astras and Watfords of this world as the
also-rans from the level we had now left behind. Small clubs and easy
pickings for us. We were one the big boys now.
But it doesn't just happen like that. Transformation of anything from one
level to another is usually a journey and you don't start a journey at your
destination, you follow the road to get there. This is where we are
struggling now. We have forgotten about the journey. We have set the bar
right to the top and expected the players to suddenly be right there. In
hindsight that's just plain silly but we're all allowed to dream. But the
extraordinarily high expectations we had collectively formed may have served
to just add pressure to everyone, especially to the players and manager. And
that pressure is clearly showing both on the pitch in the performances of
the players and in the stands in the frustration of the fans.
So now, let's just take a breath and reflect that we are on a journey of
transformation (whether personally we like it or not). We are headed onto
bigger things. The stadium, the increased fan base, the increased squad size
and the higher level of commercialism are all ingredients for the journey.
But let's not kid ourselves anymore. Reality is clearly showing that the
journey won't be a breeze. There will be bumps in the road, twists, turns
and hills to climb. We're experiencing some of those now. But, eventually,
the road will level out and we'll be in reach of our destination.
We just need to manage our expectations that we may have been silly to think
we'll get there overnight.
Let's wish the manager and players the best of luck. Let's recognise that
this will be a season of transformation and it may be tough. Let's make sure
we're behind the team, giving them our full backing, and being the 12th man
that helps them make the transformation successful. And let's keep our
expectations realistic.
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DANNY GABBIDON'S EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: THE INTERNATIONAL BREAK WAS A GODSEND!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 18 OCTOBER 2016 AT 9:20PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
West Ham United training prior to Premier League match against Middlesbrough
Chadwell Heath plus Valon Behrami on his comeback trail from injury
20-05-2009
Danny Gabbidon
Well that's much more like it! I have to say I feared for West Ham at the
weekend.
When confidence is low when you've lost four out of the last five games
every game that comes up next looks all the more difficult. Palace had been
in a rich vein of form and I know, being an ex Palace player, Selhurst Park
is a difficult place to play for an opposing team, in good form or not.
The international break can also affect you in different ways. If you're
performing well in the league no manager wants it to come along, you want to
keep that momentum and winning feeling going but if confidence is low and
results are bad it really can be a God send! I definitely think it was the
later for West Ham and Slaven Bilic.
I was across North London on Saturday covering Arsenal's win against Swansea
but as soon as the game was finished I got the game up on my mobile. The
first thing I always do when I start watching a game is to try and figure
out the team shape but initially the first thing I noticed was no James
Collins in the West Ham back line. On closer inspection I then made out the
change of shape to a three at the back system. At this point I was fearing
another difficult afternoon for us but it soon became apparent that this is
a system perfectly suited to West Ham's personnel.
A lot of credit has to go to Slaven Bilic. It's never an easy decision as a
manager to change things so drastically when your having a bad spell. You
want to believe in your current system that has served you so well, you
wonder if your players are going to be open to change when morale is low.
The break certainly helped give the manager time to analyse what had been
going wrong recently and offered an opportunity to implement a new way of
playing.
Probably more important than the system, international week also allowed
Aaron Cresswell more time to get match fit, a vital component if you're
going to play with a wing back system. I'm not sure Bilic would have gone
down this road if he wasn't ready to start.
We can talk about systems until we are blue in the face and yes it does very
much suit the players Bilic has at his disposal. You had three mobile and
athletic centre backs, you had two energetic wing backs and it also allowed
the main man Dimitri Payet to do what he does best operating in more central
areas.
All well and good but the main difference ,which I'm sure we all noted, was
the intensity and work rate of the players. It doesn't matter who you are in
this league if you are not willing to run around and make it difficult for
the opposition you can't win games of football. You can't score goals, you
can't get the ball back effectively and you certainly can't defend properly!
The reason Winston Reid was able to defend so well and collect the man of
the match award was because the players in front of him put a shift in.
You'd be amazed how much easier it is to defend just by your striker showing
willingness to work. He doesn't have to be flying into tackles or anything
like that just running with a bit of intent getting defender's heads down.
This then allows the midfield and defenders to get their positions right
because you have a much better idea of where the ball might then going. I
thought Simone Zaza's energy and running was brilliant. When you see your
striker doing that it feeds through to the rest of the team and everyone
else follows. If he keeps that intensity up the goals will follow I'm sure…
I've not written him off yet!
I hate to says it but Kouyate also looked very good in that right centre
back slot.(Sorry James!) Part of West Ham's defensive vulnerability has
certainly been down to him. Vacating the midfield area, galloping forward
but not getting back into shape with anything like the same intensity
leaving massive holes for his midfield partner Mark Noble to cover who as we
know is the most mobile.
Bringing Obiang into that central area has certainly helped he has waited
for his chance and looks much more disciplined defensively.
The fact that we then went down to 10 men and were still able to hang on for
the three points shows me that the team are still hungry and capable of
being organised and difficult to beat if they fancy it. The question is can
they now kick on and keep performing at that level for the rest of the
season?
I'm sure the West Ham fans would appreciate now seeing a few more of these
performances on home soil starting with struggling Sunderland on Saturday.
You could see what it meant to the players getting those three points and
those games when your backs are against the wall and you come through this
breeds huge confidence very quickly.
For me Saturday's performance was a big game changer. Onwards and upwards.
COYI!
Gabs
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Are we feeling just a bit too sorry for ourselves?
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th October 2016
By: Paul Walker
First things first. Sometime recently I got my football team back. They'd
got lost along the way from the Boleyn to Stratford, and I'd missed them.
Maybe they were huddled in a lock-up on West Ham Lane, who knows, but the
team that had captivated Irons fans last season with their vitality,
strength, team spirit, pulsating football and pride in our last season at
the Boleyn, were becoming something of a myth.
The boss, Slaven Bilic, who managed the side on instinct and love was a pale
shadow of the motivator who strode the touchlines at Upton Park, an animated
driving force who took us to seventh spot and almost the Champions League.
So much must have changed in the summer as we looked homeless, listless and
lost come the supposed brave new world in Stratford. The dozen or so new
players looked just as lost--where was this iconic, famous East London club
with a brilliant crowd they had been told they were joining?.
The atmosphere stank, the team ethos had evaporated, and the fans were
seemingly at war with themselves and the board.
But then came Saturday's trip to Selhurst Park. I watched it a couple of
hundred miles away in a darkened room on an Ipad. I won't pay a penny more
for my TV football these days so my lad has somehow fixed it that I can
watch his BT on my pad. Don't ask me how.
But I saw something that I thought had been lost. Verve, passion, desire,
team work and belief. A team that ran itself into the ground for the common
good. Yes they were playing for the manager, no he hadn't lost the dressing
room and at last there was a shaft of light in a grey, dark season.
Even Simone Zaza did OK, and we could see just how much Slav has banked his
West Ham career on the Italian. A firm hug and handshake, both men at the
end looked clearly to really care.
I saw players throwing their shirts into our delirious fans at the end…Zaza,
Jonathan Calleri, Nobes(of course), new players and old at one with their
fans. Infact, I doubt I have witnessed the fans, board and players being
united at any point so far this season.
Of course there has got to be more. So bad has the start t the season been.
So it's back to the dreaded London Stadium for Saturday's visit of bottom
club Sunderland. Everyone knows we dare not lose that one.
Will the atmosphere be any better, will the Irons fans be able to put aside
the many issues that still bother them and give the team 100 per cent? Who
knows?
But that's up to us, surely, no point in blaming the board, the ground
owners, the people who run the trains(or not as has been the case)or the
stadium itself. And if you read some of the forum feedback these days, there
is a body of fans who actually like the stadium, want to make it work and
their opinion is as valid as the folk with issues.
I also sense there is a view that enough is enough with the moaning, even if
I fully understand the views of fans who have not enjoyed the experience in
Stratford. They too have a right to a voice.
That was going to be about it from me on the subject until I was flicking
through Sky(as you do when you are old and at home)and I came across a
feature on Liverpool's miracle in Istanbul, now some 11 years ago.
Back in the day when I worked for a living, I was fortunate enough to travel
the world watching football, and having spent nearly 20 years in and around
Liverpool, was in Turkey that week working.
But the TV feature, with Jamie Carragher actually speaking slowly in
English, reminded me of something I had forgotten in all the complaining
about athletics tracks and distance from the pitch. Even green plastic
sheeting.
That Ataturk stadium was a horrible concrete bowl build on wasteland across
the Bosphorus on the terribly poor Asian side of the city. The posh bit is
on the western side where Galatasaray and Besiktas play and all the hotels
and tourist stuff is.
Transport out to the stadium was a joke, thousands walked ten miles to get
to the game, and the stadium was uncovered at both ends and many felt not
fit for purpose(Now stop it you lot, I am not trying to compare with
anything)
But the atmosphere was amazing, the noise deafening, and Milan fans played
their part. You could not hear yourself think such was the passion and fury
from the seats, all behind a track covered in green plastic. And no
retractable seats.
That night will live with me. I am no Liverpool fan, but came to respect a
proper, working class club and their fans(not all moaning Scousers) I have
always felt that Liverpool and the East End are similar, although we do
speak a different language. They have seen their docks and heavy industry
destroyed, and they have been a welcoming new home for many different
nationalities.
Liverpool and Milan fans that night showed that a track is no barrier to
passion and fierce support. Don't get me wrong, I will always prefer a
traditional British stadium, and I have wondered why me--amongst my group
of(much younger)Irons fans--finds the track the least offensive.
And I have begun to realise that having visited so many grounds in
Europe--particularly the east and what was the Iron Curtain-as well as World
Cups, I am more used to it.
Yes, I know in the UK athletics tracks are hated at football grounds. And I
go along with that. But, like Istanbul, there are so many stadiums around
that have tracks and people handle it.
A quick look through my travelling log of years gone by shows Munich, Hysel,
Athens, Monaco, San Sebastian (Sociadad) Las Palmas, Majorca, Kiev, Vienna
(where England played last week), Hampden, Berlin, Stockholm, Moscow and
Rome, to name just a few, where tracks are common place.
And I cannot recall a stadium in eastern Europe that was not community
(Government) built with multi-use the key. So I have come to think that
atmosphere can be created in a stadium like ours, if we try hard enough.
Maybe we have been feeling too sorry for ourselves about what we have lost,
to do our best to make what we have work.
I know it's not perfect. It's not the Boleyn. But I have learned over my
many years that there is no point raging against something you cannot
change. Pick your battles.
And that's where we are now. I fully understand the idea for a Trust to
engage with the club(if they can be persuaded, and that's a mute point)to
put fans problems to the board.
But the one thing we are not going to change, because that time has gone, is
our new home. Rich people, I have always felt, get what they want in the
end. And they have got the stadium they wanted and the club has been reborn
in Stratford.
They only way out, I fear, is not to come, if you dislike it that much. In
effect to let the bosses win and rid themselves of the great unwashed. Well,
I may not have too many years left to support my team, no I'm not about to
peg it but as you get into your 60s and 70s, banging up and down to London
from the north like I do may not be as appealing as it was in years to come.
So I don't plan to walk out on them now, they are my team wherever they
play.
So it would be nice to go to the stadium on Saturday, to see the sort of
performance they produced at Selhurst Park, and to create the sort of
atmosphere 57,000 people should be able to produce, track or no track!
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.
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West Ham skipper Mark Noble wary of struggling Sunderland
Last Updated: 18/10/16 10:29pm
SSN
Mark Noble is fully aware he and his West Ham team-mates cannot afford to
underestimate Sunderland despite their terrible start to the season. The
Hammers play host to the Premier League's bottom club having been bolstered
by a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace last weekend. David Moyes' men are rock
bottom, having only taken two points from their eight games so far this
season. But skipper Noble is taking nothing for granted this weekend as West
Ham bid to build on four points from two games after a run of four
successive league defeats. "It's really important that we don't turn up and
the fans don't turn up and think it's Sunderland, they're bottom of the
league, we're going to win," he said. "It doesn't work like that in this
league, you have to really earn your points. "I was really happy for
everyone in the club because we've trained really hard in the past two or
three weeks. The players really do care and I think that showed on
Saturday."
Mark Noble was speaking at an event to mark Hawes & Curtis becoming the
official tailor to West Ham United Football Club. Find out more at
hawesandcurtis.co.uk.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic considering raid on former club Besiktas for
Kerim Frei
16:58, 18 OCT 2016 UPDATED 18:46, 18 OCT 2016
BY FRANCISCO ACEDO
Former Fulham youngster Frei has struggled for opportunities this term and
Bilic is considering bringing him back to London
The Mirror
West Ham are watching Besiktas' former Fulham midfielder Kerim Frei. Frei
played under Hammers boss Slaven Bilic at the Turkish club and could be
available for £3m. Bilic wants to strengthen his squad in January with West
Ham struggling towards the bottom of the Premier League club. Frei made his
Fulham debut at the age of 17 and spent two seasons in the first-team before
joining Besiktas in 2013. He impressed under Bilic but has struggled for
opportunities this term and has been an unused substitute in Besiktas' last
two matches. Saturday's victory at Crystal Palace was just West Ham's second
in the league this season, with Bilic's men climbing out of the relegation
zone. After the game, the Croat said: "It is a very important win for us.
"This has got to be a pattern for us in a positive way about what we have to
do."
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Mark Noble: West Ham played 'like a proper team' in Crystal Palace win
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Mark Noble hailed West Ham for playing "like a proper team" when they
brought their winless run to an end away to Crystal Palace. Manuel Lanzini
scored the only goal at Selhurst Park as West Ham claimed their first
Premier League win since August with the visitors spending the final 15
minutes defending their lead with just 10 men after Aaron Cresswell received
two controversial yellow cards in the space of a minute. West Ham rode their
luck at times, with Christian Benteke missing a penalty moments before
half-time, and had goalkeeper Adrian to thank for an impressive late save
from Connor Wickham. "I thought we were tremendous," Noble said. "They've
got big players like Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke up front, but I
thought our defence did a magnificent job, they dealt with them incredibly,
it's a top, top win for us. "I said in an interview the other day that
everyone here really does care, and I think we showed that. We looked at how
Palace play and everything goes through Benteke so we knew we had to deal
with that threat. Cheik [Cheikhou Kouyate] is great in the air, then
alongside Reidy [Winston Reid] and Angelo [Ogbonna], obviously Cress [Aaron
Cresswell] back in the side, we played like a proper team."
Having extricated themselves from the Premier League drop zone West Ham now
face bottom of the table Sunderland on Saturday. David Moyes' side are yet
to win this season and lost 2-0 at fellow strugglers Stoke on Saturday.
However Noble expects Sunderland to prove formidable opponents at the London
Stadium: "It's going to be a tough game, they need the points too. "By all
accounts we've had a terrible start, but now we're only a point behind
Leicester who won the league last year. "If we start to put a few wins
together, we'll start to climb the table and get to where we want to be."
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West Ham Wonderkid Ajibola Set To Spark International Tug Of War Between
Nigeria & England
Published: October 18, 2016
Allnigeriasoccer.com
Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that the English FA are in pole position to
lure the highly-rated West Ham stopper Ajibola Alese to commit his
international future to England at senior level rather than Nigeria. The
young central defender is one of the most promising teenagers at West Ham's
Academy, and the English FA have moved fast to cap him for their U15s squad.
Alese, an athletic and strong defender, has been competing for the English
youth team at that age category when he first became a teenager, and has
captained the squad. Though he has not featured for West Ham U18s in the
U18 Premier League this term, having failed to come off the bench last
weekend against Norwich City, he made his debut for the squad in November
2015 against Leicester City U18s. Ajibola Alese was raised in the United
Kingdom but remains eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents.
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Argentina striker's war of words could reignite West Ham and Tottenham
interest
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur could reignite their interest in
Argentina striker Mauro Icardi after his high profile fall out with Inter
Milan fans. Icardi has issued a public apology on Instagram in an effort to
repair his relationship with the club's fans after the Nerazzurri captain
was involved in a series of heated exchanges with the infamous 'Curva Nord'
ultras. It follows the release of Icardi's autobiography Sempre Avanti in
which he criticised their behaviour, as reported by Sky Sports. He has since
been subjected to abuse during matches, was goaded after missing a penalty
in a 2-1 defeat to Cagliari where an illicit banner aimed at the striker was
unveiled before the game.
Icardi's position at Inter could be untenable
In a desperate bid to save his career at the San Siro Icardi wrote on
Instagram: "I'm sorry. Sorry for the fuss that's been created. "I simply
recounted the incident according to my memories. I didn't want to offend or
disrespect anyone." His position at the club now seems untenable, though,
and that could well play into the hands of Hammers boss Slaven Bilic and
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino. Both London rivals were linked with
Icardi over the summer and was said to have been one of Bilic's main
targets, as reported at the time by the likes of the Mirror. According to
the reports Hammers co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold were willing to
sanction a bid of upwards of £40 million to secure his signature. He was
also strongly linked with fellow Serie A side Napoli as well as Arsenal and
Spurs, with Pochettino keen to bolster his forward line for another assault
on the Premier League title. Pochettino is getting the best out of Son this
season in Harry Kane's absence through injury. But he could hold the trump
card over Bilic should the clubs reignite their interest in the 23-year-old
given he is a fellow Argentine. With the January transfer window just over
two months away, both club will be assessing their respective targets with
West Ham badly struggling in the forward department as they try and salvage
their season. Meanwhile Spurs will want options if they are to enjoy success
domestically and in Europe.
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Damien Delaney: West Ham tactics caught Crystal Palace out
By Max Hall - October 18, 2016
londonnewsonline.co.uk
Damien Delaney admitted Palace were caught cold by Slaven Bilic's formation
and tactics as West Ham ended their five-game unbeaten run in the Premier
League. Manuel Lanzini's 19th-minute goal settled the contest at Selhurst
Park. "West Ham came out with a bold system we weren't particularly
expecting," said Delaney. "To play 3-4-3 away from home, it just got us on
the back foot early. "By the time we'd figured it out I think that they'd
got a little bit of momentum and confidence. In the second half we needed to
adjust but we'd lost out hold on the game."
Palace looked leggy throughout but Delaney was quick to dismiss the
international break as a contributory factor. "We went out there with a
system and a gameplan and maybe we thought it was going to be a good
afternoon and a nice night for us, one of the games like our good home
performance against Stoke," said the Irish international. "Unfortunately it
wasn't like that and no matter what league you're in, if you don't do the
hard work first, you don't earn the right to win. "The first half, if I'm
being honest, the way we've been playing of late, it wasn't up to the
standard that we've set and we're pretty annoyed about that."
The captain was quick to pay tribute to Palace fans who have now seen their
side fail to win in their last eight London derbies. "I feel bad for the
fans. Towards the end when we were losing 1-0, there was terrific support.
Not a lot of teams would get that when you're losing 1-0. "It's
disappointing for ourselves, disappointing for them, disappointing for the
first-half showing but we live to fight another day."
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Selhurst Park has become the birthplace of new West Ham terrace chants
HITC
Damien Lucas
Not only has Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park become a happy hunting ground
for West Ham United, it has also become a birthplace of new chants. The
Hammers won on their travels to their London rivals for the third
consecutive season when Manuel Lanzini's strike secured a 1-0 victory at the
weekend. It was only West Ham's second win of the season and a vital one too
as it lifted Slaven Bilic's side out of the relegation zone and eased the
pressure on him and his team after their worst start to a Premier League
season. But an interesting aside - for Hammers fans at least - is the fact
that for a second season running, and almost to the day when the club beat
the Eagles 3-1 on their own patch last season, Selhurst Park was the
birthplace of a new terrace chant.
After years without a genuine hero figure West Ham United fans have been
somewhat spoilt for choice the last season or so. And that has been
reflected in the stands with Hammers fans honouring the sensational Dimitri
Payet with the song to the tune of Billy Ray Cyrus' Achy Breaky Heart. That
song was born at Selhurst Park last season and this time around it was
Lanzini's turn.
To the tune of Rufus & Chaka Khan's classic Ain't Nobody Hammers fans belted
out their new ditty long into the night 'Ain't nobody, like Lanzini, makes
me happy, plays the West Ham way'.
He certainly does too and his slick goal, a neat first time finish from the
returning Aaron Cresswell's expert low cross, has given the club renewed
hope and belief both on the pitch and in the stands. The chant has been
around on social media for a while but never has it been sung en masse and
with such fervour as it was at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United PL2 were beaten 2-0 away at Aston Villa in Premier League 2
Division 2 on Monday night
The Hammers welcomed back loan stars Reece Burke and Kyle Knoyle
Terry Westley said his players need to learn from the defeat
West Ham United PL2 need to understand that teams will not just roll over
against them, according to manager Terry Westley. The Hammers were beaten
2-0 by Aston Villa on Monday night, in a performance that didn't quite match
the high standards they set in the Premier League Cup victory over Leicester
City two weeks ago. A plus for Westley's men was a return to action for
defenders Kyle Knoyle and Reece Burke who both continued their
rehabilitation from injuries suffered on loan at Wigan Athletic. There was
also starts for Ashley Fletcher, Domingos Quina and Raphael Spiegel. "It was
a poor performance all round, we never quite got going and didn't play with
the intensity we have been. But that's what happens when you work with young
players," said Westley. "We played very well at Leicester and you think it's
just going to happen again. We have to understand you have to earn the right
to get on the ball and make things happen – teams aren't just going to roll
over. We never quite got to that level at any stage of the game."
After a tight opening twenty minutes, it was the home side who took the lead
with virtually their first effort on goal. Callum O'Hare's deep cross found
Corey Blackett-Taylor at the back post and he nodded the ball past Raphael
Spiegel. The Hammers struggled to make use of their limited openings and
Villa doubled their lead in controversial circumstances just before the
interval. Knoyle was adjudged to have tugged back striker Keinan Davis in
the penalty area and Davis rolled the spot kick home to make it 2-0.
Westley's players stuck to their gameplan in the second half and should have
pulled a goal back when keeper Matija Starkic somehow kept out a powerful
drive from Ashley Fletcher. Fletcher hit the side netting with minutes to
play but Villa held on for the three points and succumbed the Hammers to
just their second league defeat of the season. "I think we maintained our
passing style in the first half and, strangely enough, I wasn't too
disappointed at half-time, apart from conceding two goals," Westley added.
"We didn't play with that same purpose in the second half and we didn't pass
the ball well enough. They scored the two goals and just sat back and made
it difficult for us. "Overall, it's one of the first games this season where
I've been disappointed with the players."
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Knoyle happy to get some minutes
WHUFC.com
Kyle Knoyle appeared for West Ham United PL2 in their 2-0 defeat to Aston
Villa
The right-back has been on loan at Wigan Athletic all season but been
injured for the majority of his time there
He's was delighted to get 90 minutes under his belt as he returns to Wigan
next week
Kyle Knoyle was disappointed with West Ham United PL2's 2-0 defeat to Aston
Villa on Monday night, but delighted to get 90 minutes under his belt. The
right-back has been on loan at Wigan Athletic all season but has found
game-time hard to come by, considering he injured his tricep in pre-season.
Latics boss Gary Caldwell was in attendance to see Knoyle and teammate Reece
Burke, who's also been on loan with the Lancashire side this season, as they
continued their comeback from injuries. Knoyle hopes he showed enough on
Monday night to give himself a good run of games in the Sky Bet
Championship, having played a full 90 minutes for the first time this
season. "I started off the season with an unfortunate injury. Spent the last
3 months in the gym just working hard and trying to get back fit. But
hopefully, I can push on now and get some games under my belt for Wigan
Athletic," said Knoyle. "The experience is something I need at my age right
now. I'm 20 years old and I need to be in a first team environment to
develop because I've been playing U23 football since I was 17 and I don't
think another year would benefit me."
Terry Westley made five change in all from the side that was beaten 3-0 by
Wycombe Wanderers in the Checkatrade Trophy, with Knoyle and Burke coming
into the defence. Ashley Fletcher made his first Premier League 2 start
since the opening day win at Stoke City and there were starts for Raphael
Spiegel and Domingos Quina. The Hammers went behind midway through the first
half after Callum O'Hare's deep cross found Corey Blackett-Taylor at the
back post who headed past Spiegel. They doubled their lead on the stroke of
half-time – Knoyle was penalised for shirt pulling in the area and Keinan
Davis scored the penalty. The Hammers had chances in the second half with
Fletcher twice going close, but they couldn't find a way back into the
match. We were defensively sloppy in the first half but we had the majority
of possession and we should have finished off a lot of our chances," added
Knoyle. "Half-time we got a bit of a rollicking but the staff know we are
better than what we showed. '?>"I haven't been back at West Ham for about a
year so it felt good to be back. It was great to be amongst all the lads and
I did my best for the team."
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Slav hails hard-working duo
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says Pedro Obiang and Simone Zaza personified the work-rate and
attitude West Ham United need to show on a consistent basis. The two former
Serie A stars were to the fore in the Hammers' 1-0 Premier League win at
Crystal Palace on Saturday, as much for their defensive contributions than
their attacking input. Zaza won an incredible 12 aerial battles against
Palace's normally dominant centre-halves James Tomkins and Damien Delaney,
while his work-rate in closing down the home back four resulted in numerous
turnovers in possession.
Obiang, meanwhile, made four tackles, four clearances, an interception an 47
passes, including the raking ball out to Aaron Cresswell that led to Manuel
Lanzini's match-winning goal.
The manager singled out both players for praise, saying the level of effort
they had put in set the standard that the Hammers will need to reach in
every game if they are to continue climbing the Premier League table. "We
are going to have the opportunity to have another good season only if we
perform like this without the ball," Bilic observed. "We have the quality,
of course, but this is the cruellest league in the world if you are ten per
cent below par in any aspect of the game. Sometimes you get luck and
sometimes you win the game 3-0, but you cannot be like this. "Pedro waited
for chances. I spoke to him in the pre-season and he played 30-odd games for
us last season, not always as a starter, and is a great example for
everyone. "Last time out against Middlesbrough he got the chance and used it
really well. If he continues to play like this, the place is his. "Zaza was
different class on Saturday. I told him after the game 'This is the Zaza I
know from Sassuolo and from Juventus and the goals will come'. Goals are
really important for strikers, but they will come. "I told him after the
game straight away 'Zaza, you won today. Tonight you won more balls in the
air against two good centre-halves in Delaney and Tomkins than you won in
the four or five games you played before'. Without him, we wouldn't have
won, it's as simple as that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Pedro Obiang
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang has certainly made an impression in his last two starts for the
Hammers and showed his quality once again as he played a big role in helping
West Ham record a crucial 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Spanish midfielder does not always attract the headlines, but he was one
of the unsung heroes in the memorable win at Selhurst Park and now hopes to
carry on his good run of form when the team host Sunderland at London
Stadium on Saturday....
Pedro, it was a fantastic victory on Saturday and a great performance from
everyone in the team. How important is it for everyone at the Club that we
have now moved out of the bottom three
PO: "It is very important for us to be out of the bottom three. This is the
first game we have won away this season and it is good for the character of
the team.
"We need to continue this and have another good result against Sunderland
next weekend."
We certainly enjoy playing against Crystal Palace and this was a great way
to follow up our 3-1 victory last season. What is it about playing in south
London and getting such good results at Selhurst Park?
PO: "When you play in such a big London derby we know as players that we
need to chase everything and work hard. "When you have a chance you need to
put it away. We were very lucky that we scored a goal and then we worked
hard to protect that lead and came away with a big three points."
What can you say about the return of Aaron Cresswell. It was obviously
disappointing to see him get sent-off but he made such an impact in his
first game back and played a crucial role in the winning goal?
PO: "It is normal for Aaron to play like that and he can make a big
difference to the team."
How important is it that we now transform this result into the London
Stadium and get our home record back on track with a victory over Sunderland
on Saturday?
PO: "It is very important that we start winning at London Stadium. We know
that Sunderland will be a difficult game. "But we need to carry on this good
performance into the game on Saturday and if we show this kind of character
we can win more games."
Do you think the victory over Palace could be the turning point in the
Club's season?
PO: "We have to keep this mentality. We need to do something different this
season. We all know the start to the season has not been what we were
looking for.
"But we have changed things around and all the players came together at the
right time to get a result."
Slaven decided to change the system against Palace and revert to three at
the back. How much do you think that played a part in the team coming away
with all three points?
PO: "We played that system a few times last season against Tottenham and
Everton and we showed then that we are a good team. "We can play with
different systems and all the players can show their qualities playing in
different positions."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers welcome Benali's Big Race
WHUFC.com
Former Southampton star Francis Benali visited London Stadium during
Benali's Big Race
Benali attempting to raise £1 million for Cancer Research UK
One-time defender ran and cycled to 44 Premier League and Championship
grounds
West Ham United welcomed fundraising champion and former Southampton star
Francis Benali to London Stadium.
Joined by long-time teammate Matt Le Tissier, Benali ran to the Hammers' new
home as part of Benali's Big Race, a challenge which saw the one-time Saints
full-back run and cycle all 44 Premier League and Championship grounds in
the space of 15 days.
The Big Race saw the 47-year-old brave wind, rain and sore muscles to cover
1,500 miles to raise £1million for Cancer Research UK, completing his
journey at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium at the Saints' Premier League
fixture with Burnley on Sunday.
Prior to finishing his challenge, Benali spent a day running and pedalling
between NINE Premier League and Championship stadia, starting out at White
Hart Lane before visiting London Stadium, the Emirates, Stamford Bridge,
Craven Cottage, Loftus Road, Griffin Park, Vicarage Road and ending at
Reading's Madejski Stadium.
"Two years ago, I ran to every Premier League stadium to raise money for
Cancer Research UK and we managed to raise £265,000, which was an incredible
amount of money to be able to hand over to the charity," he told West Ham
TV.
"I set a huge fundraising target of £1 million, so I felt I had some
unfinished business and in the two years since the last challenge my
father-in-law has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and we've lost two
close family friends and another close friend of the family is currently
undergoing her battle with cancer, so I felt I wanted to take on another
challenge.
"We wanted to raise the bar by making it more grounds and more clubs and
added the discipline of the bike to make it more interesting. The plan was
to run a marathon every morning and then cycle at least 75 miles in the
afternoon, so it's been pretty intense."
West Ham is a Club which has been hit hard by cancer historically, with the
late, great Bobby Moore losing his life to bowel cancer in 1993, and young
Australian Dylan Tombides being taken by the disease as recently as 2014.
"I don't think there is anybody in the country whose life hasn't been
touched by cancer in some way, shape or form," observed Benali, who was
presented with a signed shirt by former Hammers striker Bobby Barnes. "So
that's why I'm doing what I can in my own unique way to raise funds to help
the scientists find a cure for this awful disease."
Benali was joined by his old friend Le Tissier on his visit to London
Stadium, with the former England forward spending his 48th birthday running
and cycling around the capital for the cause.
"It's Matt's birthday so it just goes to show his support for the cause and
the charity that he has run around the capital to support the challenge," he
added.
"It's always great to have him along and have a chat and it's the first time
the both of us have visited London Stadium, which was a nice experience as
it's an incredible place and a wonderful stadium."
There is still time to make a donation to Benali's Big Race and support
Cancer Research UK at www.benalisbigrace.com.
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THE EXPECTATIONS AT THE CLUB ARE TOO HIGH!! DO YOU AGREE?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 18 OCTOBER 2016 AT 10:15PM
TehWestHamWay.co.uk
The is written by Stephen Lawrence
So much has been written and said about the predicament of our club
following the various dramas both on and off the pitch. Fingers are being
pointed at all possible potential reasons from the move from The Boleyn, to
the crowd issues in the new stadium, to the size of the pitch, to the
distance of the fans from the pitch, to the abilities of the new players, to
the volume of injuries, to the attitude of the players, to the number of
injuries, to the training methods, to players playing out of position and so
on.
Whilst all of these matters may be an issue in their own right, collectively
they are the symptoms rather than the cause. The real cause of our difficult
situation in my opinion is EXPECTATION. It was so high at the start of the
season that you'd need a parachute to get down from it. We finished last
season just falling off from making the Champions League places. We were
moving to a new stadium, the scale of which would rival some of the best in
Europe. We were buying players rather than selling. We were holding onto
Dimitri Payet who was a star of the Euros. We had the second highest level
of season ticket holders in the EPL. We had arrived at the big time.
Overnight we had transformed. We were now a big club, on a par with Arsenal,
Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs. It had happened.
But it hadn't. We were just led to believe it. We believed our own hype. We
bought into our own dreams. We jumped on the bandwagon that was taking us to
glory. We had sky high EXPECTATIONS.
In arriving at this dreamy state of delusion playing Juventus in a
pre-season friendly and imagining this was just the start of life in the
fast lane, we dismissed the Astras and Watfords of this world as the
also-rans from the level we had now left behind. Small clubs and easy
pickings for us. We were one the big boys now.
But it doesn't just happen like that. Transformation of anything from one
level to another is usually a journey and you don't start a journey at your
destination, you follow the road to get there. This is where we are
struggling now. We have forgotten about the journey. We have set the bar
right to the top and expected the players to suddenly be right there. In
hindsight that's just plain silly but we're all allowed to dream. But the
extraordinarily high expectations we had collectively formed may have served
to just add pressure to everyone, especially to the players and manager. And
that pressure is clearly showing both on the pitch in the performances of
the players and in the stands in the frustration of the fans.
So now, let's just take a breath and reflect that we are on a journey of
transformation (whether personally we like it or not). We are headed onto
bigger things. The stadium, the increased fan base, the increased squad size
and the higher level of commercialism are all ingredients for the journey.
But let's not kid ourselves anymore. Reality is clearly showing that the
journey won't be a breeze. There will be bumps in the road, twists, turns
and hills to climb. We're experiencing some of those now. But, eventually,
the road will level out and we'll be in reach of our destination.
We just need to manage our expectations that we may have been silly to think
we'll get there overnight.
Let's wish the manager and players the best of luck. Let's recognise that
this will be a season of transformation and it may be tough. Let's make sure
we're behind the team, giving them our full backing, and being the 12th man
that helps them make the transformation successful. And let's keep our
expectations realistic.
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DANNY GABBIDON'S EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: THE INTERNATIONAL BREAK WAS A GODSEND!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 18 OCTOBER 2016 AT 9:20PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
West Ham United training prior to Premier League match against Middlesbrough
Chadwell Heath plus Valon Behrami on his comeback trail from injury
20-05-2009
Danny Gabbidon
Well that's much more like it! I have to say I feared for West Ham at the
weekend.
When confidence is low when you've lost four out of the last five games
every game that comes up next looks all the more difficult. Palace had been
in a rich vein of form and I know, being an ex Palace player, Selhurst Park
is a difficult place to play for an opposing team, in good form or not.
The international break can also affect you in different ways. If you're
performing well in the league no manager wants it to come along, you want to
keep that momentum and winning feeling going but if confidence is low and
results are bad it really can be a God send! I definitely think it was the
later for West Ham and Slaven Bilic.
I was across North London on Saturday covering Arsenal's win against Swansea
but as soon as the game was finished I got the game up on my mobile. The
first thing I always do when I start watching a game is to try and figure
out the team shape but initially the first thing I noticed was no James
Collins in the West Ham back line. On closer inspection I then made out the
change of shape to a three at the back system. At this point I was fearing
another difficult afternoon for us but it soon became apparent that this is
a system perfectly suited to West Ham's personnel.
A lot of credit has to go to Slaven Bilic. It's never an easy decision as a
manager to change things so drastically when your having a bad spell. You
want to believe in your current system that has served you so well, you
wonder if your players are going to be open to change when morale is low.
The break certainly helped give the manager time to analyse what had been
going wrong recently and offered an opportunity to implement a new way of
playing.
Probably more important than the system, international week also allowed
Aaron Cresswell more time to get match fit, a vital component if you're
going to play with a wing back system. I'm not sure Bilic would have gone
down this road if he wasn't ready to start.
We can talk about systems until we are blue in the face and yes it does very
much suit the players Bilic has at his disposal. You had three mobile and
athletic centre backs, you had two energetic wing backs and it also allowed
the main man Dimitri Payet to do what he does best operating in more central
areas.
All well and good but the main difference ,which I'm sure we all noted, was
the intensity and work rate of the players. It doesn't matter who you are in
this league if you are not willing to run around and make it difficult for
the opposition you can't win games of football. You can't score goals, you
can't get the ball back effectively and you certainly can't defend properly!
The reason Winston Reid was able to defend so well and collect the man of
the match award was because the players in front of him put a shift in.
You'd be amazed how much easier it is to defend just by your striker showing
willingness to work. He doesn't have to be flying into tackles or anything
like that just running with a bit of intent getting defender's heads down.
This then allows the midfield and defenders to get their positions right
because you have a much better idea of where the ball might then going. I
thought Simone Zaza's energy and running was brilliant. When you see your
striker doing that it feeds through to the rest of the team and everyone
else follows. If he keeps that intensity up the goals will follow I'm sure…
I've not written him off yet!
I hate to says it but Kouyate also looked very good in that right centre
back slot.(Sorry James!) Part of West Ham's defensive vulnerability has
certainly been down to him. Vacating the midfield area, galloping forward
but not getting back into shape with anything like the same intensity
leaving massive holes for his midfield partner Mark Noble to cover who as we
know is the most mobile.
Bringing Obiang into that central area has certainly helped he has waited
for his chance and looks much more disciplined defensively.
The fact that we then went down to 10 men and were still able to hang on for
the three points shows me that the team are still hungry and capable of
being organised and difficult to beat if they fancy it. The question is can
they now kick on and keep performing at that level for the rest of the
season?
I'm sure the West Ham fans would appreciate now seeing a few more of these
performances on home soil starting with struggling Sunderland on Saturday.
You could see what it meant to the players getting those three points and
those games when your backs are against the wall and you come through this
breeds huge confidence very quickly.
For me Saturday's performance was a big game changer. Onwards and upwards.
COYI!
Gabs
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Are we feeling just a bit too sorry for ourselves?
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th October 2016
By: Paul Walker
First things first. Sometime recently I got my football team back. They'd
got lost along the way from the Boleyn to Stratford, and I'd missed them.
Maybe they were huddled in a lock-up on West Ham Lane, who knows, but the
team that had captivated Irons fans last season with their vitality,
strength, team spirit, pulsating football and pride in our last season at
the Boleyn, were becoming something of a myth.
The boss, Slaven Bilic, who managed the side on instinct and love was a pale
shadow of the motivator who strode the touchlines at Upton Park, an animated
driving force who took us to seventh spot and almost the Champions League.
So much must have changed in the summer as we looked homeless, listless and
lost come the supposed brave new world in Stratford. The dozen or so new
players looked just as lost--where was this iconic, famous East London club
with a brilliant crowd they had been told they were joining?.
The atmosphere stank, the team ethos had evaporated, and the fans were
seemingly at war with themselves and the board.
But then came Saturday's trip to Selhurst Park. I watched it a couple of
hundred miles away in a darkened room on an Ipad. I won't pay a penny more
for my TV football these days so my lad has somehow fixed it that I can
watch his BT on my pad. Don't ask me how.
But I saw something that I thought had been lost. Verve, passion, desire,
team work and belief. A team that ran itself into the ground for the common
good. Yes they were playing for the manager, no he hadn't lost the dressing
room and at last there was a shaft of light in a grey, dark season.
Even Simone Zaza did OK, and we could see just how much Slav has banked his
West Ham career on the Italian. A firm hug and handshake, both men at the
end looked clearly to really care.
I saw players throwing their shirts into our delirious fans at the end…Zaza,
Jonathan Calleri, Nobes(of course), new players and old at one with their
fans. Infact, I doubt I have witnessed the fans, board and players being
united at any point so far this season.
Of course there has got to be more. So bad has the start t the season been.
So it's back to the dreaded London Stadium for Saturday's visit of bottom
club Sunderland. Everyone knows we dare not lose that one.
Will the atmosphere be any better, will the Irons fans be able to put aside
the many issues that still bother them and give the team 100 per cent? Who
knows?
But that's up to us, surely, no point in blaming the board, the ground
owners, the people who run the trains(or not as has been the case)or the
stadium itself. And if you read some of the forum feedback these days, there
is a body of fans who actually like the stadium, want to make it work and
their opinion is as valid as the folk with issues.
I also sense there is a view that enough is enough with the moaning, even if
I fully understand the views of fans who have not enjoyed the experience in
Stratford. They too have a right to a voice.
That was going to be about it from me on the subject until I was flicking
through Sky(as you do when you are old and at home)and I came across a
feature on Liverpool's miracle in Istanbul, now some 11 years ago.
Back in the day when I worked for a living, I was fortunate enough to travel
the world watching football, and having spent nearly 20 years in and around
Liverpool, was in Turkey that week working.
But the TV feature, with Jamie Carragher actually speaking slowly in
English, reminded me of something I had forgotten in all the complaining
about athletics tracks and distance from the pitch. Even green plastic
sheeting.
That Ataturk stadium was a horrible concrete bowl build on wasteland across
the Bosphorus on the terribly poor Asian side of the city. The posh bit is
on the western side where Galatasaray and Besiktas play and all the hotels
and tourist stuff is.
Transport out to the stadium was a joke, thousands walked ten miles to get
to the game, and the stadium was uncovered at both ends and many felt not
fit for purpose(Now stop it you lot, I am not trying to compare with
anything)
But the atmosphere was amazing, the noise deafening, and Milan fans played
their part. You could not hear yourself think such was the passion and fury
from the seats, all behind a track covered in green plastic. And no
retractable seats.
That night will live with me. I am no Liverpool fan, but came to respect a
proper, working class club and their fans(not all moaning Scousers) I have
always felt that Liverpool and the East End are similar, although we do
speak a different language. They have seen their docks and heavy industry
destroyed, and they have been a welcoming new home for many different
nationalities.
Liverpool and Milan fans that night showed that a track is no barrier to
passion and fierce support. Don't get me wrong, I will always prefer a
traditional British stadium, and I have wondered why me--amongst my group
of(much younger)Irons fans--finds the track the least offensive.
And I have begun to realise that having visited so many grounds in
Europe--particularly the east and what was the Iron Curtain-as well as World
Cups, I am more used to it.
Yes, I know in the UK athletics tracks are hated at football grounds. And I
go along with that. But, like Istanbul, there are so many stadiums around
that have tracks and people handle it.
A quick look through my travelling log of years gone by shows Munich, Hysel,
Athens, Monaco, San Sebastian (Sociadad) Las Palmas, Majorca, Kiev, Vienna
(where England played last week), Hampden, Berlin, Stockholm, Moscow and
Rome, to name just a few, where tracks are common place.
And I cannot recall a stadium in eastern Europe that was not community
(Government) built with multi-use the key. So I have come to think that
atmosphere can be created in a stadium like ours, if we try hard enough.
Maybe we have been feeling too sorry for ourselves about what we have lost,
to do our best to make what we have work.
I know it's not perfect. It's not the Boleyn. But I have learned over my
many years that there is no point raging against something you cannot
change. Pick your battles.
And that's where we are now. I fully understand the idea for a Trust to
engage with the club(if they can be persuaded, and that's a mute point)to
put fans problems to the board.
But the one thing we are not going to change, because that time has gone, is
our new home. Rich people, I have always felt, get what they want in the
end. And they have got the stadium they wanted and the club has been reborn
in Stratford.
They only way out, I fear, is not to come, if you dislike it that much. In
effect to let the bosses win and rid themselves of the great unwashed. Well,
I may not have too many years left to support my team, no I'm not about to
peg it but as you get into your 60s and 70s, banging up and down to London
from the north like I do may not be as appealing as it was in years to come.
So I don't plan to walk out on them now, they are my team wherever they
play.
So it would be nice to go to the stadium on Saturday, to see the sort of
performance they produced at Selhurst Park, and to create the sort of
atmosphere 57,000 people should be able to produce, track or no track!
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham skipper Mark Noble wary of struggling Sunderland
Last Updated: 18/10/16 10:29pm
SSN
Mark Noble is fully aware he and his West Ham team-mates cannot afford to
underestimate Sunderland despite their terrible start to the season. The
Hammers play host to the Premier League's bottom club having been bolstered
by a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace last weekend. David Moyes' men are rock
bottom, having only taken two points from their eight games so far this
season. But skipper Noble is taking nothing for granted this weekend as West
Ham bid to build on four points from two games after a run of four
successive league defeats. "It's really important that we don't turn up and
the fans don't turn up and think it's Sunderland, they're bottom of the
league, we're going to win," he said. "It doesn't work like that in this
league, you have to really earn your points. "I was really happy for
everyone in the club because we've trained really hard in the past two or
three weeks. The players really do care and I think that showed on
Saturday."
Mark Noble was speaking at an event to mark Hawes & Curtis becoming the
official tailor to West Ham United Football Club. Find out more at
hawesandcurtis.co.uk.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic considering raid on former club Besiktas for
Kerim Frei
16:58, 18 OCT 2016 UPDATED 18:46, 18 OCT 2016
BY FRANCISCO ACEDO
Former Fulham youngster Frei has struggled for opportunities this term and
Bilic is considering bringing him back to London
The Mirror
West Ham are watching Besiktas' former Fulham midfielder Kerim Frei. Frei
played under Hammers boss Slaven Bilic at the Turkish club and could be
available for £3m. Bilic wants to strengthen his squad in January with West
Ham struggling towards the bottom of the Premier League club. Frei made his
Fulham debut at the age of 17 and spent two seasons in the first-team before
joining Besiktas in 2013. He impressed under Bilic but has struggled for
opportunities this term and has been an unused substitute in Besiktas' last
two matches. Saturday's victory at Crystal Palace was just West Ham's second
in the league this season, with Bilic's men climbing out of the relegation
zone. After the game, the Croat said: "It is a very important win for us.
"This has got to be a pattern for us in a positive way about what we have to
do."
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Mark Noble: West Ham played 'like a proper team' in Crystal Palace win
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Mark Noble hailed West Ham for playing "like a proper team" when they
brought their winless run to an end away to Crystal Palace. Manuel Lanzini
scored the only goal at Selhurst Park as West Ham claimed their first
Premier League win since August with the visitors spending the final 15
minutes defending their lead with just 10 men after Aaron Cresswell received
two controversial yellow cards in the space of a minute. West Ham rode their
luck at times, with Christian Benteke missing a penalty moments before
half-time, and had goalkeeper Adrian to thank for an impressive late save
from Connor Wickham. "I thought we were tremendous," Noble said. "They've
got big players like Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke up front, but I
thought our defence did a magnificent job, they dealt with them incredibly,
it's a top, top win for us. "I said in an interview the other day that
everyone here really does care, and I think we showed that. We looked at how
Palace play and everything goes through Benteke so we knew we had to deal
with that threat. Cheik [Cheikhou Kouyate] is great in the air, then
alongside Reidy [Winston Reid] and Angelo [Ogbonna], obviously Cress [Aaron
Cresswell] back in the side, we played like a proper team."
Having extricated themselves from the Premier League drop zone West Ham now
face bottom of the table Sunderland on Saturday. David Moyes' side are yet
to win this season and lost 2-0 at fellow strugglers Stoke on Saturday.
However Noble expects Sunderland to prove formidable opponents at the London
Stadium: "It's going to be a tough game, they need the points too. "By all
accounts we've had a terrible start, but now we're only a point behind
Leicester who won the league last year. "If we start to put a few wins
together, we'll start to climb the table and get to where we want to be."
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West Ham Wonderkid Ajibola Set To Spark International Tug Of War Between
Nigeria & England
Published: October 18, 2016
Allnigeriasoccer.com
Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that the English FA are in pole position to
lure the highly-rated West Ham stopper Ajibola Alese to commit his
international future to England at senior level rather than Nigeria. The
young central defender is one of the most promising teenagers at West Ham's
Academy, and the English FA have moved fast to cap him for their U15s squad.
Alese, an athletic and strong defender, has been competing for the English
youth team at that age category when he first became a teenager, and has
captained the squad. Though he has not featured for West Ham U18s in the
U18 Premier League this term, having failed to come off the bench last
weekend against Norwich City, he made his debut for the squad in November
2015 against Leicester City U18s. Ajibola Alese was raised in the United
Kingdom but remains eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents.
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Argentina striker's war of words could reignite West Ham and Tottenham
interest
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur could reignite their interest in
Argentina striker Mauro Icardi after his high profile fall out with Inter
Milan fans. Icardi has issued a public apology on Instagram in an effort to
repair his relationship with the club's fans after the Nerazzurri captain
was involved in a series of heated exchanges with the infamous 'Curva Nord'
ultras. It follows the release of Icardi's autobiography Sempre Avanti in
which he criticised their behaviour, as reported by Sky Sports. He has since
been subjected to abuse during matches, was goaded after missing a penalty
in a 2-1 defeat to Cagliari where an illicit banner aimed at the striker was
unveiled before the game.
Icardi's position at Inter could be untenable
In a desperate bid to save his career at the San Siro Icardi wrote on
Instagram: "I'm sorry. Sorry for the fuss that's been created. "I simply
recounted the incident according to my memories. I didn't want to offend or
disrespect anyone." His position at the club now seems untenable, though,
and that could well play into the hands of Hammers boss Slaven Bilic and
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino. Both London rivals were linked with
Icardi over the summer and was said to have been one of Bilic's main
targets, as reported at the time by the likes of the Mirror. According to
the reports Hammers co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold were willing to
sanction a bid of upwards of £40 million to secure his signature. He was
also strongly linked with fellow Serie A side Napoli as well as Arsenal and
Spurs, with Pochettino keen to bolster his forward line for another assault
on the Premier League title. Pochettino is getting the best out of Son this
season in Harry Kane's absence through injury. But he could hold the trump
card over Bilic should the clubs reignite their interest in the 23-year-old
given he is a fellow Argentine. With the January transfer window just over
two months away, both club will be assessing their respective targets with
West Ham badly struggling in the forward department as they try and salvage
their season. Meanwhile Spurs will want options if they are to enjoy success
domestically and in Europe.
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Damien Delaney: West Ham tactics caught Crystal Palace out
By Max Hall - October 18, 2016
londonnewsonline.co.uk
Damien Delaney admitted Palace were caught cold by Slaven Bilic's formation
and tactics as West Ham ended their five-game unbeaten run in the Premier
League. Manuel Lanzini's 19th-minute goal settled the contest at Selhurst
Park. "West Ham came out with a bold system we weren't particularly
expecting," said Delaney. "To play 3-4-3 away from home, it just got us on
the back foot early. "By the time we'd figured it out I think that they'd
got a little bit of momentum and confidence. In the second half we needed to
adjust but we'd lost out hold on the game."
Palace looked leggy throughout but Delaney was quick to dismiss the
international break as a contributory factor. "We went out there with a
system and a gameplan and maybe we thought it was going to be a good
afternoon and a nice night for us, one of the games like our good home
performance against Stoke," said the Irish international. "Unfortunately it
wasn't like that and no matter what league you're in, if you don't do the
hard work first, you don't earn the right to win. "The first half, if I'm
being honest, the way we've been playing of late, it wasn't up to the
standard that we've set and we're pretty annoyed about that."
The captain was quick to pay tribute to Palace fans who have now seen their
side fail to win in their last eight London derbies. "I feel bad for the
fans. Towards the end when we were losing 1-0, there was terrific support.
Not a lot of teams would get that when you're losing 1-0. "It's
disappointing for ourselves, disappointing for them, disappointing for the
first-half showing but we live to fight another day."
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Selhurst Park has become the birthplace of new West Ham terrace chants
HITC
Damien Lucas
Not only has Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park become a happy hunting ground
for West Ham United, it has also become a birthplace of new chants. The
Hammers won on their travels to their London rivals for the third
consecutive season when Manuel Lanzini's strike secured a 1-0 victory at the
weekend. It was only West Ham's second win of the season and a vital one too
as it lifted Slaven Bilic's side out of the relegation zone and eased the
pressure on him and his team after their worst start to a Premier League
season. But an interesting aside - for Hammers fans at least - is the fact
that for a second season running, and almost to the day when the club beat
the Eagles 3-1 on their own patch last season, Selhurst Park was the
birthplace of a new terrace chant.
After years without a genuine hero figure West Ham United fans have been
somewhat spoilt for choice the last season or so. And that has been
reflected in the stands with Hammers fans honouring the sensational Dimitri
Payet with the song to the tune of Billy Ray Cyrus' Achy Breaky Heart. That
song was born at Selhurst Park last season and this time around it was
Lanzini's turn.
To the tune of Rufus & Chaka Khan's classic Ain't Nobody Hammers fans belted
out their new ditty long into the night 'Ain't nobody, like Lanzini, makes
me happy, plays the West Ham way'.
He certainly does too and his slick goal, a neat first time finish from the
returning Aaron Cresswell's expert low cross, has given the club renewed
hope and belief both on the pitch and in the stands. The chant has been
around on social media for a while but never has it been sung en masse and
with such fervour as it was at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th October 2016
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says his team can change the course of their season if they
perform as they did at Crystal Palace on Saturday. West Ham United shrugged
off their lethargic start to 2016/17 to score a hard-fought 1-0 Premier
League victory at Selhurst Park, lifting morale and confidence and rising
out of the bottom three. Much was made of the 3-1-4-2 formation Bilic
employed in south London, but the Croatian said it was his side's attitude
rather than tactics which won the day. While the manager was pleased with
three welcome points, he insisted that his players show the same qualities
in every game going forward, starting with the visit of Sunderland to London
Stadium this weekend. "The system wasn't the problem in the last few games,"
he began. "For me, it wasn't about the system, even though I could say now
'Yes, it was the system!' but it was more about attitude. It wasn't that we
didn't want it in the last few games, but it was obvious there was a
difference. "Saturday's win was all about attitude and focus and hunger and
resilience and a determination that we were going to do it and we are going
to come back. "Now we are in a position that we can build on this and we
cannot let this opportunity slip away through out own faults. It can happen,
as this is football and the opponent can have a brilliant day and you can be
unlucky, but we're going to come at every game like we did on Saturday. "If
I knew why that focus hadn't been there, it wouldn't have happened four
times, it would have happened one time. It's a chain-reaction. "The game
against Watford was a big shock for us. We were 2-0 up and suddenly we were
4-2 down and then we went to West Brom and were 4-0 down and we were losing
a bit of everything, and this league is so cruel that you don't have to lose
a lot and it can go wrong. Hopefully that is over.
"It's hard to get this across in my press conferences, but I have seen that
they care for the team and hate to be in this position. We are still not in
the position we want to be, of course, but we were always one win from the
opportunity to come out of it. "We are still there, but this has to be our
minimum, with the ball and without the ball. This has to be our minimum."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kemp - Checkatrade Trophy experience will benefit us
WHUFC.com
West Ham United PL2 take on Aston Villa away from home on Monday (7pm KO)
The Hammers are currently third in Premier League 2 Division 2
Winger Dan Kemp thinks they'll use their previous Checkatrade Trophy
experience to their advantage
Dan Kemp believes experiences like the Checkatrade Trophy will benefit West
Ham United's youngsters for the season ahead. The Hammers PL2 side have been
competing in the newly-formatted Trophy this season, although they've been
beaten on both outings away at Coventry City and Wycombe Wanderers so far.
However, Kemp is an advocate for the competition and says it provides a real
benefit to younger players. "I was a great experience in the Checkatrade
Trophy, playing against professional players and teams," he said. "We don't
get exposed to that in the U23 and U18 matches. It was a great learning
curve and I hope we get more opportunities like that because it certainly
benefits us."
West Ham United face Aston Villa (7pm kick-off at the Bescot Stadium,
Walsall) in Premier League 2 on Monday, having not played a league fixture
since the 0-0 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of September.
Since then, cup competitions have been the primary focus for Terry Westley's
men as they began the defence of their Premier League Cup title with a 2-0
victory over Leicester City. In the same period, they were beaten 3-0 by
Wycombe in the Checkatrade Trophy but performed admirably against
experienced opposition. But attention now turns back to the league and the
Hammers will hope to build on their promising start to the season, having
only lost just once in six matches. Kemp has been part of both youth sides
this season, more recently appearing for the PL2 side against Coventry and
Wycombe, and he hopes his hard work can maintain a place in Terry Westley's
squad. "I'm very pleased with the start I've had. But it is only the start
of the season so now I'm looking to continue that," Kemp continued.
"Obviously I've had a couple of starts for the U23s and starting and scoring
for the U18s so it's been a good start to the campaign and now I'm looking
to go even further and forward to the rest of the season. "It's a valuable
experience [playing for the PL2 side], obviously it's the next step up from
my age group at the moment, so I'm working hard every day in training and
hopefully I can get some more games for them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies beaten by strong Eagles
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies 0-4 Crystal Palace Ladies
There wasn't a fairytale ending to the West Ham United Ladies' first match
as members of the West Ham family, but they showed plenty of potential
throughout their clash against Crystal Palace. Manager James Marrs had
parted company with the club earlier in the week through mutual consent with
coach Colin Bennett standing in until a new appointment. West Ham Ladies
had suffered a 4-0 reverse earlier in the season to a very strong and
skillful Palace side and were determined to not be overrun again. They
started much the brighter with Shannon Albuery and Chloe Burr linking up
well on the right. And it was Albuery who teed up Burr for West Ham's first
shot on target which unfortunately went straight into keeper Chanelle
Yardley's hands. West Ham were putting their passes together and looked the
most likely until a defensive mix up after 17 minutes between Aditi Chauhan
and Chantelle Mackie allowed Palace striker Roscelle Shakes to nip in and
toe poke the ball into an empty net. Shortly after, a swift interchange
between Albuery and Burr set up Whitney Locke but she scooped her effort
well over the bar. On half an hour, Burr and Mackie put in Albuery who had
her fierce shot blocked by a last ditch tackle. Five minutes later Albuery
made another great solo run but blasted over from close range.
Crystal Palace came out for the second half and seemed to step up a gear.
West Ham couldn't seem to match their first half performance and five
minutes in, Shakes doubled her tally after being put clean through one on
one with Chauhan. Ten minutes later Chauhan's short goal kick put Amy Cooper
under too much pressure, and Gemma Bryan dispossessed her before finishing
clinically. On 62 minutes, it was Bryan again who found the back of the net
whilst the West Ham defence were appealing in vain for offside. With a
quarter of an hour remaining, hard working midfielder Sasha Kelly made way
for club captain Karen Ray's swan song. It was her last game as a player
before taking on a coaching role at the club. With Palace reduced to ten
players through injury, they decided to shut up shop and reduced West Ham
Ladies to one last shot on goal, a 30-yard effort from Katie Bottom which
Yardley comfortably dealt with. History had repeated itself, but as the game
drew to a close, even in defeat, the winter sun could not cast a shadow over
the Ladies' bright future as an integral part of West Ham United Football
Club.
Manager for day Colin Bennett said after the game: "It was a good game and
the girls played well, especially in the first half. The second half was a
slightly different story, but we worked hard and it was pleasing to see
their attitude right until the end of the game rather than letting their
heads drop. "Overall, it's another step forward in our development towards
the success we are looking for as a club, and as we build for the future."
West Ham Ladies: Aditi Chauhan, Olivia Sammons, Hannah Wheeler, Katie
Bottom, Chantelle Mackie, Amy Cooper, Kat Clifton, Sasha Kelly, Whitney
Locke, Shannon Albuery, Chloe Burr.
Subs: Karen Ray, Sarah Wilson, Steph Bent.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#WHUAREYA - Joe Powell
WHUFC.com
What do golf, the Hammers' new Stadium and Justin Bieber all have in common?
They're all loved by Academy winger Joe Powell, apparently! The U18s'
creative force sat down with West Ham TV for the latest episode of our new
#WHUAREYA feature and revealed all, from his strengths on the pitch to his
favourite TV series. The 17-year-old enjoyed a great weekend as part of
Steve Potts' side's 5-2 win over Norwich City on Saturday, and hopes he can
continue along similar lines for the rest of the campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Martin Samuelsen, fresh from scoring his first international goal for
Norway, started for Blackburn on Saturday
There was also action for Josh Cullen and Lewis Page in League One with
Bradford City and Coventry City respectively
Doneil Henry made his second AC Horsens appearance
As the Hammers recorded their first away win of the season at Selhurst Park
on Saturday, four of the Club's players were also in action elsewhere at
their respective loan sides. Starting and playing 62 minutes in the
Championship was Norwegian winger Martin Samuelsen, who scored his first
ever senior goal for his country against San Marino during last week's
international break. Rovers recorded their first clean sheet of the campaign
against Ipswich Town in the second tier, drawing 0-0 with Mick McCarthy's
side. The hosts, who remain in the relegation zone, created their best
opportunity just before the break when Ben Marshall shot straight at the
Tractor Boys' stopper Bartosz Bialkowski. Samuelsen was making his fourth
appearance for the Lancashire outfit before he was replaced by Elliot
Bennett with just under half an hour to play.
Down a division, Josh Cullen – who has missed just two Bradford City league
matches this season, both due to international commitments – played 90
minutes for the Bantams as they were beaten by Oxford United. It was a shock
first league defeat of the season for Stuart McCall's side, who still occupy
an automatic promotion spot in League One. Chris Maguire's stoppage time
winner ended City's unbeaten run as the forward struck a 25-yard free-kick
to give the hosts all three points.
Elsewhere in the third tier, Lewis Page started for Coventry City in their
3-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic, but lasted just 24 minutes as he was forced
off through injury. And at least five of those 24 minutes were disrupted in
south east London as both sets of fans hurled toy pigs onto the pitch in
protest of their respective owners. Ricky Holmes struck during the first
half to give the Addicks the lead before Ademola Lookman and Josh Magennis
scored late on to seal the three points for the hosts.
George Dobson and Josh Pask were both unused subs for Walsall and Gillingham
respectively as the Saddlers beat Shrewsbury Town 3-2 and Justin Edinburgh's
Gills lost 2-1 at Bristol Rovers.
Finally, Doneil Henry returned from international duty with Canada to make
his second appearance for Danish side AC Horsens on loan. Coming on to play
32 second half minutes, the defender helped his side record a 1-1 draw
against AFG, which leaves them seventh in their 14-team Superliga division.
Gambian defender Bubacarr Sanneh gave Horsens the lead in the first period
before Danny Olsen equalised on 63 minutes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies appoint new manager
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the appointment of Greg de Carnys
as the Club's new Ladies manager.
De Carnys, who will combine his new role with his position of Head of
Performance at the Academy, has extensive coaching experience and is
currently studying for his UEFA A Licence.
The new manager will be assisted by Josh Ewens, who will work with the
Ladies alongside his role as first-team fitness coach, and captain Karen
Ray, who will take on the position of first-team coach.
Manager De Carnys replaces James Marrs, who has resigned his position, and
the new coaching staff will take charge of their first training session at
Chadwell Heath on Tuesday evening.
"With the support of Josh, who joins us alongside his role with the first
team, and Karen, who brings her invaluable experience, I am really looking
forward to working together with the Ladies in this new chapter as they
become part of the West Ham family," De Carnys began.
"Karen has been an integral part of the playing staff and is currently the
Women and Girls' manager at the club.
"It's an exciting time for everyone involved, I can't wait to get started
and, with the support of the Club, I think we can take the team to new
levels."
Prior to joining the Hammers, De Carnys worked as a coach within the Arsenal
and Derby County Academies and served as a first-team assistant at Watford.
A fluent Spanish, French and Italian speaker, De Carnys graduated with a
degree in Coaching Science from Liverpool John Moores University before
completing his Masters qualification at Loughborough University.
He possesses a range of qualifications in coaching, including a UEFA B
Licence, which will stand him in good stead as he begins his new challenge
with West Ham United Ladies.
"I have been with West Ham for eight seasons in my role as Head of
Performance in the Academy," he confirmed.
"Before joining the Club, I held several coaching roles at clubs across the
country, as well as completing a degree in Coaching Science and a Masters in
Sports Science.
"I am in the process of completing my UEFA A Licence and I believe this
opportunity to coach the Ladies whilst continuing my role as Head of
Performance at the Academy is the perfect mix."
West Ham United Ladies' two senior and four junior sides will be operated by
the Club following a move to formally bring them into the structure was
agreed with the Ladies' committee earlier this month.
The Ladies, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2016, currently
compete in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division, the third tier
of women's football in England.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Steinberg - This was a very encouraging performance
WHUFC.com
Guardian football reporter Jacob Steinberg saw the Hammers record a crucial
win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and picked out a number of
individuals for playing their part in a memorable victory.
Steinberg is now hoping the Hammers can maintain their winning feeling and
get another crucial victory over Sunderland at London Stadium on
Saturday.....
A lot of West Ham fans were expecting a difficult game against Palace
considering the form they had shown coming into the game.
Manuel Lanzini got the early goal and although Palace came back strongly in
the second half, I thought the Hammers produced some great defending and
deserved to come away with all three points.
All the talk after the game was about the system that Slaven Bilic used and
you have to say it had a lot to do with the return of Aaron Cresswell.
He should never have been sent-off, but he showed the quality he can bring
to the team and brings the balance back on the left hand side.
He has played so well over the last two seasons and losing him for the start
of the season was a big blow.
But we all saw the quality he gives you with his assist for the goal and he
made a big difference.
I think that is the best West Ham have played all season and Slaven had them
so well organised.
The players had the desire to run for every ball and work hard until the
final whistle was blown.
I know Slaven won't get carried away and this is only one victory. The Club
now need to get a few wins under their belts to move towards the top half of
the table, but this was a very encouraging performance.
It was great to see Lanzini get on the scoresheet. He has had a slow start
to the season and got dropped for the Middlesbrough game.
But he came back with a point to prove and got the crucial winning goal. He
didn't have much of a pre-season following his injury for Argentina at the
Olympics.
But this was the first time he looked properly at it and he puts it all
together in the midfield.
He links up so well with Dimitri Payet and the formation that Slaven played
on Saturday freed those two up to show their attacking qualities.
I also think Pedro Obiang has made a big difference to the team. He has been
unlucky not to get more playing time and it was hard for him to break into
the side.
But his importance to the team has become more evident in recent weeks and I
hope he can kick on now and keep his place. He looks a really good player.
We saw a different side to Simone Zaza and his work-rate was fantastic on
Saturday playing as the lone striker.
He was winning headers and holding up the ball and the next step for him is
to get on the scoresheet.
Cheikhou Kouyate switched back into a defensive role and this was not the
first time he has been asked to do that. I remember he did a good job
playing there against Tottenham and Manchester United in recent seasons.
With Cresswell suspended for the next game, it is hard to see how they can
play the same system but I would probably expect Angelo Ogbonna to play
left-back.
Sunderland have yet to win a game, but this is a huge match for West Ham and
they need to start winning at London Stadium and feel comfortable playing
there.
It will not be easy and the Hammers have struggled against teams managed by
David Moyes over the years.
But I would expect West Ham to win the game.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE REASON WHY WE MAY HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING BEFORE PALACE BY NIGEL KAHN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 17 OCTOBER 2016 AT 9:38PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This article is written by @mywhufc
Leading unto the palace game it's not been the start to the season anyone
probably would have imagined, well almost anyone, I admit that I wasn't so
confident with the changes the club were going through, but even I didn't
think it would be anything like this. When a point at home against
Middlesborough is seen as good then we must all admit that what went before
that game wasn't what is expected, yet the time is not to panic, the season
is still young and just another 3 points against Sunderland to follow up
from the 3 gained last Saturday will put a different reflection on our
predicament.
Quite how it came to this is open for discussion in that many people have
eluded to many different reasons, The move, The pitch, the fans off field
disagreements so many reasons its literally take your pick time but for me
one that hasn't been picked up on is the signings made in the summer and I'm
not talking about the quality.
I have long subscribed to the thinking that foreign players new to the
Premier league should be allowed 6 months settling in period before really
being judged, problem is that with todays social media fan base there're
lucky to get 6 games let alone 6 months.
The Premier League has a reputation for fast paced football played at twice
the pace of the continental style preferred by the French and Spanish
leagues and when you watch the Italian league on a Sunday after watching a
Premier league game you'll struggle to stay awake with their slow paced
defensive orientated style of play. Yet nearly all our signings in the
summer have come from the continent and have been thrown in at the deep end
going straight into first team action due to injuries and to loss of form of
others so they haven't been afforded a bedding in process and most have
looked at times like rabbits startled in the headlights of an oncoming lorry
about to squash them without noticing.
Nortveidt bought from Germany, looks slow and sluggish, but then most
football I have watched played in the German top division is slow in its
build up, possession football, if you have the ball then the opposition cant
score against you style. His introduction to the Premier league has been
sometimes in midfield sometimes in defence, problem is the outcome looked
the same, it's as if he is watching the game go past him.
Feghouli at least has pace so he has not looked too much out of place when
he has been fit enough to play, but theres something about him I just cant
put my finger on, he reminds me of Julien Faubert, a player who often
flattered to deceive in his time at the club. I think its the end product
that he suffers from, yes he has the pace but if you cant then convert that
into goalscoring opportunities its really not worth having. David Beckham
was a winger with no pace, but he proved if your delivery is perfect you
don't need to beat the defender in front of you.
Gohkan Torre is much like Feghouli just without the pace, Slav obviously
enjoyed having him as a player at Besiktas and he also had his
apprenticeship in part at Chelsea, but he has not enjoyed at all the best of
starts and to top it off it turns out he is now injured, out for 5/6 weeks.
What was disappointing was the reaction I saw to that news, many fans were
disappointed it was only 5/6 weeks, witty it may be to laugh at him but is
that what we have sunk to now actually being pleased a West Ham player is
injured, not for me no matter how bad a player is should we ever take joy
from an injury, hardly likely to inspire him when he is fit.
Jonathan Calleri was feted across the web when it was revealed we were after
him, endless replays of his rabona chip goal scored in the colours of Boca
juniors were posted across Twitter and Facebook, yet in his first appearance
against Bournemouth he had the chance to put the game out of sight late on,
he blasted wide when in on goal. The chance reminded me of Carlton Coles
debut for us at The Boleyn, he fired home after literally just coming onto
the pitch, like Calleri he ran onto the ball through on goal except Carlton
slotted it home.
Simone Zaza, a player that was chased by the club but it seemed only joined
us when there was only us to join, with Andy Carroll's injury and Sakho's
bad back? he has been left to it, problem was in the early games with Payet
missing so was the service to him but he did himself no favours that when he
did get the ball, his first touch was generally poor which meant his second
touch was sometimes non existent has he'd lost it after the first. After the
Southampton game I wondered that if he was a mafia hit man he'd struggle to
shoot himself. Poor taste maybe but it just seemed he has not got the
tactical awareness to get into the positions in the box to receive the ball,
he is very stationary for me at times making it easy for the defender to
mark him out the game.
Whether that though warrants the missing posters on social media asking has
anyone seen Zaza I'm not sure, but as my comment above shows, its very easy
to mock when they are so poor. Granted, he had his best game for us at
Palace, but with still no sign of that killer instinct in front of goal and
his appearances climbing near to the 20 million buy clause good performances
are no longer making him look worth it. If he wants to stay goals are the
only thing that will make that happen, and quickly.
Its been long since known that signing foreign players, especially in the
market we shop in, is a gamble. For every Payet, Di Canio, Tevez & Lanzini
there is a Raducioiu, Labant, Maiga and Boogers.
Luckily the successes have far out weighed the losses. Payet and Lanzini
both unknown in this country started well last season, imposing themselves
early on to gain the affection of the fans quickly, Sakho hit the ground
running and even Enner Valencia started brightly, Hull away on a Monday
night springs to mind the season before, so as well as the perception that
you get better value for money buying abroad than buying British and the
fact that we had by and large done well following that model you can see why
we continued that model. That though ignores the fact that constantly two of
our best players last season were Antonio and Cresswell, both had no Premier
League experience but coming from the championship they didn't need the
bedding in period foreign players should be afforded.
But like all gambles, when it goes wrong it goes badly wrong. Not one out of
those listed above has managed to get themselves into pushing for a regular
first team start, its almost out of desperation that they have been played
in the first team and the fact none have been championed by the crowd tells
you all you need to know, and that has reflected in the fact we sit around
the bottom of the league. So for me the problem this season is not the
stadium, its not the fans, its purely the gamble of foreign signings have
caught up with us.
Somewhere out there is another Dimitri Payet just waiting to be found, its
just how many Torre's or Feghouli's we sign to find him could be the
problem.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ref Watch: SSN with Dermot Gallgher
Crystal Palace v West Ham, Premier League, Saturday
INCIDENT: Aaron Cresswell is booked for simulation following a challenge
from Yohan Cabaye in the penalty area.
SCENARIO: Cresswell receives a yellow card after being adjudged to have
dived by referee Martin Atkinson. Replays show there was contact between the
two players.
DERMOT'S VERDICT: Incorrect decision.
DERMOT SAYS: Having seen the replays, Cresswell shouldn't have been booked.
From Martin's angle he sees Cresswell go down dramatically but it's not
simulation and, unfortunately, he gets a yellow card. Perhaps more
unfortunate are the consequences that arise from that decision.
INCIDENT: Aaron Cresswell sent off for second bookable offence following
collison with Wilfried Zaha
SCENARIO: Just 51 seconds after his booking for simulation, Cresswell is
sent from the field for impeding Zaha. The incident was brought to referee
Atkinson's attention by his linesman, who instructed him to issue a second
yellow.
DERMOT'S VERDICT: Incorrect decision.
DERMOT SAYS: I don't think this is a yellow card offence, it's just a foul.
A free-kick is enough but the problem is that the assistant, who has Zaha's
body in his line of sight, hasn't seen things as clear as the replays show.
He's alerted Martin to the incident and tells him to issue a second yellow,
leaving Martin with nowhere else to go.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dermot Gallagher has his say on controversial Cresswell red card
HITC
Sean Lunt
The West Ham United defender was controversially sent off in the win over
Crystal Palace. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has told Sky
Sports that West Ham United's Aaron Cresswell should not have been sent off
against Crystal Palace. Cresswell made an immediate return to the Hammers
line-up on Saturday afternoon after missing the beginning of the campaign
through injury. The game started off well for him as he provided a superb
assist for Manuel Lanzini to score the winning goal of the game. West Ham's
Aaron Cresswell in action with Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha It was a
return that ended in disaster though as he picked up a red card for two
bookable offences within a minute. The first of those yellow cards was for
simulation but Gallagher insists it was an undeserved one. "It is easy
seeing this [the replays] that he shouldn't have been booked [for
simulation]," he told Sky Sports. "It's not a simulation and it's
unfortunate he gets a yellow card. What's unfortunate is the consequence
that arises from it a minute later."
The second yellow came about as Cresswell tussled with Palace winger Zaha
when they competed for the ball on the right wing. The Eagles man ended up
on the floor with assistant Peter Kirkup flagging for a foul and then
visibly telling referee Martin Atkinson that the foul was a second yellow.
That left the referee with little choice but to send off the Hammers man but
Gallagher says a free-kick would have been enough. "I think it's just a foul
and a free-kick is enough" added Gallagher. "The problem is the assistant
thinks differently. He says to him [the referee] 'it's a second yellow card
and the ref has nowhere to go."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham wouldn't have won without 'different class' Simone Zaza, says
Slaven Bilic
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic praised a "different class" Simone Zaza as the
deciding factor in his side's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Zaza
is still yet to find the net since his arrival on loan from Juventus at the
end of August but looked much improved at Selhurst Park on Saturday, winning
10 aerial challenges and providing a vital out-ball as Palace built pressure
on the Hammers. Such had been the struggles of the Italian international
since his arrival in the Premier League it had been speculated that Zaza
could return to Serie A or move to Valencia, a suggestion that Bilic has
been keen to dispel. Indeed if the 25-year-old can replicate his display
against Palace in the coming matches he will have made his manager very
happy. "He was different class," Bilic said. "I told him after the game that
this is the Zaza I know from Sassuolo and Juventus. "The goals will come,
the goals are very important for the strikers but I want to see him like
this. "I told him after the game, 'Zaza, tonight you won more balls in the
air against two centre halves than you did in four or five games so far.'
"Without him we wouldn't have won, it's as simple as that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic blasts rule denying him right to appeal Aaron
Cresswell's red card against Crystal Palace
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has expressed his frustration against rules
denying him the chance to appeal Aaron Cresswell's controversial dismissal
against Crystal Palace. Cresswell, playing his first match of the season
following a knee injury in pre-season, was sent off in the second half
following two yellow cards in less than a minute. The full-back was given
his first yellow by referee Martin Atkinson for simulation after going down
in the penalty area following a clash with Yohan Cabaye and his second for
an innocuous challenge on Wilfried Zaha. West Ham are unable to appeal
against the sending-off because FA rules only allow for clubs to appeal
yellow cards for cases of mistaken identity. Bilic said: "I don't understand
it when you can appeal against a red card and yet not two yellows. "The
first one was a penalty for us and then the second yellow was just wrong.
There are no hard feelings, though, because we won the game."
Cresswell, who played a major part in West Ham's 1-0 victory, their first
away from home this season, will now miss Saturday's home match against
Sunderland. The Hammers, meanwhile, will continue to monitor the form of
Italian striker Simone Zaza before making a decision about whether to sign
him permanently. The 25-year-old is on a season-long loan from Juventus with
an agreement in place that West Ham will pay them £20million after he has
played 14 matches. The club will continue to assess Zaza's form and although
he has yet to score, his performance against Palace drew praise from Bilic.
"He was different class," said the West Ham manager. "I told him straight
after the game, 'this is the Zaza I know from Sassuolo and Juventus'.
"Without him, we wouldn't have won, it's as simple as that."
With Cresswell returning from injury, Bilic changed to a wing-back system
and it was the former Ipswich star who played a major part in West Ham's
goal after 19 minutes, crossing from the left for Manuel Lanzini to score.
"The people are talking about the system but it wasn't for me about the
system. It was the change in attitude," said Bilic. "There was a difference.
Attitude, focus, hunger and that resilience that we are going to do it and
come back."
Palace striker Christian Benteke missed a penalty just before half-time,
floating his effort wide.
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Garth Crooks claims West Ham star Aaron Cresswell is owed an apology
HITC
Jordan Harris
The pundit included the West Ham United defender in his Team of the Week.
Garth Crooks has praised Aaron Cresswell's performance in West Ham United's
narrow win over Crystal Palace at the weekend and insisted that the
left-back deserves an apology from the referee, BBC Sport reports.
Cresswell was making his first appearance of the campaign at Selhurst Park
after recovering from an injury that he sustained in pre-season. And he
made an immediate impact as it was his cross that led to Manuel Lanzini's
winner which handed the Hammers their first victory in the league since
August and moved them out of the bottom three. However, Cresswell did not
see the game out as he was controversially sent off following two yellow
cards. The first came when the defender was deemed to have dived when he
went down inside the Palace box while the second card came when the referee
judged that he had blocked Wilfried Zaha off as the winger made a run down
the line. But after including the Irons full-back in his Team of the Week,
Crooks hit out at both decisions made by the official. "His ball for
team-mate Manuel Lanzini to score was of the highest quality and further
indication of what he can produce," he told BBC Sport. "However, what then
followed was a travesty. Referee Atkinson made two of the worst decisions I
have seen in a long time. "His first error was the yellow card given to
Cresswell for diving when the full-back was clearly tripped in the box.
Atkinson then went on to compound the mistake 51 seconds later by giving
Cresswell a second yellow for putting an arm across Wilfried Zaha, even
though the defender was legitimately making life difficult for the Palace
winger. "What was Cresswell supposed to do? Give Zaha directions? Atkinson
owes Cresswell a public apology for the first caution and should have the
decency to rescind the booking for diving when the player clearly did not."
Unfortunately for Bilic, the nature of the dismissal means that Cresswell
will have no chance to appeal the decision, and will thus miss the home game
against Sunderland on Saturday.
But the West Ham boss will also be taking plenty of positives from how the
former Ipswich man got on in his first game back, and may appreciate the
fact that he will be fresh for the run of seven games that follows the clash
against the Black Cats, which will see them come up against six of the
current top seven in the Premier League.
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Adrian credits Slaven Bilic's change of system for West Ham's victory over
Crystal Palace
ANDY SIMS
Evening Standard
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian admitted a change of system, and a change of
mindset, was responsible for their 1-0 win at Crystal Palace. The
under-pressure Hammers travelled to south London lying second from bottom,
without a win in five matches and with one of the worst defensive records in
the Premier League. Yet a switch to a three-man defence paid dividends as
they hung on to Manuel Lanzini's 19th-minute goal to secure three
much-needed points. "It's very important to keep a clean sheet because if
you score one goal, like we did, you win three points," Spaniard Adrian told
the club's website. "It is a change of our mind. We need to start winning
games and getting points because we want to climb the table. "This system
worked for us. Every game is different and we went with this one, and
luckily for us it worked."
West Ham rode their luck at Selhurst Park, not least when Christian Benteke
missed a penalty and moments later saw a header hit the post. They also had
to play out the last 20 minutes a man down after Aaron Cresswell's
controversial red card, and were indebted to Adrian in stoppage time for a
point-blank save to deny Connor Wickham. "We fought until the end with one
player less, which was very difficult because they pushed and their fans
pushed a lot," he added. "We defended so well until the last minute and
finally we got the win, and it's a massive three points for us. "It would
have probably changed the game if he'd scored the penalty, but he missed and
we continued fighting in the second half, and I think we deserved the win."
For Palace it was a first defeat in six matches and manager Alan Pardew was
not happy with their sluggish start. "Maybe we thought it would be an
afternoon for us where it all went well, that can happen when you've been
winning," he said. "Forget about shapes and systems, we missed the boat in
that first 20 minutes and it was difficult from there."
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Manuel Lanzini shares what West Ham boss Slaven Bilic tells him
HITC
Sean Lunt
The midfielder was the hero for West Ham United in the win over Crystal
Palace. West Ham United star Manuel Lanzini has told the Daily Star that
Slaven Bilic is always telling him to simply play and make the team better.
The Argentine midfielder proved to be the Hammers' hero on Saturday
afternoon as he scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Crystal
Palace. It was a much-needed victory for West Ham, just their second of the
season, moving them out of the bottom three and up to 15th in the table. It
was also Lanzini's second strike of the season in a much-improved showing
than he has managed previously. And he says that the main message Bilic
gives him is to go out there and help the team to play football. "[Bilic]
always tells me more than anything to play, to make the team play and get
into scoring positions, as well and to defend," he told the Daily Star. "He
always tries to give me the confidence to score He congratulated me, he has
a lot of faith in me and I have a lot of faith in him. Luckily I was able to
score so I'm happy for the team, we needed this victory."
The Hammers will now be hoping that Lanzini can add more goals to his tally
as they look to bounce back from a poor start to the season. While the win
was a positive one for them it does not change much, with the Hammers still
just a point outside the relegation zone. That is far from where they
expected to be and they will need the likes of Lanzini to start hitting top
form quickly to turn the situation around.
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Slaven Bilic heaps praise on Simone Zaza after West Ham triumph over Crystal
Palace: 'He was different class'
Slaven Bilic singled out Simone Zaza for his performance on Saturday
The Italian had failed to make an impact since joining from Juventus
Bilic described Zaza as 'different class' after West Ham's 1-0 win
By AMITAI WINEHOUSE FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:55, 16 October 2016 | UPDATED: 00:12, 17 October 2016
Slaven Bilic hailed striker Simone Zaza for his key role in a much-needed
West Ham win against Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old Italian striker has
struggled since joining on loan from Juventus, with some suggestions he
could be sent back to Turin early. He was in fine form against Palace,
however, as West Ham triumphed despite seeing Aaron Cresswell sent off after
two questionable yellow cards. Bilic was unhappy with that decision by
referee Martin Atkinson and admitted he wished English football would follow
the lead of other leagues in allowing clubs to appeal sending-offs for two
bookings. Two of Aaron Cresswell's three red cards in league football have
come against Crystal Palace. Cresswell had provided the low cross in the
19th minute which was converted by Manuel Lanzini for West Ham's first win
in six Premier League games, dragging them out of the bottom three. The West
Ham boss was less keen discuss the sending-off than he was to focus on Zaza,
saying: 'He was different class. I told him after the game that this is the
Zaza I know from Sassuolo and Juventus. 'The goals will come, the goals are
very important for the strikers but I want to see him like this. 'I told him
after the game, 'Zaza, tonight you won more balls in the air against two
centre halves than you did in four or five games so far'. 'Without him we
wouldn't have won, it's as simple as that.' One of those centre backs, James
Tomkins was sold to Palace by Bilic in the summer for £10 million. 'I didn't
want to sell him, he didn't want to go. Maybe it was my mistake not to say,
'I don't care if you are happy or not, stay', but I didn't want to do that,'
Bilic said.
Palace might have earned a draw after Christian Benteke won a penalty, but
the Belgian sent his spot kick high and wide. Alan Pardew, the Palace
manager, admitted he might have to work on his side's issues from the
penalty spot. 'We've missed two this year,' Pardew said. 'Yohan Cabaye has
missed one. So it's something that perhaps we need to look at — I'm not
going to say everything's OK.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
He is going to be an exciting player
Posted: Mon 17 Oct 2016
Author: rovers.co.uk
Boss Owen Coyle believes Martin Samuelsen will be better for the experience
of playing in Saturday's match against Ipswich Town. Fresh from scoring his
first goal for Norway in the win over San Marino on Tuesday night, the young
attacker was handed his home debut in the weekend draw. Coyle felt that
Samuelsen showed glimpses of his undoubted talent, and hopes that he learns
from his first league start. "I thought there was lots of nice bits about
his play," the Rovers boss told Radio Rovers after the game. "You have to
understand that he is a young lad and I've said to him that the nice stuff
is fantastic but once you've beaten that player in the box then the cross
has got to come in as he has a tendency to over-do it. "He is young, he will
learn, he is going to be an exciting player there is no doubt about that. "I
thought it was important that we gave him his opportunity and I think he did
some nice things in the game. It is just getting that cutting edge because
when you are a forward I always feel that ultimately for all your good play
you must have goals, you must have assists, and there must be an end
product."
Rovers and Samuelsen are back in action this Tuesday night when Nottingham
Forest are the visitors to Ewood Park. Tickets will be on sale up to the
7.45pm kick-off priced from £18 Adults, £12 Seniors/18-21 year-olds and £7
for Juniors aged 17 and under. Book now online at
www.eticketing.co.uk/onerovers and collect on the day of the game from the
Roverstore collection point.
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Michail Antonio claims West Ham knew win was coming
HITC
Sean Lunt
West Ham United beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Saturday. West Ham United star
Michail Antonio has claimed to the club's official website that they knew a
win was coming before the victory over Crystal Palace. The Hammers travelled
to Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon looking to turn around their dreadful
start to the season. They managed to do just that as a goal from Manuel
Lanzini saw them to a 1-0 win, just their second of the campaign so far. The
result came as something of a surprise given the two teams' recent form,
with Palace having gone five games unbeaten beforehand. Not to Antonio,
though, who claims that he and his Hammers teammates knew the win was
coming. "We knew it [the win] was coming – we just needed to make sure we
gelled together and kept a clean sheet because we always believe we will
score goals," he told the club's official website. "It's nice to get that
clean sheet and a win, so onwards and upwards. The boys are buzzing and
can't wait for the next game."
West Ham will now be keen to continue their form with another victory next
time around. This result took them up to 15th in the table but they are
still only a point outside the relegation zone and will need to put a run
together to open up a greater gap in the weeks ahead. West Ham have a strong
chance to make it back-to-back wins next weekend when they take on bottom of
the table Sunderland at the London Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll lookalike thrown about and sung to by West Ham fans prior to
Crystal Palace win
09:10, 17 OCT 2016 UPDATED 09:10, 17 OCT 2016
BY THOMAS BRISTOW , FREDDIE HARDING
It turns out the 27-year-old striker was somewhere else altogether
The Mirror
Does anyone know what Andy Carroll is actually injured with anymore? The
Geordie-born striker is out of action so often he's fast becoming this
decade's Dean Ashton. But the striker's lack of minutes doesn't appear to be
affecting the West Ham faithful, who seemingly still love him just as much
as when he first signed. Take the video above for example. In the footage,
which was shot by Mirror Football's Freddie Harding, an Andy Carroll
lookalike is being raised in the air and sung to like a god. The chap, who
has Carroll's long hair and oddly smart dress sense, is loving it. Moving
his arms and encouraging his band of merry men, the lookalike is having a
great time. The real Andy Carroll however, as spotted by a separate Mirror
employee, was in fact having a pint at the Slug and Lettuce bar in Canary
Wharf with teammate Joey O'Brien . We're sure the towering centre forward
will be pleased to know he is held in such high regard. But all of this begs
the question: which Andy Carroll would you rather be?
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says his team can change the course of their season if they
perform as they did at Crystal Palace on Saturday. West Ham United shrugged
off their lethargic start to 2016/17 to score a hard-fought 1-0 Premier
League victory at Selhurst Park, lifting morale and confidence and rising
out of the bottom three. Much was made of the 3-1-4-2 formation Bilic
employed in south London, but the Croatian said it was his side's attitude
rather than tactics which won the day. While the manager was pleased with
three welcome points, he insisted that his players show the same qualities
in every game going forward, starting with the visit of Sunderland to London
Stadium this weekend. "The system wasn't the problem in the last few games,"
he began. "For me, it wasn't about the system, even though I could say now
'Yes, it was the system!' but it was more about attitude. It wasn't that we
didn't want it in the last few games, but it was obvious there was a
difference. "Saturday's win was all about attitude and focus and hunger and
resilience and a determination that we were going to do it and we are going
to come back. "Now we are in a position that we can build on this and we
cannot let this opportunity slip away through out own faults. It can happen,
as this is football and the opponent can have a brilliant day and you can be
unlucky, but we're going to come at every game like we did on Saturday. "If
I knew why that focus hadn't been there, it wouldn't have happened four
times, it would have happened one time. It's a chain-reaction. "The game
against Watford was a big shock for us. We were 2-0 up and suddenly we were
4-2 down and then we went to West Brom and were 4-0 down and we were losing
a bit of everything, and this league is so cruel that you don't have to lose
a lot and it can go wrong. Hopefully that is over.
"It's hard to get this across in my press conferences, but I have seen that
they care for the team and hate to be in this position. We are still not in
the position we want to be, of course, but we were always one win from the
opportunity to come out of it. "We are still there, but this has to be our
minimum, with the ball and without the ball. This has to be our minimum."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kemp - Checkatrade Trophy experience will benefit us
WHUFC.com
West Ham United PL2 take on Aston Villa away from home on Monday (7pm KO)
The Hammers are currently third in Premier League 2 Division 2
Winger Dan Kemp thinks they'll use their previous Checkatrade Trophy
experience to their advantage
Dan Kemp believes experiences like the Checkatrade Trophy will benefit West
Ham United's youngsters for the season ahead. The Hammers PL2 side have been
competing in the newly-formatted Trophy this season, although they've been
beaten on both outings away at Coventry City and Wycombe Wanderers so far.
However, Kemp is an advocate for the competition and says it provides a real
benefit to younger players. "I was a great experience in the Checkatrade
Trophy, playing against professional players and teams," he said. "We don't
get exposed to that in the U23 and U18 matches. It was a great learning
curve and I hope we get more opportunities like that because it certainly
benefits us."
West Ham United face Aston Villa (7pm kick-off at the Bescot Stadium,
Walsall) in Premier League 2 on Monday, having not played a league fixture
since the 0-0 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of September.
Since then, cup competitions have been the primary focus for Terry Westley's
men as they began the defence of their Premier League Cup title with a 2-0
victory over Leicester City. In the same period, they were beaten 3-0 by
Wycombe in the Checkatrade Trophy but performed admirably against
experienced opposition. But attention now turns back to the league and the
Hammers will hope to build on their promising start to the season, having
only lost just once in six matches. Kemp has been part of both youth sides
this season, more recently appearing for the PL2 side against Coventry and
Wycombe, and he hopes his hard work can maintain a place in Terry Westley's
squad. "I'm very pleased with the start I've had. But it is only the start
of the season so now I'm looking to continue that," Kemp continued.
"Obviously I've had a couple of starts for the U23s and starting and scoring
for the U18s so it's been a good start to the campaign and now I'm looking
to go even further and forward to the rest of the season. "It's a valuable
experience [playing for the PL2 side], obviously it's the next step up from
my age group at the moment, so I'm working hard every day in training and
hopefully I can get some more games for them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies beaten by strong Eagles
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies 0-4 Crystal Palace Ladies
There wasn't a fairytale ending to the West Ham United Ladies' first match
as members of the West Ham family, but they showed plenty of potential
throughout their clash against Crystal Palace. Manager James Marrs had
parted company with the club earlier in the week through mutual consent with
coach Colin Bennett standing in until a new appointment. West Ham Ladies
had suffered a 4-0 reverse earlier in the season to a very strong and
skillful Palace side and were determined to not be overrun again. They
started much the brighter with Shannon Albuery and Chloe Burr linking up
well on the right. And it was Albuery who teed up Burr for West Ham's first
shot on target which unfortunately went straight into keeper Chanelle
Yardley's hands. West Ham were putting their passes together and looked the
most likely until a defensive mix up after 17 minutes between Aditi Chauhan
and Chantelle Mackie allowed Palace striker Roscelle Shakes to nip in and
toe poke the ball into an empty net. Shortly after, a swift interchange
between Albuery and Burr set up Whitney Locke but she scooped her effort
well over the bar. On half an hour, Burr and Mackie put in Albuery who had
her fierce shot blocked by a last ditch tackle. Five minutes later Albuery
made another great solo run but blasted over from close range.
Crystal Palace came out for the second half and seemed to step up a gear.
West Ham couldn't seem to match their first half performance and five
minutes in, Shakes doubled her tally after being put clean through one on
one with Chauhan. Ten minutes later Chauhan's short goal kick put Amy Cooper
under too much pressure, and Gemma Bryan dispossessed her before finishing
clinically. On 62 minutes, it was Bryan again who found the back of the net
whilst the West Ham defence were appealing in vain for offside. With a
quarter of an hour remaining, hard working midfielder Sasha Kelly made way
for club captain Karen Ray's swan song. It was her last game as a player
before taking on a coaching role at the club. With Palace reduced to ten
players through injury, they decided to shut up shop and reduced West Ham
Ladies to one last shot on goal, a 30-yard effort from Katie Bottom which
Yardley comfortably dealt with. History had repeated itself, but as the game
drew to a close, even in defeat, the winter sun could not cast a shadow over
the Ladies' bright future as an integral part of West Ham United Football
Club.
Manager for day Colin Bennett said after the game: "It was a good game and
the girls played well, especially in the first half. The second half was a
slightly different story, but we worked hard and it was pleasing to see
their attitude right until the end of the game rather than letting their
heads drop. "Overall, it's another step forward in our development towards
the success we are looking for as a club, and as we build for the future."
West Ham Ladies: Aditi Chauhan, Olivia Sammons, Hannah Wheeler, Katie
Bottom, Chantelle Mackie, Amy Cooper, Kat Clifton, Sasha Kelly, Whitney
Locke, Shannon Albuery, Chloe Burr.
Subs: Karen Ray, Sarah Wilson, Steph Bent.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#WHUAREYA - Joe Powell
WHUFC.com
What do golf, the Hammers' new Stadium and Justin Bieber all have in common?
They're all loved by Academy winger Joe Powell, apparently! The U18s'
creative force sat down with West Ham TV for the latest episode of our new
#WHUAREYA feature and revealed all, from his strengths on the pitch to his
favourite TV series. The 17-year-old enjoyed a great weekend as part of
Steve Potts' side's 5-2 win over Norwich City on Saturday, and hopes he can
continue along similar lines for the rest of the campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Martin Samuelsen, fresh from scoring his first international goal for
Norway, started for Blackburn on Saturday
There was also action for Josh Cullen and Lewis Page in League One with
Bradford City and Coventry City respectively
Doneil Henry made his second AC Horsens appearance
As the Hammers recorded their first away win of the season at Selhurst Park
on Saturday, four of the Club's players were also in action elsewhere at
their respective loan sides. Starting and playing 62 minutes in the
Championship was Norwegian winger Martin Samuelsen, who scored his first
ever senior goal for his country against San Marino during last week's
international break. Rovers recorded their first clean sheet of the campaign
against Ipswich Town in the second tier, drawing 0-0 with Mick McCarthy's
side. The hosts, who remain in the relegation zone, created their best
opportunity just before the break when Ben Marshall shot straight at the
Tractor Boys' stopper Bartosz Bialkowski. Samuelsen was making his fourth
appearance for the Lancashire outfit before he was replaced by Elliot
Bennett with just under half an hour to play.
Down a division, Josh Cullen – who has missed just two Bradford City league
matches this season, both due to international commitments – played 90
minutes for the Bantams as they were beaten by Oxford United. It was a shock
first league defeat of the season for Stuart McCall's side, who still occupy
an automatic promotion spot in League One. Chris Maguire's stoppage time
winner ended City's unbeaten run as the forward struck a 25-yard free-kick
to give the hosts all three points.
Elsewhere in the third tier, Lewis Page started for Coventry City in their
3-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic, but lasted just 24 minutes as he was forced
off through injury. And at least five of those 24 minutes were disrupted in
south east London as both sets of fans hurled toy pigs onto the pitch in
protest of their respective owners. Ricky Holmes struck during the first
half to give the Addicks the lead before Ademola Lookman and Josh Magennis
scored late on to seal the three points for the hosts.
George Dobson and Josh Pask were both unused subs for Walsall and Gillingham
respectively as the Saddlers beat Shrewsbury Town 3-2 and Justin Edinburgh's
Gills lost 2-1 at Bristol Rovers.
Finally, Doneil Henry returned from international duty with Canada to make
his second appearance for Danish side AC Horsens on loan. Coming on to play
32 second half minutes, the defender helped his side record a 1-1 draw
against AFG, which leaves them seventh in their 14-team Superliga division.
Gambian defender Bubacarr Sanneh gave Horsens the lead in the first period
before Danny Olsen equalised on 63 minutes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies appoint new manager
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the appointment of Greg de Carnys
as the Club's new Ladies manager.
De Carnys, who will combine his new role with his position of Head of
Performance at the Academy, has extensive coaching experience and is
currently studying for his UEFA A Licence.
The new manager will be assisted by Josh Ewens, who will work with the
Ladies alongside his role as first-team fitness coach, and captain Karen
Ray, who will take on the position of first-team coach.
Manager De Carnys replaces James Marrs, who has resigned his position, and
the new coaching staff will take charge of their first training session at
Chadwell Heath on Tuesday evening.
"With the support of Josh, who joins us alongside his role with the first
team, and Karen, who brings her invaluable experience, I am really looking
forward to working together with the Ladies in this new chapter as they
become part of the West Ham family," De Carnys began.
"Karen has been an integral part of the playing staff and is currently the
Women and Girls' manager at the club.
"It's an exciting time for everyone involved, I can't wait to get started
and, with the support of the Club, I think we can take the team to new
levels."
Prior to joining the Hammers, De Carnys worked as a coach within the Arsenal
and Derby County Academies and served as a first-team assistant at Watford.
A fluent Spanish, French and Italian speaker, De Carnys graduated with a
degree in Coaching Science from Liverpool John Moores University before
completing his Masters qualification at Loughborough University.
He possesses a range of qualifications in coaching, including a UEFA B
Licence, which will stand him in good stead as he begins his new challenge
with West Ham United Ladies.
"I have been with West Ham for eight seasons in my role as Head of
Performance in the Academy," he confirmed.
"Before joining the Club, I held several coaching roles at clubs across the
country, as well as completing a degree in Coaching Science and a Masters in
Sports Science.
"I am in the process of completing my UEFA A Licence and I believe this
opportunity to coach the Ladies whilst continuing my role as Head of
Performance at the Academy is the perfect mix."
West Ham United Ladies' two senior and four junior sides will be operated by
the Club following a move to formally bring them into the structure was
agreed with the Ladies' committee earlier this month.
The Ladies, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2016, currently
compete in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division, the third tier
of women's football in England.
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Steinberg - This was a very encouraging performance
WHUFC.com
Guardian football reporter Jacob Steinberg saw the Hammers record a crucial
win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and picked out a number of
individuals for playing their part in a memorable victory.
Steinberg is now hoping the Hammers can maintain their winning feeling and
get another crucial victory over Sunderland at London Stadium on
Saturday.....
A lot of West Ham fans were expecting a difficult game against Palace
considering the form they had shown coming into the game.
Manuel Lanzini got the early goal and although Palace came back strongly in
the second half, I thought the Hammers produced some great defending and
deserved to come away with all three points.
All the talk after the game was about the system that Slaven Bilic used and
you have to say it had a lot to do with the return of Aaron Cresswell.
He should never have been sent-off, but he showed the quality he can bring
to the team and brings the balance back on the left hand side.
He has played so well over the last two seasons and losing him for the start
of the season was a big blow.
But we all saw the quality he gives you with his assist for the goal and he
made a big difference.
I think that is the best West Ham have played all season and Slaven had them
so well organised.
The players had the desire to run for every ball and work hard until the
final whistle was blown.
I know Slaven won't get carried away and this is only one victory. The Club
now need to get a few wins under their belts to move towards the top half of
the table, but this was a very encouraging performance.
It was great to see Lanzini get on the scoresheet. He has had a slow start
to the season and got dropped for the Middlesbrough game.
But he came back with a point to prove and got the crucial winning goal. He
didn't have much of a pre-season following his injury for Argentina at the
Olympics.
But this was the first time he looked properly at it and he puts it all
together in the midfield.
He links up so well with Dimitri Payet and the formation that Slaven played
on Saturday freed those two up to show their attacking qualities.
I also think Pedro Obiang has made a big difference to the team. He has been
unlucky not to get more playing time and it was hard for him to break into
the side.
But his importance to the team has become more evident in recent weeks and I
hope he can kick on now and keep his place. He looks a really good player.
We saw a different side to Simone Zaza and his work-rate was fantastic on
Saturday playing as the lone striker.
He was winning headers and holding up the ball and the next step for him is
to get on the scoresheet.
Cheikhou Kouyate switched back into a defensive role and this was not the
first time he has been asked to do that. I remember he did a good job
playing there against Tottenham and Manchester United in recent seasons.
With Cresswell suspended for the next game, it is hard to see how they can
play the same system but I would probably expect Angelo Ogbonna to play
left-back.
Sunderland have yet to win a game, but this is a huge match for West Ham and
they need to start winning at London Stadium and feel comfortable playing
there.
It will not be easy and the Hammers have struggled against teams managed by
David Moyes over the years.
But I would expect West Ham to win the game.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE REASON WHY WE MAY HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING BEFORE PALACE BY NIGEL KAHN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 17 OCTOBER 2016 AT 9:38PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This article is written by @mywhufc
Leading unto the palace game it's not been the start to the season anyone
probably would have imagined, well almost anyone, I admit that I wasn't so
confident with the changes the club were going through, but even I didn't
think it would be anything like this. When a point at home against
Middlesborough is seen as good then we must all admit that what went before
that game wasn't what is expected, yet the time is not to panic, the season
is still young and just another 3 points against Sunderland to follow up
from the 3 gained last Saturday will put a different reflection on our
predicament.
Quite how it came to this is open for discussion in that many people have
eluded to many different reasons, The move, The pitch, the fans off field
disagreements so many reasons its literally take your pick time but for me
one that hasn't been picked up on is the signings made in the summer and I'm
not talking about the quality.
I have long subscribed to the thinking that foreign players new to the
Premier league should be allowed 6 months settling in period before really
being judged, problem is that with todays social media fan base there're
lucky to get 6 games let alone 6 months.
The Premier League has a reputation for fast paced football played at twice
the pace of the continental style preferred by the French and Spanish
leagues and when you watch the Italian league on a Sunday after watching a
Premier league game you'll struggle to stay awake with their slow paced
defensive orientated style of play. Yet nearly all our signings in the
summer have come from the continent and have been thrown in at the deep end
going straight into first team action due to injuries and to loss of form of
others so they haven't been afforded a bedding in process and most have
looked at times like rabbits startled in the headlights of an oncoming lorry
about to squash them without noticing.
Nortveidt bought from Germany, looks slow and sluggish, but then most
football I have watched played in the German top division is slow in its
build up, possession football, if you have the ball then the opposition cant
score against you style. His introduction to the Premier league has been
sometimes in midfield sometimes in defence, problem is the outcome looked
the same, it's as if he is watching the game go past him.
Feghouli at least has pace so he has not looked too much out of place when
he has been fit enough to play, but theres something about him I just cant
put my finger on, he reminds me of Julien Faubert, a player who often
flattered to deceive in his time at the club. I think its the end product
that he suffers from, yes he has the pace but if you cant then convert that
into goalscoring opportunities its really not worth having. David Beckham
was a winger with no pace, but he proved if your delivery is perfect you
don't need to beat the defender in front of you.
Gohkan Torre is much like Feghouli just without the pace, Slav obviously
enjoyed having him as a player at Besiktas and he also had his
apprenticeship in part at Chelsea, but he has not enjoyed at all the best of
starts and to top it off it turns out he is now injured, out for 5/6 weeks.
What was disappointing was the reaction I saw to that news, many fans were
disappointed it was only 5/6 weeks, witty it may be to laugh at him but is
that what we have sunk to now actually being pleased a West Ham player is
injured, not for me no matter how bad a player is should we ever take joy
from an injury, hardly likely to inspire him when he is fit.
Jonathan Calleri was feted across the web when it was revealed we were after
him, endless replays of his rabona chip goal scored in the colours of Boca
juniors were posted across Twitter and Facebook, yet in his first appearance
against Bournemouth he had the chance to put the game out of sight late on,
he blasted wide when in on goal. The chance reminded me of Carlton Coles
debut for us at The Boleyn, he fired home after literally just coming onto
the pitch, like Calleri he ran onto the ball through on goal except Carlton
slotted it home.
Simone Zaza, a player that was chased by the club but it seemed only joined
us when there was only us to join, with Andy Carroll's injury and Sakho's
bad back? he has been left to it, problem was in the early games with Payet
missing so was the service to him but he did himself no favours that when he
did get the ball, his first touch was generally poor which meant his second
touch was sometimes non existent has he'd lost it after the first. After the
Southampton game I wondered that if he was a mafia hit man he'd struggle to
shoot himself. Poor taste maybe but it just seemed he has not got the
tactical awareness to get into the positions in the box to receive the ball,
he is very stationary for me at times making it easy for the defender to
mark him out the game.
Whether that though warrants the missing posters on social media asking has
anyone seen Zaza I'm not sure, but as my comment above shows, its very easy
to mock when they are so poor. Granted, he had his best game for us at
Palace, but with still no sign of that killer instinct in front of goal and
his appearances climbing near to the 20 million buy clause good performances
are no longer making him look worth it. If he wants to stay goals are the
only thing that will make that happen, and quickly.
Its been long since known that signing foreign players, especially in the
market we shop in, is a gamble. For every Payet, Di Canio, Tevez & Lanzini
there is a Raducioiu, Labant, Maiga and Boogers.
Luckily the successes have far out weighed the losses. Payet and Lanzini
both unknown in this country started well last season, imposing themselves
early on to gain the affection of the fans quickly, Sakho hit the ground
running and even Enner Valencia started brightly, Hull away on a Monday
night springs to mind the season before, so as well as the perception that
you get better value for money buying abroad than buying British and the
fact that we had by and large done well following that model you can see why
we continued that model. That though ignores the fact that constantly two of
our best players last season were Antonio and Cresswell, both had no Premier
League experience but coming from the championship they didn't need the
bedding in period foreign players should be afforded.
But like all gambles, when it goes wrong it goes badly wrong. Not one out of
those listed above has managed to get themselves into pushing for a regular
first team start, its almost out of desperation that they have been played
in the first team and the fact none have been championed by the crowd tells
you all you need to know, and that has reflected in the fact we sit around
the bottom of the league. So for me the problem this season is not the
stadium, its not the fans, its purely the gamble of foreign signings have
caught up with us.
Somewhere out there is another Dimitri Payet just waiting to be found, its
just how many Torre's or Feghouli's we sign to find him could be the
problem.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ref Watch: SSN with Dermot Gallgher
Crystal Palace v West Ham, Premier League, Saturday
INCIDENT: Aaron Cresswell is booked for simulation following a challenge
from Yohan Cabaye in the penalty area.
SCENARIO: Cresswell receives a yellow card after being adjudged to have
dived by referee Martin Atkinson. Replays show there was contact between the
two players.
DERMOT'S VERDICT: Incorrect decision.
DERMOT SAYS: Having seen the replays, Cresswell shouldn't have been booked.
From Martin's angle he sees Cresswell go down dramatically but it's not
simulation and, unfortunately, he gets a yellow card. Perhaps more
unfortunate are the consequences that arise from that decision.
INCIDENT: Aaron Cresswell sent off for second bookable offence following
collison with Wilfried Zaha
SCENARIO: Just 51 seconds after his booking for simulation, Cresswell is
sent from the field for impeding Zaha. The incident was brought to referee
Atkinson's attention by his linesman, who instructed him to issue a second
yellow.
DERMOT'S VERDICT: Incorrect decision.
DERMOT SAYS: I don't think this is a yellow card offence, it's just a foul.
A free-kick is enough but the problem is that the assistant, who has Zaha's
body in his line of sight, hasn't seen things as clear as the replays show.
He's alerted Martin to the incident and tells him to issue a second yellow,
leaving Martin with nowhere else to go.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dermot Gallagher has his say on controversial Cresswell red card
HITC
Sean Lunt
The West Ham United defender was controversially sent off in the win over
Crystal Palace. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has told Sky
Sports that West Ham United's Aaron Cresswell should not have been sent off
against Crystal Palace. Cresswell made an immediate return to the Hammers
line-up on Saturday afternoon after missing the beginning of the campaign
through injury. The game started off well for him as he provided a superb
assist for Manuel Lanzini to score the winning goal of the game. West Ham's
Aaron Cresswell in action with Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha It was a
return that ended in disaster though as he picked up a red card for two
bookable offences within a minute. The first of those yellow cards was for
simulation but Gallagher insists it was an undeserved one. "It is easy
seeing this [the replays] that he shouldn't have been booked [for
simulation]," he told Sky Sports. "It's not a simulation and it's
unfortunate he gets a yellow card. What's unfortunate is the consequence
that arises from it a minute later."
The second yellow came about as Cresswell tussled with Palace winger Zaha
when they competed for the ball on the right wing. The Eagles man ended up
on the floor with assistant Peter Kirkup flagging for a foul and then
visibly telling referee Martin Atkinson that the foul was a second yellow.
That left the referee with little choice but to send off the Hammers man but
Gallagher says a free-kick would have been enough. "I think it's just a foul
and a free-kick is enough" added Gallagher. "The problem is the assistant
thinks differently. He says to him [the referee] 'it's a second yellow card
and the ref has nowhere to go."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham wouldn't have won without 'different class' Simone Zaza, says
Slaven Bilic
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic praised a "different class" Simone Zaza as the
deciding factor in his side's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Zaza
is still yet to find the net since his arrival on loan from Juventus at the
end of August but looked much improved at Selhurst Park on Saturday, winning
10 aerial challenges and providing a vital out-ball as Palace built pressure
on the Hammers. Such had been the struggles of the Italian international
since his arrival in the Premier League it had been speculated that Zaza
could return to Serie A or move to Valencia, a suggestion that Bilic has
been keen to dispel. Indeed if the 25-year-old can replicate his display
against Palace in the coming matches he will have made his manager very
happy. "He was different class," Bilic said. "I told him after the game that
this is the Zaza I know from Sassuolo and Juventus. "The goals will come,
the goals are very important for the strikers but I want to see him like
this. "I told him after the game, 'Zaza, tonight you won more balls in the
air against two centre halves than you did in four or five games so far.'
"Without him we wouldn't have won, it's as simple as that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic blasts rule denying him right to appeal Aaron
Cresswell's red card against Crystal Palace
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has expressed his frustration against rules
denying him the chance to appeal Aaron Cresswell's controversial dismissal
against Crystal Palace. Cresswell, playing his first match of the season
following a knee injury in pre-season, was sent off in the second half
following two yellow cards in less than a minute. The full-back was given
his first yellow by referee Martin Atkinson for simulation after going down
in the penalty area following a clash with Yohan Cabaye and his second for
an innocuous challenge on Wilfried Zaha. West Ham are unable to appeal
against the sending-off because FA rules only allow for clubs to appeal
yellow cards for cases of mistaken identity. Bilic said: "I don't understand
it when you can appeal against a red card and yet not two yellows. "The
first one was a penalty for us and then the second yellow was just wrong.
There are no hard feelings, though, because we won the game."
Cresswell, who played a major part in West Ham's 1-0 victory, their first
away from home this season, will now miss Saturday's home match against
Sunderland. The Hammers, meanwhile, will continue to monitor the form of
Italian striker Simone Zaza before making a decision about whether to sign
him permanently. The 25-year-old is on a season-long loan from Juventus with
an agreement in place that West Ham will pay them £20million after he has
played 14 matches. The club will continue to assess Zaza's form and although
he has yet to score, his performance against Palace drew praise from Bilic.
"He was different class," said the West Ham manager. "I told him straight
after the game, 'this is the Zaza I know from Sassuolo and Juventus'.
"Without him, we wouldn't have won, it's as simple as that."
With Cresswell returning from injury, Bilic changed to a wing-back system
and it was the former Ipswich star who played a major part in West Ham's
goal after 19 minutes, crossing from the left for Manuel Lanzini to score.
"The people are talking about the system but it wasn't for me about the
system. It was the change in attitude," said Bilic. "There was a difference.
Attitude, focus, hunger and that resilience that we are going to do it and
come back."
Palace striker Christian Benteke missed a penalty just before half-time,
floating his effort wide.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Garth Crooks claims West Ham star Aaron Cresswell is owed an apology
HITC
Jordan Harris
The pundit included the West Ham United defender in his Team of the Week.
Garth Crooks has praised Aaron Cresswell's performance in West Ham United's
narrow win over Crystal Palace at the weekend and insisted that the
left-back deserves an apology from the referee, BBC Sport reports.
Cresswell was making his first appearance of the campaign at Selhurst Park
after recovering from an injury that he sustained in pre-season. And he
made an immediate impact as it was his cross that led to Manuel Lanzini's
winner which handed the Hammers their first victory in the league since
August and moved them out of the bottom three. However, Cresswell did not
see the game out as he was controversially sent off following two yellow
cards. The first came when the defender was deemed to have dived when he
went down inside the Palace box while the second card came when the referee
judged that he had blocked Wilfried Zaha off as the winger made a run down
the line. But after including the Irons full-back in his Team of the Week,
Crooks hit out at both decisions made by the official. "His ball for
team-mate Manuel Lanzini to score was of the highest quality and further
indication of what he can produce," he told BBC Sport. "However, what then
followed was a travesty. Referee Atkinson made two of the worst decisions I
have seen in a long time. "His first error was the yellow card given to
Cresswell for diving when the full-back was clearly tripped in the box.
Atkinson then went on to compound the mistake 51 seconds later by giving
Cresswell a second yellow for putting an arm across Wilfried Zaha, even
though the defender was legitimately making life difficult for the Palace
winger. "What was Cresswell supposed to do? Give Zaha directions? Atkinson
owes Cresswell a public apology for the first caution and should have the
decency to rescind the booking for diving when the player clearly did not."
Unfortunately for Bilic, the nature of the dismissal means that Cresswell
will have no chance to appeal the decision, and will thus miss the home game
against Sunderland on Saturday.
But the West Ham boss will also be taking plenty of positives from how the
former Ipswich man got on in his first game back, and may appreciate the
fact that he will be fresh for the run of seven games that follows the clash
against the Black Cats, which will see them come up against six of the
current top seven in the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian credits Slaven Bilic's change of system for West Ham's victory over
Crystal Palace
ANDY SIMS
Evening Standard
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian admitted a change of system, and a change of
mindset, was responsible for their 1-0 win at Crystal Palace. The
under-pressure Hammers travelled to south London lying second from bottom,
without a win in five matches and with one of the worst defensive records in
the Premier League. Yet a switch to a three-man defence paid dividends as
they hung on to Manuel Lanzini's 19th-minute goal to secure three
much-needed points. "It's very important to keep a clean sheet because if
you score one goal, like we did, you win three points," Spaniard Adrian told
the club's website. "It is a change of our mind. We need to start winning
games and getting points because we want to climb the table. "This system
worked for us. Every game is different and we went with this one, and
luckily for us it worked."
West Ham rode their luck at Selhurst Park, not least when Christian Benteke
missed a penalty and moments later saw a header hit the post. They also had
to play out the last 20 minutes a man down after Aaron Cresswell's
controversial red card, and were indebted to Adrian in stoppage time for a
point-blank save to deny Connor Wickham. "We fought until the end with one
player less, which was very difficult because they pushed and their fans
pushed a lot," he added. "We defended so well until the last minute and
finally we got the win, and it's a massive three points for us. "It would
have probably changed the game if he'd scored the penalty, but he missed and
we continued fighting in the second half, and I think we deserved the win."
For Palace it was a first defeat in six matches and manager Alan Pardew was
not happy with their sluggish start. "Maybe we thought it would be an
afternoon for us where it all went well, that can happen when you've been
winning," he said. "Forget about shapes and systems, we missed the boat in
that first 20 minutes and it was difficult from there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini shares what West Ham boss Slaven Bilic tells him
HITC
Sean Lunt
The midfielder was the hero for West Ham United in the win over Crystal
Palace. West Ham United star Manuel Lanzini has told the Daily Star that
Slaven Bilic is always telling him to simply play and make the team better.
The Argentine midfielder proved to be the Hammers' hero on Saturday
afternoon as he scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Crystal
Palace. It was a much-needed victory for West Ham, just their second of the
season, moving them out of the bottom three and up to 15th in the table. It
was also Lanzini's second strike of the season in a much-improved showing
than he has managed previously. And he says that the main message Bilic
gives him is to go out there and help the team to play football. "[Bilic]
always tells me more than anything to play, to make the team play and get
into scoring positions, as well and to defend," he told the Daily Star. "He
always tries to give me the confidence to score He congratulated me, he has
a lot of faith in me and I have a lot of faith in him. Luckily I was able to
score so I'm happy for the team, we needed this victory."
The Hammers will now be hoping that Lanzini can add more goals to his tally
as they look to bounce back from a poor start to the season. While the win
was a positive one for them it does not change much, with the Hammers still
just a point outside the relegation zone. That is far from where they
expected to be and they will need the likes of Lanzini to start hitting top
form quickly to turn the situation around.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic heaps praise on Simone Zaza after West Ham triumph over Crystal
Palace: 'He was different class'
Slaven Bilic singled out Simone Zaza for his performance on Saturday
The Italian had failed to make an impact since joining from Juventus
Bilic described Zaza as 'different class' after West Ham's 1-0 win
By AMITAI WINEHOUSE FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:55, 16 October 2016 | UPDATED: 00:12, 17 October 2016
Slaven Bilic hailed striker Simone Zaza for his key role in a much-needed
West Ham win against Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old Italian striker has
struggled since joining on loan from Juventus, with some suggestions he
could be sent back to Turin early. He was in fine form against Palace,
however, as West Ham triumphed despite seeing Aaron Cresswell sent off after
two questionable yellow cards. Bilic was unhappy with that decision by
referee Martin Atkinson and admitted he wished English football would follow
the lead of other leagues in allowing clubs to appeal sending-offs for two
bookings. Two of Aaron Cresswell's three red cards in league football have
come against Crystal Palace. Cresswell had provided the low cross in the
19th minute which was converted by Manuel Lanzini for West Ham's first win
in six Premier League games, dragging them out of the bottom three. The West
Ham boss was less keen discuss the sending-off than he was to focus on Zaza,
saying: 'He was different class. I told him after the game that this is the
Zaza I know from Sassuolo and Juventus. 'The goals will come, the goals are
very important for the strikers but I want to see him like this. 'I told him
after the game, 'Zaza, tonight you won more balls in the air against two
centre halves than you did in four or five games so far'. 'Without him we
wouldn't have won, it's as simple as that.' One of those centre backs, James
Tomkins was sold to Palace by Bilic in the summer for £10 million. 'I didn't
want to sell him, he didn't want to go. Maybe it was my mistake not to say,
'I don't care if you are happy or not, stay', but I didn't want to do that,'
Bilic said.
Palace might have earned a draw after Christian Benteke won a penalty, but
the Belgian sent his spot kick high and wide. Alan Pardew, the Palace
manager, admitted he might have to work on his side's issues from the
penalty spot. 'We've missed two this year,' Pardew said. 'Yohan Cabaye has
missed one. So it's something that perhaps we need to look at — I'm not
going to say everything's OK.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
He is going to be an exciting player
Posted: Mon 17 Oct 2016
Author: rovers.co.uk
Boss Owen Coyle believes Martin Samuelsen will be better for the experience
of playing in Saturday's match against Ipswich Town. Fresh from scoring his
first goal for Norway in the win over San Marino on Tuesday night, the young
attacker was handed his home debut in the weekend draw. Coyle felt that
Samuelsen showed glimpses of his undoubted talent, and hopes that he learns
from his first league start. "I thought there was lots of nice bits about
his play," the Rovers boss told Radio Rovers after the game. "You have to
understand that he is a young lad and I've said to him that the nice stuff
is fantastic but once you've beaten that player in the box then the cross
has got to come in as he has a tendency to over-do it. "He is young, he will
learn, he is going to be an exciting player there is no doubt about that. "I
thought it was important that we gave him his opportunity and I think he did
some nice things in the game. It is just getting that cutting edge because
when you are a forward I always feel that ultimately for all your good play
you must have goals, you must have assists, and there must be an end
product."
Rovers and Samuelsen are back in action this Tuesday night when Nottingham
Forest are the visitors to Ewood Park. Tickets will be on sale up to the
7.45pm kick-off priced from £18 Adults, £12 Seniors/18-21 year-olds and £7
for Juniors aged 17 and under. Book now online at
www.eticketing.co.uk/onerovers and collect on the day of the game from the
Roverstore collection point.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michail Antonio claims West Ham knew win was coming
HITC
Sean Lunt
West Ham United beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Saturday. West Ham United star
Michail Antonio has claimed to the club's official website that they knew a
win was coming before the victory over Crystal Palace. The Hammers travelled
to Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon looking to turn around their dreadful
start to the season. They managed to do just that as a goal from Manuel
Lanzini saw them to a 1-0 win, just their second of the campaign so far. The
result came as something of a surprise given the two teams' recent form,
with Palace having gone five games unbeaten beforehand. Not to Antonio,
though, who claims that he and his Hammers teammates knew the win was
coming. "We knew it [the win] was coming – we just needed to make sure we
gelled together and kept a clean sheet because we always believe we will
score goals," he told the club's official website. "It's nice to get that
clean sheet and a win, so onwards and upwards. The boys are buzzing and
can't wait for the next game."
West Ham will now be keen to continue their form with another victory next
time around. This result took them up to 15th in the table but they are
still only a point outside the relegation zone and will need to put a run
together to open up a greater gap in the weeks ahead. West Ham have a strong
chance to make it back-to-back wins next weekend when they take on bottom of
the table Sunderland at the London Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll lookalike thrown about and sung to by West Ham fans prior to
Crystal Palace win
09:10, 17 OCT 2016 UPDATED 09:10, 17 OCT 2016
BY THOMAS BRISTOW , FREDDIE HARDING
It turns out the 27-year-old striker was somewhere else altogether
The Mirror
Does anyone know what Andy Carroll is actually injured with anymore? The
Geordie-born striker is out of action so often he's fast becoming this
decade's Dean Ashton. But the striker's lack of minutes doesn't appear to be
affecting the West Ham faithful, who seemingly still love him just as much
as when he first signed. Take the video above for example. In the footage,
which was shot by Mirror Football's Freddie Harding, an Andy Carroll
lookalike is being raised in the air and sung to like a god. The chap, who
has Carroll's long hair and oddly smart dress sense, is loving it. Moving
his arms and encouraging his band of merry men, the lookalike is having a
great time. The real Andy Carroll however, as spotted by a separate Mirror
employee, was in fact having a pint at the Slug and Lettuce bar in Canary
Wharf with teammate Joey O'Brien . We're sure the towering centre forward
will be pleased to know he is held in such high regard. But all of this begs
the question: which Andy Carroll would you rather be?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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