Ladies edged out
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies were edged out of the FA Women's Premier League Plate at the third-round stage on Sunday. The Hammers lost 3-2 to Keynsham Town in a tie that could have gone either way at Thurrock FC's Ship Lane ground. Greg de Carnys' side led at half-time, but three second-half goals from the visitors rendered Shannon Albuery's late strike a consolation. After observing a minute silence for Remembrance Day before kick-off, West Ham started the brighter of the two teams, with Dayna Chong going close to opening the scoring on her 21st birthday, only for her shot to narrowly clear the crossbar. With Chloe Burr and Katie Bottom to the fore in the midfield, the Hammers continued to hold the upper hand, with Sasha Kelly firing across the face of goal midway through the opening half. At the other end, West Ham goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan was equal to everything Keynsham threw at her, most of which was created by Keynsham's former England international Justine Lorton-Radburn.
Three minutes before the break, the hosts went ahead. Forward Whitney Locke was the scorer, latching onto Kelly's through ball before rounding the goalkeeper and shooting into the empty net. The second 45 minutes followed a different pattern, though, as the Somerset-based visitors carried a much bigger threat throughout the second half. Hannah Davies was denied by Chauhan before Govan Cristina dos Santos Alves broke through to equalise five minutes after the break. Albuery went close to giving the home side the lead for a second time, but it was Keynsham who took control of the tie in the closing stages. When a free-kick beat Chauhan and hit the underside of the crossbar, Stacey Patterson was first to react, and she stabbed the ball into the net from close range. With ten minutes remaining, Yasmine Pratt converted Alves' cutback to put Keynsham two goals clear. To West Ham's credit, they fought to the end and went close through Bottom before Albuery broke into the penalty area and clipped the ball in for her first goal for the club. The home side continued to press, but the visitors managed to hold on until the final whistle and book their place in the quarter-finals.
The Ladies return to action at Ship Lane on Sunday 13 November at 2pm, when they host Cardiff City Ladies in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division.
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Jones meets up with Slaven once again
WHUFC.com
Former striker Steve Jones will always have a special relationship with the West Ham fans following his remarkable story which saw him sign for his beloved Club.
Jones made headlines in the national press when Harry Redknapp took him to the east London Club after he was working in a soap factory while playing for Billericay.
The talented forward was rated one of the best strikers in non-league football and spent four memorable years at Upton Park. The 46-year-old has kept in touch with his former team-mate Slaven Bilic and was recently back at the Club's new training ground to meet up with some old friends....
For the amount of games that I played for West Ham I seemed to be remember quite well which is great. I was working in a soap factory and a lot was made in the press at the time. I was playing for Billericay and had gone on loan to Sheffield United. I got made redundant and West Ham came in for me straight away. Harry signed me for around £40,000. The crazy thing was I had played for Billericay on the Tuesday night and was then a substitute for West Ham at Upton Park four days later. It was hard to believe what was going on and it was a crazy time. I realised at the time that it was going to be hard because West Ham signed me when I was 22 and I had not had the coaching that a lot of the other players had gone through. It took me a couple of years to adjust to it but I was a West Ham supporter and it was a dream for me to go and play for for them. I was there for two seasons and then I came back for a second time. I was a better player the second time around but it just didn't happen for me in front of goal. I remember playing against Arsenal at Highbury on the opening day and we lost 2-0, but I managed to hit the post and the bar and if one of them had gone in, maybe it would have been a different story for me.
My favourite moment was probably playing against Norwich in a live televised game. We drew 3-3 and I managed to score and set up a goal for Trevor Morley. Norwich had a great team at the time with Chris Sutton and Jeremy Goss and it was a great game to be involved in. The other big highlight would have to be the 4-1 win over Spurs at White Hart Lane. I remember the ground being empty on 85 minutes and the Hammers fans were doing the conga! Trevor scored a couple, Mike Marsh and Matt Rush got on the scoresheet and it was a fantastic result at the time. I remember going out the night after and I don't recall having to buy a drink that night!
I still keep in touch with a few of the lads and did a charity event with Julian Dicks during the summer. I played with Slaven and he has gone on to become a fantastic manager. He has taken West Ham onto the next level. We have struggled a bit at the start of the season but that is down to the new Stadium and injuries.
But we showed with the recent unbeaten run what the team is capable of and to get that victory over Chelsea was excellent. There are still people around the Club from when I was playing including Shirley in the canteen and when I saw Slaven, he invited me to come down to the training ground with my little boy Liam who plays for the West Ham U11s. Slaven is a genuine guy and told me to bring him along and get some photos with the players. I hope Liam will be able to follow in my footsteps but he has still got a long way to go. He loves being at the Club, but when you are only 11 you still have a long way to go. He works hard and it is hard work for the youngsters. He recently played in Belgium and spent the day travelling there. There are a lot of demands for that age but he managed to get the winner!
Looking back I have some great memories from my career including playing for Charlton in the memorable play-off win over Sunderland at Wembley. I set up two of the goals and it was a great day.
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The Big Interview - Andre Ayew
WHUFC.com
Andre Ayew is determined to show West Ham United fans his best form when he returns to full match-fitness. The forward started his first Premier League game since the opening weekend in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Stoke City, having recently returned from nearly three months out with a groin injury. The 26-year-old is currently away captaining Ghana in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Egypt and hopes to return to Rush Green in top shape ahead of the Hammers' top-flight trip to Tottenham Hotspur on 19 November.
First off, how are you feeling after Saturday's game?
"The fitness is coming back. I am not yet at my best, but it's only with games that I will get back to my best. It was a very important injury [that I suffered], but I am getting back and hopefully pretty soon I will be at 100 per cent. "I more or less know the team and how we want to play, so now it's about me getting 100 per cent fit and after that I can bring my quality to the squad. "I am very confident and we have great players in the team and great management so hopefully everything will be OK very soon."
What did you make of our performance against Stoke?
"We didn't have our best of games. We were a bit slow on the ball and we didn't put in the intensity that we wanted, but I think we scored the first goal and we should have at least held on to win, even if it wasn't pretty. "OK, we are disappointed not to get the points, but we need to look at the next game coming up, prepare and try to do something there."
That next game will be at White Hart Lane…
"It's a big game. It's a London derby and everybody is going to be ready. Some of us will be away working with our national teams, while the boys at Rush Green will get back some energy and release their minds and prepare themselves for that game. It is going to be an important game for us."
In the meantime, you are off to Alexandria for a big World Cup Group E qualifier with Egypt, having drawn 0-0 at home with Uganda in your first match. You will be Ghana's captain, which is a big honour?
"Yes, it's a very, very important game for us. We drew our first game at home and now we are going to Egypt, which is a very difficult one for us, so we need to prepare well. "I am not 100 per cent but I will try to give my best for my country and hopefully get a win and, at the same time, get more game-time."
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Joint-Chairman thrilled with Cresswell's call-up
WHUFC.com
I am thrilled with the news that Aaron Cresswell has been called into the England squad for the next two games against Scotland and Spain.
It is just rewards for the hard work that Aaron has put in on a consistent basis since we brought him to the Club back in 2014.
Aaron showed his quality straight away and became a fans favourite in just his first season at the Club when he won the Hammer of the Year award.
If people were questioning if he could carry that form into the second season in the top flight, they were quickly silenced as Aaron continued to show his best form and played a big part in the Club enjoying a successful final season at the Boleyn Ground.
Aaron's form did not go un-noticed and he was very unlucky to miss out on a place in the squad for the European Championship Finals during the summer.
Despite picking up a knee ligament injury during pre-season which forced him to miss the start of the campaign, Aaron worked hard to regain full fitness and has quickly settled into a new wing-back system which Slaven has employed in recent weeks.
There is obviously strong competition for the left back places in the squad with Danny Rose and Ryan Bertrand also included, but I have no doubts that Aaron has the quality to compete on the international stage and I hope he can now cement his place in the squad.
Aaron could not have asked for two bigger games to come into the England reckoning and it promises to be some atmosphere when they come up against Scotland at Wembley on Friday night.
It was obviously disappointing for Michail Antonio to miss out on a place this time around but if he continues to show his early season form, I have no doubts that he can quickly win back his place in the England squad.
We have been saying for some time that our players deserve the chance to break into the England squad and with the next World Cup in 2018, we would love to see our players performing on the biggest stage in world football.
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West Ham eye January loan for Chelsea outcast Cesc Fabregas - and Blues could subsidise his wages
22:30, 7 NOV 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The 29-year-old has been a starter in just one game since boss Antonio Conte's arrival and the club are listening to offers
The Mirror
West Ham are ready to make an audacious move to land Cesc Fabregas on loan from Chelsea. The 29-year-old has been a starter in just one game since boss Antonio Conte's arrival and the club are listening to offers. Chelsea are even ready to subsidise Fabregas's £160,000-a-week wages in order to move him out in January. That has sparked the interest of a number of clubs, including West Ham who are themselves braced for offers from Europe's top clubs for Dimitri Payet after the playmaker's claim that he could quit in January. Conte wants to clear the decks at Stamford Bridge to strengthen his squad in January and build on his stunning transformation of Chelsea. However Fabregas remains determined to see out his Stamford Bridge contract which runs until 2019 despite being frozen out by boss Antonio Conte. The Italian, whose side smashed Everton 5-0 at the weekend, has defied expectations to lift the Blues up to second in the table.
He will get backing from the Chelsea board to strengthen after missing out on a string of summer targets, including Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan. Conte is in the market for a new midfielder with Jon Obi Mikel also out of his plans. The Nigerian will not be receiving a new contract with his current deal set to run out at the end of the season. Defender Branislav Ivanovic is also on the way out.
Twenty-three year old Inter Milan midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia is on Conte's radar along with Sevilla star Steven N'Zonzi, 27. Kondogbia, a target for Arsenal last year, is unhappy at not playing regularly and - with Inter in meltdown - he wants out. The Chelsea boss also wants more depth in defence despite not conceding a goal since the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on September 24. Although Kurt Zouma is set to return after the international break after ten months out with a knee injury, Conte still wants to add a centre-half and left-back. However, his hopes of prising Leonardo Bonucci away from Juventus look doomed after the 29-year-old said: "I feel I have the Juve shirt sewn to my body because I breathe it every day, but wearing the national shirt is also an honour. "I will give all I have got to improve my qualities and be important for Juve and for the national team. "Juve have always been my dream. I always supported them."
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James Collins pulls out of Wales squad ahead of World Cup Qualifier
By Claire Bloomfield
Last Updated: 08/11/16 12:28pm
SSN
West Ham defender James Collins has withdrawn from the Wales squad ahead of Saturday's World Cup Qualifier against Serbia. The 33-year-old is thought to have suffered a calf strain and leaves manager Chris Coleman with a defensive headache with Tottenham's Ben Davies also ruled out of the game in Cardiff. The Hammers centre-back would have been favourite to replace Davies in Wales' three-man defence but pulled out of the squad when they met on Monday night. Collins, who has won 50 caps for his country, has been replaced in the squad by MK Dons defender Joe Walsh. Tottenham's Davies picked up a knock in the Champions League last week and Bristol City's Adam Matthews has stepped up in his absence. Wales sit third in Group D of World Cup European qualifying after picking up five points from their opening three games. Wales have lost the two previous games they have played against Serbia, including a 6-1 thrashing in September 2012.
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?Justice for West Ham supporters in London Stadium Block 114
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: November 08, 2016
By Ollie Knight
Hammers fan and Essex Live columnist Ollie Knight wants to know why those in Block 114 at the London Stadium are being moved and treated different from everyone else.
Saturday's encounter with Stoke was hailed by West Ham CEO Karren Brady for having 'no violent clashes', but a number of supporters still went away with feelings of frustration, anguish and disillusionment at what happened in the stands. The game itself hardly pulled up any trees, a 1-1 draw was probably a fair result after a decidedly poor 90 minutes where neither side looked like grabbing all three points.
And although no skirmishes were reported, season ticket holders previously occupying block 114 of the London Stadium will beg to differ. In the lead up to Saturday's game a letter was sent to season ticket holders in block 114, explaining that they would have to be moved to block 127 as a result of increased segregation between home and away fans.
Bizarrely, these supporters were placed behind the goal in the Sir Trevor Brooking stand, directly next to visiting supporters. Not only was this move a recipe for further crowd trouble, but unofficial 'snatch squads' were employed and tensions rose just before the half-hour mark when they proceeded to walk down the aisles instructing the former block 114 supporters to sit down. They were subsequently backed up by the Metropolitan Police, who looked as though they expected crowd trouble from the West Ham fans, overlooking confrontations between Stoke City supporters and stewards in the upper-tier.
Even though it is only a minority of season-ticket holders who have been affected, it is completely unreasonable to treat loyal supporters in such a way, they paid for their seat at the start of the season and have a right to occupy the seat they have paid for. If persistent-standing is the issue, then why were snatch squads not employed in block 113 and 112? Or even the Bobby Moore lower tier. It seems as though these particular fans from 114 were targeted with the intention of confrontation or worse.
With all of the drama on the pitch this season, West Ham simply can't afford to create more problems off it. The 2-1 League Cup victory against Chelsea was the first time a real atmosphere had been created in the new ground, so why on Earth would someone make the decision to break up the standing sections and force half of them to sit down. The decision to deliberately target those in block 127 also breaks the Stadium's code of conduct, which states: "Guests have a right to expect an environment where: "Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional and courteous manner by all venue personnel."
The atmosphere was flat again on Saturday, and it comes as no surprise after the seating-changes. Whether it was the LLDC (London Legacy Development Corporation) or Karren Brady who made the decision to move and target supporters remains unclear, but all we can do is hope that these problems are suitably addressed before the visit of north-London rivals Arsenal in just under one month's time.
Follow Ollie on Twitter @OllieKnight_
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Zaza: 'Napoli in motion'
By Football Italia staff
A member of Simone Zaza's entourage told Italian radio that "something is in motion" for the West Ham striker's move to Napoli. It is well known that the Partenopei are seeking a new centre-forward in the January transfer window, as Arkadiusz Milik is recovering from a ruptured ACL and Manolo Gabbiadini has so far failed to impress in that role. "Something is definitely there and something is in motion," the unnamed member of Zaza's entourage told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli reporters. This suggest there is a negotiation in progress for the Italy international, who is technically still owned by Juventus. West Ham would have to buy Zaza for €20m once he reaches 14 appearances for the club. So far he has nine in all competition, without scoring a single goal. According to Calciomercato.it, the Hammers intend to either activate the clause and then sell him on to Napoli for around €20m or send Zaza back to Juventus early, paying just the €5m loan fee. It's possible Napoli will try to include Gabbiadini in any potential swap deal with West Ham.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, November 9
Tuesday, November 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th November 2016
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is backing his side to overcome a
tricky looking fixture list when the Premier League campaign resumes in
mid-November. The Hammers return to action from the latest international
break with a run of games that sees them take on Tottenham Hotspur,
Manchester United twice, Arsenal and Liverpool, but Bilic is confident his
team can use that as inspiration to start climbing the table. It was from
that kind of game last season that the Hammers made their mark, and Bilic
has reason for optimism from a run that has seen the east Londoners take
eight points from their last five matches. Following Saturday's 1-1 draw
with Stoke City, the manager said: "It is a very tough schedule, but we have
seen what we can do against top teams last year and even this year when we
played one of the top teams in the cup – Chelsea – and we beat them. "On
paper it looks like a tough four games, plus another one in the cup, but we
have to get ourselves ready for them. "There are no easy games in the
Premier League though, every team is good enough to harm you if you are not
on your top level. We are going to make sure we are at the top of our game
and then I'm sure we can get something out of these games. "In our last four
home games we have two wins and two draws, although we are not happy with
Saturday's result because we were aiming for the win."
It might have been the three points the home side were aiming for had they
not let their lead slip when Adrian failed to reach a pass forward, allowing
Jonathan Walters to set up Bojan Krcic's leveller. However, Bilic chose to
reflect on the many times the No13 has got his team out of trouble over his
101 Premier League games for the Club. He explained: "It was a mistake from
him. He misjudged the ball and it's a mistake but we shouldn't forget how
many times he's been a key man for us. "You don't judge your players,
especially your goalkeepers, because of one mistake. I'm always saying that
we have a couple of really good goalkeepers, it's a fact, but you want all
your players confident. Adrian made one bad mistake in the game and that
happens. "He knows that it was his mistake but mistakes happen. He is my
number one."
At the other end of the pitch, Andre Ayew made his first start at home after
shaking off his thigh injury and Bilic is looking forward to having him back
fit and firing, with Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll not far behind either.
The manager explained: "It was hard for Ayew, because we were not coming
into the situations [high up the pitch] in the first half, so he was
dropping into midfield. "He's only just come back from a long injury. He's a
great player and like any player he needs time to hit his form again. "He
was one of our top signings, if not our top signing, and it's his position,
whether he plays there by himself, in a pair or around the striker. He can
cover all those positions." "Sakho is back in training and if Saturday's
game was one week later he would have been in the squad, so he should be ok
for after the international break. "Andy started running a few days ago so
we are going to see how he progresses now."
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Arsenal, Burnley and Hull ballots open
WHUFC.com
The Claret Members' ticket ballots for our Premier League fixtures against
Arsenal, Burnley and Hull City in December are now open. Claret Members can
enter the ballots to secure tickets for the three festive fixtures, with
tickets for Burnley and Hull starting at just £25 adults and £12.50
concessions! To enter, Claret Members are required to login to their
Ticketmaster account here, select the fixture and add to basket. Fans
wishing to apply with other Claret Members should include all client
reference numbers in the one transaction, and, if successful, will be seated
together.
By becoming a Claret Member, supporters can ensure access to the ballot,
with no Premier League game at London Stadium reaching general sale this
season.
With 52,000 plus Season Ticket Holders, an even greater number on the
waiting list and thousands of Claret Members already registered, Claret
Membership is your access to home match tickets in this unique season.
Membership is priced at just £40 for Adults and £25 for Under-16s, with
supporters already on the Season Ticket Waiting List eligible for a £5
discount.
Similarly, Claret Members can also join the Season Ticket Waiting List for
the reduced price of just £5. Supporters entering the ballot have the option
of selecting up to a maximum of two price points. If you are happy to accept
any price band, and thereby increasing the likelihood of being successful,
kindly select your preferred area of the Stadium and leave the second option
blank.
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke was in action for Wigan against Reading in the Championship on
Saturday
Under new boss Warren Joyce, the Latics fell to a defeat, however
A number of other Hammers loanees watched from the bench as their sides
contested FA Cup ties
Reece Burke was the only Hammer in loan action over the weekend as he
completed 90 minutes for Wigan Athletic in the Championship. The struggling
Latics, who recently appointed Warren Joyce as their new boss following the
dismissal of Gary Caldwell, had another tough afternoon as Reading visited
the DW Stadium to record a 3-0 win. The match started in disastrous fashion
for the hosts as Gareth McClearly found the net less than a minute in, and
he doubled his tally on just five minutes, striking this time from distance.
Yann Kermorgant completed the scoring with a second half penalty to round
off a miserable afternoon for Burke's side.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Martin Samuelsen was an unused substitute for
Blackburn Rovers in their 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa. Sam Gallagher gave
Rovers an early second half lead, but Jonathan Kodjia levelled from the
penalty spot four minutes later before adding the winner with 20 minutes
remaining.
In FA Cup action, Josh Pask was left on the bench as Gillingham were held
2-2 at home by National League North side Brackley Town on Saturday. The
visitors raced into a two-goal lead before former Hammer Frank Nouble scored
twice to earn a replay.
Meanwhile, Walsall also suffered a disappointing result, beaten by
Macclesfield Town 1-0 at home as George Dobson watched the action from the
bench. Josh Cullen and Lewis Page – regulars for Bradford City and Coventry
City respectively this season – were both rested over the weekend; the
Bantams were beaten 2-1 in the FA Cup by Accrington Stanley, while Coventry
recorded a 1-1 draw at Morecambe.
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Payet on song
WHUFC.com
If you want Dimitri Payet to keep producing the goods, then the best
approach would be to sing 'We've got Payet!' from kick-off to final whistle!
West Ham United's French star revealed that, when he first arrived in east
London in summer 2015, his lack of English meant he could not understand
exactly what the Claret and Blue Army were singing about. However, once he
got a handle on the language, Payet said hearing his name being sung from
the stands inspired him to try even harder to make things happen for the
Hammers on the pitch. "At the beginning I didn't even know it was a song
about me because it was in English, but the song resonates well in our
Stadium," he told French TV show Telefoot. "It doesn't affect my
concentration – on the contrary it pushes me to do better!"
While Payet has continued to take and create chances for his teammates this
season, scoring once goal, chalking up four assists and making 40 key passes
in just nine Premier League appearances. The Hammer of the Year's form,
however, has not coincided with a strong start for his team, who go into the
November international break sitting 17th in the table. Payet, for one, is
determined to help Slaven Bilic's side to turn things around when he returns
from FIFA World Cup qualifying duty.
"We've had a very poor start," he accepted. "We find ourselves in a
difficult position. We are going to try to rapidly climb back into the top
half of the table."
To fulfil that aim, the No27 said the Hammers have to turn the Club's new
London Stadium home into a fortress. With two wins, two draws and two
defeats from six Premier League matches in Stratford, Payet is targeting an
improvement in that record, starting with the visit of title-chasing Arsenal
on 3 December. "After playing for all those seasons at a mythical stadium
like Upton Park, it is clear that we have made a new start at a Stadium that
is much more modern," he observed. "It is the start of a revolution at the
Club and we have to get used to it and make this Stadium a strong point for
us."
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Antonio wants to get back among the goals
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio was frustrated that his side failed to take all three points
from the game against Stoke on Saturday, but says they will be working even
harder over the international break to put things right as they prepare to
face Tottenham in the big London derby. The Hammers were on course to make
it three home wins in a row after Glenn Whelan headed the ball past his own
keeper midway through the second half. But a mistake from Adrian saw Stoke
draw level when Bojan Krkic got in front of three defenders to volley the
ball into the back of the net. Antonio says the team have got to learn from
their mistakes and work harder on maintaining their lead in the future as
they now prepare for a tough run of fixtures which include Tottenham,
Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. Antonio said: "These are two
points dropped. We made a mistake for their goal and when we get on top we
need to keep it going and hold onto the lead. "There are no easy games in
the Premier League and we just need to keep working hard over the
international break and prepare for the Tottenham game."
Antonio is still disappointed that he was not able to claim his sixth goal
of the season after it appeared that he rose the highest to direct a header
past Stoke keeper Lee Grant. But after reviewing the incident, the Premier
League quickly awarded it as a Whelan own goal. After starting the season
with five goals from five games, Antonio is desperate to get his name back
on the scoresheet and hopes for better luck in the big London derby at White
Hart Lane on 19 November. Antonio added: "I saw it again on the big screen
and headed the ball into the far corner and it should be my goal. "It is
very frustrating because you go out there and try your hardest. I had been
on a bit of scoring drought so I thought I had ended it on Saturday. "I was
looking forward to celebrating that goal but there is nothing I can do about
it now and I will keep going in the next game."
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#WHUAREYA - Alex Pike
WHUFC.com
Whether deployed at full-back or in the centre of defence, Alex Pike has
been a key player for the Hammers' PL2 squad this season who are currently
third in their division. The 19-year-old - an experienced and composed head
amongst many youngsters still eligible to play for the U18s - is a player
Terry Westley and his staff know they can depend upon at the back. In the
next episode of West Ham TV's #WHUAREYA feature, Pike reveals his hopes for
the rest of the campaign, who he looks up to in the first team squad and
what TV and music he is into.
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Ogbonna – We are positive
WHUFC.com
West Ham United may have to wait the best part of two weeks to get back to
action, but the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on 19 November cannot come around
soon enough for defender Angelo Ogbonna. The Italy centre back was
desperately disappointed not to convert a lead into three points against
Stoke City at the weekend and wants to take the first available opportunity
to land a victory after defeat at Everton and the Stoke stalemate stalled
the Hammers' recent revival. The last five league games have nevertheless
yielded eight points and Ogbonna is keen for more when the action resumes at
White Hart Lane. He said: "We are preparing for after the international
break, and it is important that we didn't lose in our stadium on Saturday.
"We are positive, we are optimistic, and we are waiting [for the next game]
to improve our form. "It was definitely two points lost on Saturday. We were
so disappointed about the result, because we need to win. "We need to stay
compact and stay together. We can talk about everything, but the most
important thing is to get back winning."
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Cresswell receives first England call
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Aaron Cresswell has been
called into the senior England squad for the first time.
The Hammers left-back has been rewarded for two outstanding seasons in
Claret and Blue with a call-up to Gareth Southgate's squad for a 2018 FIFA
World Cup qualifier with Scotland and friendly international with Spain at
Wembley.
Cresswell has been regularly tipped for international honours during his
time in east London, during which he has made 93 appearances, scored four
goals and won the Hammer of the Year award. He replaces the injured
Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater in the squad and linked up with
the squad at St George's Park on Monday evening.
Speaking exclusively whufc.com, the 26-year-old said his family would be
immensely proud of his inclusion in the Three Lions' squad for two big
matches.
"Of course, I am obviously delighted to receive a call-up and it's a very
proud moment for me and my family," he said. "It is every boy's dream to
play for their country and I am looking forward to the next two weeks.
"I just want to enjoy the experience and do my best in training and, if I
can do that, then I hope I can achieve my dream of pulling on an England
shirt, which is what I've wanted to do ever since I started playing football
as a little kid in Liverpool.
"My main focus has always been on playing for West Ham and doing the best I
can for my Club. As long as I was giving 100 per cent, that's all I could
do."
Cresswell is naturally relishing the opportunity of training - and playing -
alongside the best players in the country.
"I haven't played alongside any of the other lads in the squad, but of
course I have played against them all in the Premier League and they are top
players," he revealed. "I am sure the training is going to be at a real high
tempo and I can't wait to be part of it."
Cresswell paid tribute to the Hammers for giving him the opportunity to play
in the Premier League when they signed him from Ipswich Town in summer 2014.
Two-and-a-half years later, he has realised his dream of an England call-up.
"I can't thank the Club enough, particularly the fans who have been
different class to me since I arrived. Now, I want to go away and make them,
my family, friends and everyone at West Ham proud."
Unbeaten England host Scotland in their fourth World Cup qualifying Group F
fixture at Wembley on Friday at 7.45pm, then welcome Spain to the Home of
Football at 8pm on Tuesday 15 November.
Should he feature in either match, Cresswell would become the 40th West Ham
player to pull on and England shirt and the first since Stewart Downing
appeared against Scotland in Glasgow in November 2014.
He would also join the roll-call of Hammers left-backs to have represented
the Three Lions, which also includes Frank Lampard Sr, Stuart Pearce and
Paul Konchesky.
West Ham's most-capped player is the late, great Bobby Moore, who played 108
times between 1962 and 1973, followed by fellow 1966 FIFA World Cup winner
Geoff Hurst with 49 and Trevor Brooking with 47.
Of the current squad, Andy Carroll earned a solitary cap while with West Ham
back in 2012, while Michail Antonio was including in the last two squads,
but did not feature.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: Cresswell set for England
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
Aaron Cresswell is about to be named as West Ham United's latest home
international, KUMB has learned.
The 26-year-old full back is set to be confirmed as a late replacement for
an injured member of the original 25-man squad named by Gareth Southgate
ahead of the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
Tottenham defender Kyle Walker, who collected a knock in the 1-1 draw with
Arsenal on Sunday is reported to be close to pulling out of the squad for
the 11 November game.
Cresswell, who was named KUMB's Player of the Year 2014/15 has never
previously been selected at full international level. More to follow on this
exclusive story soon.
EDIT: It was later confirmed (by West Ham United's website, 9pm Monday) that
Cresswell had indeed been called up.
He told whufc.com: "It's a very proud moment for me and my family. It's
every boy's dream to play for their country and I am looking forward to the
next two weeks."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: PLAYERS BEING SCOUTED AND SOME INJURIES WILL
REOCCUR.
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 6 NOVEMBER 2016 AT 10:25PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So I am writing one of these again off the back of a disappointing
performance. We have a real issue with our forwards having not scored or
assisted in any game this season. It is easy to pinpoint the blame at their
feet but I do not believe they are getting the service that they need to be
influential. The rest of the attacking players are a good 10 yards away from
the forward when they initially received the ball. Payet puts great balls
into the box but again we do not have that physical target man forward to
get on to the end of them.
The majority of people seem to have agreed with me regarding dropping Adrian
for Randolph although there are some who think I am being too harsh. I love
Adrian do not get me wrong and I hope he signs a new deal however the fault
against Stoke cost us the game and a similar error against Watford let them
back into the game and there have been others. Not many people noticed but
Crouch had gone in studs first into Adrian's knee just before he ran out and
did a similar move on their player (which lead to their goal). Whether this
was intentional or not I am not sure but if it was, it makes the decision to
run that far out when there was clearly a number of defenders around, even
more inexcusable.
Randolph has not let the side down in any game that he has been called upon.
He also has a harder job because he has to come in and play one game every
now and again without building up a run of games which is so important to
goalkeepers. So the fact that he plays that well with the odd game here and
there I would love to see what he could do with a run in the side. The whole
point of having two good keepers is that if one is off form the other can
come in, if Randolph does not come in, it shows to me that Adrian is pretty
immune as the number one here and that is not a good message to send out.
We will be looking to bring in a right back in January because of ongoing
fitness concerns of Byram and Arbeloa. It is true that Ivanovic is someone
that we have considered and there is a couple of potential deals with
Chelsea that we would like to conclude as well as this. We will also look
to sign another forward. This of course depends on the Zaza deal. It is
fair to say that the club will not be signing Zaza and so I do not expect
him to complete the 15 starts he needs to which will trigger the deal to
West Ham. So there will be money to spend.
I think the club has finally lost patience with Andy Carroll and would look
to sell him in January if an offer did come in for him from China. Whether
this has any truth I am not sure at this stage but certainly the ongoing
injuries mainly have frustrated the management because you cannot plan
anything around him playing. Unfortunately there are a number of players at
the club that have ongoing injury problems that will always flair up and I
am not just talking about Carroll and Sakho here.
Payet has on French television suggesting he would be open for a move in
January. Whilst the club have no ambition to sell the player, if we end up
in a relegation battle come January you could understand him considering his
options. I hope that he doesn't leave but no one is bigger than the club
and if he wants to go we would have to let him in my eyes, as much as I
would hate that.
We have been looking at some targets now and beginning to build up some
potential players that we could move for in January although there is
nothing solid in place at this point. As always our scouts are working all
over the place and checking out players from a number of leagues
particularly the French ones.
There are a number of things for us to talk about on the radio show the
week, which you can download as podcasts now. I will speak more about some
of the players that we are looking at on the show then.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southgate: why I dropped Antonio
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
Temporary England manager Gareth Southgate says that Michail Antonio remains
in his plans - despite being dropped from the latest England squad. The West
Ham winger was given his first call-up for the national squad by Sam
Allardyce, shortly before he was dismissed. He was then kept in by Southgate
for his first selection, but will not be involved in next weekd's battle of
Britain against Scotland after being left out of the latest 25-man squad,
announced last night. "It was very difficult to make the call to Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain and Michail Antonio because I've seen them all playing in
recent weeks and they've had good performances," explained Southgate. "But
we have strength in depth and competition for places and any of these guys
could force their way into the squad. I've no doubt they will in the coming
months but we have to take a decision for the game on Friday and the game
next Tuesday and this is the balance of the squad we went with."
Antonio, who joined West Ham a year ago in September is West Ham's leading
goalscorer this season with five goals from his opening 17 games of the
campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A spectacular arena, but not made for football
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th November 2016
By: Gary Steer
For me, Upton Park was incredible, full of character and a 'family' club.
You could see that it didn't matter what you did or where you come from. How
much money you had in your bank account or pockets was irrelevant because
today you are one of us - a brother amongst fellow Hammers.
And the funniest thing of all? I didn't actually ever care if we won or
lost. Sounds really silly doesn't it? But for me it was about being in a
cauldron of passion. From stepping off the tube and entering the Boleyn Pub,
to grabbing a match day programme or waiting in a queue for a wee.
It was all part of the hustle and bustle of match day. My stomach would
churn with worry, excitement, adrenaline and just pure happiness. I would be
covered from head-to-toe in goosebumps as I stood there in my bobble hat and
scarf awaiting the drunken explosion of 'I'm forever blowing bubbles'.
The pub would simply move from chatting to a chorus of the famous song and
it would grab hold of you in a contagious fashion, ripping you off your seat
and before you could catch your breath, you were stood up bellowing with
everyone else. I was swallowed up by this incredible animal and was addicted
from day one.
Then came the journey into the stadium. You walk up the steps and then it
hits you like nothing you have ever experienced! The crowd of Upton Park
singing bubbles! Wow! Sensational! My heart fills with pride and beats so
fast it nearly explodes!
As I said, the result did not matter. If we won then it was just a bonus.
Travelling four hours from Gloucester meant that visits were nowhere near as
frequent as I'd like. So, the novelty never ever wore off. Supporting a
football club is like a relationship and no matter how annoyed or let down
you feel you will still be there again tomorrow because all of the bad days
can be eclipsed by the odd great moment.
But something changed when I went to a game in 2014. The 'bubbles' had
burst! The singing in the Boleyn was replaced with extremely loud music. Was
this to prepare the fans for the future stadium move? Were we to acclimatise
to the inevitable binocular viewing atmosphere that the Olympic Stadium
would bring?
I felt completely empty as if somebody had ripped away all of my childhood
memories. An attempt to sing was made but it was continuously drowned out by
contemporary dance music. I was gutted and to be honest the excitement was
gone. Even inside the stadium it was different.
It has been a bad start and it's easy to blame the stadium but I have been
to it and it's a spectacular arena. However, it is not made for football. I
had to visit once to see what all the fuss was about but I can happily say I
have no desire to return.
£7 for burger and chips and almost an hour waiting in a queue for the tube.
The obvious frustration and pushing in of drunken fans was causing a bad
atmosphere from day one. Gone are the traditional sites of Queens Market and
Ken's cafe, only to be replaced by a giant commercial shopping Centre with
an air of pompousness about it. It's not West Ham!
In the past we could get away with picking up hardly any points away from
home because the home form at Upton Park would save us. The crowd being the
extra man would get us victories and with each success came a bit of
momentum and a building of confidence. This then allowed us to travel and
then collect the odd win or draw on the road. No team enjoyed playing in the
intensity of the Boleyn Ground and the fans have to take credit for this.
Unfortunately the financial ambition of the owners has taken priority and
destroyed what was once a family football club. When season tickets went on
sale the big campaign was "we are going to buy a £30m striker (Sullivan said
it himself) I don't know but maybe fans feel betrayed by this unfulfilled
promise and had they been told that the summer acquisitions would be a
series of loans and freebies, they may not have invested in a season ticket.
And this is where the frustration comes from in my opinion.
The constant unprofessionalism of Sullivan Jnr constantly posting updates on
Twitter, whilst his Father being disrespectful and outspoken, makes the club
look pathetic! It is so bad and if you really want to join the big clubs
then this sort of thing has to stop! When you see kids walking around with
Chelsea and Arsenal shirts in the venue it makes you wonder whether you are
a football club or a venue for tourists. No wonder no player wants to join
this ridiculous circus!
We miss the twelfth man and desperately need that ferocious crowd getting
stuck into the opposition if we are to compete because as it stands we are
in danger of playing 38 away games this season. If they don't address it you
can expect some thrashings from the expansive free flowing teams. We need
opponents to be fearful again and the fans verbally getting into them not
allowing them a second to breathe.
As it stands, the Man Citys and Arsenals will thrive in a muted training
ground atmosphere. It's like playing behind closed doors. RUBBISH!
I have watched the majority of home games online this season and it's
absolutely terrible. No atmosphere at all. During the pathetic draw with
Stoke I could hear the away fans and hardly anything from home fans. There
is no intensity, no pressing, no nothing. I literally play on my phone
whilst watching now as it's like watching paint dry.
You can say I'm not a real fan, quite frankly I really don't care. I have a
tattoo on my back that reads 'West Ham til I die' but it isn't West Ham
United anymore.
The owners are ruthless idiots in my opinion. A pair of backstreet market
traders trying to compete with the global conglomerates of this world but
they've got it all wrong. No real fan wanted the move but they were never
listened to.
To be honest, I don't care anymore. If relegation means the owners sell up
then so be it. Upton Park has gone but the only way to get West Ham back is
to get back into a traditional stadium. I'm not sure how that happens
though.
I hate the new stadium and the re-branding idea by Brady and the Davids. I
will not be returning to this 'arena' as it represents everything bad about
the club. The owners have ruined the club and ripped out the heart and soul.
Money matters to them and they have forgotten what and who really matters.
Those who pay the players wages and the same people who pay for the fuel to
run all the expensive cars the players and owners drive. The people who
built this club and who without, West Ham United would be nothing. - The
fans!
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aaron Cresswell and Jordan Pickford called into England squad
By Chris MacRae
Last Updated: 07/11/16 9:37pm
SSN
West Ham's Aaron Cresswell has received his first England call-up and
Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has also been drafted into Gareth
Southgate's squad for the forthcoming matches against Scotland and Spain.
The pair will join up with the senior team at St George's Park on Tuesday
following the withdrawals of Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater and
Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster through injury.
England face Scotland in a World Cup Qualifier at Wembley on Friday,
November 11 before hosting Spain at the same venue on November 15.
Left-back Cresswell, who began his career at Tranmere Rovers, joined West
Ham from Ipswich two years ago and has gone on to make 77 appearances for
Slaven Bilic's side.
Cresswell has played just three league matches this season, having struggled
with a knee injury, and was then sent off on his return at Crystal Palace
before completing 90 minutes against Everton and Stoke.
He told his club's website: "I am delighted to receive a call-up and it's a
very proud moment for me and my family.
"I just want to enjoy the experience and do my best in training and if I can
do that, then I hope I can achieve my dream. I can't thank the club enough,
particularly the fans who have been different class to me since I arrived."
Sunderland keeper Pickford made his debut for the England U21s in September
2015 and received his first senior call from Southgate to replace the
injured Tom Heaton for the qualifier against Slovenia last month.:
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic gives backing to Adrian after West Ham 'keeper's howler
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 06/11/16 11:38pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic has backed West Ham goalkeeper Adrian in the wake of his costly
mistake in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Stoke. The Spaniard inexplicably vacated
his goal to try and stop a Stoke move which ended with Bojan Krkic volleying
the equaliser into an empty goal. Bilic called it a "very cheap goal" but
the Hammers manager says he has no intention of replacing Adrian with
second-choice Darren Randolph. "He is my number one for sure," said Bilic,
whose side is not in Premier League action again until they face Tottenham
on November 19. "I've got no concerns about his form. Okay, the goal was a
big mistake from him. He misjudged the ball. Maybe it was obvious from the
touchline he was not going to get the ball. "There was not any reason for
him to go there; it was far away from goal and we had it covered. "It's a
mistake but we should not forget how many times he has been a key man for
us. "I've always said we have a couple of really good goalkeepers and it is
a fact that you want your players, including Adrian, confident. He made one
mistake, that happens. "He knows he made a mistake. But mistakes happen."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Dimitri Payet set for crisis talks after frustrated star drops
transfer hint
22:30, 6 NOV 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS , NEIL MCLEMAN
Concerned boss Slaven Bilic to stress to his French star how much he is
loved and valued at the Hammers following comments over potential January
exit
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic will hold crunch talks with Dimitri Payet after the Frenchman
opened the door to a move away from West Ham. Payet dropped a bombshell on
the Hammers by refusing to rule out leaving in January's transfer window. He
told French television: "Leave in January? I'm asking other questions right
now, but I haven't closed the door to anything. "Until now, I always chose
my clubs depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play
at a level like this, it will be the case. "Go to Paris Saint-Germain or
[return to] Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask
myself."
Some fans have turned on the 29-year-old with the Hammers fourth-bottom and
one point above the relegation places following a weekend that saw them draw
at home with Stoke. The Irons are now worried about losing their prize asset
and boss Bilic will sit down with him to underline how much he is loved and
valued at the club.
Payet, who impressed at Euro 2016 and has been included on the longlist for
the Ballon d'Or, has been one of the few consolations from the Londoners'
disastrous start to the Premier League campaign. So far this season, he has
scored twice and created five assists. He signed a new five-and-a-half year
deal worth £125,000-a-week in January to remain at the club. West Ham remain
adamant they do not want to sell their prize asset but he made no attempt to
disguise the fact that all is not well at the club, and that their move to
the former Olympic Stadium has not helped. He said: "We've had a very poor
start. We find ourselves in a difficult position. We are going to try to
climb back into the top half of the table. "It is clear that after all the
years in the mythical stadium of Upton Park, it is a new start. "We have a
stadium that is a lot more modern, and a lot colder, it is true. But it is
the start of a revolution at the club and we have to get used to it and make
this stadium a strong point for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Interview with West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang
http://www.whufcbulletin.com/
This week, we spoke to in-form West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang in what will
be the first of a two part interview. We spoke to him about a number of
different topics including his rise to first-team regularity, the start to
the season, and the club's move to the London Stadium.
Q: You've recently come into the starting lineup at West Ham, what has been
the key change in your game that has caught the eye of Slaven Bilic?
Obiang: Well, the truth is, there came a certain point when I didn't think
it was going to work out, but thanks to my teammates, family, God, and
friends, I carried on working hard and I think that was key.
Q: It's been a relatively poor start for West Ham this season; how do you
feel about this season going forward from now?
Obiang: For sure, our start wasn't good; we had to deal with a lot of
internal and external changes at the club, but now finally we are starting
to get hold of the reigns again. However, we know we are still a long way
off what we were and can be, but it won't be for a lack of hard work.
Q: What differences are there between playing at eh Boleyn Ground, and
playing at the London Stadium?
Obiang: The differences are obvious because playing at Upton park was a
familiar stadium, full of history and we have had lots of good memories
there which were transmitted through the stadium. It was also known to be an
intimidating ground and had a good atmosphere. It will take us some time to
create the same atmosphere here but it will come. Why? Because we are the
Irons!
Q: What do you like to do in your free time, outside of football?
Obiang: Well since I became a father, I enjoy spending most of my time with
the little one watching cartoons! But when I'm away with the team, I like to
read a lot, oh and most importantly, I like to eat well.
Q: How have you found life different between living in Genoa, and living in
London?
Obiang: Well, here there is a big river, and there a big sea! No, I do like
it here, however it was difficult for me leaving Genoa. I spent a lot of
time there and grew up there, I left behind a lot of my friends.
Q: Growing up, which team did you support and who was your footballing idol?
Obiang: Atlético de Madrid. My idol was Zinedine Zidane. He was crazily
good, you might say he was 'different gravy'!
Q: Which players do you get on best with at the club?
Obiang: That's easy really, but difficult to define as I get on very well
with all of them. Obviously, I get on with the Latinos the best and above
all with Adrián as he helped me a lot when I arrived, he really helped me to
settle into the club which was nice. Now, Zaza because we used to play
together at Sampdoria when we were younger. Angelo [Ogbonna] as well as we
arrived at the same time; but ultimately I get on with everyone really well.
Q: If you weren't a footballer, what would your job be?
Obiang: I'll be honest with you; I told my mother that I wanted to be a
fisherman and a butcher. However, I studied to go into politics, and also
architecture due to the fact that the family business was in construction.
But thanks to God, I'm doing the best job in the world.
Q: If you could choose one player in footballing history to play with, who
would it be and why?
Obiang: Again, for me, it would have to be Zinedine Zidane. I don't know if
he is a legend to others but during my childhood he gifted me with so many
emotions and following his story, his past and his biographies, I have seen
that he had a similar childhood to me. I was always touched and impressed by
his quality and capacity to improve.
Part two of our interview with Pedro will be coming soon. On behalf of
everyone at WHUFC Bulletin, we would like to thank Pedro for his
co-operation with us and his interesting responses to our questions.
For more regular news and media regarding everything at West Ham United
Football Club, follow our twitter page: @WHUFCBulletin.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham FC transfer news: Hammers to sign loan flop Simone Zaza on
permanent deal and then sell him on?
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Monday, November 7, 2016
West Ham could be set to sign loan flop Simone Zaza permanently – before
immediately flogging him to Napoli. The Italian has made a miserable start
to life at West Ham, failing to score in his first nine appearances for the
club. Reports in Italy have suggested that Napoli are ready to rescue him
from his Hammers nightmare by attempting to land him in January. However,
Gazzetta dello Sport has suggested that the frosty relationship between
Napoli and his parent club Juventus could prevent that deal ever
materialising. So it has now been reported that West Ham will take up the
option of buying Zaza from Juve, despite his poor form, and then move him
straight on to Napoli.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham braced for Dimitri Payet offers with Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas a
possible replacement for fans' favourite
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham are braced for a substantial bid in January for Dimitri Payet from
a top European club. Paris Saint-Germain were linked with a summer move for
the France midfielder and are poised to renew their interest when the
transfer window opens. Payet agreed a new five-and-a-half year deal worth
£120,000 a week last January and West Ham would be reluctant to let their
star go for anything less than three times the £11million they paid
Marseille for him in June 2015. Payet fuelled fresh speculation about his
future when, speaking to a French TV station at the weekend, he refused to
"close the door" on a move. "We've had a poor start," he said. "Leave in
January? I'm asking other questions but I'm not closing the door to
anything. It's always the sports project that interests me. I work like that
and until I play at a level like this, it will be the case."
Payet made an enormous impact at West Ham last season and played a major
part in the club finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League. An
early exit from that competition this season, a troublesome move to the
London Stadium and a disappointing start domestically, will certainly not
have enhanced the club's "sports project" in Payet's eyes, however. West Ham
will fight to keep their top performer but may have to cut their losses if
the right deal is on offer. They would, though, have to sign an immediate
replacement, with one option being Cesc Fabregas. Chelsea are willing to
listen to offers for the 29-year-old, who has started just one League match
since Antonio Conte took over and is not part of the Italian's plans. AC
Milan have shown an interest but have baulked at Fabregas's £160,000-a-week
salary. Chelsea could be prepared to pay part of the player's wages, if he
is loaned out. West Ham are also interested in signing another Chelsea
player in January, defender Branislav Ivanovic. The 32-year-old's contract
expires next summer and he is unlikely to be offered a new deal. The Chinese
Super League or Turkish club Galatasaray are two options but Ivanovic is
keen to stay in London. The Chinese Super League is also a reported
destination for Andy Carroll. The striker, who joined West Ham in a club
record £15m deal in 2013, has suffered eight injuries in his time at the
club, the latest knee problem coming in August. Manager Slaven Bilic was
hoping that the 27-year-old had finally come through his problems this
season but could now be willing to let Carroll go, with Beijing Guoan and
Guangzhou RF interested in signing the player on a deal worth £300,000 a
week.
Goalkeeper Adrian's place, meanwhile, could be in jeopardy following his
mistake which led to Stoke's equaliser in the 1-1 draw. "It was a big
mistake but we shouldn't forget how many times he was key for us," said
Bilic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Dimitri Payet suggests he could leave in January
after 'very poor' start
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Dimitri Payet has refused to rule out a West Ham exit as soon as January
after the Hammers disappointing start to the season. Saturday's 1-1 draw
with Middlesbrough left Payet's side in 16th place in the Premier League
after just three wins and two draws from their opening 11 games. Payet has
long been coveted by the likes of Paris St Germain and Real Madrid, with the
club claiming to have rejected a £100m bid for the 29-year-old during the
summer. Since then the club's player of the year has continued his fine
form, scoring two goals and laying on another five, but he may still be
tempted away. "We've had a very poor start," he told Telefoot. "Leave in
January? I'm asking other questions right now but I've closed the door to
nothing."
Payet added: "Until now, I always chose my clubs depending on the sports
project. I work like that. Until I can play at a level like this, it will be
the case.
"Go to PSG or Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask
myself." The France international signed a five-and-a-half year contract in
February, just a few months after joining the club, that made him the
highest paid player at West Ham on around £125,000-a-week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic sticking by goalkeeper Adrian despite mistake which cost West
Ham victory at home to Stoke
A mistake from Adrian cost West Ham victory at home to Stoke City
The Spaniard raced out and presented Bojan with a near-open goal
But West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is sticking by his goalkeeper
Bilic says Adrian will keep his place ahead of number two Darren Randolph
By DECLAN WARRINGTON, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 23:51, 6 November 2016 | UPDATED: 23:51, 6 November 2016
Slaven Bilic has insisted he retains faith in Adrian despite the
goalkeeper's mistake costing West Ham victory in Saturday's 1-1 draw at home
to Stoke. The Spaniard needlessly rushed out to present substitute Bojan
Krkic with the near-open goal into which the Stoke man scored to secure the
visitors' point. The draw appeared a damaging result ahead of a run of
league fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Adrian's form had already come under scrutiny prior to the Stoke match, but
Bilic has no desire to turn to Darren Randolph and will stick with his first
choice. 'He is my number one for sure,' said the West Ham manager, who also
hopes to have Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll available again after the
international football break. 'I've got no concerns about his form. Okay,
the goal was a big mistake from him. He misjudged the ball. Maybe it was
obvious from the touchline he was not going to get the ball. 'There was not
any reason for him to go there; it was far away from goal and we had it
covered. 'It's a mistake but we should not forget how many times he has been
a key man for us. 'I've always said we have a couple of really good
goalkeepers and it is a fact that you want your players, including Adrian,
confident. He made one mistake, that happens. 'He knows he made a mistake.
But mistakes happen.' West Ham travel to Tottenham after the international
break and then face United in back-to-back matches in league and cup before
taking on Arsenal and Liverpool. 'It's a very tough schedule but we have
seen how we played against top teams last year,' Bilic said. 'We beat
Chelsea, one of the top teams, here in the (EFL) Cup. On paper it is very
tough. 'Four games plus one cup game against Manchester United, but we have
to get ourselves ready.' The result means the improving Stoke are unbeaten
in six, and it was a further demonstration of their recovery after an
unexpectedly poor start to the season. Mark Hughes insisted the club's
hierarchy never put pressure on him during that run despite their increased
expectations. 'We get great support from the Coates family,' he said. 'I
like to think I deserved a bit of support because I haven't done bad for the
club so there was never internal pressure. It was coming from the outside,
if anything. We've turned things around now and we're enjoying it.' Hughes
added that Bojan remains a key player for him despite Joe Allen impressing
in his favoured position. 'Clearly we've got a real talented player (Bojan)
within our ranks who in any other circumstance - other than the fact that
the guy in possession of his position (Allen) is playing out of his skin -
would be in the team. He's just had to be a bit patient,' he said. 'There
will be occasions (he'll start) when I feel the right game, when we are
playing the right opposition, and we're in the right situation in terms of
our confidence, which probably won't be too far away given we're on a
six-game run. He's a quality player.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will convince Dimitri Payet to stay in
January
SLAVEN BILIC will reportedly have showdown talks with Dimitri Payet after
West Ham's star man hinted he is open to leaving.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 05:11, Mon, Nov 7, 2016 | UPDATED: 05:54, Mon, Nov 7, 2016
express.co.uk
The Frenchman has highlighted his frustration at West Ham's poor start to
the campaign. Another below par display from the Hammers against Stoke at
the London Stadium in their 1-1 draw on Saturday has left the club 17th in
the Premier League table heading into November's international break. And
with life not getting easier for West Ham with Tottenham and two trips to
Manchester United up next, Payet revealed he's not ruling out anything for
his future. "We've had a very poor start. Leave in January? I'm asking other
questions right now but I've closed the door to nothing," Payet said
speaking in an interview with Telefoot. "Until now, I always chose my clubs
depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play at a
level like this, it will be the case. Go to PSG or Marseille? For now, they
have not come to me, so I do not ask myself."
West Ham worked hard to keep the Ballon d'Or nominee in east London this
summer after a stunning first season at the club and impressive tournament
at Euro 2016. And according to the Mirror, concerned boss Bilic will now sit
down with 29-year-old Payet to underline how much he is loved and valued at
West Ham. The ex-Marseille playmaker, signed for just £10.7m in the summer
of 2015, penned a five-and-a-half year contract extension in February,
committing his long-term future to the Hammers.
But West Ham will need to turn around fortunes soon with European
aspirations almost over already and a fight for survival getting more and
more likely. Payet has endured a mixed season personally on the pitch,
scoring twice and providing five assists in all competitions for the
Hammers. Having missed the start of the campaign through injury, the
attacking midfielder has shown just glimpses of his top talent. On Payet,
Bilic admitted in his Evening Standard column on Friday: "Every big player
has that burden of expectation because they set a high standard. "It's the
same with all the great players. If Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't produce for a
couple of games, then questions are asked around the football world, not
only in Madrid. "That is also why they are the best players — because the
manager, their team-mates, the fans, are expecting top performances from the
top players."
Bilic will hope talks with Payet go well to keep his mind focused on the job
in hand at West Ham. With a derby at White Hart Lane their next test, their
superstar attacker will have to be on top form to help down Mauricio
Pochettino's men and recover the Hammers' season.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is backing his side to overcome a
tricky looking fixture list when the Premier League campaign resumes in
mid-November. The Hammers return to action from the latest international
break with a run of games that sees them take on Tottenham Hotspur,
Manchester United twice, Arsenal and Liverpool, but Bilic is confident his
team can use that as inspiration to start climbing the table. It was from
that kind of game last season that the Hammers made their mark, and Bilic
has reason for optimism from a run that has seen the east Londoners take
eight points from their last five matches. Following Saturday's 1-1 draw
with Stoke City, the manager said: "It is a very tough schedule, but we have
seen what we can do against top teams last year and even this year when we
played one of the top teams in the cup – Chelsea – and we beat them. "On
paper it looks like a tough four games, plus another one in the cup, but we
have to get ourselves ready for them. "There are no easy games in the
Premier League though, every team is good enough to harm you if you are not
on your top level. We are going to make sure we are at the top of our game
and then I'm sure we can get something out of these games. "In our last four
home games we have two wins and two draws, although we are not happy with
Saturday's result because we were aiming for the win."
It might have been the three points the home side were aiming for had they
not let their lead slip when Adrian failed to reach a pass forward, allowing
Jonathan Walters to set up Bojan Krcic's leveller. However, Bilic chose to
reflect on the many times the No13 has got his team out of trouble over his
101 Premier League games for the Club. He explained: "It was a mistake from
him. He misjudged the ball and it's a mistake but we shouldn't forget how
many times he's been a key man for us. "You don't judge your players,
especially your goalkeepers, because of one mistake. I'm always saying that
we have a couple of really good goalkeepers, it's a fact, but you want all
your players confident. Adrian made one bad mistake in the game and that
happens. "He knows that it was his mistake but mistakes happen. He is my
number one."
At the other end of the pitch, Andre Ayew made his first start at home after
shaking off his thigh injury and Bilic is looking forward to having him back
fit and firing, with Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll not far behind either.
The manager explained: "It was hard for Ayew, because we were not coming
into the situations [high up the pitch] in the first half, so he was
dropping into midfield. "He's only just come back from a long injury. He's a
great player and like any player he needs time to hit his form again. "He
was one of our top signings, if not our top signing, and it's his position,
whether he plays there by himself, in a pair or around the striker. He can
cover all those positions." "Sakho is back in training and if Saturday's
game was one week later he would have been in the squad, so he should be ok
for after the international break. "Andy started running a few days ago so
we are going to see how he progresses now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal, Burnley and Hull ballots open
WHUFC.com
The Claret Members' ticket ballots for our Premier League fixtures against
Arsenal, Burnley and Hull City in December are now open. Claret Members can
enter the ballots to secure tickets for the three festive fixtures, with
tickets for Burnley and Hull starting at just £25 adults and £12.50
concessions! To enter, Claret Members are required to login to their
Ticketmaster account here, select the fixture and add to basket. Fans
wishing to apply with other Claret Members should include all client
reference numbers in the one transaction, and, if successful, will be seated
together.
By becoming a Claret Member, supporters can ensure access to the ballot,
with no Premier League game at London Stadium reaching general sale this
season.
With 52,000 plus Season Ticket Holders, an even greater number on the
waiting list and thousands of Claret Members already registered, Claret
Membership is your access to home match tickets in this unique season.
Membership is priced at just £40 for Adults and £25 for Under-16s, with
supporters already on the Season Ticket Waiting List eligible for a £5
discount.
Similarly, Claret Members can also join the Season Ticket Waiting List for
the reduced price of just £5. Supporters entering the ballot have the option
of selecting up to a maximum of two price points. If you are happy to accept
any price band, and thereby increasing the likelihood of being successful,
kindly select your preferred area of the Stadium and leave the second option
blank.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke was in action for Wigan against Reading in the Championship on
Saturday
Under new boss Warren Joyce, the Latics fell to a defeat, however
A number of other Hammers loanees watched from the bench as their sides
contested FA Cup ties
Reece Burke was the only Hammer in loan action over the weekend as he
completed 90 minutes for Wigan Athletic in the Championship. The struggling
Latics, who recently appointed Warren Joyce as their new boss following the
dismissal of Gary Caldwell, had another tough afternoon as Reading visited
the DW Stadium to record a 3-0 win. The match started in disastrous fashion
for the hosts as Gareth McClearly found the net less than a minute in, and
he doubled his tally on just five minutes, striking this time from distance.
Yann Kermorgant completed the scoring with a second half penalty to round
off a miserable afternoon for Burke's side.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Martin Samuelsen was an unused substitute for
Blackburn Rovers in their 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa. Sam Gallagher gave
Rovers an early second half lead, but Jonathan Kodjia levelled from the
penalty spot four minutes later before adding the winner with 20 minutes
remaining.
In FA Cup action, Josh Pask was left on the bench as Gillingham were held
2-2 at home by National League North side Brackley Town on Saturday. The
visitors raced into a two-goal lead before former Hammer Frank Nouble scored
twice to earn a replay.
Meanwhile, Walsall also suffered a disappointing result, beaten by
Macclesfield Town 1-0 at home as George Dobson watched the action from the
bench. Josh Cullen and Lewis Page – regulars for Bradford City and Coventry
City respectively this season – were both rested over the weekend; the
Bantams were beaten 2-1 in the FA Cup by Accrington Stanley, while Coventry
recorded a 1-1 draw at Morecambe.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet on song
WHUFC.com
If you want Dimitri Payet to keep producing the goods, then the best
approach would be to sing 'We've got Payet!' from kick-off to final whistle!
West Ham United's French star revealed that, when he first arrived in east
London in summer 2015, his lack of English meant he could not understand
exactly what the Claret and Blue Army were singing about. However, once he
got a handle on the language, Payet said hearing his name being sung from
the stands inspired him to try even harder to make things happen for the
Hammers on the pitch. "At the beginning I didn't even know it was a song
about me because it was in English, but the song resonates well in our
Stadium," he told French TV show Telefoot. "It doesn't affect my
concentration – on the contrary it pushes me to do better!"
While Payet has continued to take and create chances for his teammates this
season, scoring once goal, chalking up four assists and making 40 key passes
in just nine Premier League appearances. The Hammer of the Year's form,
however, has not coincided with a strong start for his team, who go into the
November international break sitting 17th in the table. Payet, for one, is
determined to help Slaven Bilic's side to turn things around when he returns
from FIFA World Cup qualifying duty.
"We've had a very poor start," he accepted. "We find ourselves in a
difficult position. We are going to try to rapidly climb back into the top
half of the table."
To fulfil that aim, the No27 said the Hammers have to turn the Club's new
London Stadium home into a fortress. With two wins, two draws and two
defeats from six Premier League matches in Stratford, Payet is targeting an
improvement in that record, starting with the visit of title-chasing Arsenal
on 3 December. "After playing for all those seasons at a mythical stadium
like Upton Park, it is clear that we have made a new start at a Stadium that
is much more modern," he observed. "It is the start of a revolution at the
Club and we have to get used to it and make this Stadium a strong point for
us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio wants to get back among the goals
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio was frustrated that his side failed to take all three points
from the game against Stoke on Saturday, but says they will be working even
harder over the international break to put things right as they prepare to
face Tottenham in the big London derby. The Hammers were on course to make
it three home wins in a row after Glenn Whelan headed the ball past his own
keeper midway through the second half. But a mistake from Adrian saw Stoke
draw level when Bojan Krkic got in front of three defenders to volley the
ball into the back of the net. Antonio says the team have got to learn from
their mistakes and work harder on maintaining their lead in the future as
they now prepare for a tough run of fixtures which include Tottenham,
Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. Antonio said: "These are two
points dropped. We made a mistake for their goal and when we get on top we
need to keep it going and hold onto the lead. "There are no easy games in
the Premier League and we just need to keep working hard over the
international break and prepare for the Tottenham game."
Antonio is still disappointed that he was not able to claim his sixth goal
of the season after it appeared that he rose the highest to direct a header
past Stoke keeper Lee Grant. But after reviewing the incident, the Premier
League quickly awarded it as a Whelan own goal. After starting the season
with five goals from five games, Antonio is desperate to get his name back
on the scoresheet and hopes for better luck in the big London derby at White
Hart Lane on 19 November. Antonio added: "I saw it again on the big screen
and headed the ball into the far corner and it should be my goal. "It is
very frustrating because you go out there and try your hardest. I had been
on a bit of scoring drought so I thought I had ended it on Saturday. "I was
looking forward to celebrating that goal but there is nothing I can do about
it now and I will keep going in the next game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#WHUAREYA - Alex Pike
WHUFC.com
Whether deployed at full-back or in the centre of defence, Alex Pike has
been a key player for the Hammers' PL2 squad this season who are currently
third in their division. The 19-year-old - an experienced and composed head
amongst many youngsters still eligible to play for the U18s - is a player
Terry Westley and his staff know they can depend upon at the back. In the
next episode of West Ham TV's #WHUAREYA feature, Pike reveals his hopes for
the rest of the campaign, who he looks up to in the first team squad and
what TV and music he is into.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ogbonna – We are positive
WHUFC.com
West Ham United may have to wait the best part of two weeks to get back to
action, but the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on 19 November cannot come around
soon enough for defender Angelo Ogbonna. The Italy centre back was
desperately disappointed not to convert a lead into three points against
Stoke City at the weekend and wants to take the first available opportunity
to land a victory after defeat at Everton and the Stoke stalemate stalled
the Hammers' recent revival. The last five league games have nevertheless
yielded eight points and Ogbonna is keen for more when the action resumes at
White Hart Lane. He said: "We are preparing for after the international
break, and it is important that we didn't lose in our stadium on Saturday.
"We are positive, we are optimistic, and we are waiting [for the next game]
to improve our form. "It was definitely two points lost on Saturday. We were
so disappointed about the result, because we need to win. "We need to stay
compact and stay together. We can talk about everything, but the most
important thing is to get back winning."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cresswell receives first England call
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Aaron Cresswell has been
called into the senior England squad for the first time.
The Hammers left-back has been rewarded for two outstanding seasons in
Claret and Blue with a call-up to Gareth Southgate's squad for a 2018 FIFA
World Cup qualifier with Scotland and friendly international with Spain at
Wembley.
Cresswell has been regularly tipped for international honours during his
time in east London, during which he has made 93 appearances, scored four
goals and won the Hammer of the Year award. He replaces the injured
Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater in the squad and linked up with
the squad at St George's Park on Monday evening.
Speaking exclusively whufc.com, the 26-year-old said his family would be
immensely proud of his inclusion in the Three Lions' squad for two big
matches.
"Of course, I am obviously delighted to receive a call-up and it's a very
proud moment for me and my family," he said. "It is every boy's dream to
play for their country and I am looking forward to the next two weeks.
"I just want to enjoy the experience and do my best in training and, if I
can do that, then I hope I can achieve my dream of pulling on an England
shirt, which is what I've wanted to do ever since I started playing football
as a little kid in Liverpool.
"My main focus has always been on playing for West Ham and doing the best I
can for my Club. As long as I was giving 100 per cent, that's all I could
do."
Cresswell is naturally relishing the opportunity of training - and playing -
alongside the best players in the country.
"I haven't played alongside any of the other lads in the squad, but of
course I have played against them all in the Premier League and they are top
players," he revealed. "I am sure the training is going to be at a real high
tempo and I can't wait to be part of it."
Cresswell paid tribute to the Hammers for giving him the opportunity to play
in the Premier League when they signed him from Ipswich Town in summer 2014.
Two-and-a-half years later, he has realised his dream of an England call-up.
"I can't thank the Club enough, particularly the fans who have been
different class to me since I arrived. Now, I want to go away and make them,
my family, friends and everyone at West Ham proud."
Unbeaten England host Scotland in their fourth World Cup qualifying Group F
fixture at Wembley on Friday at 7.45pm, then welcome Spain to the Home of
Football at 8pm on Tuesday 15 November.
Should he feature in either match, Cresswell would become the 40th West Ham
player to pull on and England shirt and the first since Stewart Downing
appeared against Scotland in Glasgow in November 2014.
He would also join the roll-call of Hammers left-backs to have represented
the Three Lions, which also includes Frank Lampard Sr, Stuart Pearce and
Paul Konchesky.
West Ham's most-capped player is the late, great Bobby Moore, who played 108
times between 1962 and 1973, followed by fellow 1966 FIFA World Cup winner
Geoff Hurst with 49 and Trevor Brooking with 47.
Of the current squad, Andy Carroll earned a solitary cap while with West Ham
back in 2012, while Michail Antonio was including in the last two squads,
but did not feature.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: Cresswell set for England
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
Aaron Cresswell is about to be named as West Ham United's latest home
international, KUMB has learned.
The 26-year-old full back is set to be confirmed as a late replacement for
an injured member of the original 25-man squad named by Gareth Southgate
ahead of the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
Tottenham defender Kyle Walker, who collected a knock in the 1-1 draw with
Arsenal on Sunday is reported to be close to pulling out of the squad for
the 11 November game.
Cresswell, who was named KUMB's Player of the Year 2014/15 has never
previously been selected at full international level. More to follow on this
exclusive story soon.
EDIT: It was later confirmed (by West Ham United's website, 9pm Monday) that
Cresswell had indeed been called up.
He told whufc.com: "It's a very proud moment for me and my family. It's
every boy's dream to play for their country and I am looking forward to the
next two weeks."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: PLAYERS BEING SCOUTED AND SOME INJURIES WILL
REOCCUR.
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 6 NOVEMBER 2016 AT 10:25PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So I am writing one of these again off the back of a disappointing
performance. We have a real issue with our forwards having not scored or
assisted in any game this season. It is easy to pinpoint the blame at their
feet but I do not believe they are getting the service that they need to be
influential. The rest of the attacking players are a good 10 yards away from
the forward when they initially received the ball. Payet puts great balls
into the box but again we do not have that physical target man forward to
get on to the end of them.
The majority of people seem to have agreed with me regarding dropping Adrian
for Randolph although there are some who think I am being too harsh. I love
Adrian do not get me wrong and I hope he signs a new deal however the fault
against Stoke cost us the game and a similar error against Watford let them
back into the game and there have been others. Not many people noticed but
Crouch had gone in studs first into Adrian's knee just before he ran out and
did a similar move on their player (which lead to their goal). Whether this
was intentional or not I am not sure but if it was, it makes the decision to
run that far out when there was clearly a number of defenders around, even
more inexcusable.
Randolph has not let the side down in any game that he has been called upon.
He also has a harder job because he has to come in and play one game every
now and again without building up a run of games which is so important to
goalkeepers. So the fact that he plays that well with the odd game here and
there I would love to see what he could do with a run in the side. The whole
point of having two good keepers is that if one is off form the other can
come in, if Randolph does not come in, it shows to me that Adrian is pretty
immune as the number one here and that is not a good message to send out.
We will be looking to bring in a right back in January because of ongoing
fitness concerns of Byram and Arbeloa. It is true that Ivanovic is someone
that we have considered and there is a couple of potential deals with
Chelsea that we would like to conclude as well as this. We will also look
to sign another forward. This of course depends on the Zaza deal. It is
fair to say that the club will not be signing Zaza and so I do not expect
him to complete the 15 starts he needs to which will trigger the deal to
West Ham. So there will be money to spend.
I think the club has finally lost patience with Andy Carroll and would look
to sell him in January if an offer did come in for him from China. Whether
this has any truth I am not sure at this stage but certainly the ongoing
injuries mainly have frustrated the management because you cannot plan
anything around him playing. Unfortunately there are a number of players at
the club that have ongoing injury problems that will always flair up and I
am not just talking about Carroll and Sakho here.
Payet has on French television suggesting he would be open for a move in
January. Whilst the club have no ambition to sell the player, if we end up
in a relegation battle come January you could understand him considering his
options. I hope that he doesn't leave but no one is bigger than the club
and if he wants to go we would have to let him in my eyes, as much as I
would hate that.
We have been looking at some targets now and beginning to build up some
potential players that we could move for in January although there is
nothing solid in place at this point. As always our scouts are working all
over the place and checking out players from a number of leagues
particularly the French ones.
There are a number of things for us to talk about on the radio show the
week, which you can download as podcasts now. I will speak more about some
of the players that we are looking at on the show then.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southgate: why I dropped Antonio
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
Temporary England manager Gareth Southgate says that Michail Antonio remains
in his plans - despite being dropped from the latest England squad. The West
Ham winger was given his first call-up for the national squad by Sam
Allardyce, shortly before he was dismissed. He was then kept in by Southgate
for his first selection, but will not be involved in next weekd's battle of
Britain against Scotland after being left out of the latest 25-man squad,
announced last night. "It was very difficult to make the call to Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain and Michail Antonio because I've seen them all playing in
recent weeks and they've had good performances," explained Southgate. "But
we have strength in depth and competition for places and any of these guys
could force their way into the squad. I've no doubt they will in the coming
months but we have to take a decision for the game on Friday and the game
next Tuesday and this is the balance of the squad we went with."
Antonio, who joined West Ham a year ago in September is West Ham's leading
goalscorer this season with five goals from his opening 17 games of the
campaign.
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A spectacular arena, but not made for football
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th November 2016
By: Gary Steer
For me, Upton Park was incredible, full of character and a 'family' club.
You could see that it didn't matter what you did or where you come from. How
much money you had in your bank account or pockets was irrelevant because
today you are one of us - a brother amongst fellow Hammers.
And the funniest thing of all? I didn't actually ever care if we won or
lost. Sounds really silly doesn't it? But for me it was about being in a
cauldron of passion. From stepping off the tube and entering the Boleyn Pub,
to grabbing a match day programme or waiting in a queue for a wee.
It was all part of the hustle and bustle of match day. My stomach would
churn with worry, excitement, adrenaline and just pure happiness. I would be
covered from head-to-toe in goosebumps as I stood there in my bobble hat and
scarf awaiting the drunken explosion of 'I'm forever blowing bubbles'.
The pub would simply move from chatting to a chorus of the famous song and
it would grab hold of you in a contagious fashion, ripping you off your seat
and before you could catch your breath, you were stood up bellowing with
everyone else. I was swallowed up by this incredible animal and was addicted
from day one.
Then came the journey into the stadium. You walk up the steps and then it
hits you like nothing you have ever experienced! The crowd of Upton Park
singing bubbles! Wow! Sensational! My heart fills with pride and beats so
fast it nearly explodes!
As I said, the result did not matter. If we won then it was just a bonus.
Travelling four hours from Gloucester meant that visits were nowhere near as
frequent as I'd like. So, the novelty never ever wore off. Supporting a
football club is like a relationship and no matter how annoyed or let down
you feel you will still be there again tomorrow because all of the bad days
can be eclipsed by the odd great moment.
But something changed when I went to a game in 2014. The 'bubbles' had
burst! The singing in the Boleyn was replaced with extremely loud music. Was
this to prepare the fans for the future stadium move? Were we to acclimatise
to the inevitable binocular viewing atmosphere that the Olympic Stadium
would bring?
I felt completely empty as if somebody had ripped away all of my childhood
memories. An attempt to sing was made but it was continuously drowned out by
contemporary dance music. I was gutted and to be honest the excitement was
gone. Even inside the stadium it was different.
It has been a bad start and it's easy to blame the stadium but I have been
to it and it's a spectacular arena. However, it is not made for football. I
had to visit once to see what all the fuss was about but I can happily say I
have no desire to return.
£7 for burger and chips and almost an hour waiting in a queue for the tube.
The obvious frustration and pushing in of drunken fans was causing a bad
atmosphere from day one. Gone are the traditional sites of Queens Market and
Ken's cafe, only to be replaced by a giant commercial shopping Centre with
an air of pompousness about it. It's not West Ham!
In the past we could get away with picking up hardly any points away from
home because the home form at Upton Park would save us. The crowd being the
extra man would get us victories and with each success came a bit of
momentum and a building of confidence. This then allowed us to travel and
then collect the odd win or draw on the road. No team enjoyed playing in the
intensity of the Boleyn Ground and the fans have to take credit for this.
Unfortunately the financial ambition of the owners has taken priority and
destroyed what was once a family football club. When season tickets went on
sale the big campaign was "we are going to buy a £30m striker (Sullivan said
it himself) I don't know but maybe fans feel betrayed by this unfulfilled
promise and had they been told that the summer acquisitions would be a
series of loans and freebies, they may not have invested in a season ticket.
And this is where the frustration comes from in my opinion.
The constant unprofessionalism of Sullivan Jnr constantly posting updates on
Twitter, whilst his Father being disrespectful and outspoken, makes the club
look pathetic! It is so bad and if you really want to join the big clubs
then this sort of thing has to stop! When you see kids walking around with
Chelsea and Arsenal shirts in the venue it makes you wonder whether you are
a football club or a venue for tourists. No wonder no player wants to join
this ridiculous circus!
We miss the twelfth man and desperately need that ferocious crowd getting
stuck into the opposition if we are to compete because as it stands we are
in danger of playing 38 away games this season. If they don't address it you
can expect some thrashings from the expansive free flowing teams. We need
opponents to be fearful again and the fans verbally getting into them not
allowing them a second to breathe.
As it stands, the Man Citys and Arsenals will thrive in a muted training
ground atmosphere. It's like playing behind closed doors. RUBBISH!
I have watched the majority of home games online this season and it's
absolutely terrible. No atmosphere at all. During the pathetic draw with
Stoke I could hear the away fans and hardly anything from home fans. There
is no intensity, no pressing, no nothing. I literally play on my phone
whilst watching now as it's like watching paint dry.
You can say I'm not a real fan, quite frankly I really don't care. I have a
tattoo on my back that reads 'West Ham til I die' but it isn't West Ham
United anymore.
The owners are ruthless idiots in my opinion. A pair of backstreet market
traders trying to compete with the global conglomerates of this world but
they've got it all wrong. No real fan wanted the move but they were never
listened to.
To be honest, I don't care anymore. If relegation means the owners sell up
then so be it. Upton Park has gone but the only way to get West Ham back is
to get back into a traditional stadium. I'm not sure how that happens
though.
I hate the new stadium and the re-branding idea by Brady and the Davids. I
will not be returning to this 'arena' as it represents everything bad about
the club. The owners have ruined the club and ripped out the heart and soul.
Money matters to them and they have forgotten what and who really matters.
Those who pay the players wages and the same people who pay for the fuel to
run all the expensive cars the players and owners drive. The people who
built this club and who without, West Ham United would be nothing. - The
fans!
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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Aaron Cresswell and Jordan Pickford called into England squad
By Chris MacRae
Last Updated: 07/11/16 9:37pm
SSN
West Ham's Aaron Cresswell has received his first England call-up and
Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has also been drafted into Gareth
Southgate's squad for the forthcoming matches against Scotland and Spain.
The pair will join up with the senior team at St George's Park on Tuesday
following the withdrawals of Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater and
Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster through injury.
England face Scotland in a World Cup Qualifier at Wembley on Friday,
November 11 before hosting Spain at the same venue on November 15.
Left-back Cresswell, who began his career at Tranmere Rovers, joined West
Ham from Ipswich two years ago and has gone on to make 77 appearances for
Slaven Bilic's side.
Cresswell has played just three league matches this season, having struggled
with a knee injury, and was then sent off on his return at Crystal Palace
before completing 90 minutes against Everton and Stoke.
He told his club's website: "I am delighted to receive a call-up and it's a
very proud moment for me and my family.
"I just want to enjoy the experience and do my best in training and if I can
do that, then I hope I can achieve my dream. I can't thank the club enough,
particularly the fans who have been different class to me since I arrived."
Sunderland keeper Pickford made his debut for the England U21s in September
2015 and received his first senior call from Southgate to replace the
injured Tom Heaton for the qualifier against Slovenia last month.:
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Slaven Bilic gives backing to Adrian after West Ham 'keeper's howler
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 06/11/16 11:38pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic has backed West Ham goalkeeper Adrian in the wake of his costly
mistake in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Stoke. The Spaniard inexplicably vacated
his goal to try and stop a Stoke move which ended with Bojan Krkic volleying
the equaliser into an empty goal. Bilic called it a "very cheap goal" but
the Hammers manager says he has no intention of replacing Adrian with
second-choice Darren Randolph. "He is my number one for sure," said Bilic,
whose side is not in Premier League action again until they face Tottenham
on November 19. "I've got no concerns about his form. Okay, the goal was a
big mistake from him. He misjudged the ball. Maybe it was obvious from the
touchline he was not going to get the ball. "There was not any reason for
him to go there; it was far away from goal and we had it covered. "It's a
mistake but we should not forget how many times he has been a key man for
us. "I've always said we have a couple of really good goalkeepers and it is
a fact that you want your players, including Adrian, confident. He made one
mistake, that happens. "He knows he made a mistake. But mistakes happen."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Dimitri Payet set for crisis talks after frustrated star drops
transfer hint
22:30, 6 NOV 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS , NEIL MCLEMAN
Concerned boss Slaven Bilic to stress to his French star how much he is
loved and valued at the Hammers following comments over potential January
exit
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic will hold crunch talks with Dimitri Payet after the Frenchman
opened the door to a move away from West Ham. Payet dropped a bombshell on
the Hammers by refusing to rule out leaving in January's transfer window. He
told French television: "Leave in January? I'm asking other questions right
now, but I haven't closed the door to anything. "Until now, I always chose
my clubs depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play
at a level like this, it will be the case. "Go to Paris Saint-Germain or
[return to] Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask
myself."
Some fans have turned on the 29-year-old with the Hammers fourth-bottom and
one point above the relegation places following a weekend that saw them draw
at home with Stoke. The Irons are now worried about losing their prize asset
and boss Bilic will sit down with him to underline how much he is loved and
valued at the club.
Payet, who impressed at Euro 2016 and has been included on the longlist for
the Ballon d'Or, has been one of the few consolations from the Londoners'
disastrous start to the Premier League campaign. So far this season, he has
scored twice and created five assists. He signed a new five-and-a-half year
deal worth £125,000-a-week in January to remain at the club. West Ham remain
adamant they do not want to sell their prize asset but he made no attempt to
disguise the fact that all is not well at the club, and that their move to
the former Olympic Stadium has not helped. He said: "We've had a very poor
start. We find ourselves in a difficult position. We are going to try to
climb back into the top half of the table. "It is clear that after all the
years in the mythical stadium of Upton Park, it is a new start. "We have a
stadium that is a lot more modern, and a lot colder, it is true. But it is
the start of a revolution at the club and we have to get used to it and make
this stadium a strong point for us."
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Interview with West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang
http://www.whufcbulletin.com/
This week, we spoke to in-form West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang in what will
be the first of a two part interview. We spoke to him about a number of
different topics including his rise to first-team regularity, the start to
the season, and the club's move to the London Stadium.
Q: You've recently come into the starting lineup at West Ham, what has been
the key change in your game that has caught the eye of Slaven Bilic?
Obiang: Well, the truth is, there came a certain point when I didn't think
it was going to work out, but thanks to my teammates, family, God, and
friends, I carried on working hard and I think that was key.
Q: It's been a relatively poor start for West Ham this season; how do you
feel about this season going forward from now?
Obiang: For sure, our start wasn't good; we had to deal with a lot of
internal and external changes at the club, but now finally we are starting
to get hold of the reigns again. However, we know we are still a long way
off what we were and can be, but it won't be for a lack of hard work.
Q: What differences are there between playing at eh Boleyn Ground, and
playing at the London Stadium?
Obiang: The differences are obvious because playing at Upton park was a
familiar stadium, full of history and we have had lots of good memories
there which were transmitted through the stadium. It was also known to be an
intimidating ground and had a good atmosphere. It will take us some time to
create the same atmosphere here but it will come. Why? Because we are the
Irons!
Q: What do you like to do in your free time, outside of football?
Obiang: Well since I became a father, I enjoy spending most of my time with
the little one watching cartoons! But when I'm away with the team, I like to
read a lot, oh and most importantly, I like to eat well.
Q: How have you found life different between living in Genoa, and living in
London?
Obiang: Well, here there is a big river, and there a big sea! No, I do like
it here, however it was difficult for me leaving Genoa. I spent a lot of
time there and grew up there, I left behind a lot of my friends.
Q: Growing up, which team did you support and who was your footballing idol?
Obiang: Atlético de Madrid. My idol was Zinedine Zidane. He was crazily
good, you might say he was 'different gravy'!
Q: Which players do you get on best with at the club?
Obiang: That's easy really, but difficult to define as I get on very well
with all of them. Obviously, I get on with the Latinos the best and above
all with Adrián as he helped me a lot when I arrived, he really helped me to
settle into the club which was nice. Now, Zaza because we used to play
together at Sampdoria when we were younger. Angelo [Ogbonna] as well as we
arrived at the same time; but ultimately I get on with everyone really well.
Q: If you weren't a footballer, what would your job be?
Obiang: I'll be honest with you; I told my mother that I wanted to be a
fisherman and a butcher. However, I studied to go into politics, and also
architecture due to the fact that the family business was in construction.
But thanks to God, I'm doing the best job in the world.
Q: If you could choose one player in footballing history to play with, who
would it be and why?
Obiang: Again, for me, it would have to be Zinedine Zidane. I don't know if
he is a legend to others but during my childhood he gifted me with so many
emotions and following his story, his past and his biographies, I have seen
that he had a similar childhood to me. I was always touched and impressed by
his quality and capacity to improve.
Part two of our interview with Pedro will be coming soon. On behalf of
everyone at WHUFC Bulletin, we would like to thank Pedro for his
co-operation with us and his interesting responses to our questions.
For more regular news and media regarding everything at West Ham United
Football Club, follow our twitter page: @WHUFCBulletin.
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West Ham FC transfer news: Hammers to sign loan flop Simone Zaza on
permanent deal and then sell him on?
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Monday, November 7, 2016
West Ham could be set to sign loan flop Simone Zaza permanently – before
immediately flogging him to Napoli. The Italian has made a miserable start
to life at West Ham, failing to score in his first nine appearances for the
club. Reports in Italy have suggested that Napoli are ready to rescue him
from his Hammers nightmare by attempting to land him in January. However,
Gazzetta dello Sport has suggested that the frosty relationship between
Napoli and his parent club Juventus could prevent that deal ever
materialising. So it has now been reported that West Ham will take up the
option of buying Zaza from Juve, despite his poor form, and then move him
straight on to Napoli.
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West Ham braced for Dimitri Payet offers with Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas a
possible replacement for fans' favourite
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham are braced for a substantial bid in January for Dimitri Payet from
a top European club. Paris Saint-Germain were linked with a summer move for
the France midfielder and are poised to renew their interest when the
transfer window opens. Payet agreed a new five-and-a-half year deal worth
£120,000 a week last January and West Ham would be reluctant to let their
star go for anything less than three times the £11million they paid
Marseille for him in June 2015. Payet fuelled fresh speculation about his
future when, speaking to a French TV station at the weekend, he refused to
"close the door" on a move. "We've had a poor start," he said. "Leave in
January? I'm asking other questions but I'm not closing the door to
anything. It's always the sports project that interests me. I work like that
and until I play at a level like this, it will be the case."
Payet made an enormous impact at West Ham last season and played a major
part in the club finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League. An
early exit from that competition this season, a troublesome move to the
London Stadium and a disappointing start domestically, will certainly not
have enhanced the club's "sports project" in Payet's eyes, however. West Ham
will fight to keep their top performer but may have to cut their losses if
the right deal is on offer. They would, though, have to sign an immediate
replacement, with one option being Cesc Fabregas. Chelsea are willing to
listen to offers for the 29-year-old, who has started just one League match
since Antonio Conte took over and is not part of the Italian's plans. AC
Milan have shown an interest but have baulked at Fabregas's £160,000-a-week
salary. Chelsea could be prepared to pay part of the player's wages, if he
is loaned out. West Ham are also interested in signing another Chelsea
player in January, defender Branislav Ivanovic. The 32-year-old's contract
expires next summer and he is unlikely to be offered a new deal. The Chinese
Super League or Turkish club Galatasaray are two options but Ivanovic is
keen to stay in London. The Chinese Super League is also a reported
destination for Andy Carroll. The striker, who joined West Ham in a club
record £15m deal in 2013, has suffered eight injuries in his time at the
club, the latest knee problem coming in August. Manager Slaven Bilic was
hoping that the 27-year-old had finally come through his problems this
season but could now be willing to let Carroll go, with Beijing Guoan and
Guangzhou RF interested in signing the player on a deal worth £300,000 a
week.
Goalkeeper Adrian's place, meanwhile, could be in jeopardy following his
mistake which led to Stoke's equaliser in the 1-1 draw. "It was a big
mistake but we shouldn't forget how many times he was key for us," said
Bilic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Dimitri Payet suggests he could leave in January
after 'very poor' start
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Dimitri Payet has refused to rule out a West Ham exit as soon as January
after the Hammers disappointing start to the season. Saturday's 1-1 draw
with Middlesbrough left Payet's side in 16th place in the Premier League
after just three wins and two draws from their opening 11 games. Payet has
long been coveted by the likes of Paris St Germain and Real Madrid, with the
club claiming to have rejected a £100m bid for the 29-year-old during the
summer. Since then the club's player of the year has continued his fine
form, scoring two goals and laying on another five, but he may still be
tempted away. "We've had a very poor start," he told Telefoot. "Leave in
January? I'm asking other questions right now but I've closed the door to
nothing."
Payet added: "Until now, I always chose my clubs depending on the sports
project. I work like that. Until I can play at a level like this, it will be
the case.
"Go to PSG or Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask
myself." The France international signed a five-and-a-half year contract in
February, just a few months after joining the club, that made him the
highest paid player at West Ham on around £125,000-a-week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic sticking by goalkeeper Adrian despite mistake which cost West
Ham victory at home to Stoke
A mistake from Adrian cost West Ham victory at home to Stoke City
The Spaniard raced out and presented Bojan with a near-open goal
But West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is sticking by his goalkeeper
Bilic says Adrian will keep his place ahead of number two Darren Randolph
By DECLAN WARRINGTON, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 23:51, 6 November 2016 | UPDATED: 23:51, 6 November 2016
Slaven Bilic has insisted he retains faith in Adrian despite the
goalkeeper's mistake costing West Ham victory in Saturday's 1-1 draw at home
to Stoke. The Spaniard needlessly rushed out to present substitute Bojan
Krkic with the near-open goal into which the Stoke man scored to secure the
visitors' point. The draw appeared a damaging result ahead of a run of
league fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Adrian's form had already come under scrutiny prior to the Stoke match, but
Bilic has no desire to turn to Darren Randolph and will stick with his first
choice. 'He is my number one for sure,' said the West Ham manager, who also
hopes to have Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll available again after the
international football break. 'I've got no concerns about his form. Okay,
the goal was a big mistake from him. He misjudged the ball. Maybe it was
obvious from the touchline he was not going to get the ball. 'There was not
any reason for him to go there; it was far away from goal and we had it
covered. 'It's a mistake but we should not forget how many times he has been
a key man for us. 'I've always said we have a couple of really good
goalkeepers and it is a fact that you want your players, including Adrian,
confident. He made one mistake, that happens. 'He knows he made a mistake.
But mistakes happen.' West Ham travel to Tottenham after the international
break and then face United in back-to-back matches in league and cup before
taking on Arsenal and Liverpool. 'It's a very tough schedule but we have
seen how we played against top teams last year,' Bilic said. 'We beat
Chelsea, one of the top teams, here in the (EFL) Cup. On paper it is very
tough. 'Four games plus one cup game against Manchester United, but we have
to get ourselves ready.' The result means the improving Stoke are unbeaten
in six, and it was a further demonstration of their recovery after an
unexpectedly poor start to the season. Mark Hughes insisted the club's
hierarchy never put pressure on him during that run despite their increased
expectations. 'We get great support from the Coates family,' he said. 'I
like to think I deserved a bit of support because I haven't done bad for the
club so there was never internal pressure. It was coming from the outside,
if anything. We've turned things around now and we're enjoying it.' Hughes
added that Bojan remains a key player for him despite Joe Allen impressing
in his favoured position. 'Clearly we've got a real talented player (Bojan)
within our ranks who in any other circumstance - other than the fact that
the guy in possession of his position (Allen) is playing out of his skin -
would be in the team. He's just had to be a bit patient,' he said. 'There
will be occasions (he'll start) when I feel the right game, when we are
playing the right opposition, and we're in the right situation in terms of
our confidence, which probably won't be too far away given we're on a
six-game run. He's a quality player.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will convince Dimitri Payet to stay in
January
SLAVEN BILIC will reportedly have showdown talks with Dimitri Payet after
West Ham's star man hinted he is open to leaving.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 05:11, Mon, Nov 7, 2016 | UPDATED: 05:54, Mon, Nov 7, 2016
express.co.uk
The Frenchman has highlighted his frustration at West Ham's poor start to
the campaign. Another below par display from the Hammers against Stoke at
the London Stadium in their 1-1 draw on Saturday has left the club 17th in
the Premier League table heading into November's international break. And
with life not getting easier for West Ham with Tottenham and two trips to
Manchester United up next, Payet revealed he's not ruling out anything for
his future. "We've had a very poor start. Leave in January? I'm asking other
questions right now but I've closed the door to nothing," Payet said
speaking in an interview with Telefoot. "Until now, I always chose my clubs
depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play at a
level like this, it will be the case. Go to PSG or Marseille? For now, they
have not come to me, so I do not ask myself."
West Ham worked hard to keep the Ballon d'Or nominee in east London this
summer after a stunning first season at the club and impressive tournament
at Euro 2016. And according to the Mirror, concerned boss Bilic will now sit
down with 29-year-old Payet to underline how much he is loved and valued at
West Ham. The ex-Marseille playmaker, signed for just £10.7m in the summer
of 2015, penned a five-and-a-half year contract extension in February,
committing his long-term future to the Hammers.
But West Ham will need to turn around fortunes soon with European
aspirations almost over already and a fight for survival getting more and
more likely. Payet has endured a mixed season personally on the pitch,
scoring twice and providing five assists in all competitions for the
Hammers. Having missed the start of the campaign through injury, the
attacking midfielder has shown just glimpses of his top talent. On Payet,
Bilic admitted in his Evening Standard column on Friday: "Every big player
has that burden of expectation because they set a high standard. "It's the
same with all the great players. If Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't produce for a
couple of games, then questions are asked around the football world, not
only in Madrid. "That is also why they are the best players — because the
manager, their team-mates, the fans, are expecting top performances from the
top players."
Bilic will hope talks with Payet go well to keep his mind focused on the job
in hand at West Ham. With a derby at White Hart Lane their next test, their
superstar attacker will have to be on top form to help down Mauricio
Pochettino's men and recover the Hammers' season.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, November 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th November 2016
Cresswell - I feel good now
WHUFC.com
Having come through another 90 minutes of action for West Ham United, Aaron Cresswell is feeling fitter and stronger with every match he plays. The left-sided defender made his fourth start of the season at the weekend, continuing his comeback from the knee injury he suffered in pre-season. The 26-year-old faced the twin challenge of playing as a wing-back and tackling Stoke's all-action Republic of Ireland forward Jonathan Walters. "I feel good now," he confirmed. "I was up against Jonny Walters, who is probably the most energetic player I've ever played against, as he's constantly running and never gives up and credit to him. "Me personally, I feel good and it's just about getting back to fitness and I feel I am there."
While he is feeling physically and mentally fitter than at any point in 2016/17, the No3 says the Hammers need to start faster if they are to avoid a repeat of Saturday's disappointing draw with Stoke City. West Ham edged proceedings at London Stadium, taking the lead through Glenn Whelan's own-goal with 25 minutes remaining, but a late defensive error allowed the Potters to snatch a share of the spoils. However, Cresswell was frustrated with the way the home side approached the game in the first 45 minutes, when they created precious little from open play and forced just one meaningful save from Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant. "It was very frustrating and disappointing, with us getting the lead, but then conceding the goal in the manner that we did," said the No3. "I don't think we were our usual selves. We managed to create enough chances to score the goals to win the game, but we didn't manage to do that. "I don't think we were as good as we've been of late. Even at Everton, in the first 20 or 30 minutes, we played well, but we had a slow start on Saturday and that's not us. We needed that same fast start that we had against Chelsea with the high press and running, but it just wasn't there."
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Stat's a Fact - Key man Dimi
WHUFC.com
West Ham United may not be hitting the heights of last season just yet, but Dimitri Payet is still creating plenty of chances. The France star, who has been shortlisted for both the France Football Ballon D'Or and FIFA Best Men's Player of 2016 Awards, was in the thick of the action again during Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Stoke City. Payet played no fewer than seven key passes, including the cross which Michail Antonio headed against Glenn Whelan and into the bottom corner of the Stoke net. While that cross may not have counted as Payet's fifth assist of the season, it goes without saying that his delivery directly led to West Ham's goal. Of the No27's six other key passes, three were corners. The first, on 27 minutes, was met by a powerful Pedro Obiang header that needed a fine save from Lee Grant to keep it out of the Stoke net. The second came on 74 minutes, when Michail Antonio leapt and won the header but could not keep his header down. Then, in the final minute of the 90, found James Collins at the far post, but again the header was not on target.
The other three key passes came in open play. On 24 minutes, Payet's lay-off from Antonio's pass found Manuel Lanzini, who lashed over the crossbar. Having provided the corner for Obiang's header, Payet's next key pass came after the break, when he fed the same player, only for the Spanish midfielder's low drive to be turned aside by Grant. Finally, Payet's dangerous cross was headed behind by Ryan Shawcross, forcing the corner which eventually led to Whelan's own-goal. The Hammer of the Year's ball in was cleared as far as Mark Noble, who found Payet again to cross for Antonio, whose glancing header deflected in off the Republic of Ireland midfielder.
To prove Payet's importance to the West Ham team, no other Hammer completed a single key pass, while no Stoke player completed more than two. The 29-year-old also touched the ball 66 times, made 44 passes, unleashed one shot on goal and embarked on three dribbles. Statistically, according to the performance analysis website WhoScored.com, only central midfielder Obiang had a more effective game than Payet. However, as an attacking threat, it was clear that the Euro 2016 star was head and shoulders above anyone else on the London Stadium pitch.
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Families enjoy London Stadium experience
WHUFC.com
West Ham United made it a dream day for two families who have bought Season Tickets for the first time at London Stadium this season.
Due to the Club's commitment to affordable pricing, the Hammers have the cheapest junior Season Ticket prices in the top flight, and with youngsters having to pay just £99 for their seat, thousands of families are now benefitting from our amazing offer.
West Ham United have worked to ensure families and the next generation of Hammers fans are able to see top flight football for the best price possible and our West Ham families are enjoying a fantastic matchday experience.
It was a day to remember for two of them, as the Hines and Walter families were invited behind-the-scenes before the Stoke game on Saturday. They had an unforgettable afternoon meeting their boyhood heroes and Joint-Chairman David Gold.
In particular it was a special story for the Hines family who have three generation of Hammers fans and are now all able to see their beloved team in action for the first time.
Father Daniel Hines is part of a big party of nine, which includes his parents, who attend every game and loves being able to bring his two sons Joshua and Sam for the first time with the whole family sitting together.
He said: "When the Club announced they were moving into the new Stadium, my boys were approaching the right age and it was a no-brainer for us to get the £99 season-tickets.
"I have got a lot of praise for the owners and Board for setting the prices so low and it means the whole family can now come along.
"I have a number of people asking me how much it costs to take the two kids and when I say for the three of us, it is under £500 they cannot believe me. It is absolutely brilliant and this is what Premier League football should be about – being able to bring the whole family.
"I am able to come with my parents as well and for three generations of my family to now sit together makes it even more special.
"It was a great touch from the Club to invite us down for the day and we will never forget seeing the looks on the kids faces when they met the players. I think the little was a bit star struck!
"We spoke to the owner and you can see how much he loves the Club. It has been a great day all-round."
The Walters family have also benefitted from the £99 season-ticket offer and father Matt says it is now cheaper for him to bring his son Rafe to London Stadium than going to see a non-league game in Kent.
He said: "We couldn't believe it when the Club set the price at just £99 and it was crazy to think I could buy a season-ticket for that price.
"It is more expensive for me to take my boy to see a local Southern Division time by the time we have paid for the bus to get us there than coming to see a Premier League game at London Stadium. It is amazing.
"It is something that we could never do before and the cost implication was huge. The West Ham Board have given football back to the people again and that is how it should be.
"The transport links for us are amazing. We travel from Broadstairs which takes just over an hour and it is direct from where we live. It could not be any better."
Walters believes the facilities inside London Stadium make the experience even better when they come to see West Ham in action and jokes there is one change which makes a big difference to a number of people.
He added: "The facilities inside are great and we can actually go to the toilet now! I remember the queue was going out the door at the Boleyn Ground and I had to give up sometimes!
"You can always go and get something to eat and it makes a huge difference. I will always love Upton Park and it will be part of my history, but we had to move on.
"A lot of the criticism that we now get is down to jealousy. They are trying to find things wrong, but I think it is brilliant.
"We cannot thank the Club enough for inviting us behind-the-scenes and to meet the Chairman was fantastic. We never thought this would happen and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
"Mr Gold is a great man and along with Mr Sullivan, they have done so much for West Ham.
"We were on a downward spiral when they came in but we have come so far in a short period.
Rafe, just 13, is also relishing the chance to watch West Ham in action for the first time on a regular basis and says he has been taken aback by the atmosphere inside London Stadium.
He said: "I love going to the games and the atmosphere, especially when Bubbles is being played and the whole crowd join in."
Despite the Hammers having to settle for a point against Stoke, it was a day that the Hines and Walters family will never forget and shows the impact the London Stadium is having on all generations of West Ham United supporters.
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Dimitri Payet hints at January exit from West Ham
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 06/11/16 5:18pm
SSN
Dimitri Payet has hinted he could leave West Ham in the upcoming January transfer window. The France playmaker has been a star performer for the Hammers since making a £10.75m move from Marseille in June 2015, scoring 14 goals in 48 appearances for Slaven Bilic's side. West Ham rewarded Payet with a new five-and-a-half year deal in January, rumoured to be worth as much as £125,000-a-week, in a bid to stave off interest from potential suitors. But following West Ham's poor start to the Premier League season, the 29-year-old has suggested he may be open to leaving the east London club. When asked about his future plans, Payet told Telefoot in France: "We've had a very poor start. Leave in January? I'm asking other questions right now but I've closed the door to nothing."
West Ham have won just three of their opening 11 matches and currently sit in 16th place, just a point clear of the relegation zone. Payet added: "Until now, I always chose my clubs depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play at a level like this, it will be the case. "Go to PSG or Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask myself."
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Dimitri Payet hints at West Ham exit in January as he tells French TV that he has 'closed the door to nothing'
Payet spoke to French TV show Telefoot and hinted at January exit
West Ham talisman said: 'Leave in January? I've closed the door to nothing'
29-year-old has been excellent since arriving from Marseille in 2015
But West Ham's poor start has raised concerns over his future at the club
The Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City on Saturday
By ADAM SHERGOLD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:50, 6 November 2016 | UPDATED: 11:50, 6 November 2016
West Ham's poor start to the Premier League season has raised concerns that talisman Dimitri Payet may depart in January - and the French star has done little to calm fears in his latest interview. Speaking on the French television show Telefoot, Payet said 'I've closed the door to nothing' when asked about his future.
The playmaker has been outstanding since arriving at West Ham from Marseille in the summer of 2015, marking his debut season in England with 15 goals and 17 assists. And 29-year-old Payet has been one of the few positives from West Ham's poor start to this campaign, scoring twice and creating five more goals.
When asked about his plans, Payet said: 'We've had a very poor start. Leave in January? I'm asking other questions right now but I've closed the door to nothing.'
He continued: 'Until now, I always chose my clubs depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play at a level like this, it will be the case.
'Go to PSG or Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask myself.' Although West Ham have always insisted Payet will not be sold - he signed a new five-and-a-half year contract back in February - the uncertainty will only heighten anxiety after a poor start to the season that sees them in 16th place. The Hammers drew 1-1 at home to Stoke City on Saturday, after Bojan Krkic cancelled out Michail Antonio's opener.
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West Ham star Michail Antonio can't believe Premier League's 'cheek' as Stoke strike is ruled as own goal
TOM DUTTON
Evening Standard
Michael Antonio was left in disbelief at the Premier League's 'cheek' after they deemed West Ham's opener an own goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Stoke.
Antonio seemingly headed the Hammers in front in the second period as he stretched to connect with Dimitri Payet's cross when under pressure from Glenn Whelan. The effort crept past Lee Grant and in off the Stoke post to put West Ham on course for a third straight win at London Stadium, but Bojan restored parity late on as the Potters capitalised on an Adrian error. The result leaves Slaven Bilic's men just four points above the drop zone in 16th with three sides beneath them set to play on Sunday. But Antonio was dealt a double dose of disappointment when he took to Twitter to rue West Ham's luck after the whistle. The England international was met with a barrage of tweets pointing out he had not been credited with West Ham's goal after initially tweeting: "Unlucky not to win the game but great to get on the scoresheet!"
Michail Antonio ✔ @Michailantonio
Unlucky not to win the game but great to get on the scoresheet! ⚒⚒@WestHamUtd @premierleague
6:26 PM - 5 Nov 2016
67 67 Retweets 510 510 likes
Indeed, the Premier League confirmed before the full time whistle at London Stadium that the opener had gone down as a Whelan own goal. And Antonio was left perplexed by the decision. "I can't believe they have the cheek not to give me the goal! Doesn't make sense to me," Antonio later tweeted after being bombarded by corrections. The 26-year-old has five Premier League goals so far this term.
Michail Antonio ✔ @Michailantonio
I can't believe they have the cheek not to give me the goal! Doesn't make sense to me 🙈🙈@WestHamUtd @premierleague
6:42 PM - 5 Nov 2016
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West Ham moving in right direction to stop crowd trouble
TYRONE FRANCIS ITV NEWS LONDON
There weren't many talking points on the pitch for West Ham, much of the focus was placed on how the club's hierarchy were going to tackle the growing issue around crowd trouble at the London Stadium. Today we have implemented even more robust measures which we believe will help ensure the safe and friendly environment we are all working so hard to achieve at the London Stadium. For the first time this season the Metropolitan police have been deployed inside the stadium to avoid further outbreaks of violence. This follows the ugly scenes which marred West Ham's last home game against Chelsea in the EFL Cup last week.
The Metropolitan Police Service has a comprehensive, and robust, policing plan for the match on Saturday, 5 November between West Ham and Stoke City at London Stadium. Although Airwaves radio is not yet installed at the venue, a tactical measure will be in place to ensure adequate airwaves coverage for safe deployment of officers in the stadium. The game seemed largely to pass without any trouble. Police officers were quick to be more of a presence once a goal had been scored and at either ends of the half. West Ham fans already segregated due to the stadiums design under the Sir Trevor Brooking stand were visibly hurling abuse at one another in addition to that at travelling fans. Police and stewards swiftly lined the rows to ensure trouble didn't escalate. As for the game itself a 1-1 draw seemed a fair result but much of the attention was on what was happening in the stands rather than the 22 men on the pitch.
Last updated Sat 5 Nov 2016
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Exclusive: West Ham ready to make January bid to sign Chelsea stalwart
WEST HAM UNITED are ready to give Chelsea star Branislav Ivanovic the chance to remain in London that he craves.
By NEIL FISSLER, EXCLUSIVE
PUBLISHED: 00:05, Sun, Nov 6, 2016 | UPDATED: 00:22, Sun, Nov 6, 2016
Express.co.uk
The Serbia international is out of contract with Chelsea at the end of the season and is set to leave after dropping down the pecking order under Antonio Conte.
Ivanovic, 32, is keen to remain in the capital and Crystal Palace ruled themselves out of the race to land him He has lost his place in the side following the summer arrivals of David Luiz and Marcos Alonso. West Ham are keen on the signing and are looking to snatch him when the transfer window opens at the end of next month. Ivanovic has won eight major trophies since moving to Stamford Bridge for £9.7 million from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008. He has won the league title twice during that time, under Carlo Ancelotti in 2010 and Jose Mourinho in 2015. Italian giants Inter Milan have also made contact with his advisors to sound them out about his plans for next season and were told they wouldn't be his first choice. While their has been some interest in him from the Chinese Super League but that is an option that he isn't keen on taking up. The Chinese certainly have the money to make a move attractive but he has four children who are settled in London and he isn't keen on uprooting them.
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Premier League star Andy Carroll 'bought two £15,000 mastiff dogs over fears he was being targeted by criminal gang months before his carjacking terror'
He ordered two Cane Corsos mastiff dogs because he feared for his family
The dogs, costing at least £15,000 each, are being trained and will be delivered soon
He was threatened by armed bikers as he drove home from West Ham's training ground last week
Carroll, 27, has since hired a bodyguard and security at the Premier League club has been increased
By DAVE BURKE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 02:06, 6 November 2016 | UPDATED: 08:21, 6 November 2016
Premier League star Andy Carroll, who was chased by gunmen in a terrifying robbery attempt last week, ordered two fearsome £15,000 guard dogs in the months leading up to the ordeal. The England and West Ham striker, 27, was threatened by armed bikers at traffic lights as he drove home from training last Wednesday.
Fearing for his life, he sped away - but it has now been claimed he paid at least £30,000 for two Italian mastiffs because he feared for his family's safety. The breed, called Cane Corsos, can weigh up to seven-and-a-half stone. The animals are renowned for being excellent guard dogs, which can be trained to be safe around children. But they have also been involved with vicious attacks, including the killing of Craig Sytsma, 46, in Michigan in 2014. The director of the company which sold the animals to the football star said the dogs would be delivered very soon.
Richard Douglas, director of Chaperone K9 in Leicestershire, told The Sun on Sunday: They are not aggressive animals in the slightest, until called upon.' Mr Douglas continued: 'Footballers are obviously targeted individuals. They want something that when they go away will keep their family safe.' He declined to reveal how much the dogs cost, but said prices start at £15,000. Carroll has also hired a bodyguard since the ordeal. Driving in a state of panic pursued by the motorbikes, Carroll turned and headed back to West Ham's training ground at Rush Green in Essex, hoping to reach safety and receive help from the club's security staff. The would-be assailants failed to keep up with Carroll as he drove at speed. On reaching the training ground he left his top-of-the-range SUV vehicle and ran to reception seeking help. West Ham have since beefed up security at their Rush Green training base and will offer Carroll, who earns £90,000 a week, any support he needs in the aftermath of his lucky escape. During his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Hammers manager Slaven Bilic revealed the incident has left everyone shocked. Bilic said: 'I saw a few of the players and when we heard about it we were shocked. To be fair, we are not under siege here. This was a one-off.' Carroll, who has a two year old son, Arlo, with fiancee Billi Mucklow, a star of TV show TOWIE, was driving a £100,000 Mercedes G-Wagon when he was targeted. No arrests have been made in connection with the robbery, which was exclusively reported by Sportsmail.
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Exclusive: West Ham's Andy Carroll wanted by Chinese clubs in massive January deal
ANDY CARROLL is set to end his West Ham nightmare with a huge £300,000 a week move to China.
By NEIL FISSLER
PUBLISHED: 00:05, Sun, Nov 6, 2016
Express.co.uk
The former England star has only managed four appearances this season because of a knee injury and Slaven Bilic is ready to cut his losses. Carroll, 27, has scored 23 times in 92 appearances for West Ham who could be set to make a profit on the injury prone striker. They paid Liverpool £15million for Carroll and one of the two Chinese clubs who are fighting for his services for willing to give them a £5 million profit. Beijing Guoan and Guangzhou R&F both want to take the ex-Newcastle United man to the Chinese Super League in January. And they are both willing to make him one of the best paid players on the planet if he agrees to call time on his Hammers career. Southampton's Graziano Pelle moved into the top ten wage earners the world when he penned a £260,000 a week deal with Shandong Luneng in July.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Having come through another 90 minutes of action for West Ham United, Aaron Cresswell is feeling fitter and stronger with every match he plays. The left-sided defender made his fourth start of the season at the weekend, continuing his comeback from the knee injury he suffered in pre-season. The 26-year-old faced the twin challenge of playing as a wing-back and tackling Stoke's all-action Republic of Ireland forward Jonathan Walters. "I feel good now," he confirmed. "I was up against Jonny Walters, who is probably the most energetic player I've ever played against, as he's constantly running and never gives up and credit to him. "Me personally, I feel good and it's just about getting back to fitness and I feel I am there."
While he is feeling physically and mentally fitter than at any point in 2016/17, the No3 says the Hammers need to start faster if they are to avoid a repeat of Saturday's disappointing draw with Stoke City. West Ham edged proceedings at London Stadium, taking the lead through Glenn Whelan's own-goal with 25 minutes remaining, but a late defensive error allowed the Potters to snatch a share of the spoils. However, Cresswell was frustrated with the way the home side approached the game in the first 45 minutes, when they created precious little from open play and forced just one meaningful save from Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant. "It was very frustrating and disappointing, with us getting the lead, but then conceding the goal in the manner that we did," said the No3. "I don't think we were our usual selves. We managed to create enough chances to score the goals to win the game, but we didn't manage to do that. "I don't think we were as good as we've been of late. Even at Everton, in the first 20 or 30 minutes, we played well, but we had a slow start on Saturday and that's not us. We needed that same fast start that we had against Chelsea with the high press and running, but it just wasn't there."
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Stat's a Fact - Key man Dimi
WHUFC.com
West Ham United may not be hitting the heights of last season just yet, but Dimitri Payet is still creating plenty of chances. The France star, who has been shortlisted for both the France Football Ballon D'Or and FIFA Best Men's Player of 2016 Awards, was in the thick of the action again during Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Stoke City. Payet played no fewer than seven key passes, including the cross which Michail Antonio headed against Glenn Whelan and into the bottom corner of the Stoke net. While that cross may not have counted as Payet's fifth assist of the season, it goes without saying that his delivery directly led to West Ham's goal. Of the No27's six other key passes, three were corners. The first, on 27 minutes, was met by a powerful Pedro Obiang header that needed a fine save from Lee Grant to keep it out of the Stoke net. The second came on 74 minutes, when Michail Antonio leapt and won the header but could not keep his header down. Then, in the final minute of the 90, found James Collins at the far post, but again the header was not on target.
The other three key passes came in open play. On 24 minutes, Payet's lay-off from Antonio's pass found Manuel Lanzini, who lashed over the crossbar. Having provided the corner for Obiang's header, Payet's next key pass came after the break, when he fed the same player, only for the Spanish midfielder's low drive to be turned aside by Grant. Finally, Payet's dangerous cross was headed behind by Ryan Shawcross, forcing the corner which eventually led to Whelan's own-goal. The Hammer of the Year's ball in was cleared as far as Mark Noble, who found Payet again to cross for Antonio, whose glancing header deflected in off the Republic of Ireland midfielder.
To prove Payet's importance to the West Ham team, no other Hammer completed a single key pass, while no Stoke player completed more than two. The 29-year-old also touched the ball 66 times, made 44 passes, unleashed one shot on goal and embarked on three dribbles. Statistically, according to the performance analysis website WhoScored.com, only central midfielder Obiang had a more effective game than Payet. However, as an attacking threat, it was clear that the Euro 2016 star was head and shoulders above anyone else on the London Stadium pitch.
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Families enjoy London Stadium experience
WHUFC.com
West Ham United made it a dream day for two families who have bought Season Tickets for the first time at London Stadium this season.
Due to the Club's commitment to affordable pricing, the Hammers have the cheapest junior Season Ticket prices in the top flight, and with youngsters having to pay just £99 for their seat, thousands of families are now benefitting from our amazing offer.
West Ham United have worked to ensure families and the next generation of Hammers fans are able to see top flight football for the best price possible and our West Ham families are enjoying a fantastic matchday experience.
It was a day to remember for two of them, as the Hines and Walter families were invited behind-the-scenes before the Stoke game on Saturday. They had an unforgettable afternoon meeting their boyhood heroes and Joint-Chairman David Gold.
In particular it was a special story for the Hines family who have three generation of Hammers fans and are now all able to see their beloved team in action for the first time.
Father Daniel Hines is part of a big party of nine, which includes his parents, who attend every game and loves being able to bring his two sons Joshua and Sam for the first time with the whole family sitting together.
He said: "When the Club announced they were moving into the new Stadium, my boys were approaching the right age and it was a no-brainer for us to get the £99 season-tickets.
"I have got a lot of praise for the owners and Board for setting the prices so low and it means the whole family can now come along.
"I have a number of people asking me how much it costs to take the two kids and when I say for the three of us, it is under £500 they cannot believe me. It is absolutely brilliant and this is what Premier League football should be about – being able to bring the whole family.
"I am able to come with my parents as well and for three generations of my family to now sit together makes it even more special.
"It was a great touch from the Club to invite us down for the day and we will never forget seeing the looks on the kids faces when they met the players. I think the little was a bit star struck!
"We spoke to the owner and you can see how much he loves the Club. It has been a great day all-round."
The Walters family have also benefitted from the £99 season-ticket offer and father Matt says it is now cheaper for him to bring his son Rafe to London Stadium than going to see a non-league game in Kent.
He said: "We couldn't believe it when the Club set the price at just £99 and it was crazy to think I could buy a season-ticket for that price.
"It is more expensive for me to take my boy to see a local Southern Division time by the time we have paid for the bus to get us there than coming to see a Premier League game at London Stadium. It is amazing.
"It is something that we could never do before and the cost implication was huge. The West Ham Board have given football back to the people again and that is how it should be.
"The transport links for us are amazing. We travel from Broadstairs which takes just over an hour and it is direct from where we live. It could not be any better."
Walters believes the facilities inside London Stadium make the experience even better when they come to see West Ham in action and jokes there is one change which makes a big difference to a number of people.
He added: "The facilities inside are great and we can actually go to the toilet now! I remember the queue was going out the door at the Boleyn Ground and I had to give up sometimes!
"You can always go and get something to eat and it makes a huge difference. I will always love Upton Park and it will be part of my history, but we had to move on.
"A lot of the criticism that we now get is down to jealousy. They are trying to find things wrong, but I think it is brilliant.
"We cannot thank the Club enough for inviting us behind-the-scenes and to meet the Chairman was fantastic. We never thought this would happen and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
"Mr Gold is a great man and along with Mr Sullivan, they have done so much for West Ham.
"We were on a downward spiral when they came in but we have come so far in a short period.
Rafe, just 13, is also relishing the chance to watch West Ham in action for the first time on a regular basis and says he has been taken aback by the atmosphere inside London Stadium.
He said: "I love going to the games and the atmosphere, especially when Bubbles is being played and the whole crowd join in."
Despite the Hammers having to settle for a point against Stoke, it was a day that the Hines and Walters family will never forget and shows the impact the London Stadium is having on all generations of West Ham United supporters.
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Dimitri Payet hints at January exit from West Ham
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 06/11/16 5:18pm
SSN
Dimitri Payet has hinted he could leave West Ham in the upcoming January transfer window. The France playmaker has been a star performer for the Hammers since making a £10.75m move from Marseille in June 2015, scoring 14 goals in 48 appearances for Slaven Bilic's side. West Ham rewarded Payet with a new five-and-a-half year deal in January, rumoured to be worth as much as £125,000-a-week, in a bid to stave off interest from potential suitors. But following West Ham's poor start to the Premier League season, the 29-year-old has suggested he may be open to leaving the east London club. When asked about his future plans, Payet told Telefoot in France: "We've had a very poor start. Leave in January? I'm asking other questions right now but I've closed the door to nothing."
West Ham have won just three of their opening 11 matches and currently sit in 16th place, just a point clear of the relegation zone. Payet added: "Until now, I always chose my clubs depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play at a level like this, it will be the case. "Go to PSG or Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask myself."
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Dimitri Payet hints at West Ham exit in January as he tells French TV that he has 'closed the door to nothing'
Payet spoke to French TV show Telefoot and hinted at January exit
West Ham talisman said: 'Leave in January? I've closed the door to nothing'
29-year-old has been excellent since arriving from Marseille in 2015
But West Ham's poor start has raised concerns over his future at the club
The Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City on Saturday
By ADAM SHERGOLD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:50, 6 November 2016 | UPDATED: 11:50, 6 November 2016
West Ham's poor start to the Premier League season has raised concerns that talisman Dimitri Payet may depart in January - and the French star has done little to calm fears in his latest interview. Speaking on the French television show Telefoot, Payet said 'I've closed the door to nothing' when asked about his future.
The playmaker has been outstanding since arriving at West Ham from Marseille in the summer of 2015, marking his debut season in England with 15 goals and 17 assists. And 29-year-old Payet has been one of the few positives from West Ham's poor start to this campaign, scoring twice and creating five more goals.
When asked about his plans, Payet said: 'We've had a very poor start. Leave in January? I'm asking other questions right now but I've closed the door to nothing.'
He continued: 'Until now, I always chose my clubs depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play at a level like this, it will be the case.
'Go to PSG or Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask myself.' Although West Ham have always insisted Payet will not be sold - he signed a new five-and-a-half year contract back in February - the uncertainty will only heighten anxiety after a poor start to the season that sees them in 16th place. The Hammers drew 1-1 at home to Stoke City on Saturday, after Bojan Krkic cancelled out Michail Antonio's opener.
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West Ham star Michail Antonio can't believe Premier League's 'cheek' as Stoke strike is ruled as own goal
TOM DUTTON
Evening Standard
Michael Antonio was left in disbelief at the Premier League's 'cheek' after they deemed West Ham's opener an own goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Stoke.
Antonio seemingly headed the Hammers in front in the second period as he stretched to connect with Dimitri Payet's cross when under pressure from Glenn Whelan. The effort crept past Lee Grant and in off the Stoke post to put West Ham on course for a third straight win at London Stadium, but Bojan restored parity late on as the Potters capitalised on an Adrian error. The result leaves Slaven Bilic's men just four points above the drop zone in 16th with three sides beneath them set to play on Sunday. But Antonio was dealt a double dose of disappointment when he took to Twitter to rue West Ham's luck after the whistle. The England international was met with a barrage of tweets pointing out he had not been credited with West Ham's goal after initially tweeting: "Unlucky not to win the game but great to get on the scoresheet!"
Michail Antonio ✔ @Michailantonio
Unlucky not to win the game but great to get on the scoresheet! ⚒⚒@WestHamUtd @premierleague
6:26 PM - 5 Nov 2016
67 67 Retweets 510 510 likes
Indeed, the Premier League confirmed before the full time whistle at London Stadium that the opener had gone down as a Whelan own goal. And Antonio was left perplexed by the decision. "I can't believe they have the cheek not to give me the goal! Doesn't make sense to me," Antonio later tweeted after being bombarded by corrections. The 26-year-old has five Premier League goals so far this term.
Michail Antonio ✔ @Michailantonio
I can't believe they have the cheek not to give me the goal! Doesn't make sense to me 🙈🙈@WestHamUtd @premierleague
6:42 PM - 5 Nov 2016
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West Ham moving in right direction to stop crowd trouble
TYRONE FRANCIS ITV NEWS LONDON
There weren't many talking points on the pitch for West Ham, much of the focus was placed on how the club's hierarchy were going to tackle the growing issue around crowd trouble at the London Stadium. Today we have implemented even more robust measures which we believe will help ensure the safe and friendly environment we are all working so hard to achieve at the London Stadium. For the first time this season the Metropolitan police have been deployed inside the stadium to avoid further outbreaks of violence. This follows the ugly scenes which marred West Ham's last home game against Chelsea in the EFL Cup last week.
The Metropolitan Police Service has a comprehensive, and robust, policing plan for the match on Saturday, 5 November between West Ham and Stoke City at London Stadium. Although Airwaves radio is not yet installed at the venue, a tactical measure will be in place to ensure adequate airwaves coverage for safe deployment of officers in the stadium. The game seemed largely to pass without any trouble. Police officers were quick to be more of a presence once a goal had been scored and at either ends of the half. West Ham fans already segregated due to the stadiums design under the Sir Trevor Brooking stand were visibly hurling abuse at one another in addition to that at travelling fans. Police and stewards swiftly lined the rows to ensure trouble didn't escalate. As for the game itself a 1-1 draw seemed a fair result but much of the attention was on what was happening in the stands rather than the 22 men on the pitch.
Last updated Sat 5 Nov 2016
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Exclusive: West Ham ready to make January bid to sign Chelsea stalwart
WEST HAM UNITED are ready to give Chelsea star Branislav Ivanovic the chance to remain in London that he craves.
By NEIL FISSLER, EXCLUSIVE
PUBLISHED: 00:05, Sun, Nov 6, 2016 | UPDATED: 00:22, Sun, Nov 6, 2016
Express.co.uk
The Serbia international is out of contract with Chelsea at the end of the season and is set to leave after dropping down the pecking order under Antonio Conte.
Ivanovic, 32, is keen to remain in the capital and Crystal Palace ruled themselves out of the race to land him He has lost his place in the side following the summer arrivals of David Luiz and Marcos Alonso. West Ham are keen on the signing and are looking to snatch him when the transfer window opens at the end of next month. Ivanovic has won eight major trophies since moving to Stamford Bridge for £9.7 million from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008. He has won the league title twice during that time, under Carlo Ancelotti in 2010 and Jose Mourinho in 2015. Italian giants Inter Milan have also made contact with his advisors to sound them out about his plans for next season and were told they wouldn't be his first choice. While their has been some interest in him from the Chinese Super League but that is an option that he isn't keen on taking up. The Chinese certainly have the money to make a move attractive but he has four children who are settled in London and he isn't keen on uprooting them.
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Premier League star Andy Carroll 'bought two £15,000 mastiff dogs over fears he was being targeted by criminal gang months before his carjacking terror'
He ordered two Cane Corsos mastiff dogs because he feared for his family
The dogs, costing at least £15,000 each, are being trained and will be delivered soon
He was threatened by armed bikers as he drove home from West Ham's training ground last week
Carroll, 27, has since hired a bodyguard and security at the Premier League club has been increased
By DAVE BURKE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 02:06, 6 November 2016 | UPDATED: 08:21, 6 November 2016
Premier League star Andy Carroll, who was chased by gunmen in a terrifying robbery attempt last week, ordered two fearsome £15,000 guard dogs in the months leading up to the ordeal. The England and West Ham striker, 27, was threatened by armed bikers at traffic lights as he drove home from training last Wednesday.
Fearing for his life, he sped away - but it has now been claimed he paid at least £30,000 for two Italian mastiffs because he feared for his family's safety. The breed, called Cane Corsos, can weigh up to seven-and-a-half stone. The animals are renowned for being excellent guard dogs, which can be trained to be safe around children. But they have also been involved with vicious attacks, including the killing of Craig Sytsma, 46, in Michigan in 2014. The director of the company which sold the animals to the football star said the dogs would be delivered very soon.
Richard Douglas, director of Chaperone K9 in Leicestershire, told The Sun on Sunday: They are not aggressive animals in the slightest, until called upon.' Mr Douglas continued: 'Footballers are obviously targeted individuals. They want something that when they go away will keep their family safe.' He declined to reveal how much the dogs cost, but said prices start at £15,000. Carroll has also hired a bodyguard since the ordeal. Driving in a state of panic pursued by the motorbikes, Carroll turned and headed back to West Ham's training ground at Rush Green in Essex, hoping to reach safety and receive help from the club's security staff. The would-be assailants failed to keep up with Carroll as he drove at speed. On reaching the training ground he left his top-of-the-range SUV vehicle and ran to reception seeking help. West Ham have since beefed up security at their Rush Green training base and will offer Carroll, who earns £90,000 a week, any support he needs in the aftermath of his lucky escape. During his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Hammers manager Slaven Bilic revealed the incident has left everyone shocked. Bilic said: 'I saw a few of the players and when we heard about it we were shocked. To be fair, we are not under siege here. This was a one-off.' Carroll, who has a two year old son, Arlo, with fiancee Billi Mucklow, a star of TV show TOWIE, was driving a £100,000 Mercedes G-Wagon when he was targeted. No arrests have been made in connection with the robbery, which was exclusively reported by Sportsmail.
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Exclusive: West Ham's Andy Carroll wanted by Chinese clubs in massive January deal
ANDY CARROLL is set to end his West Ham nightmare with a huge £300,000 a week move to China.
By NEIL FISSLER
PUBLISHED: 00:05, Sun, Nov 6, 2016
Express.co.uk
The former England star has only managed four appearances this season because of a knee injury and Slaven Bilic is ready to cut his losses. Carroll, 27, has scored 23 times in 92 appearances for West Ham who could be set to make a profit on the injury prone striker. They paid Liverpool £15million for Carroll and one of the two Chinese clubs who are fighting for his services for willing to give them a £5 million profit. Beijing Guoan and Guangzhou R&F both want to take the ex-Newcastle United man to the Chinese Super League in January. And they are both willing to make him one of the best paid players on the planet if he agrees to call time on his Hammers career. Southampton's Graziano Pelle moved into the top ten wage earners the world when he penned a £260,000 a week deal with Shandong Luneng in July.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th November 2016
Bojan volley forces Hammers to settle for point
WHUFC.com
West Ham United were forced to settle for a point after Bojan Krkic netted a
late volley for Stoke to cancel out an earlier own goal from Glenn Whelan as
the the teams drew 1-1 at London Stadium. After beating Sunderland and
Chelsea in the previous two home games, the Hammers were on course to make
it three in a row after Whelan headed the ball his own keeper. But Bojan
capitalised on a mistake by Adrian when he volleyed home from close-range to
ensure Stoke came away with a point. Slaven Bilic would have been hoping to
head into the international break with another victory and will be
disappointed that his side failed to hold onto the lead. The Hammers were
hoping to amends for the disappointing 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park last
weekend as they looked to build on recent home victories. But it was Stoke
who came the closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening exchanges.
Jonathan Walters broke clear of the West Ham defence on 13 minutes and burst
into the box before seeing his low cross well blocked by Cheikhou Kouyate
who denied Wilfried Bony getting on the scoresheet. The away side came close
again on 18 minutes when Bony saw his shot blocked by James Collins. The
rebound fell to Joe Allen who fired a right foot shot just over the bar. The
Hammers finally found a route back into the game and created their first
major opening on 24 minutes when Dimitri Payet laid the ball back to Manuel
Lanzini and he struck a 25-yard shot over the bar. Payet was involved in the
heart of the action once again on 27 minutes when his corner picked out
Angelo Ogbonna who towered above the Stoke defence and saw his powerful
header produce a fine save from Lee Grant diving away to his right.
There was some confusion over how much injury time was to be played at the
end of the first half after the fourth official signalled one minute but
referee Andre Marriner actually wanted three. The decision almost paid off
for the home side as the Hammers were awarded a free-kick right on the edge
of the box. The home fans drew their breathe as Payet put the ball down, but
on this occasion the French star saw his curling effort fall inches over the
bar. The danger signs were still there for the Hammers as Phil Bardsley
tried his luck from 30-yards on 55 minutes with a dipping shot which flew
just over the goal. Bilic knew he needed to do something to try and make the
crucial breakthrough and introduced Emilson Fernandes and Ashley Fletcher
into the action on 62 minutes.
The Hammers manager changed the system around with Antonio playing through
the middle and the move paid off straight away Payet's cross on 64 minutes
was directed for Antonio but Whelan headed the ball past his own keeper and
into the corner of the net. But the Hammers failed to hold onto their lead
and Stoke grabbed an equaliser out of nothing on 75 minutes as Adrian raced
out of goal but failed to get to the ball. Walters crossed the ball in for
substitute Bojan who did well to volley the ball past three defenders into
the back of the net. Adrian was determined to make up for his mistake and
kept the Hammers in the game on 88 minutes when he made a fine save diving
low to his left to keep out a free-kick from Charlie Adam.
The Hammers were forced to settle for a point as they head into the
international break, but will be hoping for a better outcome when they face
Tottenham in the big London derby at White Hart Lane on 19 November.
West Ham: Adrian; Kouyate, Collins, Ogbonna; Antonio, Noble, Obiang
(Feghouli 88), Cresswell; Lanzini (Fernandes 62), Ayew (Fletcher 62), Payet
Subs not used: Randolph, Nordtveit, Calleri, Zaza
Bookings: Antonio, Adrian, Obiang, Fernandes
Stoke City: Grant; Bardsley, Shawcross, M.Indi, Pieters; Whelan (Bojan 70),
Adam; Walters, Allen, Sobhi (Diouf 84); Bony (Crouch 70)
Subs not used: Given, Muniesa, Verlinden, Imbula
Bookings: Allen
Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 56,970
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Bilic - Nobody deserved to win
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was left frustrated following West Ham United's 1-1 home draw
with Stoke City
The manager felt 'neither side deserved to win' a game low on goalmouth
action
Bilic refused to blame goalkeeper Adrian's mistake for his side dropping two
points
Slaven Bilic refused to blame goalkeeper Adrian's error for West Ham
United's failure to overcome Stoke City on Saturday.
The Spaniard's mistake enabled Potters substitute Bojan Krkic to equalise
out of next to nothing with 15 minutes remaining, cancelling out Glenn
Whelan's 65th-minute own-goal.
Prior to Krkic's leveller, West Ham looked likely to edge a match that was
otherwise low on excitement and goalmouth incident.
"It is frustrating and not what we were looking for," Bilic confirmed. "We
got a point at the end but we were looking for all three.
"It was not a very good game from both sides. It was a very physical game
and in the first half we didn't do well and were simply not good enough. We
started flat and without a tempo.
"In the second half, after ten minutes, we made some changes and put two
players up front and then scored the goal and had our best part of the game
from when we scored until when they scored.
"Then we conceded a very cheap one, to be fair. It was a fair result at the
end of the day, because neither team deserved to win. It's a point, we are
frustrated, but it's a point."
The first half was largely uneventful, with Angelo Ogbonna's powerful header
and a decent save from Lee Grant being the Hammers' sole chance of note.
At the other end, Adrian watched a succession of long-range Phil Bardsley
strike fly wide of his goal, but there was more to get the 56,970-strong
London Stadium crowd excited about after the interval.
Shortly after a personnel and tactical switch which saw Bilic introduce
Ashley Fletcher and Edimilson Fernandes and go from 3-4-3 to 3-5-2, West Ham
went ahead as Dimitri Payet's cross was flicked on by Michail Antonio before
going in off Whelan.
The Hammers looked like going on to win more comfortably, only for Adrian's
misjudgement in racing from his goal and bringing down Walters to lead
directly to Bojan's equaliser.
"It's a mistake," said the manager. "Adrian misjudged the ball. It looked
like he would never get the ball and we gave away a very cheap goal, but you
can't say that is the reason why we didn't win the game.
"OK, we were one goal up with 15 minutes to go, and it was a very cheap goal
to give away and it's cost us a win."
Finally, Bilic had words of praise for the Claret and Blue Army, who gave a
typically respectful display during the pre-match Remembrance Day
commemorations, before roaring their team on positively throughout the 90
minutes.
"The atmosphere was good, a normal football atmosphere. The fans were behind
us, but we didn't give them what they deserved today."
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Noble frustrated by Stoke draw
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble admitted to a feeling of frustration after seeing a one-goal lead
slip in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Stoke City. The Hammers looked set for a
third straight home win when Michail Antonio's header deflected past Potters
goalkeeper Lee Grant off his teammate Glenn Whelan. However, Bojan Krcic
pounced to net after Adrian couldn't prevent Jonathan Walters from reaching
a pass inside the box and it ended level. A point took West Ham's total to
eight from their last five games and Noble says that base gives his team
something to build on. "We are a little frustrated," the skipper said. "It
was a goal that could have been avoided, and having managed to get ourselves
in front, three points would have been massive but we didn't come away with
them "I've always said in this league that you respect the point. Obviously
we're not happy that we got a point on Saturday, but at the end of the
season it could be a massive point for us. "Adrian knows he probably should
have stayed on his line, but he's bailed us out of trouble a lot of times
over the last couple of years. "The small margins didn't go our way on
Saturday, but we're four games unbeaten at home and we're looking forward."
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West Ham United 1-1 Stoke City
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport
Bojan Krkic earned Stoke City a draw at West Ham as the Potters extended
their unbeaten run to six games. Chances had been at a premium before the
Hammers took the lead when Michail Antonio's header from a Dimitri Payet
cross came off Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan and beat keeper Lee Grant at
his near post.
West Ham keeper Adrian might have conceded a penalty for a foul on Jonathan
Walters but the referee played on and Bojan volleyed in from his team-mate's
cross. Stoke almost snatched a late winner but Adrian palmed a Charlie Adam
free-kick wide.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic decided to take action after an hour's play
had produced only one real chance with Pedro Obiang's header smartly saved
by Grant in the Stoke goal. The Hammers boss brought on Ashley Fletcher and
Edimilson Fernandes, moving Antonio up front - and the switch immediately
paid off as the home side took the lead. Antonio was unhappy not to be
credited with the goal but Whelan admitted afterwards the ball had come off
the back of his head.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes followed Bilic's lead with a double substitution,
introducing Bojan and Peter Crouch. It was a move that produced similarly
quick results as the West Ham defence was finally breached. Adrian did not
cover himself in glory, coming a long way out of his goal in a failed bid to
stop a Walters cross from which Bojan, making only his seventh appearance in
2016-17, scored his second goal of the season. "We went a bit more direct as
we felt there was an opportunity there," said Hughes. "[Bojan has] been a
bit frustrated as he hasn't had a lot of game time of late but he showed his
quality."
Stoke boss Mark Hughes said his side went more direct following his
substitutions, and the approach worked as shown by a graphic of their goal
Are West Ham settling at London Stadium?
The Hammers were playing their first game at their new home since the crowd
trouble that marred their EFL Cup win over Chelsea. The match appeared to
pass without any incident as West Ham went four games unbeaten in all
competitions at London Stadium. However, Bilic's side have yet to hit the
heights of last season and are nine points worse off than at the same stage
of the 2015-16 campaign. Although they improved after the break following a
poor first half, they still lacked a cutting edge and managed only two shots
on target compared with Stoke's four. Only Hull City (13) have had fewer
shots on target at home this season than West Ham (14). West Ham's
frustration at not being able to hold on for the three points will be
heightened with tough-looking league fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester
United, Arsenal and Liverpool coming up next.
Man of the match - Pedro Obiang
Pedro Obiang (left) made six tackles and one interception as well as gaining
possession eight times for his side
What they said:
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "It's a frustrating result but it's a fair
result. It's a mistake by Adrian. "It looked like he was never going to get
to the ball. We gave that goal away very cheaply. We were 1-0 up with 15
minutes to go. A very cheap goal has cost us a win."
Stoke boss Mark Hughes: "We felt we went behind against the run of play but
we responded in the right manner. "It's difficult to play on this pitch.
It's slow and we had to change how we played a little bit. "A lot was made
of our so-called difficult start. We have come up against decent teams and
haven't quite hit our levels. "But we are now fully into our stride and
where we want to be."
BBC Match Of The Day pundit Ian Wright: "West Ham goalkeeper Adrian has had
a bit of a nightmare. For the goal, where's he going? What's he doing? For
me, the goalkeeper has cost them the game."
The stats you need to know
Stoke have now gone seven league games unbeaten against West Ham (W3 D4),
their joint longest unbeaten run against a Premier League opponent
(Blackburn the other side).
Stoke have won just six of their 45 Premier League games in London, drawing
10 and losing 29.
Jonathan Walters has been directly involved in 57 Premier League goals for
the Potters (39 goals, 18 assists), more than any other Stoke player.
What next?
Following the international break, Stoke are at home to Bournemouth at 15:00
GMT on Saturday, 19 November, while West Ham return to action at Tottenham
for a 17:30 GMT kick-off on the same day.
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REF WATCH – WEST HAM V STOKE – ANDRE MARRINER
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 5 NOVEMBER 2016 AT 6:32PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Sam Royden-Ryell
After a disappointing result against Everton last weekend with Lukaku
haunting us once again, we welcome a Stoke City team who are unbeaten in 5
games. West Ham are only 3 points above the relegation zone but have won the
last 3 games at the London Stadium. The referee appointed for this fixture
was Andre Marriner, who controversially failed to see Sergio Aguero's
blatant elbow on Winston Reid at the Etihad earlier in the season. The FA
subsequently banned Aguero for three games after a review by the independent
commission panel.
From a footballing perspective, I cannot remember a 45 minutes of football
this season where I was seriously thinking of switching the game off. In a
half where more Stoke players went down injured than shots on target, Andre
Marriner was merely a spectator issuing only one yellow card and missing a
handful of fouls. There were a lot of petty fouls throughout and none more
than an obvious trip on Dimitri Payet that again wasn't seen by Marriner.
The only caution of the first half came within the first 12 minutes when
West Ham lost the ball, which was the story of West Ham's first half.
Antonio brought down Martin Pieters on the half way line to stop a promising
attack and Marriner had no choice but to caution the West Ham midfider.
The second half was better than the first half, however it couldn't get much
worse. Andre Marriner was busier in the second half with three yellow cards
issued to West Ham and an overdue caution for a Stoke midfielder. The second
half started as the first half finished: slow, boring and painstaking. Phil
Bardsley doesn't shy away from a challenge nor from dissent. The Stoke
defender was fuming with a decision the assistant referee made which went
against him and Bardsley gave a foul mouthed response in return. Marriner
should have cautioned Bardsley for dissent which shows inconsistencies to
other referees throughout the league. A flurry of West Ham players found
their name in Marriner's book in the second half and the first being
Edimilson Fernandes. Fernandes got beaten by Ramadan on the inside and
Fernandes had to bring the Stoke midfielder down to stop a promising attack.
I respect Adrian and think he's a fantastic goalkeeper, but he's prone to a
big error once in a while and this calamity goalkeeping error gave Stoke
their equalising goal. Before this particular incident, Adrian was flapping
throughout the game at Stoke corners and after the introduction of Peter
Crouch, Adrian's panic levels increased. Jon Walters found himself in the
West Ham penalty area and steading himself to get a cross into the box.
Adrian ran 12 yards to try to block Walters cross, even though there were
enough West Ham defenders to cover. Adrian took Walters out and Bojan was
there, unmarked, to head into an open goal. If Bojan didn't score the gift
of a header, I believe Marriner would have signalled for a penalty. Adrian
was subsequently cautioned for jumping into Walters. Mark Noble, who hasn't
been on the kind of form as last season, is going to miss the London derby
against Spurs after the international break for unnecessarily getting his
5th caution of the season, for a challenge he didn't need to make.
There was a shout for a penalty from the West Ham fans including Antonio
after it appeared Pieters pulled Antonio down whist trying to get on the end
of a hopeful long ball 6 yards from goal. There was contact by Pieters, but
Antonio was nowhere near the ball to make a genuine attempt. if Antonio was
in a position to genuinely scoring and Pieter's was clearly denying an
obvious goalscoring opportunity, there would have been a strong case. Joe
Allen was booked in the final second of the game after clattering Michail
Antonio. I felt that Allen should have been cautioned earlier in the second
half after catching Aaron Cresswell. Marriner missed this challenge and only
gave West Ham a throw-in.
I felt Andre Marriner could have done better in this fixture and he did miss
some obvious fouls throughout the game. There was a scenario in the second
half where Marriner played advantage after a West Ham player was fouled,
however the ball was instantly won back by Stoke and was hoofed up the
field. Marriner should have blown for the previous foul as there was no
advantage played by West Ham.
It's clear that there are still a lot of issues that need to be resolved at
West Ham and we are nowhere near to seeing the type of performance that
entertained West Ham fans last season. It's concerning that none of our
strikers have scored this season and that the Zaza situation is becoming
more complex. The international break has come at a good time and Bilic
needs to sort out the team before the London derby away to Spurs. Regardless
of the form we're in, nothing less than 3 points is expected against Spurs.
On a side note, on behalf of everyone at TheWestHamWay, we would like to
thank everyone who voted for us in the Football Blog Awards. We've been
nominated for the Best New Football Blog and Ex has also been nominated for
Best Social Football Account.
Thanks,
Sam
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West Ham Utd 1-1 Stoke City
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 5th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
Let's be honest. It's a rare thing indeed when this particular fixture turns
out to be one of the highlights of the season. Or even the month.
So it was perhaps little surprise when today's clash between West Ham and
Stoke failed to deviate from that particularly tedious path, much to the
irritation of the 50-odd thousand punters present who endured a thoroughly
uneventful 90 minutes of what can only be loosely-referred to as 'football'
at the Olympic Stadium - which itself can only be loosely-referred to as
West Ham's 'home' ground right now (more on that later).
A little on the match first - for amidst all the talk of 'enhanced'
security, additional police presence and other marvellous ideas the
powers-that-be had carefully evaluated and signed off (within the space of
seven working days) a Premier League fixture did take place.
A drab affair it was, with genuine highlights so few and far between it
would be a travesty of justice were this not the final game on MotD tonight.
However the match was lit up briefly by a couple of vital individual
contributions - one involving Michail Antonio (good) and the other by
goalkeeper Adrian (not so good).
Antonio's moment arrived 20 minutes into the second half when Dimitri
Payet's pinpoint cross found the England international lurking at the far
post. His header rebounded off the inside of the post and over the line,
although it was later adjudged that Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan got the
final touch.
The goal came minutes after Slaven Biiic had reshuffled his ineffective
pack, introducing Ashley Fletcher up front (for the woefully under-employed
Andre Ayew) and Edimilson Fernandes. Possibly inspired by Bilic's success,
City boss Mark Hughes decided to make his own changes (Peter Crouch and
Bojan) moments later - and he too was rewarded with the goal that ultimate
earned the visitors a point.
For Adrian - who had almost blundered moments earlier - it was a moment/game
he will wish to forget; Mark Walters' cross resulted in the Spaniard rushing
out of his goal to meet a ball he was always second-favourite to reach, and
his compatriot Bojan applied the finishing touch. West Ham's slender lead
had lasted for only ten minutes.
Bar the two goals there were just four other shots on target of which only
one was by West Ham, who have created the fewest shots on target in the
Premier League bar Hull City at home this term (just 14 in all).
So to the rather more interesting spectacle at the stadium this afternoon -
that of the new yellow-hatted stewards who mysteriously appeared in the
Trevor Brooking Lower exactly 30 minutes into the game (this appears to be a
favoured time for the stewards/security/anonymous, dodgy-looking geezers to
move in).
The previously-buoyant atmosphere inside the stadium turned to one of
collective anger almost immediately as it became clear that the new yellow
hats were removing season ticket holders from their seats and forcibly
ejecting them from the stadium, for what appeared to be little more than
refusing to sit in their seats upon demand.
(There was also a chant critical of vice chair Karren Brady that began
moments before the stewards arrived, but those suggesting the two events
were related in some way probably believe the moon landings never took place
either.)
Yet that is the reason why the atmosphere inside the venue at which West Ham
currently play (it isn't 'home' yet, many argue that it never will be)
remained toxic throughout the afternoon. That LS185 and those who conspire
with them keep managing to make the whole experience worse, for some, on a
weekly basis is a not insubstantial feat.
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West Ham 1-1 Stoke: Adrian error gifts Bojan and Stoke a point
By Stephen Turner
Last Updated: 05/11/16 9:42pm
SSN
Stoke preserved their unbeaten run with a little help from Adrian as the
West Ham goalkeeper gifted them a 1-1 draw in east London.
City substitute Bojan took full advantage of Adrian's impetuosity to volley
an equaliser (75) after a Glenn Whelan own-goal (65) threatened to give the
Hammers a third straight home win that looked unlikely for long periods.
Stoke - now unbeaten in six - were the better side for the first hour and it
took a Slaven Bilic reshuffle to give his side any consistent menace,
Michail Antonio being sent from wing-back to auxiliary centre-forward in
tandem with young substitute Ashley Fletcher.
Until that point, the disjointed action on the pitch would scarcely have
proved a distraction to the police officers newly installed inside the
London Stadium in the wake of last month's EFL Cup trouble. Bar some routine
finger-jabbing between stewards and persistent standers, there was little to
exercise them in the stands, either.
Denied the artistry of absentee show-stealers Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko
Arnautovic, Stoke reverted to a more robust approach, with the muscle of Jon
Walters in support of Wilfried Bony.
Bony's presence and willingness to accept the ball to feet gave the visitors
a first-half outlet the isolated Andre Ayew - on his first home start -
could not provide West Ham, though he should have done better when a Walters
cross presented him with the opportunity of a third goal in two games.
The Ivorian's back-heel gave Charlie Adam a half-chance, while West Ham,
though lacking any fluency, did test Lee Grant through Angelo Ogbonna's
header and see a Dimitri Payet free-kick just clear the Stoke goal.
The second half initially brought more of the forgettable same until Phil
Bardsley - implementing his own shoot-on-sight policy - fired in a 40-yarder
to go with two outrageously ambitious first-half volleys.
Bilic, like most in the ground, had seen enough and made a double change
that gave his side a double-pronged attack and freed up space for Payet.
It was West Ham's star turn who delivered the goal, as Antonio met his
whipped cross with a header that nicked Whelan's shoulder on its way in.
Antonio may yet argue the toss with the Premier League; on first glance it
appeared a legitimate sixth headed goal of the season for the England man.
There was no doubting the scorer of the equaliser, though Walters and a
reluctant Adrian will compete for the assist. Racing needlessly from his
goal, the Spaniard succeeded only in clattering Walters as the Irishman
lifted the ball over his head. A penalty would surely have followed had
Bojan not mopped up the loose ball.
It might have got worse for Adrian, too, but his unconvincing attempt at
keeping out Adam's free-kick just about smuggled the ball round the post.
Player ratings
West Ham Adrian (4) Kouyate (6) Collins (6) Ogbonna (6) Antonio (6) Noble
(5) Obiang (6) Cresswell (6) Lanzini (5) Ayew (5) Payet (7).
Subs used: Feghouli (5), Fletcher (6), Fernandes (5).
Stoke Grant (7) Bardsley (6) Shawcross (6) M.Indi (6) Pieters (6) Whelan (6)
Adam (7) Walters (6) Allen (6) Sobhi (6) Bony (6)
Subs used: Diouf (5) Crouch (6) Bojan (6)
Man of the match: Charlie Adam
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No win for West Ham, but no trouble in the stands either — and that is a
REAL result
22:30, 5 NOV 2016
BY TOM HOPKINSON
A Mirror reporter sat in the away section as a greatly-increased security
presence inside and outside the London Stadium saw Stoke draw pass off
peacefully
The Mirror
West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold might not wake up with the
sweet taste of victory in their mouths on Sunday morning. But at least they
will be headache-free after the reinforced security measures they
implemented for the visit of Stoke saw the game pass off without incident.
There had been trouble against Middlesbrough last month, when away fans
claimed to have been hit by coins launched from supporters in the home end.
And then those horrible scenes when Chelsea travelled to the London Stadium
in the EFL Cup followed last week. But Saturday saw a vast police and
steward presence outside the ground and, for the first time this season,
inside it, as well as greatly improved segregation. And the day passed off
with no more than a few handbags between rival fans as the East End club,
off the field at least, got it just right. A 1-1 draw , after Stoke
substitute Bojan cancelled out a Michail Antonio opener that deflected in
off Glenn Whelan, no doubt helped keep a lid on emotions.
But after the stick they have been given in recent weeks, West Ham's owners
and the others who run the stadium deserve credit for the control the police
and stewards were able to maintain. After the recent problems at the
stadium, problems which led some observers to state they would not take
their children there, Sunday Mirror Sport decided to live the experience of
an away supporter first hand. So I purchased a ticket in the Stoke end to
see what sort of hostilities the Delilah brigade would face. But the day
could not have gone smoother had I been given a police escort from the
moment I arrived at Stratford station at around 12pm to the time I reached
the Docklands Light Railway station to which away fans were directed after
the game.
A police helicopter hovering overhead helped ensure there was no trouble at
t' Pudding Mill Lane – the station at which we all ended up. From the moment
supporters arrived at Stratford there was a noticeable security presence. I
got there just as one teenage girl was asking her boyfriend, "Why so many
police?"
Security workers were highly evident and while the odd Herbert wandered
around trying to look menacing, it was certainly no more than you'd see
ahead of any football match. The walk to the stadium, which takes around 15
minutes, passed off without incident. And where I entered the ground, along
with those who had travelled down from Stoke, there was a police presence
that, while not exactly heavy, was certainly enough to deal quickly with any
flashpoints. Although, frankly, they were not needed.
Even during the game, and when those goals went in, there was nothing
particularly untoward. After all, what do threats issued from 15, 20 yards
actually mean anyway? Some might not have filed it under "Innocent fun" but
this is football and not, to steal a line from Ricky Hatton, a tiddlywinks
contest – everyone knows it's tribal. During the game, I did see a couple of
West Ham fans ejected and one Stoke supporter get led out, in separate
incidents, and in different sections of the stadium. But that happens week
in, week out the world over – after all, there are always going to be a
couple of morons who can't hold the pop they've had before a game. The
Stokies who had made the trip down from the Potteries were determined to
goad their hosts – all supporters would have done the same.
So within minutes of filing into the ground, they burst into a chorus of
"Sit down and behave yourselves! Sit down and behave yourselves...!"
And, by and large, the Hammers faithful did so. There will be some who argue
that Sullivan and Gold, and vice-chairman Karren Brady, deserve credit for
their response to the crowd safety issue but they now have to ensure this
isn't a one-off. Such stringent security measures must remain in place for
the rest of the season, whatever the cost to the club. Nobody wants the game
sanitised to the extent that there's no atmosphere, no hostility, but the
scenes from the Chelsea game were unacceptable. This, though, was a step in
the right direction.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham starlet Reece Oxford eyed for transfer to big-spending Bundesliga
side RB Leipzig
22:30, 5 NOV 2016
BY NEIL MOXLEY
Club who raided Nottingham Forest for 19-year-old Oliver Burke in August
think British players suit the German game and are keen on the Hammers'
teenager
The Mirror
West Ham's resolve to keep Reece Oxford is to be tested by RB Leipzig. The
high-flying Bundesliga outfit spent £13million when they grabbed Oliver
Burke , 19, from Championship side Nottingham Forest during the summer. And
they are ready to splash cash on 17-year-old Oxford, who is tipped as a star
of the future and has already captained England at Under-18 level. The
Hammers would be reluctant to cash in on a player who has come through their
academy. However, Leipzig have identified British players as having the
right spirit and character to succeed in German football. And they believe
if they can snare the likes of Burke and Oxford – who faces a month out with
a knee injury – early enough, there is room for them to improve technically
within the Leipzig system. But with Premier League clubs now holding
considerable power because of the riches of the new TV deal, the East Enders
can withstand most attempts to lever the likes of Oxford away.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool outcast Mamadou Sakho a transfer target for Leicester and West Ham
in January window
22:30, 5 NOV 2016
BY TOM HOPKINSON
The France international defender has not played all season after being sent
home early from the Reds' summer tour in the USA by manager Jurgen Klopp
The mirror
Mamadou Sakho is on his way out of Liverpool in January... with Leicester
and West Ham ready to battle for his signature, writes Tom Hopkinson in the
Sunday People. France defender Sakho fell out of favour with boss Jurgen
Klopp over the summer and has not played a game all season for the Reds. The
26-year-old angered his manager when he arrived late for the flight taking
the squad on a pre-season tour of the USA, and was subsequently packed off
back home to Merseyside because of concerns about his attitude. This rift
followed Sakho's voluntary provisional ban in April in relation to a drugs
test. UEFA later dismissed the case against Sakho. This season, Dejan Lovren
and Joel Matip have established themselves as Klopp's first-choice central
defenders and Sakho has failed to get a look in. Both Liverpool and the
player are happy for there to be a parting of the ways in January and that
has opened the door to Leicester and West Ham, who are both looking for
reinforcements in defence. Last week, Sakho who has 28 caps, turned out for
Liverpool U23s in a 1-1 draw against Porto.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United were forced to settle for a point after Bojan Krkic netted a
late volley for Stoke to cancel out an earlier own goal from Glenn Whelan as
the the teams drew 1-1 at London Stadium. After beating Sunderland and
Chelsea in the previous two home games, the Hammers were on course to make
it three in a row after Whelan headed the ball his own keeper. But Bojan
capitalised on a mistake by Adrian when he volleyed home from close-range to
ensure Stoke came away with a point. Slaven Bilic would have been hoping to
head into the international break with another victory and will be
disappointed that his side failed to hold onto the lead. The Hammers were
hoping to amends for the disappointing 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park last
weekend as they looked to build on recent home victories. But it was Stoke
who came the closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening exchanges.
Jonathan Walters broke clear of the West Ham defence on 13 minutes and burst
into the box before seeing his low cross well blocked by Cheikhou Kouyate
who denied Wilfried Bony getting on the scoresheet. The away side came close
again on 18 minutes when Bony saw his shot blocked by James Collins. The
rebound fell to Joe Allen who fired a right foot shot just over the bar. The
Hammers finally found a route back into the game and created their first
major opening on 24 minutes when Dimitri Payet laid the ball back to Manuel
Lanzini and he struck a 25-yard shot over the bar. Payet was involved in the
heart of the action once again on 27 minutes when his corner picked out
Angelo Ogbonna who towered above the Stoke defence and saw his powerful
header produce a fine save from Lee Grant diving away to his right.
There was some confusion over how much injury time was to be played at the
end of the first half after the fourth official signalled one minute but
referee Andre Marriner actually wanted three. The decision almost paid off
for the home side as the Hammers were awarded a free-kick right on the edge
of the box. The home fans drew their breathe as Payet put the ball down, but
on this occasion the French star saw his curling effort fall inches over the
bar. The danger signs were still there for the Hammers as Phil Bardsley
tried his luck from 30-yards on 55 minutes with a dipping shot which flew
just over the goal. Bilic knew he needed to do something to try and make the
crucial breakthrough and introduced Emilson Fernandes and Ashley Fletcher
into the action on 62 minutes.
The Hammers manager changed the system around with Antonio playing through
the middle and the move paid off straight away Payet's cross on 64 minutes
was directed for Antonio but Whelan headed the ball past his own keeper and
into the corner of the net. But the Hammers failed to hold onto their lead
and Stoke grabbed an equaliser out of nothing on 75 minutes as Adrian raced
out of goal but failed to get to the ball. Walters crossed the ball in for
substitute Bojan who did well to volley the ball past three defenders into
the back of the net. Adrian was determined to make up for his mistake and
kept the Hammers in the game on 88 minutes when he made a fine save diving
low to his left to keep out a free-kick from Charlie Adam.
The Hammers were forced to settle for a point as they head into the
international break, but will be hoping for a better outcome when they face
Tottenham in the big London derby at White Hart Lane on 19 November.
West Ham: Adrian; Kouyate, Collins, Ogbonna; Antonio, Noble, Obiang
(Feghouli 88), Cresswell; Lanzini (Fernandes 62), Ayew (Fletcher 62), Payet
Subs not used: Randolph, Nordtveit, Calleri, Zaza
Bookings: Antonio, Adrian, Obiang, Fernandes
Stoke City: Grant; Bardsley, Shawcross, M.Indi, Pieters; Whelan (Bojan 70),
Adam; Walters, Allen, Sobhi (Diouf 84); Bony (Crouch 70)
Subs not used: Given, Muniesa, Verlinden, Imbula
Bookings: Allen
Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 56,970
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic - Nobody deserved to win
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was left frustrated following West Ham United's 1-1 home draw
with Stoke City
The manager felt 'neither side deserved to win' a game low on goalmouth
action
Bilic refused to blame goalkeeper Adrian's mistake for his side dropping two
points
Slaven Bilic refused to blame goalkeeper Adrian's error for West Ham
United's failure to overcome Stoke City on Saturday.
The Spaniard's mistake enabled Potters substitute Bojan Krkic to equalise
out of next to nothing with 15 minutes remaining, cancelling out Glenn
Whelan's 65th-minute own-goal.
Prior to Krkic's leveller, West Ham looked likely to edge a match that was
otherwise low on excitement and goalmouth incident.
"It is frustrating and not what we were looking for," Bilic confirmed. "We
got a point at the end but we were looking for all three.
"It was not a very good game from both sides. It was a very physical game
and in the first half we didn't do well and were simply not good enough. We
started flat and without a tempo.
"In the second half, after ten minutes, we made some changes and put two
players up front and then scored the goal and had our best part of the game
from when we scored until when they scored.
"Then we conceded a very cheap one, to be fair. It was a fair result at the
end of the day, because neither team deserved to win. It's a point, we are
frustrated, but it's a point."
The first half was largely uneventful, with Angelo Ogbonna's powerful header
and a decent save from Lee Grant being the Hammers' sole chance of note.
At the other end, Adrian watched a succession of long-range Phil Bardsley
strike fly wide of his goal, but there was more to get the 56,970-strong
London Stadium crowd excited about after the interval.
Shortly after a personnel and tactical switch which saw Bilic introduce
Ashley Fletcher and Edimilson Fernandes and go from 3-4-3 to 3-5-2, West Ham
went ahead as Dimitri Payet's cross was flicked on by Michail Antonio before
going in off Whelan.
The Hammers looked like going on to win more comfortably, only for Adrian's
misjudgement in racing from his goal and bringing down Walters to lead
directly to Bojan's equaliser.
"It's a mistake," said the manager. "Adrian misjudged the ball. It looked
like he would never get the ball and we gave away a very cheap goal, but you
can't say that is the reason why we didn't win the game.
"OK, we were one goal up with 15 minutes to go, and it was a very cheap goal
to give away and it's cost us a win."
Finally, Bilic had words of praise for the Claret and Blue Army, who gave a
typically respectful display during the pre-match Remembrance Day
commemorations, before roaring their team on positively throughout the 90
minutes.
"The atmosphere was good, a normal football atmosphere. The fans were behind
us, but we didn't give them what they deserved today."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble frustrated by Stoke draw
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble admitted to a feeling of frustration after seeing a one-goal lead
slip in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Stoke City. The Hammers looked set for a
third straight home win when Michail Antonio's header deflected past Potters
goalkeeper Lee Grant off his teammate Glenn Whelan. However, Bojan Krcic
pounced to net after Adrian couldn't prevent Jonathan Walters from reaching
a pass inside the box and it ended level. A point took West Ham's total to
eight from their last five games and Noble says that base gives his team
something to build on. "We are a little frustrated," the skipper said. "It
was a goal that could have been avoided, and having managed to get ourselves
in front, three points would have been massive but we didn't come away with
them "I've always said in this league that you respect the point. Obviously
we're not happy that we got a point on Saturday, but at the end of the
season it could be a massive point for us. "Adrian knows he probably should
have stayed on his line, but he's bailed us out of trouble a lot of times
over the last couple of years. "The small margins didn't go our way on
Saturday, but we're four games unbeaten at home and we're looking forward."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 1-1 Stoke City
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport
Bojan Krkic earned Stoke City a draw at West Ham as the Potters extended
their unbeaten run to six games. Chances had been at a premium before the
Hammers took the lead when Michail Antonio's header from a Dimitri Payet
cross came off Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan and beat keeper Lee Grant at
his near post.
West Ham keeper Adrian might have conceded a penalty for a foul on Jonathan
Walters but the referee played on and Bojan volleyed in from his team-mate's
cross. Stoke almost snatched a late winner but Adrian palmed a Charlie Adam
free-kick wide.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic decided to take action after an hour's play
had produced only one real chance with Pedro Obiang's header smartly saved
by Grant in the Stoke goal. The Hammers boss brought on Ashley Fletcher and
Edimilson Fernandes, moving Antonio up front - and the switch immediately
paid off as the home side took the lead. Antonio was unhappy not to be
credited with the goal but Whelan admitted afterwards the ball had come off
the back of his head.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes followed Bilic's lead with a double substitution,
introducing Bojan and Peter Crouch. It was a move that produced similarly
quick results as the West Ham defence was finally breached. Adrian did not
cover himself in glory, coming a long way out of his goal in a failed bid to
stop a Walters cross from which Bojan, making only his seventh appearance in
2016-17, scored his second goal of the season. "We went a bit more direct as
we felt there was an opportunity there," said Hughes. "[Bojan has] been a
bit frustrated as he hasn't had a lot of game time of late but he showed his
quality."
Stoke boss Mark Hughes said his side went more direct following his
substitutions, and the approach worked as shown by a graphic of their goal
Are West Ham settling at London Stadium?
The Hammers were playing their first game at their new home since the crowd
trouble that marred their EFL Cup win over Chelsea. The match appeared to
pass without any incident as West Ham went four games unbeaten in all
competitions at London Stadium. However, Bilic's side have yet to hit the
heights of last season and are nine points worse off than at the same stage
of the 2015-16 campaign. Although they improved after the break following a
poor first half, they still lacked a cutting edge and managed only two shots
on target compared with Stoke's four. Only Hull City (13) have had fewer
shots on target at home this season than West Ham (14). West Ham's
frustration at not being able to hold on for the three points will be
heightened with tough-looking league fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester
United, Arsenal and Liverpool coming up next.
Man of the match - Pedro Obiang
Pedro Obiang (left) made six tackles and one interception as well as gaining
possession eight times for his side
What they said:
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "It's a frustrating result but it's a fair
result. It's a mistake by Adrian. "It looked like he was never going to get
to the ball. We gave that goal away very cheaply. We were 1-0 up with 15
minutes to go. A very cheap goal has cost us a win."
Stoke boss Mark Hughes: "We felt we went behind against the run of play but
we responded in the right manner. "It's difficult to play on this pitch.
It's slow and we had to change how we played a little bit. "A lot was made
of our so-called difficult start. We have come up against decent teams and
haven't quite hit our levels. "But we are now fully into our stride and
where we want to be."
BBC Match Of The Day pundit Ian Wright: "West Ham goalkeeper Adrian has had
a bit of a nightmare. For the goal, where's he going? What's he doing? For
me, the goalkeeper has cost them the game."
The stats you need to know
Stoke have now gone seven league games unbeaten against West Ham (W3 D4),
their joint longest unbeaten run against a Premier League opponent
(Blackburn the other side).
Stoke have won just six of their 45 Premier League games in London, drawing
10 and losing 29.
Jonathan Walters has been directly involved in 57 Premier League goals for
the Potters (39 goals, 18 assists), more than any other Stoke player.
What next?
Following the international break, Stoke are at home to Bournemouth at 15:00
GMT on Saturday, 19 November, while West Ham return to action at Tottenham
for a 17:30 GMT kick-off on the same day.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REF WATCH – WEST HAM V STOKE – ANDRE MARRINER
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 5 NOVEMBER 2016 AT 6:32PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Sam Royden-Ryell
After a disappointing result against Everton last weekend with Lukaku
haunting us once again, we welcome a Stoke City team who are unbeaten in 5
games. West Ham are only 3 points above the relegation zone but have won the
last 3 games at the London Stadium. The referee appointed for this fixture
was Andre Marriner, who controversially failed to see Sergio Aguero's
blatant elbow on Winston Reid at the Etihad earlier in the season. The FA
subsequently banned Aguero for three games after a review by the independent
commission panel.
From a footballing perspective, I cannot remember a 45 minutes of football
this season where I was seriously thinking of switching the game off. In a
half where more Stoke players went down injured than shots on target, Andre
Marriner was merely a spectator issuing only one yellow card and missing a
handful of fouls. There were a lot of petty fouls throughout and none more
than an obvious trip on Dimitri Payet that again wasn't seen by Marriner.
The only caution of the first half came within the first 12 minutes when
West Ham lost the ball, which was the story of West Ham's first half.
Antonio brought down Martin Pieters on the half way line to stop a promising
attack and Marriner had no choice but to caution the West Ham midfider.
The second half was better than the first half, however it couldn't get much
worse. Andre Marriner was busier in the second half with three yellow cards
issued to West Ham and an overdue caution for a Stoke midfielder. The second
half started as the first half finished: slow, boring and painstaking. Phil
Bardsley doesn't shy away from a challenge nor from dissent. The Stoke
defender was fuming with a decision the assistant referee made which went
against him and Bardsley gave a foul mouthed response in return. Marriner
should have cautioned Bardsley for dissent which shows inconsistencies to
other referees throughout the league. A flurry of West Ham players found
their name in Marriner's book in the second half and the first being
Edimilson Fernandes. Fernandes got beaten by Ramadan on the inside and
Fernandes had to bring the Stoke midfielder down to stop a promising attack.
I respect Adrian and think he's a fantastic goalkeeper, but he's prone to a
big error once in a while and this calamity goalkeeping error gave Stoke
their equalising goal. Before this particular incident, Adrian was flapping
throughout the game at Stoke corners and after the introduction of Peter
Crouch, Adrian's panic levels increased. Jon Walters found himself in the
West Ham penalty area and steading himself to get a cross into the box.
Adrian ran 12 yards to try to block Walters cross, even though there were
enough West Ham defenders to cover. Adrian took Walters out and Bojan was
there, unmarked, to head into an open goal. If Bojan didn't score the gift
of a header, I believe Marriner would have signalled for a penalty. Adrian
was subsequently cautioned for jumping into Walters. Mark Noble, who hasn't
been on the kind of form as last season, is going to miss the London derby
against Spurs after the international break for unnecessarily getting his
5th caution of the season, for a challenge he didn't need to make.
There was a shout for a penalty from the West Ham fans including Antonio
after it appeared Pieters pulled Antonio down whist trying to get on the end
of a hopeful long ball 6 yards from goal. There was contact by Pieters, but
Antonio was nowhere near the ball to make a genuine attempt. if Antonio was
in a position to genuinely scoring and Pieter's was clearly denying an
obvious goalscoring opportunity, there would have been a strong case. Joe
Allen was booked in the final second of the game after clattering Michail
Antonio. I felt that Allen should have been cautioned earlier in the second
half after catching Aaron Cresswell. Marriner missed this challenge and only
gave West Ham a throw-in.
I felt Andre Marriner could have done better in this fixture and he did miss
some obvious fouls throughout the game. There was a scenario in the second
half where Marriner played advantage after a West Ham player was fouled,
however the ball was instantly won back by Stoke and was hoofed up the
field. Marriner should have blown for the previous foul as there was no
advantage played by West Ham.
It's clear that there are still a lot of issues that need to be resolved at
West Ham and we are nowhere near to seeing the type of performance that
entertained West Ham fans last season. It's concerning that none of our
strikers have scored this season and that the Zaza situation is becoming
more complex. The international break has come at a good time and Bilic
needs to sort out the team before the London derby away to Spurs. Regardless
of the form we're in, nothing less than 3 points is expected against Spurs.
On a side note, on behalf of everyone at TheWestHamWay, we would like to
thank everyone who voted for us in the Football Blog Awards. We've been
nominated for the Best New Football Blog and Ex has also been nominated for
Best Social Football Account.
Thanks,
Sam
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 1-1 Stoke City
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 5th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
Let's be honest. It's a rare thing indeed when this particular fixture turns
out to be one of the highlights of the season. Or even the month.
So it was perhaps little surprise when today's clash between West Ham and
Stoke failed to deviate from that particularly tedious path, much to the
irritation of the 50-odd thousand punters present who endured a thoroughly
uneventful 90 minutes of what can only be loosely-referred to as 'football'
at the Olympic Stadium - which itself can only be loosely-referred to as
West Ham's 'home' ground right now (more on that later).
A little on the match first - for amidst all the talk of 'enhanced'
security, additional police presence and other marvellous ideas the
powers-that-be had carefully evaluated and signed off (within the space of
seven working days) a Premier League fixture did take place.
A drab affair it was, with genuine highlights so few and far between it
would be a travesty of justice were this not the final game on MotD tonight.
However the match was lit up briefly by a couple of vital individual
contributions - one involving Michail Antonio (good) and the other by
goalkeeper Adrian (not so good).
Antonio's moment arrived 20 minutes into the second half when Dimitri
Payet's pinpoint cross found the England international lurking at the far
post. His header rebounded off the inside of the post and over the line,
although it was later adjudged that Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan got the
final touch.
The goal came minutes after Slaven Biiic had reshuffled his ineffective
pack, introducing Ashley Fletcher up front (for the woefully under-employed
Andre Ayew) and Edimilson Fernandes. Possibly inspired by Bilic's success,
City boss Mark Hughes decided to make his own changes (Peter Crouch and
Bojan) moments later - and he too was rewarded with the goal that ultimate
earned the visitors a point.
For Adrian - who had almost blundered moments earlier - it was a moment/game
he will wish to forget; Mark Walters' cross resulted in the Spaniard rushing
out of his goal to meet a ball he was always second-favourite to reach, and
his compatriot Bojan applied the finishing touch. West Ham's slender lead
had lasted for only ten minutes.
Bar the two goals there were just four other shots on target of which only
one was by West Ham, who have created the fewest shots on target in the
Premier League bar Hull City at home this term (just 14 in all).
So to the rather more interesting spectacle at the stadium this afternoon -
that of the new yellow-hatted stewards who mysteriously appeared in the
Trevor Brooking Lower exactly 30 minutes into the game (this appears to be a
favoured time for the stewards/security/anonymous, dodgy-looking geezers to
move in).
The previously-buoyant atmosphere inside the stadium turned to one of
collective anger almost immediately as it became clear that the new yellow
hats were removing season ticket holders from their seats and forcibly
ejecting them from the stadium, for what appeared to be little more than
refusing to sit in their seats upon demand.
(There was also a chant critical of vice chair Karren Brady that began
moments before the stewards arrived, but those suggesting the two events
were related in some way probably believe the moon landings never took place
either.)
Yet that is the reason why the atmosphere inside the venue at which West Ham
currently play (it isn't 'home' yet, many argue that it never will be)
remained toxic throughout the afternoon. That LS185 and those who conspire
with them keep managing to make the whole experience worse, for some, on a
weekly basis is a not insubstantial feat.
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West Ham 1-1 Stoke: Adrian error gifts Bojan and Stoke a point
By Stephen Turner
Last Updated: 05/11/16 9:42pm
SSN
Stoke preserved their unbeaten run with a little help from Adrian as the
West Ham goalkeeper gifted them a 1-1 draw in east London.
City substitute Bojan took full advantage of Adrian's impetuosity to volley
an equaliser (75) after a Glenn Whelan own-goal (65) threatened to give the
Hammers a third straight home win that looked unlikely for long periods.
Stoke - now unbeaten in six - were the better side for the first hour and it
took a Slaven Bilic reshuffle to give his side any consistent menace,
Michail Antonio being sent from wing-back to auxiliary centre-forward in
tandem with young substitute Ashley Fletcher.
Until that point, the disjointed action on the pitch would scarcely have
proved a distraction to the police officers newly installed inside the
London Stadium in the wake of last month's EFL Cup trouble. Bar some routine
finger-jabbing between stewards and persistent standers, there was little to
exercise them in the stands, either.
Denied the artistry of absentee show-stealers Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko
Arnautovic, Stoke reverted to a more robust approach, with the muscle of Jon
Walters in support of Wilfried Bony.
Bony's presence and willingness to accept the ball to feet gave the visitors
a first-half outlet the isolated Andre Ayew - on his first home start -
could not provide West Ham, though he should have done better when a Walters
cross presented him with the opportunity of a third goal in two games.
The Ivorian's back-heel gave Charlie Adam a half-chance, while West Ham,
though lacking any fluency, did test Lee Grant through Angelo Ogbonna's
header and see a Dimitri Payet free-kick just clear the Stoke goal.
The second half initially brought more of the forgettable same until Phil
Bardsley - implementing his own shoot-on-sight policy - fired in a 40-yarder
to go with two outrageously ambitious first-half volleys.
Bilic, like most in the ground, had seen enough and made a double change
that gave his side a double-pronged attack and freed up space for Payet.
It was West Ham's star turn who delivered the goal, as Antonio met his
whipped cross with a header that nicked Whelan's shoulder on its way in.
Antonio may yet argue the toss with the Premier League; on first glance it
appeared a legitimate sixth headed goal of the season for the England man.
There was no doubting the scorer of the equaliser, though Walters and a
reluctant Adrian will compete for the assist. Racing needlessly from his
goal, the Spaniard succeeded only in clattering Walters as the Irishman
lifted the ball over his head. A penalty would surely have followed had
Bojan not mopped up the loose ball.
It might have got worse for Adrian, too, but his unconvincing attempt at
keeping out Adam's free-kick just about smuggled the ball round the post.
Player ratings
West Ham Adrian (4) Kouyate (6) Collins (6) Ogbonna (6) Antonio (6) Noble
(5) Obiang (6) Cresswell (6) Lanzini (5) Ayew (5) Payet (7).
Subs used: Feghouli (5), Fletcher (6), Fernandes (5).
Stoke Grant (7) Bardsley (6) Shawcross (6) M.Indi (6) Pieters (6) Whelan (6)
Adam (7) Walters (6) Allen (6) Sobhi (6) Bony (6)
Subs used: Diouf (5) Crouch (6) Bojan (6)
Man of the match: Charlie Adam
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No win for West Ham, but no trouble in the stands either — and that is a
REAL result
22:30, 5 NOV 2016
BY TOM HOPKINSON
A Mirror reporter sat in the away section as a greatly-increased security
presence inside and outside the London Stadium saw Stoke draw pass off
peacefully
The Mirror
West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold might not wake up with the
sweet taste of victory in their mouths on Sunday morning. But at least they
will be headache-free after the reinforced security measures they
implemented for the visit of Stoke saw the game pass off without incident.
There had been trouble against Middlesbrough last month, when away fans
claimed to have been hit by coins launched from supporters in the home end.
And then those horrible scenes when Chelsea travelled to the London Stadium
in the EFL Cup followed last week. But Saturday saw a vast police and
steward presence outside the ground and, for the first time this season,
inside it, as well as greatly improved segregation. And the day passed off
with no more than a few handbags between rival fans as the East End club,
off the field at least, got it just right. A 1-1 draw , after Stoke
substitute Bojan cancelled out a Michail Antonio opener that deflected in
off Glenn Whelan, no doubt helped keep a lid on emotions.
But after the stick they have been given in recent weeks, West Ham's owners
and the others who run the stadium deserve credit for the control the police
and stewards were able to maintain. After the recent problems at the
stadium, problems which led some observers to state they would not take
their children there, Sunday Mirror Sport decided to live the experience of
an away supporter first hand. So I purchased a ticket in the Stoke end to
see what sort of hostilities the Delilah brigade would face. But the day
could not have gone smoother had I been given a police escort from the
moment I arrived at Stratford station at around 12pm to the time I reached
the Docklands Light Railway station to which away fans were directed after
the game.
A police helicopter hovering overhead helped ensure there was no trouble at
t' Pudding Mill Lane – the station at which we all ended up. From the moment
supporters arrived at Stratford there was a noticeable security presence. I
got there just as one teenage girl was asking her boyfriend, "Why so many
police?"
Security workers were highly evident and while the odd Herbert wandered
around trying to look menacing, it was certainly no more than you'd see
ahead of any football match. The walk to the stadium, which takes around 15
minutes, passed off without incident. And where I entered the ground, along
with those who had travelled down from Stoke, there was a police presence
that, while not exactly heavy, was certainly enough to deal quickly with any
flashpoints. Although, frankly, they were not needed.
Even during the game, and when those goals went in, there was nothing
particularly untoward. After all, what do threats issued from 15, 20 yards
actually mean anyway? Some might not have filed it under "Innocent fun" but
this is football and not, to steal a line from Ricky Hatton, a tiddlywinks
contest – everyone knows it's tribal. During the game, I did see a couple of
West Ham fans ejected and one Stoke supporter get led out, in separate
incidents, and in different sections of the stadium. But that happens week
in, week out the world over – after all, there are always going to be a
couple of morons who can't hold the pop they've had before a game. The
Stokies who had made the trip down from the Potteries were determined to
goad their hosts – all supporters would have done the same.
So within minutes of filing into the ground, they burst into a chorus of
"Sit down and behave yourselves! Sit down and behave yourselves...!"
And, by and large, the Hammers faithful did so. There will be some who argue
that Sullivan and Gold, and vice-chairman Karren Brady, deserve credit for
their response to the crowd safety issue but they now have to ensure this
isn't a one-off. Such stringent security measures must remain in place for
the rest of the season, whatever the cost to the club. Nobody wants the game
sanitised to the extent that there's no atmosphere, no hostility, but the
scenes from the Chelsea game were unacceptable. This, though, was a step in
the right direction.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham starlet Reece Oxford eyed for transfer to big-spending Bundesliga
side RB Leipzig
22:30, 5 NOV 2016
BY NEIL MOXLEY
Club who raided Nottingham Forest for 19-year-old Oliver Burke in August
think British players suit the German game and are keen on the Hammers'
teenager
The Mirror
West Ham's resolve to keep Reece Oxford is to be tested by RB Leipzig. The
high-flying Bundesliga outfit spent £13million when they grabbed Oliver
Burke , 19, from Championship side Nottingham Forest during the summer. And
they are ready to splash cash on 17-year-old Oxford, who is tipped as a star
of the future and has already captained England at Under-18 level. The
Hammers would be reluctant to cash in on a player who has come through their
academy. However, Leipzig have identified British players as having the
right spirit and character to succeed in German football. And they believe
if they can snare the likes of Burke and Oxford – who faces a month out with
a knee injury – early enough, there is room for them to improve technically
within the Leipzig system. But with Premier League clubs now holding
considerable power because of the riches of the new TV deal, the East Enders
can withstand most attempts to lever the likes of Oxford away.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool outcast Mamadou Sakho a transfer target for Leicester and West Ham
in January window
22:30, 5 NOV 2016
BY TOM HOPKINSON
The France international defender has not played all season after being sent
home early from the Reds' summer tour in the USA by manager Jurgen Klopp
The mirror
Mamadou Sakho is on his way out of Liverpool in January... with Leicester
and West Ham ready to battle for his signature, writes Tom Hopkinson in the
Sunday People. France defender Sakho fell out of favour with boss Jurgen
Klopp over the summer and has not played a game all season for the Reds. The
26-year-old angered his manager when he arrived late for the flight taking
the squad on a pre-season tour of the USA, and was subsequently packed off
back home to Merseyside because of concerns about his attitude. This rift
followed Sakho's voluntary provisional ban in April in relation to a drugs
test. UEFA later dismissed the case against Sakho. This season, Dejan Lovren
and Joel Matip have established themselves as Klopp's first-choice central
defenders and Sakho has failed to get a look in. Both Liverpool and the
player are happy for there to be a parting of the ways in January and that
has opened the door to Leicester and West Ham, who are both looking for
reinforcements in defence. Last week, Sakho who has 28 caps, turned out for
Liverpool U23s in a 1-1 draw against Porto.
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