Masuaku - My best game for West Ham
WHUFC.com
Arthur Masuaku shone at wing-back in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Everton
Toffees clash was fourth Premier League start in a row for Frenchman
Defender delighted to put early-season injuries behind him
Arthur Masuaku has had to show patience in his first season as a West Ham
United player. After bursting onto the scene at the start of the campaign,
the Frenchman had to take a back seat during the winter as niggly injuries
restricted his playing time. But that patience is now being rewarded and he
described Saturday's game against Everton - his fourth consecutive Premier
League start - as his best for the Club. Deployed as a wing back, the
23-year-old showed his qualities going forward and in defence as the Hammers
kept an in-form Toffees side - including the top flight's leading goalscorer
Romelu Lukaku - out.
Whilst they couldn't find the net at the other end, Masuaku felt the display
against Ronald Koeman's European football-chasing side bodes well for the
last four games of the season. "I think that was my best game for West Ham,"
he said. "In my opinion I'm better when I'm on the wing because I can go
forward and I can come back and defend. This is my best position, I think.
"It's nice to have played four games back-to-back. I can play without pain
after having trouble with my injury [earlier in the season]. "Now everything
is behind me, hopefully I can keep going and play like I did on Saturday. "I
think it was a good point for us against a top team. We played very well as
a team and that's the key to success. "We defended well, we were strong, we
were solid and we didn't give them the opportunity to score. We have to keep
going like that in the next game against Stoke City."
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LUKAKU WENT CUCKOO
By Zaman Siddiqui 23 Apr 2017 at 07:00 351 comments
WTID
Lukaku didn't score. Let that sink in: Romelu Lukaku didn't score against
us. So this is what it feels like to play against Everton without the one
goal Lukaku handicap. Prior to this match, the Belgian scored a goal against
us in each of his nine previous appearances. Had he scored in this match, he
would have been on double figures for consecutive goals scored! Going into
this match, I was deeply concerned, given the fact that he has already
scored two dozen goals so far this season. This year could be the one he
makes a big move elsewhere. He is the top scoring PL player this calendar
year netting 14 times with just 23 shots on target. Only Lionel Messi has
scored more often in the top five European leagues than Lukaku with 17
goals.
Even though he failed to register a single shot on target in this match, I
have to pay homage to the Belgian striker who could make a bigger name for
himself at PSG, Barcelona or Real Madrid. I personally think that we won't
see him play in the Premier League next season. He has stated countless
times before that he wants to play Champions League football. Perhaps
looking back at his career will guide us to the answer. With that, we will
be able to better work out whether we are going to lose a potential six
points or not in the seasons to come (they all count)!
Lukaku signed for FC Anderlecht at the age of 16 in May 2009. It only took
him a few months to get into the first-team just in time for next season,
which he ended as the top goalscorer in the Belgian Pro League with 15 goals
and won the title with his side. He also scored four goals during the club's
run to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Makes sense for a youngster
to get Europa League football, so that they can expect Champions League
football when they are older. Well, that's true if his name is Romelu
Lukaku. In August 2011, he signed for Chelsea for £17M (including add-ons).
When his team won the Champions League against Bayern Munich, he admitted
that he was disappointed with his involvement in his debut season, and as
such, refused to hold the trophy as he didn't feel like a winner. I mean,
wow! What 19 year old kid would say that they wouldn't want to hold arguably
one of the most difficult trophies to obtain? John Terry celebrated like a
complete wally, despite not even playing in that match, whilst Lukaku didn't
even let himself be happy. From there, it is worth noting both are talented,
but one actually cares about his footballing career on, and more
importantly, off the pitch. He later went on to outscore all of his Chelsea
teammates on loan at West Brom and Everton the two seasons after.
Additionally, he is the first foreign player to score 80 goals before his
24th birthday.
Our encounters with Everton over recent years have been awful – that is down
to one man. Lukaku's first appearance for Everton just had to be against us!
Back in September of 2013, he came off the bench for Nikica Jelavic in the
second half – who would play him? Oh, right. Us. Anyway, he came on in the
second half and scored the winner in the 86th minute. That is the simplest
way I can describe our relationship with him: he scores a goal and we lose
the game.
Despite the hype around Lukaku and Everton, this was one of the most boring
matches to watch all season. It is our first goalless draw this season and
indeed at the London Stadium. The thing is, that this wasn't an off day.
There is a reason they have now failed to win any of their last six away
games. Something that really caught me by surprise and indeed others who
made Lukaku captain in their Fantasy Football teams (admit it) was that
Everton failed to get a shot on target in the whole match. In fact, it took
them until the 70th minute to register their first shot. In all honesty,
Everton just weren't at the races. Koeman said that if he was allowed to do
so, he would have made 10 changes at half time.
Furthermore, I feel that whilst Everton didn't attack like they normally do,
we defended with a lot of confidence. Collins, in particular, played an
absolute blinder. In previous games, through balls have snuck through when
we've played with three at the back. With Lukaku to stop, it could have gone
all wrong. Fortunately, our defence was at hand making lots of clearances.
Masuaku and Nordtveit could have been forgotten about already had the
manager not given them second chances. Nordtveit kept his second clean sheet
out of two games playing in his native position, whilst Masuaku's new
hairstyle seems to have invigorated him, as he made seven dribbles and
tracked back well. Speaking of players that never should have been
considered to be completely dropped, Adrián kept his fourth clean sheet of
the season; the same number Darren Randolph has kept, despite the Spaniard
playing 10 games fewer. In short, we never deserved to concede. Something I
can't say too often this season.
Follow
West Ham News @WHUFC_News
When John Terry's contract expires at Chelsea, Mark Noble will become the
current longest serving one-club player in the Premier League.
10:49 PM - 22 Apr 2017
119 119 Retweets 403 403 likes
Some new signings work out and some don't – Calleri is currently in the
latter pile. Our lack of attacking options meant that we struggled to
finish. We had 15 shots with only three on target. In some ways, it is
disappointing not to have got all three points, but given the predicament we
are in regards to attacking options, we can't complain. On the plus side,
this draw shows the strength of our character. We have had 11 players out
for at least 2 months this season, yet are currently in 13th. It is
important that we keep this mentality against Stoke next week. If we can
somehow end the season in the top half, that form could carry on into next
season.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, April 24
Sunday, April 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd April 2017
Impressive Hammers held by Toffees
WHUFC.com
Dominant, but ultimately disappointed; for all the Hammers' control over
Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, Slaven Bilic's men could not find
a way past the Toffees' defence as they recorded a 0-0 draw at London
Stadium. West Ham the better side throughout, all three points should have
remained in east London. Instead, Ronald Koeman's side battled hard to earn
a share of the spoils and take a point back to Merseyside. Missing the likes
of skipper Mark Noble, full-back Sam Byram and talisman Andy Carroll, the
hosts' squad was short of regulars, but those who stepped in performed
impressively to create a deafening atmosphere at the Club's new home. Havard
Nordtveit superb in midfield, Arthur Masuaku a constant attacking danger and
dependable centre-half Winston Reid impressive on his return, there seemed
only one winner for the majority of Saturday afternoon. And West Ham had the
better of a first half which included few goalscoring opportunities.
Jonathan Calleri was lively and dangerous early on, and forced the first
corner of the game when his headed attempt from Edimilson Fernandes'
inviting cross was diverted wide via a deflection. Manuel Lanzini's
resulting corner was just out of reach of Cheikhou Kouyate, looking for his
second London Stadium goal in as many games. With almost half an hour gone,
the Hammers forced Everton again to defend as Nordtveit twice struck with
venom, but both efforts were well charged down. Minutes later, Kouyate –
like against Swansea – found himself with space 25 yards from goal, but
unlike a fortnight ago, the midfielder could not direct his strike on goal.
James Collins headed wide the final opportunity of the half, glancing past
the post from Lanzini's centre, but Slaven Bilic's men had shown their
intent with an impressive display over 45 minutes.
The second period began as the first had ended – with the hosts on top.
Lanzini came inches away from giving his team the lead, but his goal-bound
drive from 18 yards smashed the top of Phil Jagielka's head and was cleared.
Fernandes, bright and lively throughout, struck over from the
right-hand-side and with home outfit clearly on top, Lanzini even brought
out a stylish rabona cross on the left. 20 minutes from time, Everton
finally managed a first attempt at goal, though the young sub Ademola
Lookman fired a couple of yards wide from distance. It was then once again
Lanzini's turn to try his luck, but Stekelenburg did well to hold his
deflected curler with Andre Ayew and returning sub Diafra Sakho rushing at
him. And the Senegal forward, making his London Stadium debut, almost
ensured it was one to remember, as he had a dangerous shot blocked from wide
on the left. Applauded off on the referee's whistle, it was a West Ham
performance to be proud of, though ultimately not the desired result gained.
On to the next one.
West Ham United: Adrian, Fernandes, Fonte, Reid, Collins, Masuaku,
Nordtveit, Kouyate (Cresswell 79), Lanzini, Ayew, Calleri (Sakho 62).
Subs not used: Randolph, Fletcher, Holland, Rice, Makasi.
Bookings: Fernandes 33, Fonte 76
Everton: Stekelenburg, Holgate, Williams, Jagielka, Baines, Schneiderlin,
Davies (Lookman 46), Gueye (Barry 46), Mirallas (Calvert-Lewin 72), Barkley,
Lukaku.
Subs: Robles, Kone, Barry, Pennington, Kenny.
Bookings: Gueye 27, Williams 60, Barry 67
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Adrian - We could have got more
WHUFC.com
Adrian pleased with clean sheet on return to Hammers duty against Everton
West Ham United edged goalless Premier League draw at London Stadium
Spaniard had little to do due to superb defensive display in front of him
Adrian was pleased to keep a clean sheet on his return to the West Ham
United starting XI, but felt the Hammers could easily have turned a goalless
draw into a win against Everton. The Spaniard's goal was expertly protected
by a five-man defence and disciplined midfield at London Stadium, with James
Collins, Arthur Masuaku and Havard Nordtveit particularly outstanding in
keeping the in-form Blues at bay. Such was West Ham's outstanding resilience
that Everton did not muster a single shot on target, meaning Romelu Lukaku
was rendered without a goal for the first time in ten career appearances for
the Blues against the Hammers. That said, the home side failed to make the
most of their own chances, which included eight corners, four shots on
target and a host of other promising positions from both set pieces and open
play. "We could have got more from the game," admitted Adrian, who returned
to the starting XI for the first time in 23 Premier League matches dating
back to November. "We played very well in defence and had chances from set
pieces. The game was a bit open in the second half, but at the end of the
day it's a point and a clean sheet for us. "Everton are on a good run and
are fighting for Europe, so we had to give our best to stop them. It was a
tactical game and we want to win every game, but at the end of the day we
got a draw and a point." "After a very long time not playing, I had been
working hard to help my teammates, and today was good for me and for my
teammates because we kept a clean sheet. Now, we have to keep going like
this until the end of the season."
West Ham's draw means they now sit on 38 points with four matches left to
play, starting at Stoke City next week. Such is the logjam in mid-table that
the 13th-place Hammers are just two points from Southampton in ninth, and
just seven ahead of Swansea City in the final relegation place. "It's very
close," the goalkeeper observed. "The table is not very different between
tenth position and 14th or 15th, but we have to think just game by game. "We
have another away game next week, so we have to keep going and fighting
until the end."
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Ian Pearce – The back three were brilliant
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United defender Ian Pearce was impressed with the Hammers'
back three as Slaven Bilic's men kept a clean sheet against in-form Everton.
The 42-year-old, who made 163 appearances in Claret and Blue during his
playing career, admired the performances of Winston Reid, Jose Fonte and
James Collins as the hosts shut out the Toffees and dominated proceedings at
London Stadium. Ultimately, West Ham could not grab a winner but Pearce was
delighted to see the Hammers play so well nonetheless. He said: "It was a
good point. Before the game, I was worried about Romelu Lukaku but
defensively we were really good today. "The back three performed very well
and that was the pleasing point – no goals against; perfect. It shows the
quality that West Ham have. We kept Lukaku quiet and that allowed the rest
of the team to build from that. If you don't concede goals, then it's a
great starting point. "Lukaku can be a beast and unplayable on his day. I
was really impressed with how we played against him."
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Slav hails 'eleven lions'
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic hails 'eleven lions' after injury-depleted West Ham United hold
in-form Everton
Hammers were without nine senior players through injuries and suspensions
Hosts restricted the Blues to zero shots on target at London Stadium
Slaven Bilic has hailed his 'eleven lions' after injury-depleted West Ham
United edged a goalless Premier League draw with Everton. Despite being
without nine senior players through injury and suspension, the Hammers were
the better team for long stretches against Ronald Koeman's in-form Blues.
While they looked defensively sound and kept Romelu Lukaku
uncharacteristically quiet, the home side just could not find the winner
their performance warranted at London Stadium.
"I am really pleased with the performance," the managed confirmed. "We were
expecting a difficult game and all that comes with that, but I told the guys
after the game that I simply couldn't have asked for more from them. "They
were there with their solidity, composure, effort, determination and
dedication, so top marks for them. I'm pleased with the performance and
pleased with the point in one way, but we were looking for all three. If any
team deserved three points, it was us.
"We played against Everton, who are confident because of the run they've
been on and the position they are in in the table and they have everything
to play for, so to limit them required great work and great concentration in
one-on-one situations. "If we have to talk about one negative, it was the
lack of quality or decision in the final third, and that we didn't score a
goal."
Bilic was without the injured Michail Antonio, Andy Carroll, Pedro Obiang,
Angelo Ogbonna, Robert Snodgrass, Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore, while
Mark Noble and Sam Byram were both banned. Despite those notable absences,
the Croatian was able to field a side that drew on experience and guile to
restrict Everton to next to nothing in terms of goalscoring opportunities.
James Collins, Havard Nordtveit, Arthur Masuaku and the returning Winston
Reid were all immense, while the likes of Edimilson Fernandes, Manuel
Lanzini and the tireless Jonathan Calleri also impressed. "I don't want to
moan before the game about the players who are unavailable, because we have
got what we have got and they played like eleven lions there, running for
each other," Bilic continued. "We are lacking some players who are long-term
injured and some players who are short-term injured and are out, but it's
all about the squad and they showed that today."
West Ham now have 38 points with four games to play and sit seven above
Swansea City in the final relegation place. So, does Bilic feel the Hammers
are now safe? "We are always talking about that magic number of 40, so we
might need a few points because we don't want to go into the last game with
a radio!" he half-joked. "Every game is going to be hard, especially now.
Every team is going to be nervous because virtually everybody is fighting
for something. "What pleases me is this performance. We have got five points
from three games and now we are going to approach the Stoke game, which is
another massive one for us and for them, in a positive way and we will make
good preparation for them."
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U15s reach semi-finals in Prague
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U15s have qualified for the semi-finals of the Slavia
International Cup
After dropping points in their first two fixtures of the day, they won the
last dramatically to make it through
Head of U15-18 Coaching Danny Searle praised his side's character
Danny Searle says his U15s showed great character to qualify for the
semi-finals at the Slavia International Cup. The Hammers dropped points in
the first two fixtures of the day, losing to hosts Slavia Prague and then
drawing 0-0 to the Chinese national team. However, Kai Corbett scored a
dramatic winner in their final group match against MSK Zilina to ensure
their progress through to tomorrow's semi-final. "We made it difficult for
ourselves and we had our destiny in own hands," he said. "It was below-par
performance against Slavia Prague but we still had chances to win the game.
Our performance was much better against China and we dominated from start to
finish but we were nowhere near clinical enough. "That left us needing to
win the final game and the boys showed great character to not only take the
lead but to keep a clean sheet and progress."
The Hammers started sluggishly in their opening day two fixture and went
behind early on. After failing to clear their lines, a Slavia Prague player
nipped in a slotted past Josh Roach. Toby King should have levelled on the
stroke of half-time and the Hammers were thankful to Roach midway through
the second half after he saved a penalty. Will Greenidge and Sam Caiger
missed two great opportunites late on but Searle's men dusted themselves
down and went again a few hours later against the Chinese national team.
The Hammers were frustrated in their fixture against the Chinese national
team, creating a number of openings but struggling to find a way past the
goalkeeper.
Caiger was thwarted early on and Amadou Diallo shot over in the second half
but all-in-all it was a disappointing result and it left Searle's players
needing a victory in their final match to make it through to the
semi-finals.
Their final match – against group leaders MSK Zilina – brought extra
pressure, as it was the Hammers who had to force the issue with their
Slovakian opponents only needing a point. The game had few chances but Kai
Corbett took the one that counted brilliantly, midway through the second
half, rifling beyond the keeper to spark jubilant celebrations. It was a
nail-biting final few minutes but the Hammers saw off their previously
unbeaten opponents to set up a semi-final clash against Group B winners
Sparta Prague tomorrow (10am BST). "We've earned the right to play in the
stadium but we want it to be the final. We must make sure we do our job and
focus on the semi-final. Most importantly we need to improve in the final
third," added Searle.
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Pixie enjoys London Stadium performance
WHUFC.com
Pixie Lott hailed the 'really special' London Stadium after performing her
new song at West Ham United's home. The chart-topping Hammers fan, Strictly
Come Dancing contestant and West End performer put on a superb rendition of
'Baby' at half-time in West Ham's goalless Premier League draw with Everton
on Saturday. After singing in front of nearly 57,000 fans, the 26-year-old
spoke enthusiastically to West Ham TV about the experience of singing at the
home of her favourite football team. "It was amazing!" she smiled. "I think
it was just really special because I've been watching West Ham growing up,
since I was a baby really! "I have come up here with my family, so to sing
out here on the pitch made this a really special day for us, and I am
feeling positive and think we're going to do well. "It's definitely up there
with the best venues I've sung at. It's obviously a really impressive venue
anyway, but it's also special and closer to my heart because I'm a massive
West Ham fan!"
Lott, who scored number one hits with her first two singles, is making a
return to the charts after a three-year absence, during which she has shown
her versatility on stage and screen. "My whole family are here and they've
been so excited to come to London Stadium, so it's been a special day out
for all of us," she enthused.
"I'm really close to all my family and us going to watch West Ham is
something we've all grown up doing, so I guess it just feels more special.
"I support West Ham through and through and I'm feeling positive. I'll be
back at London Stadium again soon, one hundred per cent!"
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West Ham United 0-0 Everton
By Matt Davis
BBC Sport
Everton missed the chance to move into the Premier League top five as they
drew against West Ham in an uninspiring encounter. West Ham's Slaven Bilic
will be the happier of the two managers as the point edges his side closer
to Premier League safety on 38 points, seven clear of Swansea in 18th, with
four games remaining. After a dire first half from both sides, it took
Everton until the 70th minute to register their first shot and they did not
manage an effort on target in the game. Premier League top scorer Romelu
Lukaku was reduced to a passenger and was kept quiet by the Hammers'
excellent three-man defence, his only effort coming from a blocked shot. The
match at the London Stadium had been underway for half an hour before either
side registered a shot and even that came via a deflection. Both sides had
made changes in goal for the game, with Adrian playing his first Premier
League match since 5 November for the Hammers and Everton goalkeeper Maarten
Stekelenburg starting for the first time since 19 December. It was Adrian
who looked the rustier of the two and he almost gifted Everton a goal on 15
minutes after miscuing a throw-in. Edimilson Fernandes threw the ball to the
Spaniard, who mis-kicked it before managing to smother it before Kevin
Mirallas could pounce. West Ham defender James Collins had had the best
chance of the half, heading wide from six yards out. It was the home side
who looked most like scoring after the break, but they continually wasted
chances as the game petered out.
Toffees' away form a concern
Everton had the opportunity to go fifth with a win, but their poor away form
continued. Ronald Koeman's side have now won just twice on their travels in
their last 13 games. Although they enjoyed 65.4% of possession in the first
half, they touched the ball only twice in the opposition's goalmouth. Koeman
tried to change things at half-time, sending on Gareth Barry and Ademola
Lookman for Tom Davies and Idrissa Gueye. It was 19-year-old Lookman who
finally managed a shot for Everton, sending one wide from distance. But his
efforts aside, Everton did not trouble the Hammers defence. The big concern
will have been the form of Lukaku, who leads the Premier League's scoring
chart with 24 goals, but managed just three touches in the Everton box. The
one time he did get on the ball in the box he was marshalled brilliantly by
Collins and it took until the 85th minute for the Toffees to send in a
meaningful cross for him to attack. Only Barcelona forward Lionel Messi,
with 17 goals, has scored more often in the top five European leagues than
Lukaku in 2017. However, only one of the Belgian's 14 goals this year has
come away from home. The point moved Everton into sixth, one point above
Arsenal, who have played three games fewer.
Man of the match - James Collins (West Ham)
Collins excelled in the three-man defence. He made a game-high eight
clearances and five interceptions, and kept Lukaku quiet
'A lot of negatives'
Everton manager Ronald Koeman told BBC Sport: "It was really far from what
we are used to, from the first minute to the last second. "We didn't get the
intensity. It was a poor performance with a lot of negatives. "One positive
is we kept a clean sheet. We like to perform to a certain level and it was
far from that. "I wasn't happy at half-time so we tried to do something. I
couldn't change four, five, six or seven. But I changed two to give a signal
to the team. "We need wins now to get a chance of sixth or fifth place."
'11 lions'
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic told BBC Sport: "I am really pleased with the
performance, I could not ask any more from my players. In terms of effort,
dedication and determination, they get top marks. If any team deserved three
points it was us. "To limit them to one chance requires a lot of hard work.
The only bit of negativity is that I felt at moments we lacked some quality
in our decision-making. We played like 11 lions, one for each other. "We
talk about the magic number of 40 [points for Premier League survival]. I
think we might need a few more points, so we are not going into the last
game [still in danger]."
Stalemate struggles
This was the first Premier League game to finish 0-0 at the London Stadium.
This is just the second time that these two sides have drawn 0-0 in the
Premier League in 42 meetings - the other coming in March 2003 at Goodison
Park.
Everton failed to find the net for just the second time in their last 17
Premier League games.
For the second time this season, Everton have failed to have a shot on
target in a Premier League game - a joint-worst record with Middlesbrough.
This is the first time in Lukaku's Everton career that he has failed to
score against West Ham - having netted in each of his previous nine
appearances against the Hammers.
Lukaku failed to have a shot on target in this match - the third successive
away game the Belgian striker has failed to do so. It is the longest run
without a shot on target away from home in the Premier League.
Adrian kept his fourth clean sheet of the season; the same number fellow
West Ham keeper Darren Randolph has kept but the Spaniard has played 10
games fewer (12 games).
What's next?
West Ham travel to Stoke on Saturday, while Everton host leaders Chelsea on
Sunday, 30 April.
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REF WATCH – ROGER EAST. WEST HAM VS EVERTON
BY SAMTWHWREF ON 22 APRIL 2017 AT 6:11PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Sam Royden
After yet another disappointing game last weekend against a team fighting
for Premier League survival. We welcomed Everton to the London Stadium, of
whom have not won away in the Premier League since January when they beat
Crystal Palace. As ExWHUEmployee confirmed earlier in the week, West Ham
have made four changes, with Adrian starting for the first time in goal
since November and Jonathan Calleri, who is making his first start of the
season. The referee appointed for this fixture was Roger East. This was only
Roger East's 9th Premier League game this season. East has been officiating
throughout the three EFL this season with a tally of 17 games.
In a first half, where there was only one shot on target between both teams,
Roger East's performance was encouraging for a referee who has had limited
exposure to the Premier League this season. The game as a whole was lacking
in quality for large parts with both teams giving the ball away far too
easily. Håvard Nordtveit got caught in position by Ross Barkley just inside
Everton's half and the West Ham man pulled the young England international
down and was lucky to escape without a card within 90 seconds.
Adrian was starting his first game since November and avoided embarrassment
after Fernandes' throw-in bounced awkwardly and the spaniard tried to clear
the ball with Romelu Lukaku looking to pounce on a mistake. Luckily for
Adrian, his clearance ricocheted of Lukaku and Adrian was there to collect
the loose ball.
There were two yellow cards in the first half, both of which were for
tripping an opponent. The first caution went to Everton's Idrissa Gueye
after Jonathan Calleri won the ball at the half way line and the Everton
midfielder tripped the Argentine. East made no hesitation to award the
free-kick and to issued a yellow card. The second yellow card was for
Edimilson Fernandes after the young Swiss brought Leighton Baines down after
catching the left back with an out swung leg.
There were a couple of fouls by Tom Davis and Morgan Schneiderlin which
could have been publishable of a yellow card. Tom Davis is still only 18
years old and looks a very good player but the young midfielder's challenge
on Winston Reid was rash & late, and caught the kiwi on the top of his foot.
I've seen these fouls given yellow cards before and East had a word with
Davis and moved on. Schneiderlin was guilty of bringing down a West Ham
player in the same way that both Gueye and Edimilson Fernandes were punished
for. As a referee, you need to ensure that you're remaining consistent with
your decision making throughout the game.
Lee Probert, who has only refereed once in the Premier League this season,
was initially the fourth official for this fixture however he was forced to
replace Sian Massey-Ellis as assistant referee due to an injury that she
picked up in the first half. Referee and assistant referees train with each
other on a daily basis throughout the week so I didn't expect the forced
change to cause any disruption within the team of officials.
I thought Roger East had a good second half and felt he controlled the game
very well. There were three cautions in the second half with Williams, Barry
and Fonte getting a black mark against their names. Ashley Williams was
cautioned after the Welshman was man handling Cheikhou Kouyaté and
eventually brought him down 20 yards outside Everton's penalty area. This
was certainly a yellow card and East was in a great position to make the
decision. Gareth Barry was a half time substitute for Everton and it didn't
take long for the most booked player in Premier League history to get his
tenth yellow card of the season. Andre Ayew's quick feet put the ball past
Barry before the ex-England international body checked the tricky Ghanian.
Jose Fonte was the second West Ham player to be cautioned after the
Portuguese international caught young player Dominic Calvert-Lewin late.
There were appeals by West Ham players for handball against Ashley Williams.
The West Ham corner came in and was won by a West Ham player. The ball
ricocheted off Ashley William's arm while in the air and whilst he was
challenging for the ball. For handball, it needs to be deliberate and on
this occasion, William's had no idea so it was the correct decision by Roger
East.
There was an incident late in the second half when James Collins was walking
a tight rope by holding Ashley William's shirt during an Everton corner.
Referees have been keen to crack down on off the ball incidents in the
penalty area this season and in my opinion I felt Collins was very lucky. If
East did see it Collins pulling Williams shirt and gave a penalty, there
would be no argument on his decision.
Overall, I thought that Roger East had a good game and taking into
consideration that he's only officiated eight games before this fixture, I
was unsure whether he would be up to the task but he definitely was. The
game wasn't as fast paced as other games this season but it was important
that he managed, controlled and kept up with the game.
I thought West Ham played well and with the injuries and suspensions, it was
good to gain a point against a good Everton side. I felt we had very good
chances and got ourselves into good positions but felt that we lacked
quality in the final third. West Ham currently sit seven points above the
relegation zone with four games to go. Our next game is away to struggling
Stoke next Saturday.
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WEST HAM 0-0 EVERTON – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 22 APRIL 2017 AT 9:22PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
West Ham United 0 Everton FC 0
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham drew even with Everton on Saturday in a scrappy defensive stalemate
on a glorious sunny afternoon at the London Stadium. Slaven Bilic, sitting
precariously in the bottom half of the table, limped into his home ground
without Andy Carroll, Michel Antonio, Mark Noble, or Sam Byram. With
injuries sidelining the first two, and FA suspensions for the latter two,
the hosting crowd had guarded expectations against an Everton side that is
having one of their finest seasons in years.
With missing regulars in the starting XI, Bilic made a number of changes:
Adrian found his way back into the goal for the first time since FA Cup play
ended. He replaced a struggling Darren Randolph. Also the gaffer inserted
Jonathon Calleri, Havard Nordtviet, and Winston Reid.
Everton also made a change in the net as Maarten Stekelenburg replaced Jose
Robles in goal. Ronald Koeman's side has been riding high as of late, as
Romelu Lukaku is leading the league in scoring and the Toffees are still
chasing a Europa League spot.
Early on, Adrian almost caused disaster in the opening minutes as he failed
to clear the ball, under pressure from Kevin Mirallas. Fortunately he was
able to gather possession and otherwise had a well-played match.
Shots on goal were rare for both clubs throughout the match. Both Nordveit
and Cheikhou Kouyate had long range attempts after the first 28 minutes of
play. Both were either saved by Stekelenburg or went wide. For Everton,
they didn't have a single shot on goal the entire first half of play.
Bilic's 5-3-2 seemed to keep Lukaku in check, as his streak of nine straight
goals against West Ham came to an end today.
The second half, saw Ronald Koeman boldly make two halftime substitutions to
try and spur his high-powered attack. Tom Davies and Idrissa Gueye were
replaced by Ademola Lookman and Gareth Barry for the second half. But the
result was the same. Lookman did have Everton's first shots as he took
consecutive attempts in the 70th and 72nd which were either over or wide.
Given the Hammer's recent futility in defending, the final whistle from
Roger East was a welcome sound as the one point result keeps West Ham seven
away from the drop zone. For the Toffees they climb to sixth ahead of a
struggling Arsenal team.
Of note: the defending was tenacious. With James Collins reminding his home
stadium why he is such a fan favourite. Manual Lanzini had brilliant
moments but without Dimitri Payet or even Antonio, he needs some assistance
on the attack. Diafra Sakho returned in the second half. Whether he can
finish the season uninjured and without his coach running him off the team
before the summer transfer window will be interesting. A fit Sakho is a
great attacking option but with only a few dates remaining on the schedule,
will he have time to find his form?
Despite two back-to-back draws, West Ham still is only seven points away
from disaster. While the bottom two is practically settled, the third
relegation spot is a dangerous moving target. A Saturday visit to
Britannia Stadium will be a monumental fixture, as Stoke sits only a point
ahead of West Ham. At least supporters leaving the London Stadium today can
take heart that, at long last, the Hammers finally seemed to remember the
West Ham Way of defending.
West Ham: Adrian, Collins, Fonte, Reid, Masuaku, Fernandes, Nordtveit,
Kouyate, Lanzini, Ayew, Calleri.
Subs: Randolph, Cresswell, Rice, Mikasi, Holland, Sakho, Fletcher
Everton: Stekelenburg, Holgate, Jagielka, Williams, Baines, Gueye,
Schneiderlin, Davies, Barkley, Mirallas, Lukaku.
Subs: Robles, Kone, Barry, Calvert-Lewin, Lookman, Pennington, Kenny
Referee: Roger East
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Slaven Bilic left 'gutted' after West Ham held by Everton
By Oliver Yew
Last Updated: 22/04/17 8:00pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praised his side's performance insisted they
deserved all three points after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton. The
Hammers produced a superb defensive performance with centre-backs Winston
Reid, Jose Fonte and James Collins limiting Romelu Lukaku to a single
blocked shot. And they produced the better chances but it proved to be a
frustrating afternoon for Bilic and his side. "We deserved to win," Bilic
told Sky Sports. "To be fair I couldn't have asked for more from my players
and I told them that in the dressing room. "We can talk a little bit about
a lack of quality decisions in and around the box but the spirit, the
determination, the team effort, the defensive side of the game and how solid
we were was excellent. "It's not easy," he added. "We can talk about how
they were not good but it is Everton, a team that's very capable of creating
chances and scoring goals. To limit them to not a single chance in the whole
game you need quality and effort and that's what we had. "I'm only gutted
that we didn't win the game."
Bilic admitted before the game that he was wary of Lukaku's impressive
goalscoring run against his side, with the 23-year-old scoring in nine
consecutive games against the Hammers. At times this season West ham's
defending has been called into question, but that was not the problem
against Everton. And Bilic praised his side for their meticulous approach to
the game. "During the season we've scored enough goals," Bilic said. "Not
today obviously but for us it's been the question of conceding goals.
Against Everton we were great in that but with this game there is
frustration because we didn't have clear cut opportunities. "We did have
eight or nine situations though where we could have scored and we couldn't
but it is very positive. It was a really good team performance in front of a
great crowd. We got a point but we wanted three. "We knew it would be
extremely hard but we go to the next game in a very positive way."
The point means West Ham are seven points above the relegation places with
only four games remaining but Bilic insists the battle to best the drop is
far from over. "Unfortunately it's not a point that guarantees safety," he
added. "Swansea won the game and Hull won the game so it's still not sorted.
However, what pleases me is the performance and we move on to the next
game."
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West Ham 0-0 Everton: Ronald Koeman's men left frustrated at London Stadium
By Oliver Yew
Last Updated: 22/04/17 7:36pm
SSN
Everton suffered a setback in their bid for a top-five Premier League finish
as they were held to a 0-0 draw by West Ham at the London Stadium on
Saturday.
In a game of very few chances, West Ham, marshalled by Jose Fonte and James
Collins, nullified the threat of the Premier League's top goalscorer Romelu
Lukaku, who barely had a shot on goal. The hosts were the more threatening
side as the game wore on with Manuel Lanzini and James Collins both forcing
saves from Maarten Stekelenburg, but neither side could break the deadlock
on what was a frustrating afternoon in east London. The point inches Slaven
Bilic's side closer to top-flight safety - they are now seven points above
the drop zone with four matches remaining. Everton, they move back above
Arsenal into sixth but are two points behind Manchester United in fifth
having played three more games than Jose Mourinho's men, who take on Burnley
live on Nissan Super Sunday. West Ham made four changes with Jonathan
Calleri making his first Premier League start in place of the injured Andy
Carroll, while there was a change in goal for Everton with Stekelenburg
replacing Joel Robles. There was a slow start to proceedings at the London
Stadium with the pace of the game representing that of an end of season
game. Adrian, who was back in goal in place of Darren Randolph, nearly
produced a costly error when his clearance was charged down by Lukaku, but
the Spanish goalkeeper quickly pounced on the ball ahead of Kevin Mirallas.
It took until the 29th minute for the first shot to come and it fell to West
Ham but Havard Nordtveit's deflected strike was easily saved by
Stekelenburg. Cheikhou Kouyate then found some space 25 yards from goal but
fired his shot wide of the post before Collins headed wide from Lanzini's
cross as West Ham finished the half the stronger of the two sides. Ronaldo
Koeman reacted at the break by sending on Gareth Barry and Ademola Lookman
for Idrissa Gueye and Tom Davies. But it was West Ham who continued their
momentum and Lanzini was in the thick of the action again. Andre Ayew picked
out Edimilson Fernandes in acres of space on the right flank and the Swiss
midfielder's scuffed shot found its way to Lanzini, but defender Phil
Jagielka came to the rescue for the visitors, throwing himself at the shot
to block with his head. Lukaku had a brief sight of goal as he found space
on the right before brusting into the penalty area and beating Collins.
However, the Belgium international dwindled on the ball too long as Fonte
was there to dispossess the forward. Lookman, who had looked bright since
coming off the bench, produced Everton's best shot of the game after 71
minutes, dragging a shot wide of Adrian's post. Moments later, the
19-year-old created another opening on the left-hand side but sent effort
just over the crossbar. Another half-chance went begging for Ronald Koeman's
side late on as substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin produced the perfect cross
for Lukaku but the ball sailed over the head of the Belgian. A last throw of
the dice from West Ham in the final 10 minutes saw a corner find Fonte at
the back post but his header was saved by Stekelenburg.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (6), Collins (8), Fonte (8), Reid (8), Masuaku (7),
Fernandes (6), Nordtveit (7), Kouyate (6), Lanzini (7), Ayew (6), Calleri
(6).
Subs used: Cresswell (6), Sakho (6).
Everton: Stekelenburg (7), Holgate (8), Jagielka (7), Williams (7), Baines
(7), Gueye (5), Schneiderlin (7), Davies (6), Barkley (5), Mirallas (5),
Lukaku (6).
Subs used: Barry (6), Calvert-Lewin (6), Lookman (7).
Man of the Match: James Collins
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Cheeky Pixie Lott shows off her bum in denim shorts during West Ham United
half time performance
The pink-haired singer donned a Hammers football shirt during the show
The Mirror
BYALISTAIR MCGEORGE
19:14, 22 APR 2017
Pixie Lott showed off her cheeky side on Saturday afternoon as she stepped
onto the football pitch at half time during West Ham United's match with
Everton.
The two clubs played to a goalless draw at the London Stadium in London, and
it meant the pink haired singer stole the show with her performance.
Stepping out in a tiny pair of denim shorts, Pixie flaunted her toned bum
and long legs as she belted out a track for the Hammers fans. She completed
her outfit with a West Ham shirt - with 'Pixie' and the number seven on the
back. The star couldn't stop smiling as she took the microphone on the pitch
and got cheered on by the crowd. Pixie certainly seemed excited to be
there, as she chatted on the club's Twitter page before kick off. "Hi, it's
Pixie Lott here," she said. "I'm so excited to be here and performing at the
half time. Come on West Ham!" Unfortunately, she didn't seem to be a good
luck charm, as the team were unable to score a goal in their draw with
Everton. It leaves the club 13th in the Premiere League, with Leicester
City, Burnley and fellow Londoners Crystal Palace all hot on their heels.
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La Liga duo ready to offer West Ham goalkeeper Adrian a route back to Spain
this summer
Adrian, 30, is frustrated at slipping down the pecking order behind Darren
Randolph after four years as first choice at West Ham
The Mirror
BYDARREN WITCOOP
22:00, 22 APR 2017
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian is a target for a host of La Liga clubs this
summer. The Hammers triggered an option to tie down the Spanish stopper for
another 12 months in March. But that has not scared off Espanyol or Athletic
Bilbao as they eye a £3milllion move for Adrian at the end of the season.
Adrian, 30, is frustrated at slipping down the pecking order behind Darren
Randolph after four years as first choice at West Ham. He is settled in
London but with West Ham open to offers, the interest in his homeland could
force a rethink.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic hails 'amazing' West Ham defence for stopping Romelu Lukaku
OLAWALE KUPONIPE
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic believes a tactical change to a three-man defence helped West
Ham keep the Premier League's leading marksman Romelu Lukaku quiet during
their goalless draw against Everton on Saturday. Hammers centre-backs
Winston Reid, Jose Fonte and James Collins produced an excellent display as
the Belgian striker was limited to a single blocked shot. The West Ham boss
admitted he was wary of Lukaku's impressive goalscoring run against West Ham
prior to the game, with the 23-year-old scoring in nine consecutive games
against the Hammers, but praised his side for their meticulous approach to
the game. "It was about stopping the service to Lukaku," Bilic said. "He's a
major threat, scoring 24 goals. The next top goalscorer (for Everton) has
four goals I think so it is about Lukaku. We stopped the service to him from
(Ross) Barkley and (Kevin) Mirallas and when he was getting the ball, we
tried to double him up. "So the whole team, the three at the back, did a
really amazing job on him. "I'm really pleased with the way we played.
Especially if you are talking about how solid we were, how composed we were,
how we kept the shape. If you're talking about effort, determination and
defensive quality, then there's nothing more I could ask from the players.
"They did brilliantly, I told them to be proud of themselves and to use this
pattern as a motivation to boost their confidence for the remainder of the
season."
Bilic also confirmed that midfielder Robert Snodgrass missed out due to a
swollen knee. Meanwhile, Ronald Koeman admitted he felt like making 10
substitutions at half-time after his side's sub-par performance at the
London Stadium. The Toffees failed to register a single shot on target as
their winless run away from Goodison Park stretches back to Boxing Day. Tom
Davies and Idrissa Gueye were the unfortunate duo to be substituted after
the first half as Everton only had one touch in the West Ham's box in the
opening 45 minutes. "I feel sorry for Tom, Gana (Gueye), because if I was
allowed, I would change 10 players after the first half," the Everton boss
said. "(I'm) disappointed about the performance this afternoon. (We were)
far away from the level at every aspect of football. "One positive thing, a
clean sheet and we go home. "We didn't bring intensity to the game, I think
it was too slow. A lot of ball possession, too many players in the centre
position of the midfield. (We) took too much time - in my opinion if you
start a game like this, it's always difficult to change. "It's a nice
stadium, maybe the temperature was a little bit different in the last few
weeks. You try to find some reasons why the team was not at that level we
expect but it's difficult. "I'm not worried, because it's possible, it's
football."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dominant, but ultimately disappointed; for all the Hammers' control over
Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, Slaven Bilic's men could not find
a way past the Toffees' defence as they recorded a 0-0 draw at London
Stadium. West Ham the better side throughout, all three points should have
remained in east London. Instead, Ronald Koeman's side battled hard to earn
a share of the spoils and take a point back to Merseyside. Missing the likes
of skipper Mark Noble, full-back Sam Byram and talisman Andy Carroll, the
hosts' squad was short of regulars, but those who stepped in performed
impressively to create a deafening atmosphere at the Club's new home. Havard
Nordtveit superb in midfield, Arthur Masuaku a constant attacking danger and
dependable centre-half Winston Reid impressive on his return, there seemed
only one winner for the majority of Saturday afternoon. And West Ham had the
better of a first half which included few goalscoring opportunities.
Jonathan Calleri was lively and dangerous early on, and forced the first
corner of the game when his headed attempt from Edimilson Fernandes'
inviting cross was diverted wide via a deflection. Manuel Lanzini's
resulting corner was just out of reach of Cheikhou Kouyate, looking for his
second London Stadium goal in as many games. With almost half an hour gone,
the Hammers forced Everton again to defend as Nordtveit twice struck with
venom, but both efforts were well charged down. Minutes later, Kouyate –
like against Swansea – found himself with space 25 yards from goal, but
unlike a fortnight ago, the midfielder could not direct his strike on goal.
James Collins headed wide the final opportunity of the half, glancing past
the post from Lanzini's centre, but Slaven Bilic's men had shown their
intent with an impressive display over 45 minutes.
The second period began as the first had ended – with the hosts on top.
Lanzini came inches away from giving his team the lead, but his goal-bound
drive from 18 yards smashed the top of Phil Jagielka's head and was cleared.
Fernandes, bright and lively throughout, struck over from the
right-hand-side and with home outfit clearly on top, Lanzini even brought
out a stylish rabona cross on the left. 20 minutes from time, Everton
finally managed a first attempt at goal, though the young sub Ademola
Lookman fired a couple of yards wide from distance. It was then once again
Lanzini's turn to try his luck, but Stekelenburg did well to hold his
deflected curler with Andre Ayew and returning sub Diafra Sakho rushing at
him. And the Senegal forward, making his London Stadium debut, almost
ensured it was one to remember, as he had a dangerous shot blocked from wide
on the left. Applauded off on the referee's whistle, it was a West Ham
performance to be proud of, though ultimately not the desired result gained.
On to the next one.
West Ham United: Adrian, Fernandes, Fonte, Reid, Collins, Masuaku,
Nordtveit, Kouyate (Cresswell 79), Lanzini, Ayew, Calleri (Sakho 62).
Subs not used: Randolph, Fletcher, Holland, Rice, Makasi.
Bookings: Fernandes 33, Fonte 76
Everton: Stekelenburg, Holgate, Williams, Jagielka, Baines, Schneiderlin,
Davies (Lookman 46), Gueye (Barry 46), Mirallas (Calvert-Lewin 72), Barkley,
Lukaku.
Subs: Robles, Kone, Barry, Pennington, Kenny.
Bookings: Gueye 27, Williams 60, Barry 67
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian - We could have got more
WHUFC.com
Adrian pleased with clean sheet on return to Hammers duty against Everton
West Ham United edged goalless Premier League draw at London Stadium
Spaniard had little to do due to superb defensive display in front of him
Adrian was pleased to keep a clean sheet on his return to the West Ham
United starting XI, but felt the Hammers could easily have turned a goalless
draw into a win against Everton. The Spaniard's goal was expertly protected
by a five-man defence and disciplined midfield at London Stadium, with James
Collins, Arthur Masuaku and Havard Nordtveit particularly outstanding in
keeping the in-form Blues at bay. Such was West Ham's outstanding resilience
that Everton did not muster a single shot on target, meaning Romelu Lukaku
was rendered without a goal for the first time in ten career appearances for
the Blues against the Hammers. That said, the home side failed to make the
most of their own chances, which included eight corners, four shots on
target and a host of other promising positions from both set pieces and open
play. "We could have got more from the game," admitted Adrian, who returned
to the starting XI for the first time in 23 Premier League matches dating
back to November. "We played very well in defence and had chances from set
pieces. The game was a bit open in the second half, but at the end of the
day it's a point and a clean sheet for us. "Everton are on a good run and
are fighting for Europe, so we had to give our best to stop them. It was a
tactical game and we want to win every game, but at the end of the day we
got a draw and a point." "After a very long time not playing, I had been
working hard to help my teammates, and today was good for me and for my
teammates because we kept a clean sheet. Now, we have to keep going like
this until the end of the season."
West Ham's draw means they now sit on 38 points with four matches left to
play, starting at Stoke City next week. Such is the logjam in mid-table that
the 13th-place Hammers are just two points from Southampton in ninth, and
just seven ahead of Swansea City in the final relegation place. "It's very
close," the goalkeeper observed. "The table is not very different between
tenth position and 14th or 15th, but we have to think just game by game. "We
have another away game next week, so we have to keep going and fighting
until the end."
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Ian Pearce – The back three were brilliant
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United defender Ian Pearce was impressed with the Hammers'
back three as Slaven Bilic's men kept a clean sheet against in-form Everton.
The 42-year-old, who made 163 appearances in Claret and Blue during his
playing career, admired the performances of Winston Reid, Jose Fonte and
James Collins as the hosts shut out the Toffees and dominated proceedings at
London Stadium. Ultimately, West Ham could not grab a winner but Pearce was
delighted to see the Hammers play so well nonetheless. He said: "It was a
good point. Before the game, I was worried about Romelu Lukaku but
defensively we were really good today. "The back three performed very well
and that was the pleasing point – no goals against; perfect. It shows the
quality that West Ham have. We kept Lukaku quiet and that allowed the rest
of the team to build from that. If you don't concede goals, then it's a
great starting point. "Lukaku can be a beast and unplayable on his day. I
was really impressed with how we played against him."
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Slav hails 'eleven lions'
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic hails 'eleven lions' after injury-depleted West Ham United hold
in-form Everton
Hammers were without nine senior players through injuries and suspensions
Hosts restricted the Blues to zero shots on target at London Stadium
Slaven Bilic has hailed his 'eleven lions' after injury-depleted West Ham
United edged a goalless Premier League draw with Everton. Despite being
without nine senior players through injury and suspension, the Hammers were
the better team for long stretches against Ronald Koeman's in-form Blues.
While they looked defensively sound and kept Romelu Lukaku
uncharacteristically quiet, the home side just could not find the winner
their performance warranted at London Stadium.
"I am really pleased with the performance," the managed confirmed. "We were
expecting a difficult game and all that comes with that, but I told the guys
after the game that I simply couldn't have asked for more from them. "They
were there with their solidity, composure, effort, determination and
dedication, so top marks for them. I'm pleased with the performance and
pleased with the point in one way, but we were looking for all three. If any
team deserved three points, it was us.
"We played against Everton, who are confident because of the run they've
been on and the position they are in in the table and they have everything
to play for, so to limit them required great work and great concentration in
one-on-one situations. "If we have to talk about one negative, it was the
lack of quality or decision in the final third, and that we didn't score a
goal."
Bilic was without the injured Michail Antonio, Andy Carroll, Pedro Obiang,
Angelo Ogbonna, Robert Snodgrass, Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore, while
Mark Noble and Sam Byram were both banned. Despite those notable absences,
the Croatian was able to field a side that drew on experience and guile to
restrict Everton to next to nothing in terms of goalscoring opportunities.
James Collins, Havard Nordtveit, Arthur Masuaku and the returning Winston
Reid were all immense, while the likes of Edimilson Fernandes, Manuel
Lanzini and the tireless Jonathan Calleri also impressed. "I don't want to
moan before the game about the players who are unavailable, because we have
got what we have got and they played like eleven lions there, running for
each other," Bilic continued. "We are lacking some players who are long-term
injured and some players who are short-term injured and are out, but it's
all about the squad and they showed that today."
West Ham now have 38 points with four games to play and sit seven above
Swansea City in the final relegation place. So, does Bilic feel the Hammers
are now safe? "We are always talking about that magic number of 40, so we
might need a few points because we don't want to go into the last game with
a radio!" he half-joked. "Every game is going to be hard, especially now.
Every team is going to be nervous because virtually everybody is fighting
for something. "What pleases me is this performance. We have got five points
from three games and now we are going to approach the Stoke game, which is
another massive one for us and for them, in a positive way and we will make
good preparation for them."
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U15s reach semi-finals in Prague
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U15s have qualified for the semi-finals of the Slavia
International Cup
After dropping points in their first two fixtures of the day, they won the
last dramatically to make it through
Head of U15-18 Coaching Danny Searle praised his side's character
Danny Searle says his U15s showed great character to qualify for the
semi-finals at the Slavia International Cup. The Hammers dropped points in
the first two fixtures of the day, losing to hosts Slavia Prague and then
drawing 0-0 to the Chinese national team. However, Kai Corbett scored a
dramatic winner in their final group match against MSK Zilina to ensure
their progress through to tomorrow's semi-final. "We made it difficult for
ourselves and we had our destiny in own hands," he said. "It was below-par
performance against Slavia Prague but we still had chances to win the game.
Our performance was much better against China and we dominated from start to
finish but we were nowhere near clinical enough. "That left us needing to
win the final game and the boys showed great character to not only take the
lead but to keep a clean sheet and progress."
The Hammers started sluggishly in their opening day two fixture and went
behind early on. After failing to clear their lines, a Slavia Prague player
nipped in a slotted past Josh Roach. Toby King should have levelled on the
stroke of half-time and the Hammers were thankful to Roach midway through
the second half after he saved a penalty. Will Greenidge and Sam Caiger
missed two great opportunites late on but Searle's men dusted themselves
down and went again a few hours later against the Chinese national team.
The Hammers were frustrated in their fixture against the Chinese national
team, creating a number of openings but struggling to find a way past the
goalkeeper.
Caiger was thwarted early on and Amadou Diallo shot over in the second half
but all-in-all it was a disappointing result and it left Searle's players
needing a victory in their final match to make it through to the
semi-finals.
Their final match – against group leaders MSK Zilina – brought extra
pressure, as it was the Hammers who had to force the issue with their
Slovakian opponents only needing a point. The game had few chances but Kai
Corbett took the one that counted brilliantly, midway through the second
half, rifling beyond the keeper to spark jubilant celebrations. It was a
nail-biting final few minutes but the Hammers saw off their previously
unbeaten opponents to set up a semi-final clash against Group B winners
Sparta Prague tomorrow (10am BST). "We've earned the right to play in the
stadium but we want it to be the final. We must make sure we do our job and
focus on the semi-final. Most importantly we need to improve in the final
third," added Searle.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pixie enjoys London Stadium performance
WHUFC.com
Pixie Lott hailed the 'really special' London Stadium after performing her
new song at West Ham United's home. The chart-topping Hammers fan, Strictly
Come Dancing contestant and West End performer put on a superb rendition of
'Baby' at half-time in West Ham's goalless Premier League draw with Everton
on Saturday. After singing in front of nearly 57,000 fans, the 26-year-old
spoke enthusiastically to West Ham TV about the experience of singing at the
home of her favourite football team. "It was amazing!" she smiled. "I think
it was just really special because I've been watching West Ham growing up,
since I was a baby really! "I have come up here with my family, so to sing
out here on the pitch made this a really special day for us, and I am
feeling positive and think we're going to do well. "It's definitely up there
with the best venues I've sung at. It's obviously a really impressive venue
anyway, but it's also special and closer to my heart because I'm a massive
West Ham fan!"
Lott, who scored number one hits with her first two singles, is making a
return to the charts after a three-year absence, during which she has shown
her versatility on stage and screen. "My whole family are here and they've
been so excited to come to London Stadium, so it's been a special day out
for all of us," she enthused.
"I'm really close to all my family and us going to watch West Ham is
something we've all grown up doing, so I guess it just feels more special.
"I support West Ham through and through and I'm feeling positive. I'll be
back at London Stadium again soon, one hundred per cent!"
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West Ham United 0-0 Everton
By Matt Davis
BBC Sport
Everton missed the chance to move into the Premier League top five as they
drew against West Ham in an uninspiring encounter. West Ham's Slaven Bilic
will be the happier of the two managers as the point edges his side closer
to Premier League safety on 38 points, seven clear of Swansea in 18th, with
four games remaining. After a dire first half from both sides, it took
Everton until the 70th minute to register their first shot and they did not
manage an effort on target in the game. Premier League top scorer Romelu
Lukaku was reduced to a passenger and was kept quiet by the Hammers'
excellent three-man defence, his only effort coming from a blocked shot. The
match at the London Stadium had been underway for half an hour before either
side registered a shot and even that came via a deflection. Both sides had
made changes in goal for the game, with Adrian playing his first Premier
League match since 5 November for the Hammers and Everton goalkeeper Maarten
Stekelenburg starting for the first time since 19 December. It was Adrian
who looked the rustier of the two and he almost gifted Everton a goal on 15
minutes after miscuing a throw-in. Edimilson Fernandes threw the ball to the
Spaniard, who mis-kicked it before managing to smother it before Kevin
Mirallas could pounce. West Ham defender James Collins had had the best
chance of the half, heading wide from six yards out. It was the home side
who looked most like scoring after the break, but they continually wasted
chances as the game petered out.
Toffees' away form a concern
Everton had the opportunity to go fifth with a win, but their poor away form
continued. Ronald Koeman's side have now won just twice on their travels in
their last 13 games. Although they enjoyed 65.4% of possession in the first
half, they touched the ball only twice in the opposition's goalmouth. Koeman
tried to change things at half-time, sending on Gareth Barry and Ademola
Lookman for Tom Davies and Idrissa Gueye. It was 19-year-old Lookman who
finally managed a shot for Everton, sending one wide from distance. But his
efforts aside, Everton did not trouble the Hammers defence. The big concern
will have been the form of Lukaku, who leads the Premier League's scoring
chart with 24 goals, but managed just three touches in the Everton box. The
one time he did get on the ball in the box he was marshalled brilliantly by
Collins and it took until the 85th minute for the Toffees to send in a
meaningful cross for him to attack. Only Barcelona forward Lionel Messi,
with 17 goals, has scored more often in the top five European leagues than
Lukaku in 2017. However, only one of the Belgian's 14 goals this year has
come away from home. The point moved Everton into sixth, one point above
Arsenal, who have played three games fewer.
Man of the match - James Collins (West Ham)
Collins excelled in the three-man defence. He made a game-high eight
clearances and five interceptions, and kept Lukaku quiet
'A lot of negatives'
Everton manager Ronald Koeman told BBC Sport: "It was really far from what
we are used to, from the first minute to the last second. "We didn't get the
intensity. It was a poor performance with a lot of negatives. "One positive
is we kept a clean sheet. We like to perform to a certain level and it was
far from that. "I wasn't happy at half-time so we tried to do something. I
couldn't change four, five, six or seven. But I changed two to give a signal
to the team. "We need wins now to get a chance of sixth or fifth place."
'11 lions'
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic told BBC Sport: "I am really pleased with the
performance, I could not ask any more from my players. In terms of effort,
dedication and determination, they get top marks. If any team deserved three
points it was us. "To limit them to one chance requires a lot of hard work.
The only bit of negativity is that I felt at moments we lacked some quality
in our decision-making. We played like 11 lions, one for each other. "We
talk about the magic number of 40 [points for Premier League survival]. I
think we might need a few more points, so we are not going into the last
game [still in danger]."
Stalemate struggles
This was the first Premier League game to finish 0-0 at the London Stadium.
This is just the second time that these two sides have drawn 0-0 in the
Premier League in 42 meetings - the other coming in March 2003 at Goodison
Park.
Everton failed to find the net for just the second time in their last 17
Premier League games.
For the second time this season, Everton have failed to have a shot on
target in a Premier League game - a joint-worst record with Middlesbrough.
This is the first time in Lukaku's Everton career that he has failed to
score against West Ham - having netted in each of his previous nine
appearances against the Hammers.
Lukaku failed to have a shot on target in this match - the third successive
away game the Belgian striker has failed to do so. It is the longest run
without a shot on target away from home in the Premier League.
Adrian kept his fourth clean sheet of the season; the same number fellow
West Ham keeper Darren Randolph has kept but the Spaniard has played 10
games fewer (12 games).
What's next?
West Ham travel to Stoke on Saturday, while Everton host leaders Chelsea on
Sunday, 30 April.
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REF WATCH – ROGER EAST. WEST HAM VS EVERTON
BY SAMTWHWREF ON 22 APRIL 2017 AT 6:11PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Sam Royden
After yet another disappointing game last weekend against a team fighting
for Premier League survival. We welcomed Everton to the London Stadium, of
whom have not won away in the Premier League since January when they beat
Crystal Palace. As ExWHUEmployee confirmed earlier in the week, West Ham
have made four changes, with Adrian starting for the first time in goal
since November and Jonathan Calleri, who is making his first start of the
season. The referee appointed for this fixture was Roger East. This was only
Roger East's 9th Premier League game this season. East has been officiating
throughout the three EFL this season with a tally of 17 games.
In a first half, where there was only one shot on target between both teams,
Roger East's performance was encouraging for a referee who has had limited
exposure to the Premier League this season. The game as a whole was lacking
in quality for large parts with both teams giving the ball away far too
easily. Håvard Nordtveit got caught in position by Ross Barkley just inside
Everton's half and the West Ham man pulled the young England international
down and was lucky to escape without a card within 90 seconds.
Adrian was starting his first game since November and avoided embarrassment
after Fernandes' throw-in bounced awkwardly and the spaniard tried to clear
the ball with Romelu Lukaku looking to pounce on a mistake. Luckily for
Adrian, his clearance ricocheted of Lukaku and Adrian was there to collect
the loose ball.
There were two yellow cards in the first half, both of which were for
tripping an opponent. The first caution went to Everton's Idrissa Gueye
after Jonathan Calleri won the ball at the half way line and the Everton
midfielder tripped the Argentine. East made no hesitation to award the
free-kick and to issued a yellow card. The second yellow card was for
Edimilson Fernandes after the young Swiss brought Leighton Baines down after
catching the left back with an out swung leg.
There were a couple of fouls by Tom Davis and Morgan Schneiderlin which
could have been publishable of a yellow card. Tom Davis is still only 18
years old and looks a very good player but the young midfielder's challenge
on Winston Reid was rash & late, and caught the kiwi on the top of his foot.
I've seen these fouls given yellow cards before and East had a word with
Davis and moved on. Schneiderlin was guilty of bringing down a West Ham
player in the same way that both Gueye and Edimilson Fernandes were punished
for. As a referee, you need to ensure that you're remaining consistent with
your decision making throughout the game.
Lee Probert, who has only refereed once in the Premier League this season,
was initially the fourth official for this fixture however he was forced to
replace Sian Massey-Ellis as assistant referee due to an injury that she
picked up in the first half. Referee and assistant referees train with each
other on a daily basis throughout the week so I didn't expect the forced
change to cause any disruption within the team of officials.
I thought Roger East had a good second half and felt he controlled the game
very well. There were three cautions in the second half with Williams, Barry
and Fonte getting a black mark against their names. Ashley Williams was
cautioned after the Welshman was man handling Cheikhou Kouyaté and
eventually brought him down 20 yards outside Everton's penalty area. This
was certainly a yellow card and East was in a great position to make the
decision. Gareth Barry was a half time substitute for Everton and it didn't
take long for the most booked player in Premier League history to get his
tenth yellow card of the season. Andre Ayew's quick feet put the ball past
Barry before the ex-England international body checked the tricky Ghanian.
Jose Fonte was the second West Ham player to be cautioned after the
Portuguese international caught young player Dominic Calvert-Lewin late.
There were appeals by West Ham players for handball against Ashley Williams.
The West Ham corner came in and was won by a West Ham player. The ball
ricocheted off Ashley William's arm while in the air and whilst he was
challenging for the ball. For handball, it needs to be deliberate and on
this occasion, William's had no idea so it was the correct decision by Roger
East.
There was an incident late in the second half when James Collins was walking
a tight rope by holding Ashley William's shirt during an Everton corner.
Referees have been keen to crack down on off the ball incidents in the
penalty area this season and in my opinion I felt Collins was very lucky. If
East did see it Collins pulling Williams shirt and gave a penalty, there
would be no argument on his decision.
Overall, I thought that Roger East had a good game and taking into
consideration that he's only officiated eight games before this fixture, I
was unsure whether he would be up to the task but he definitely was. The
game wasn't as fast paced as other games this season but it was important
that he managed, controlled and kept up with the game.
I thought West Ham played well and with the injuries and suspensions, it was
good to gain a point against a good Everton side. I felt we had very good
chances and got ourselves into good positions but felt that we lacked
quality in the final third. West Ham currently sit seven points above the
relegation zone with four games to go. Our next game is away to struggling
Stoke next Saturday.
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WEST HAM 0-0 EVERTON – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 22 APRIL 2017 AT 9:22PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
West Ham United 0 Everton FC 0
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham drew even with Everton on Saturday in a scrappy defensive stalemate
on a glorious sunny afternoon at the London Stadium. Slaven Bilic, sitting
precariously in the bottom half of the table, limped into his home ground
without Andy Carroll, Michel Antonio, Mark Noble, or Sam Byram. With
injuries sidelining the first two, and FA suspensions for the latter two,
the hosting crowd had guarded expectations against an Everton side that is
having one of their finest seasons in years.
With missing regulars in the starting XI, Bilic made a number of changes:
Adrian found his way back into the goal for the first time since FA Cup play
ended. He replaced a struggling Darren Randolph. Also the gaffer inserted
Jonathon Calleri, Havard Nordtviet, and Winston Reid.
Everton also made a change in the net as Maarten Stekelenburg replaced Jose
Robles in goal. Ronald Koeman's side has been riding high as of late, as
Romelu Lukaku is leading the league in scoring and the Toffees are still
chasing a Europa League spot.
Early on, Adrian almost caused disaster in the opening minutes as he failed
to clear the ball, under pressure from Kevin Mirallas. Fortunately he was
able to gather possession and otherwise had a well-played match.
Shots on goal were rare for both clubs throughout the match. Both Nordveit
and Cheikhou Kouyate had long range attempts after the first 28 minutes of
play. Both were either saved by Stekelenburg or went wide. For Everton,
they didn't have a single shot on goal the entire first half of play.
Bilic's 5-3-2 seemed to keep Lukaku in check, as his streak of nine straight
goals against West Ham came to an end today.
The second half, saw Ronald Koeman boldly make two halftime substitutions to
try and spur his high-powered attack. Tom Davies and Idrissa Gueye were
replaced by Ademola Lookman and Gareth Barry for the second half. But the
result was the same. Lookman did have Everton's first shots as he took
consecutive attempts in the 70th and 72nd which were either over or wide.
Given the Hammer's recent futility in defending, the final whistle from
Roger East was a welcome sound as the one point result keeps West Ham seven
away from the drop zone. For the Toffees they climb to sixth ahead of a
struggling Arsenal team.
Of note: the defending was tenacious. With James Collins reminding his home
stadium why he is such a fan favourite. Manual Lanzini had brilliant
moments but without Dimitri Payet or even Antonio, he needs some assistance
on the attack. Diafra Sakho returned in the second half. Whether he can
finish the season uninjured and without his coach running him off the team
before the summer transfer window will be interesting. A fit Sakho is a
great attacking option but with only a few dates remaining on the schedule,
will he have time to find his form?
Despite two back-to-back draws, West Ham still is only seven points away
from disaster. While the bottom two is practically settled, the third
relegation spot is a dangerous moving target. A Saturday visit to
Britannia Stadium will be a monumental fixture, as Stoke sits only a point
ahead of West Ham. At least supporters leaving the London Stadium today can
take heart that, at long last, the Hammers finally seemed to remember the
West Ham Way of defending.
West Ham: Adrian, Collins, Fonte, Reid, Masuaku, Fernandes, Nordtveit,
Kouyate, Lanzini, Ayew, Calleri.
Subs: Randolph, Cresswell, Rice, Mikasi, Holland, Sakho, Fletcher
Everton: Stekelenburg, Holgate, Jagielka, Williams, Baines, Gueye,
Schneiderlin, Davies, Barkley, Mirallas, Lukaku.
Subs: Robles, Kone, Barry, Calvert-Lewin, Lookman, Pennington, Kenny
Referee: Roger East
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic left 'gutted' after West Ham held by Everton
By Oliver Yew
Last Updated: 22/04/17 8:00pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praised his side's performance insisted they
deserved all three points after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton. The
Hammers produced a superb defensive performance with centre-backs Winston
Reid, Jose Fonte and James Collins limiting Romelu Lukaku to a single
blocked shot. And they produced the better chances but it proved to be a
frustrating afternoon for Bilic and his side. "We deserved to win," Bilic
told Sky Sports. "To be fair I couldn't have asked for more from my players
and I told them that in the dressing room. "We can talk a little bit about
a lack of quality decisions in and around the box but the spirit, the
determination, the team effort, the defensive side of the game and how solid
we were was excellent. "It's not easy," he added. "We can talk about how
they were not good but it is Everton, a team that's very capable of creating
chances and scoring goals. To limit them to not a single chance in the whole
game you need quality and effort and that's what we had. "I'm only gutted
that we didn't win the game."
Bilic admitted before the game that he was wary of Lukaku's impressive
goalscoring run against his side, with the 23-year-old scoring in nine
consecutive games against the Hammers. At times this season West ham's
defending has been called into question, but that was not the problem
against Everton. And Bilic praised his side for their meticulous approach to
the game. "During the season we've scored enough goals," Bilic said. "Not
today obviously but for us it's been the question of conceding goals.
Against Everton we were great in that but with this game there is
frustration because we didn't have clear cut opportunities. "We did have
eight or nine situations though where we could have scored and we couldn't
but it is very positive. It was a really good team performance in front of a
great crowd. We got a point but we wanted three. "We knew it would be
extremely hard but we go to the next game in a very positive way."
The point means West Ham are seven points above the relegation places with
only four games remaining but Bilic insists the battle to best the drop is
far from over. "Unfortunately it's not a point that guarantees safety," he
added. "Swansea won the game and Hull won the game so it's still not sorted.
However, what pleases me is the performance and we move on to the next
game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 0-0 Everton: Ronald Koeman's men left frustrated at London Stadium
By Oliver Yew
Last Updated: 22/04/17 7:36pm
SSN
Everton suffered a setback in their bid for a top-five Premier League finish
as they were held to a 0-0 draw by West Ham at the London Stadium on
Saturday.
In a game of very few chances, West Ham, marshalled by Jose Fonte and James
Collins, nullified the threat of the Premier League's top goalscorer Romelu
Lukaku, who barely had a shot on goal. The hosts were the more threatening
side as the game wore on with Manuel Lanzini and James Collins both forcing
saves from Maarten Stekelenburg, but neither side could break the deadlock
on what was a frustrating afternoon in east London. The point inches Slaven
Bilic's side closer to top-flight safety - they are now seven points above
the drop zone with four matches remaining. Everton, they move back above
Arsenal into sixth but are two points behind Manchester United in fifth
having played three more games than Jose Mourinho's men, who take on Burnley
live on Nissan Super Sunday. West Ham made four changes with Jonathan
Calleri making his first Premier League start in place of the injured Andy
Carroll, while there was a change in goal for Everton with Stekelenburg
replacing Joel Robles. There was a slow start to proceedings at the London
Stadium with the pace of the game representing that of an end of season
game. Adrian, who was back in goal in place of Darren Randolph, nearly
produced a costly error when his clearance was charged down by Lukaku, but
the Spanish goalkeeper quickly pounced on the ball ahead of Kevin Mirallas.
It took until the 29th minute for the first shot to come and it fell to West
Ham but Havard Nordtveit's deflected strike was easily saved by
Stekelenburg. Cheikhou Kouyate then found some space 25 yards from goal but
fired his shot wide of the post before Collins headed wide from Lanzini's
cross as West Ham finished the half the stronger of the two sides. Ronaldo
Koeman reacted at the break by sending on Gareth Barry and Ademola Lookman
for Idrissa Gueye and Tom Davies. But it was West Ham who continued their
momentum and Lanzini was in the thick of the action again. Andre Ayew picked
out Edimilson Fernandes in acres of space on the right flank and the Swiss
midfielder's scuffed shot found its way to Lanzini, but defender Phil
Jagielka came to the rescue for the visitors, throwing himself at the shot
to block with his head. Lukaku had a brief sight of goal as he found space
on the right before brusting into the penalty area and beating Collins.
However, the Belgium international dwindled on the ball too long as Fonte
was there to dispossess the forward. Lookman, who had looked bright since
coming off the bench, produced Everton's best shot of the game after 71
minutes, dragging a shot wide of Adrian's post. Moments later, the
19-year-old created another opening on the left-hand side but sent effort
just over the crossbar. Another half-chance went begging for Ronald Koeman's
side late on as substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin produced the perfect cross
for Lukaku but the ball sailed over the head of the Belgian. A last throw of
the dice from West Ham in the final 10 minutes saw a corner find Fonte at
the back post but his header was saved by Stekelenburg.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (6), Collins (8), Fonte (8), Reid (8), Masuaku (7),
Fernandes (6), Nordtveit (7), Kouyate (6), Lanzini (7), Ayew (6), Calleri
(6).
Subs used: Cresswell (6), Sakho (6).
Everton: Stekelenburg (7), Holgate (8), Jagielka (7), Williams (7), Baines
(7), Gueye (5), Schneiderlin (7), Davies (6), Barkley (5), Mirallas (5),
Lukaku (6).
Subs used: Barry (6), Calvert-Lewin (6), Lookman (7).
Man of the Match: James Collins
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cheeky Pixie Lott shows off her bum in denim shorts during West Ham United
half time performance
The pink-haired singer donned a Hammers football shirt during the show
The Mirror
BYALISTAIR MCGEORGE
19:14, 22 APR 2017
Pixie Lott showed off her cheeky side on Saturday afternoon as she stepped
onto the football pitch at half time during West Ham United's match with
Everton.
The two clubs played to a goalless draw at the London Stadium in London, and
it meant the pink haired singer stole the show with her performance.
Stepping out in a tiny pair of denim shorts, Pixie flaunted her toned bum
and long legs as she belted out a track for the Hammers fans. She completed
her outfit with a West Ham shirt - with 'Pixie' and the number seven on the
back. The star couldn't stop smiling as she took the microphone on the pitch
and got cheered on by the crowd. Pixie certainly seemed excited to be
there, as she chatted on the club's Twitter page before kick off. "Hi, it's
Pixie Lott here," she said. "I'm so excited to be here and performing at the
half time. Come on West Ham!" Unfortunately, she didn't seem to be a good
luck charm, as the team were unable to score a goal in their draw with
Everton. It leaves the club 13th in the Premiere League, with Leicester
City, Burnley and fellow Londoners Crystal Palace all hot on their heels.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
La Liga duo ready to offer West Ham goalkeeper Adrian a route back to Spain
this summer
Adrian, 30, is frustrated at slipping down the pecking order behind Darren
Randolph after four years as first choice at West Ham
The Mirror
BYDARREN WITCOOP
22:00, 22 APR 2017
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian is a target for a host of La Liga clubs this
summer. The Hammers triggered an option to tie down the Spanish stopper for
another 12 months in March. But that has not scared off Espanyol or Athletic
Bilbao as they eye a £3milllion move for Adrian at the end of the season.
Adrian, 30, is frustrated at slipping down the pecking order behind Darren
Randolph after four years as first choice at West Ham. He is settled in
London but with West Ham open to offers, the interest in his homeland could
force a rethink.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic hails 'amazing' West Ham defence for stopping Romelu Lukaku
OLAWALE KUPONIPE
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic believes a tactical change to a three-man defence helped West
Ham keep the Premier League's leading marksman Romelu Lukaku quiet during
their goalless draw against Everton on Saturday. Hammers centre-backs
Winston Reid, Jose Fonte and James Collins produced an excellent display as
the Belgian striker was limited to a single blocked shot. The West Ham boss
admitted he was wary of Lukaku's impressive goalscoring run against West Ham
prior to the game, with the 23-year-old scoring in nine consecutive games
against the Hammers, but praised his side for their meticulous approach to
the game. "It was about stopping the service to Lukaku," Bilic said. "He's a
major threat, scoring 24 goals. The next top goalscorer (for Everton) has
four goals I think so it is about Lukaku. We stopped the service to him from
(Ross) Barkley and (Kevin) Mirallas and when he was getting the ball, we
tried to double him up. "So the whole team, the three at the back, did a
really amazing job on him. "I'm really pleased with the way we played.
Especially if you are talking about how solid we were, how composed we were,
how we kept the shape. If you're talking about effort, determination and
defensive quality, then there's nothing more I could ask from the players.
"They did brilliantly, I told them to be proud of themselves and to use this
pattern as a motivation to boost their confidence for the remainder of the
season."
Bilic also confirmed that midfielder Robert Snodgrass missed out due to a
swollen knee. Meanwhile, Ronald Koeman admitted he felt like making 10
substitutions at half-time after his side's sub-par performance at the
London Stadium. The Toffees failed to register a single shot on target as
their winless run away from Goodison Park stretches back to Boxing Day. Tom
Davies and Idrissa Gueye were the unfortunate duo to be substituted after
the first half as Everton only had one touch in the West Ham's box in the
opening 45 minutes. "I feel sorry for Tom, Gana (Gueye), because if I was
allowed, I would change 10 players after the first half," the Everton boss
said. "(I'm) disappointed about the performance this afternoon. (We were)
far away from the level at every aspect of football. "One positive thing, a
clean sheet and we go home. "We didn't bring intensity to the game, I think
it was too slow. A lot of ball possession, too many players in the centre
position of the midfield. (We) took too much time - in my opinion if you
start a game like this, it's always difficult to change. "It's a nice
stadium, maybe the temperature was a little bit different in the last few
weeks. You try to find some reasons why the team was not at that level we
expect but it's difficult. "I'm not worried, because it's possible, it's
football."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, April 22
Daily WHUFC News II - 22nd April 2017
Manager on Matchday
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic shares his thoughts as West Ham United prepare to host Everton
at London Stadium…
Good morning everyone.
Before I talk about today's game, I want to say a few words about Ugo
Ehiogu, who sadly passed away on Friday at the age of just 44.
I didn't know Ugo personally but I played against him, and he was a proper
gentleman and a proper player.
It is a big, big shock and our deepest condolences go out to Ugo's family,
friends and everyone who knew him.
We face Everton at London Stadium today in the Premier League and it is
another big game for us.
We hope to get the win this afternoon that would get us to that magic number
of 40 points and that should be enough for us to be safe, but we are not
thinking only of three more points.
We have five games left to play and 15 points to play for and we want to get
as many as we can, because we have shown we have a chance in every game when
we are good. We have got four points from the last two games and we want to
continue in that way.
Today, we play Everton and we have to stop Romelu Lukaku, which is a job not
only for our defenders, but for the whole team.
We have played well against him before, but he has still managed to score
goals. He can do you harm, but we need to stop the service to him, because
that will prevent him having the ball in dangerous positions. When he does
get the service, we need to double him and stop him getting shots away.
He is definitely one of the best strikers in Europe at the moment. He is
consistent, especially for his age, and has been scoring goals regularly and
getting better and better. I rate him really, really highly.
He's been linked with a lot of big, big clubs and Everton have shown how big
and ambitious they are by keeping him.
Everton are not one player, though. They are a very confident team,
especially at home, and they have removed the vulnerability they had last
season and are much more solid, and kept their offensive strength. They have
a lot of energy and ability.
Concentrating on our own fortunes, these five games are going to determine
where we are going to finish in the Premier League.
We are in a position where we can look above us, but we also need to keep
the gap below us and the relegation zone big. We can finish higher in the
table and a lot of things can happen in the last five games, as we found
when we lost five in a row recently.
The table is very congested, but it is more or less the same in most top
leagues in Europe, where the gaps between the mid-table teams are very
small.
We are without a number of important players today – Andy Carroll, Pedro
Obiang, Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio through injury and Sam Byram
after his red card at Sunderland – but we hope to have Diafra Sakho and
Winston Reid available.
Reidy has been training this week and he looked good, so his return would be
a big boost for us. Diafra was injured and missed the Sunderland game but he
returned to training on Thursday and we will assess him ahead of today's
game.
Whoever plays, we need to take our chances when we create them and be
stronger defensively, because in our recent matches we have taken a lead a
few times and not built on it.
We need to use our momentum to kill games off when we get our noses in front
and that will be the same if we go ahead today.
Defensively, we know the opposition will take risks and create chances if
they are behind, so we also need to be stronger and show more resolve as a
team to maintain our advantage.
Come on you Irons!
Slaven Bilic
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Pixie Lott to perform at London Stadium
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fan and singer Pixie Lott will perform her new song 'Baby'
at half-time in Saturday's Premier League meeting with Everton.
The 26-year-old star will entertain the sell-out London Stadium crowd with
the dance track, which is the first single Pixie has released since 2014.
Baby is a collaboration with DJ and producer Anton Powers and was performed
live on The Voice UK Final on BBC 1 earlier this month.
A popular performer, Pixie's debut single 'Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)' went
straight to number one in the UK Singles Chart in 2009, while her second
single 'Boys and Girls' also went to number one.
In recent years, she has also appeared on television in a variety of roles,
both as an actress and contestant, most notably on Strictly Come Dancing and
The Voice Kids UK.
Last year, she starred as Holly Golightly in a successful run of the musical
Breakfast at Tiffany's in London's West End.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Both Sides of the Fence - Mark Ward
WHUFC.com
As someone who enjoyed a successful career with both West Ham and Everton,
Mark Ward truly knows what it means to be Claret and Blue.
Born in Prescot, Merseyside in October 1962, the winger joined his boyhood
heroes Everton as a schoolboy but was left devastated when the club released
him in his first year as a professional for being too small.
He battled back to forge a career at Oldham Athletic, before John Lyall paid
£250,000 to bring him to West Ham in the summer of 1985. 'Wardy' became an
instant fan favourite at Upton Park thanks to his pace, skill and
fully-committed approach, and played a key role in the record-breaking
1985-86 campaign, when Hammers reached their highest-ever league finish.
Despite remaining one of the club's most consistent performers over the next
three years, Mark suffered the pain of relegation and the departure of Lyall
in 1989 and, after falling out with his successor Lou Macari, joined
Manchester City in December 1989 after 165 appearances for the Hammers.
In 1991, his career came full circle when he signed for Everton for £1m and
finally achieved his dream of playing at Goodison Park. After three
successful years with his boyhood heroes, he joined Birmingham City and then
had further spells with Huddersfield and Leigh RMI before hanging up his
boots...
It will be a very tough game for West Ham given the amount of injuries and
suspensions Slaven has.
Thankfully, though, they have picked up those four points from their last
two games that have pushed them into a relatively safe position, and
hopefully they will approach this one feeling more relaxed and confident.
I've seen a lot of West Ham this season and it obviously hasn't gone as well
as everyone hoped, especially after such a fantastic campaign last year.
It's a shame that they haven't been able to build on that, and there are
probably lots of reasons why, but the main thing now is that they make sure
of their Premier League status - which I believe they have already done -
and look forward to next season. I've got a lot of respect for Slaven and
the chairmen, who I know from my time at Birmingham, and I know how much
they all want success for West Ham.
Everton are in great form at the moment and Romelu Lukaku will no doubt be
looking forward to the game.
His record against West Ham is phenomenal - I think it's nine games in a row
he has scored against them. Sometimes as a player you just have those
certain teams that you just seem to play well against and it almost becomes
psychological. I remember mine was Sheffield United - I always seemed to
score against them or have a brilliant game. I wouldn't say Lukaku is
unplayable but on his day he is a very difficult opponent, and West Ham's
central defenders will need to be on top of their game against him. There
are obviously suggestions that Winston Reid will be back from injury and
that would be great news for Slaven, because he has been one of the more
consistent performers, and James Collins has also played very well lately.
In some ways, you can compare West Ham's season to what happened to us after
1985-86.
We obviously had an exceptional season, that no-one really saw coming, but
it became far more difficult for us the following year. Basically, teams
sussed us out, and took us a lot more seriously. The tactics towards us
changed, and then we suffered injuries to some key players, which hadn't
happened the previous year. Suddenly things can become difficult very
quickly, and I think that has been the case for West Ham this season.
They've lost vital players for long periods - including Payet altogether of
course - and that is always going to have an impact. Mind you, it shows how
much football has changed when you think that, after finishing third in
1985-86, we didn't make a single new signing that summer. Imagine a team
finishing in the Champions League places now and not buying any new players!
A lot has been said about the new stadium and its effect on the team but,
I've got to be honest, I don't really buy into that.
A game of football is a pitch and two goals, and that doesn't change whether
you are playing at London Stadium, Goodison Park, Anfield or Hackney
Marshes! As a player, that was my philosophy, it didn't matter where I was
playing. There have been a number of reasons for West Ham's struggles this
season, but I don't think the stadium is one of them, and it certainly can't
be used as an excuse going into next season and the season after. At the end
of the day, it is a fantastic arena, with 57,000 fans packed in, and we've
seen at times how special it can be. I know I'd love to be playing there!
I actually watched the video highlights of the '85-86 season recently and, I
have to say, how good were we!
I was staying with a great friend of mine, Mick Tobyn, while working down
here, and his son Danny put it on. I'd just got in, I was knackered and just
wanted to jump in the shower, but I sat down and started watching it, and I
had to watch it to the end! I had never really looked back on it, and it
made me realise how special that team was. It was fantastic to be a part of,
and I will always treasure those memories.
I can say for sure now that I would never have left West Ham in 1989 if John
Lyall or Billy Bonds had been in charge.
I had a personality clash with Lou Macari and, basically, I felt that man
wasn't good enough to manage the club I loved. I didn't like the way he
wanted us to play - for him to say that I couldn't collect the ball from
Phil Parkes throwing it out was ridiculous. With the players we had in our
side, yet he wanted Parkesy to kick it long. And Parkesy couldn't kick it
anyway because his knees were dodgy! In hindsight, perhaps I should have
been a bit more patient, because it was a bit of a kick in the teeth to see
Macari go and Bonzo take over just a couple of months after I left. That was
the story of my career, though. I left Everton in 1994 under Mike Walker,
and just a few months later my old boss at Oldham Joe Royle came in and took
them to FA Cup glory that season!
West Ham will always have a piece of my heart but I think everyone knows
that Everton is in my blood.
It was almost 10 years to the day between them letting me go for nothing and
buying me back for a million pounds. I made my home debut at Goodison Park
against the champions Arsenal, the long wait to pull on the blue shirt,
coming out to the Z Cars theme. I'd taken a kick from Stuart Pearce the week
before when we played away at Nottingham Forest, but I wouldn't go in for
treatment in case the physio stopped me playing against Arsenal! I scored
two goals in a 3-1 win, and I always say it was probably my greatest ever
game of football. And although my departure from West Ham hadn't been very
pleasant, I have to look back and say that it actually led to me achieving
my boyhood dream.
I've worked hard to get my life back on track since coming out of prison in
2009.
I made a big mistake, and I paid the price for it, but I appreciate what
I've got now and life is positive. In 2014, I got married to Michelle, who
has made me very happy, and we are about to set up a small floristry
business in Liverpool, which we hope will be successful. I do some work on
the after-dinner speaking circuit, and I've also set up a successful West
Ham pre-match event that takes place at the East Ham Working Men's Club at
Upton Park before Saturday home games. The idea came from something similar
that happens in a pub near Everton, and so far it has been a great success.
We have a former player come in for every event, and lay on buses afterwards
to take everyone over to London Stadium. It's great for me personally to
stay involved, and to still have that bond with West Ham fans that I cherish
so dearly.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Three Key Battles - Everton
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will hope to improve upon their disappointing Premier League
record against Everton when Ronald Koeman's side travel to London Stadium on
Saturday.
The Toffees have been beaten just once in their last 17 top flight meetings
with this afternoon's hosts, though that single victory for the Hammers did
come at Goodison Park last season.
With four points from their last two games, Slaven Bilic's outfit are keen
to build momentum and finish as high up the table as possible as the season
reaches its climax.
And the following six players will be vital for their respective sides on
the London Stadium pitch as West Ham and Everton go to battle…
Collins v Williams
With Winston Reid missing the last four matches through injury, James
Collins has returned to the side, looking to build a partnership alongside
Jose Fonte in the centre of defence.
The Welshman has played his part in the Hammers' recent positive results
too, scoring in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Sunderland.
That goal – which means his tally is double that of Everton defender and
international teammate Ashley Williams – was as important as his defensive
display at home to Swansea City was a fortnight ago.
Williams has been in fine form this season too, and has, over a number of
years now, been one of the Premier League's most consistent performers.
Lanzini v Barkley
With the burden of providing goals and chances for teammates resting on
their shoulders, Manuel Lanzini and Ross Barkley are hugely important to
today's sides.
Lanzini's performances since Christmas, during which he has scored four of
his five goals from open play this season, have been particularly impressive
and his passing stats rival the best in the Premier League.
Barkley's style is less measured and more off-the-cuff than the Argentine's,
but it is exciting and gets Toffees fans off their seats. The Englishman, as
shown by the above statistics, isn't afraid to try a killer pass or take a
shot at goal.
All of Lanzini's 2017 goals have come at London Stadium, so Hammers
supporters everywhere will be hoping he can add another to his collection on
Saturday.
Ayew v Mirallas
With Andy Carroll missing through injury and Michail Antonio ruled out for
the season, Andre Ayew will be the man the Hammers look to on Saturday for
goals, having bagged four in his last eight games.
Similar to Ayew, Kevin Mirallas normally plays off the main striker or on
the wing, and likes to get amongst the goals as well.
The Belgian, in-and-out of Ronald Koeman's starting XI this season, has an
impressive total of six assists to go alongside his four goals and has found
the back of the net three times previously against West Ham.
Could a goal from either of the pair prove crucial on Saturday?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble urges Hammers to end Everton run
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble urges teammates to end decade-long run without a home league win
over Everton
West Ham United have not beaten Toffees in east London in top-flight since
April 2007
Suspended captain Noble says victory on Saturday would make Hammers all but
safe
Mark Noble has urged his teammates to embrace the spirit of the Great Escape
when West Ham United host Everton on Saturday. The Hammers have not beaten
the Blues on home turf in the Premier League since 21 April 2007, when Bobby
Zamora's wondergoal helped West Ham to a vital 1-0 win on their way to
miraculously beating the drop. Ten years on and the east Londoners welcome
the Merseysiders to London Stadium without seven senior players, including
captain Noble, through injury and suspension, but the skipper is not taking
that for an excuse for another defeat to the Toffees. "I was told that it
was ten years ago this week that we last beat the Blues at home in the
Premier League, 1-0 in a game I remember well because Bobby Zamora whipped
in a fantastic goal on our way to pulling off the Great Escape!" he recalled
in his exclusive column for Saturday's Official Programme. "While we are not
in immediate danger this season, we do need to pick up a positive result
this weekend if we are going to ensure our Premier League place for next
season. "If we can get the win, we will get to the 40-point mark and also be
in mid-table which, when you consider all the challenges we have faced this
season, not only as a team but as a Club, that's not a bad position to be
in."
Noble knows his teammates, including the returning Winston Reid, will need
to be at their best to stop Everton and their regular West Ham nemesis
Romelu Lukaku, who has scored in nine straight appearances against the
Hammers. But Everton are not the same force away from Goodison Park as they
are on home turf, as the midfielder pointed out, and he believes a lively
London Stadium atmosphere could help the hosts end their unwanted recent
record against both Lukaku and the Blues. "It's going to be tough, because
Everton are having a fantastic season," observed the No16, who is completing
a two-match ban for receiving ten yellow cards. "They are a force at home at
Goodison Park, where they have only lost once and have picked up 40 of their
57 points, but they are not quite so good on the road. "We need to take
advantage of that and recreate the performance we put in against Swansea
City a fortnight ago, when we created more than enough chances to win far
more comfortably than we did in the end. "The atmosphere that afternoon was
brilliant and, for me, was what the traditional West Ham United is all about
– everyone pulling together when our backs are against the wall and coming
out with the right result on the other side. "It was a massive game and the
atmosphere you created was incredible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U15s top the group in Prague
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U15s won their opening two matches at the Slavia
International Cup
As a result, they top Group A with three games left to play
The Hammers beat St Polten (Austria) 1-0 and Jiangsu Suning (China) 2-0
Head of U15-U18 Coaching Danny Searle believes his team have laid down a
marker after winning their opening two matches at the Slavia International
Cup.
The young Hammers travelled to Prague, Czech Republic yesterday and today
beat SKN St.Polten (Austria) and Jiangsu Suning (China) to top Group A.
They won the first 1-0 thanks to a close-range finish from Dan Chesters
before cruising to victory in the second match after goals from Amadou
Diallo and Charlie O'Connell.
"The first day is always tough and you have to make sure you're still in the
competition at the close of play," said Searle.
"The performances weren't necessarily the types we want but we did get
better as the games went on.
"We haven't conceded and we're top of the group so we have laid down a
marker and put breathing space between us and the rest.
The Hammers took on St.Polten in their first match and had to dig-in for the
three points against their resilient Austrian opponents.
Harry Costa went close in the opening stages with a long-range effort before
Chesters opened the scoring, sliding in to convert Captain Sam Caiger's
cross.
Polten went close in the final stages but the Hammers registered three
points in their opening game and used their momentum to dominate their
second fixture.
Their opponents Suning were no match for the East Londoners who went ahead
on the stroke of half-time thanks to a wonderful run and finish from Diallo.
Kai Corbett missed a great chance to double the lead midway through the
second half before substitute Charlie O'Connell finished well to ensure West
Ham topped Group A going into Day Two.
"Other teams have slipped up today so that gives us great confidence going
into a packed day tomorrow," added Searle.
"The aim is to reach the final and it's a great incentive that it will be
played at Slavia Prague's 20,000 seater stadium."
The Hammers play three group games tomorrow against hosts Slavia Prague, the
Chinese national team and MSK Zilina (Slovakia).
West Ham (v SKN St. Polten): Roach, Greenidge (O'Connell), Caiger, Costa,
Thomas, Nsumbu (Fevrier), Diallo, Chesters, Corbett (Khouri), Peake (Swyer),
King (Maragh).
Subs not used: Wilson-Esbrand.
Goals: Chesters.
Bookings: Costa.
West Ham (v Jiangsu Suning): Roach, Greenidge (O'Connell), Caiger (Fevrier),
Costa, Thomas, Nsumbu, Diallo (Maragh), Chesters, Corbett (Khouri), Lennon
Peake (Swyer), King.
Subs not used: Wilson-Esbrand.
Goals: Diallo, O'Connell.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Phillips - Boys are relishing tests
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s travel to Manchester United tomorrow (1pm)
The Hammers haven't played a competitive fixture for three weeks
Mark Phillips thinks his players are looking forward to the final few tests
of the season
Mark Phillips believes his U18s are relishing their final few fixtures which
see them take on some of the biggest teams in the Academy scene.
The Hammers take on Manchester United today (1pm) at the Aon Training
Complex after a long three-week break from competitive action.
With three games left to play this season, assistant boss Phillips hopes his
team can end another terrific season on a positive note.
"It's a game that all the boys are looking forward to," he said. "We're not
sure what we're up against but the lads are relishing it. "
"It will be a bit of a balancing act with the U23s who have a really
important game on Monday night, which they have to win. So, we don't know
what personnel we'll have at this stage."
The Hammers last played against Liverpool three weeks ago, and despite going
behind with a few minutes to play, they deservedly hit back in the dying
embers to snatch a point.
Steve Potts's men started on the front foot from the first whistle and went
close when Jahmal Hector-Ingram forced the keeper into action from a tight
angle.
The Hammers emerged from the interval with the same intensity and missed a
terrific chance to take a deserved lead. Hector-Ingram returned the favour
for Anthony Scully who shot over from point blank range.
Against the run of play though, Liverpool snatched the lead with just
minutes to go. A mix-up in the Hammers defence allowed Okera Simmonds to
slot home from the edge of the box.
But the Hammers got their just rewards in injury time. Hector-Ingram was
brought down by the Liverpool keeper and up stepped Joe Powell to fire home
the penalty and give the visitors a deserved point.
"If you look at the chances we had, we had numerous occasions where we
should have scored," Phillips continued. "On chances created, we definitely
should have taken more than a point.
"It was a long six hour coach journey. To get off the coach, have little
time to warm-up and then play a competitive game of football is testament to
the boys.
"We were very pleased with their performance. It was up there with one of
our best performances of the season against good opposition."
Phillips now hopes the tasks coming up will spur his young players on to
finish the season well.
"We had a friendly recently against Barnet which was a worthwhile exercise
and a good, competitive game.
"You won't get three bigger games than Manchester United, Manchester City
and Arsenal. They're among the biggest teams in this country and that's an
incentive for us to keep going till the end of the season.
Kick-off between West Ham United U18s and Manchester United is at 1pm on
Saturday at the Aon Training Complex.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MARK WARD'S EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: HOW DO YOU STOP LUKAKU?!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 21 APRIL 2017 AT 9:38PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
By Mark Ward @mark7ward
I am an Evertonian Hammer and have fond memories from my time at both clubs.
The two clubs have many links with a number of players having played for
both clubs, including our current manager Slaven Bilic. Both clubs mean so
much to me and it was at Goodison that we played (and lost) our final game
of the record breaking 85/86 season.
There is one player that obviously stands out as the biggest threat from the
opposition and that is Lukaku. His goalscoring record against the Hammers
is ridiculous and I think Slav should play with three centre backs to try
and counter his threat. His supply through the middle is often from scouser
Ross Barclay and they offer the biggest threat.
It is a very important game for the Hammers as I still do not believe they
are safe just yet, if they get a win however, they can start to look forward
to Premier League football next year.
I hope to see many of you at the West Ham Way Event tomorrow with former
Hammer of the Year Matthew Etherington. I really would urge you to come to
one of these events if you haven't before. COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United v Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th April 2017
By: Preview Percy
What does Ross Barkley have in common with Professor Stephen Hawking? More
than you might think actually. They both feature in Preview Percy's look at
this weekend's visit of Everton for a start. And, well, that's it
really......
Next up we play host to Everton. 3pm Saturday kick-off at the Olympic. Light
cloud and an anticipated high of 15 degrees (66.2 degrees in real
temperatures). Slight chance of a mid-morning shower. Now I have a piece of
news that might rightly be regarded as earth-shattering.
It is this: there are no engineering works between Liverpool Street and
points east on Greater Anglia this weekend. Well not until you get as far as
Ipswich anyway. Amazing isn't it? I mean we are at home and they are
thinking of running a train service. I mean don't go shouting about it or
they will realise it's an admin error or something and start digging the
tracks up again.
So Everton. Bit of a bogey team over the years. We have had the odd blip in
our favour here and there – beating them on penalties in the Cup in the
famous Adrian "gloves off" match and last year's comeback from 2-0 down up
on their patch leap to mind. However more often than not they have had the
edge – even when we have clearly been the better side.
They currently lie in 7th spot with 57 points from 33 games. They're not
exactly looking over their shoulders, having as they do a 13 point cushion
over West Brom in 8th place. Looking up they are just behind Arsenal in 6th
on goal difference though they have played two more matches. Both are three
points shy of the Thursday Night League qualification spot occupied by the
Salford Moaners who seem to have twigged that winning the Thursday Night
League might just be their best way of qualifying for the So Called
Champions League.
As usual the criteria for European qualification seems to have been put
together using some of the more fanciful equations used by Stephen Hawking
to prove the existence of Richard Dawkins but from Everton's point of view
they are in with a shout of some foreign travel next season, though our
experience suggests that that may be more hassle than it ends up being
worth.
It's been an eventful week or two in the Goodison area. There was already
some ongoing debate about the progress made by Ross Barkley in recent years.
Then he went out and got himself decked in an unprovoked attack which
Merseyplod are apparently investigating. This prompted Sun ex-editor and
columnist Kelvin MacKenzie to weigh in with his two pennorth-worth likening
the part-Nigerian Barkley to a "Gorilla" and suggesting that the Barkley is
one of the country's dimmest footballers.
The graphics department helpfully published a photo of Barkley next to a
gorilla (I presume there were captions for the hard of thinking to explain
which was which) and enquired as to whether the player was the missing link.
Both the Sun and MacKenzie denied having knowledge of Barkley's racial
background.
Now Barkley may well be not exactly the sharpest tool in the box – let's
face it professional footballers on the whole probably aren't
over-represented in the MENSA membership registers. But MacKenzie might want
to ponder the definition of the word dim and ask himself the question as to
which of them which one of them was "dim" enough to publish something so
stupid that they have been suspended from their job pending an
investigation. For the Sun readers amongst you the clue is it wasn't
Barkley.
The work experience girl wearing the Cult t-shirt without knowing who they
are tells me they brought in just the two players during the last window.
The big money (£20m plus another £4m in potential add-ons) went on Morgan
Schneiderlin who was out of favour, never having quite managed to get in
favour at Old Trafford. He had fallen so far down the pecking order that
France initially blanked him for last summer's Euros and, although injuries
did see him called up to the squad, he failed to make an appearance in the
tournament.
A "mere" £7.5m was required to prise Ademola Lookman from Charlton.
Lookman's surname sounds a bit Geordie though he is in fact from Wandsworth.
The 19 year-old has England honours at U18 and U19 level thus far in his
career and he turned down flat an invitation from the Nigerian FA to switch
allegiance to the country of his parents' ancestry. He made his mark on his
debut against Man City, sticking away the final goal in the Toffees' 4-0
demolition of the Citizens.
Up front they will be able to call on the services of Romelu Lukaku who has
scored in so many consecutive matches against us for them that the odds on
him not scoring down at Winstone's the Turf Accountant are identically
astronomical to those of Mike Dean getting through a live tv match without
deliberately doing something controversial. I did check the injury list in
the hope that he might have some embarrassing rash or something that might
need to have him quarantined from the rest of the squad but sadly for us he
is fit enough to continue his run.
Defender Phil Jagielka has scored three in his last three. However he will
be forever remembered around these parts for that handball for Sheffield
United against Wigan in 2007 that (it says here following extensive editing
by our lawyers) was in no way shape or form deliberate. It was just
coincidence that he put his hand up to stop a ball that was going nowhere
near an opponent to produce a scoreline that would have seen both teams stay
up at our expense had we rolled over and lost.
They will of course be without Seamus Coleman whose horrible injury in the
recent Republic of Ireland v Wales qualifier the other week was so bad that
even Sky wouldn't show the replay. Bizzarely the usual injury listing site
shows Coleman as being a "major doubt" for the weekend. Really? Better hurry
up with that plaster then Seamus. Seriously though, one's best wishes go to
him of course, though I can't quite bring myself to send the same sort of
greeting to McCarthy whose hamstring problem can be attributed to the
football gods as payback for the Payet assault last season. Even if it was
Payet.
Elsewehere I see that Captain. Racist. Twat. John Terry is to leave
Abrahamovic's money laundering operation. Some have linked him with a move
to us. No thanks. Others have suggested he might go to China or the US. Here
at the Avran Grant Olympic Rest Home For the Bewildered we think he will
sign for a club in the English Defence League or, alternatively, replace
Kelvin MacKenzie as a Sun columnist.
Us? Well I am waiting for an explanation of how their first equaliser was
allowed to stand last week. Anichebe was so all over Randolph that the
'keeper required a pregnancy test post-match. Probably. The goal represented
a dreadful but all-too-common dereliction of duty from the match officials.
Time and time again we hear how officials need to be protected but from what
exactly? I mean it's a different kettle of fish at amateur level but I don't
recall too many instances of top level referees ever being on the end of
violence (notwithstanding Alcock's comedy performance in the sitcom "Paul
and Paolo").
As usual there were a number of games this weekend where goals were allowed
due to the failure of officials to apply the laws that they are paid to
apply. (Mike Dean now does this so often that nobody notices anymore). And
the consequences of these errors for those responsible? Nothing. You don't
believe me? Well consider this then: three times as many people have walked
on the moon as have been permanently demoted from the Select Group. The
authorities have spent so much time falling for the lie perpetuated by PGMOL
that referees need "protection" that it is now virtually impossible to get
rid of a useless ref unless he does something really stupid like leaving
early in his own car to go and see Ed Sheerhan.
That said we took the foot off the gas twice and got what we deserved.
Byram's red resulted from two yellows the first of which should have been
given to Anichebe for diving. Meanwhile Cattermole, who picked up a yellow
on 37 seconds proceeded to kick and trip his way through the game without
further punishment. Yet again Marriner will escape any punishment from his
ineptitude whilst we get punished by missing a player in an already worrying
position for us.
The big question mark surrounds Darren Randolph whose form of late has been
less than inspiring. For the second goal he came so far they charged him
excess on his Oyster card. He doesn't seem at his most confident and with
Jagielka in goal-machine type form in penalty areas lacking a dominant
'keeper at the moment I would be a bit concerned that his understandable
lack of confidence might prove costly.
Slav was quick to defend Randolph with his "we win or lose as a team"
statement at the weekend and many took this as a sign that Randolph might
keep his place for this weekend. I'm not so sure – I took the comments as an
admirable refusal to single out one particular player for criticism.
Internally Bilic will have his own thoughts on Randolph's form which has
been a worry for a while now and I would not be in the slightest bit
surprised to see Adrian come into the side.
On the injury front we are approaching the date listed for a return for
Winston Reid – he has been training and is slated for a much-welcome return.
Then there's the Sakho affair. It's been suggested that the player refused
to go to Sunderland to sit on the bench last weekend. This has been denied
by all and Sakho is said to be ready to go on Saturday.
Which is just as well as Andy Carroll is injured. A thigh problem we hear.
That noise you can hear is best described as a "resigned sigh". Further
comment is superfluous.
So prediction then. Easy this week. They're in good fettle. We aren't.
Lukaku will score against us because he usually does. Sorry but the £2.50 I
managed to rescue from club cash before the terms and conditions changed
will be going on an away win – stick me down for 3-1 to them then Mr
Winstone.
Enjoy the game!
When Last We Met At The Boleyn: Drew 1-1 (Premier League November 2015)
Aided by some of the most spineless refereeing ever seen outside of the
Jellyfish Premier League, Everton proceeded to kick us off the park.
McCarthy's disgraceful scissors tackle on Payet put him out for 3 months
whilst a whole catalogue of cynical challenges went unpunished by anything
stronger than a free-kick. Lanzini opened the scoring. You don't really have
to ask who got the equaliser.
Referee: Roger East – this was the joker who told Vardy off for diving but
somehow forgot to book him in the recent league match v Leicester. Could we
have Buzz Aldrin instead please.
Danger Man: You reallydon't have to ask that either.
Percy's Poser: Last week we asked you what was unusual about the transfer of
Ivor Broadis from Carlisle to Sunderland in 1949. A tip of the hat to Mrs
Mavis Soft-Brexit (no relation) of Writtle who informs us: "Ivor Broadis can
have no complaints over the Carlisle manager wanting to get rid of him as,
he himself held that position at the time" Yes Broadis effectively
transferred himself, which must have led to some interesting fee
negotiations back then. Mrs Soft-Brexit wins a copy of "1,001 things to do
in Monkwearmouth" which will be published as soon as an author who hasn't
already lost the will to live can be found.
For this week's poser we ask you: what is it that Everton were allegedly the
first to do in the 1880s that every club now does as a matter of routine?
First correct answer out of the had wins a kumb cash credit of £500, amounts
to be credited at 11:59pm on 31 August. Expiry date 1 September.
Good luck everyone!
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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WILL WEST HAM CLOSE THE GAP ON SPURS?
By Sean Whetstone 20 Apr 2017 at 08:00
WTID
The owners have frequently talked about ambition for West Ham to become a
top six side in the future and that starts with closing the gap on Spurs
they claim.
In terms of financial power, West Ham lags behind their North London rivals.
Tottenham published their accounts for 2016 last month showing an increase
in turnover to just under £210m to compared to the Hammers £142m for the
same period last season.
Spurs Premier League gate receipts were £22.2m. Like the Hammers White Hart
Lane sold out for all Premier League home games but they claim to have a
waiting list for season tickets of 63,200 compared to our 55,000 waiting
list. They reached the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League resulting in
gate receipts and prize money of £18.7m. Revenue from the domestic cup
competitions earned the Club £2.4m. Television and media revenues rose to
£94.8m after they finished third in the Premier League.
In reality, their income will continue to outstrip West Ham's as the
Champions League mega money comes through this season and they look odds on
favourite's to qualify again this season and continue on that money trail.
Next season they will play at Wembley and could see regular attendances of
over 80,000. In February this year, they had an attendance of 80,465 that
watched Tottenham v Gent which is a new UEFA Europa League attendance
record, beating the previous high set when Manchester United met Liverpool
last season. They have applied to Brent Council to hold Premier League games
at the full 90,000 capacity for the next two seasons.
Their new 61,000 capacity £800million stadium should be ready ahead of the
2018-19 season. Although they will need to fund it for many years, it has
been purpose built for football, they own it and will, therefore, sell the
naming rights for as much as £20m per year and they keep all the catering
and pouring income.
Although technically West Ham will one day have the ability to claim a
66,000 capacity rented stadium, the when is less clear due to a requirement
for planning permission for extra toilet and catering to cope with 9,000
additional match day fans. The stadium owners and the club are currently at
a stalemate over money at the moment and any increase from 57,000 is
debatable for next season as it stands. Spurs also plan to sign up an
American football franchise for their new stadium.
On the pitch is probably the biggest gap. Despite Spurs being the sixth
biggest turnover in the Premier League, they have outperformed their
financial might on the pitch last season and again this season.
They have 71 points and are in second place just four points behind league
leaders Chelsea while West Ham settles for 13th position on 37 points.
Their chairman rarely talks to the media, is not on twitter and never makes
promises or statements he can not realistically deliver. We may not like
Levy but it hard not to admire his business acumen and transfer dealings.
They have invested wisely and bought and developed youngsters. Eastender
Harry Kane was a youth product of their academy and they signed a young
Delli Alli for £5m from MK Dons in 2015 to name just a few.
Pochettino is a well-respected manager. He has a squad of players that
routinely outclass their opposition in terms of distance covered on the
pitch. With training sessions allegedly higher in intensity than matches and
a rigorous preseason training regime, Pochettino ensures that even if his
team lose, it would not be due to a lack of effort.His team rarely lose,
especially at home. They have an impeccable defence and has conceded the
fewest goals in the league.
The core of the Spurs side is refreshingly young with Harry Kane at 23, Dele
Alli at 21 and Christian Eriksen at 24, among others. The Argentinian
manager seems comfortable to integrate a steady inflow of talent from the
youth academy, there is no other manager who would be quite as prepared to
risk his reputation for giving youth a chance.
On the flip side, it is true that we have the largest TV screen in Europe at
the London Stadium but this is the only thing we could claim to have the
upper hand over them over the foreseeable future. It pains me to write all
of this and embarrassing that our club boasts the largest TV screen in
Europe as a positive.
However, we have closed the gap on the physical distance between the two
clubs, West Ham is only 4.5 miles away from White Hart Lane compared to 6.4
miles away from the Boleyn ground. By road, the shortest route is 5.8 miles
along the A10 while it would be 10.5 miles by road from the Boleyn ground.
In reality beyond TV screens and physical distance, we will not be catching
Spurs anytime soon and not be joining the top six anytime soon either. It is
time we just accept that and move on.
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Speculation over use of Olympic Stadium could pave way for West Ham to
properly convert new home
HITC
Damien Lucas
Speculation surrounding the future use of West Ham United's Olympic Stadium
home has made the headlines again this week. The Hammers have had to request
to play the first three games of next season away from their new home due to
the World Athletic Championships taking place there, as reported by The
Mirror. The IAAF competition, which runs between August 4th and 13th, means
West Ham could not play at home on the opening day regardless and require
special dispensation from the Premier League to be granted an away fixture.
But then the much-criticised retractable seating at the 60,000 seater ground
- which will cost an eye-watering £8 million each time it is done - will
have to be reconfigured again for football mode, a process which takes
around 15 days
Many supporters are unhappy with broken promises over the stadium which they
feel has not been transformed to be fit for football. The scaffolding
seating solution leaves a huge gap between the East and West Stands and the
pitch given the bowl shape of the ground. Supporters want to see the stadium
redeveloped to make the seats closer to the pitch and there could be new
hope on that front this week. Well placed Hammers fans' website Claret and
Hugh, which often gets exclusive club news first, claimed earlier this week
that UK Athletics could be paid to quit the London Stadium after the 2017
London Anniversary Games and World Athletics Championships. The report
states that the huge £8m cost of moving what it more accurately describes as
'relocatable' seating is not feasible long term and one idea being explored
is paying UK Athletics to relocate the Anniversary Games to their home base
in Birmingham, giving up their 50-year agreement to use the London Stadium.
Cancelling the agreement would cost millions but could work out cheaper than
the annual transformation bill. But it could also free up West Ham to
properly convert the stadium as the running track would no longer be
required. While the sightlines are not too bad at the stadium, the huge gap
between the playing surface and supporters is not conducive to generating
the kind of atmosphere the club were famous for at their former Upton Park
home. Whether co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold would put up the money
to make such changes is up for debate, but should UK Athletics relocate it
may well attract a buyer with more money and ambition to bid to takeover the
East Londoners.
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Slaven Bilic could drop Darren Randolph for Everton clash as West Ham look
again to Adrian
West Ham host Everton at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon
The Hammers look set to drop goalkeeper Darren Randolph for Adrian
Bilic made Randolph his No 1 in November after dropping Adrian
By Andy Sims, Press Association Sport
PUBLISHED: 23:46, 21 April 2017 | UPDATED: 23:46, 21 April 2017
Daily Mail
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is considering dropping goalkeeper Darren
Randolph for Saturday's clash with Everton. Republic of Ireland
international Randolph was responsible for both Sunderland goals in last
weekend's 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, the latest in a string of
unconvincing performances. Bilic made Randolph his number one in November
after dropping Spanish keeper Adrian following some high-profile mistakes.
But Adrian could now be in line for a dramatic recall as Bilic attempts to
plug the holes in a defence which has let in more goals than rock-bottom
Sunderland this season. 'We are going to see, we have to discuss it,' said
Bilic. 'We win as a team, we lose as a team, but if we are talking about
individual errors when we conceded a few goals then the whole world knows
when a keeper makes a mistake. 'But we are winning as a team and losing as a
team. We can't forget how many times he has done a really good job for us.
'Is he still the number one? We are going to see, we have two really good
goalkeepers. 'With keepers they need confidence like every other player.
It's wrong to judge keepers on one mistake, and to change them on a weekly
basis. If you do that you lose both your keepers.' Adrian has not made a
first-team appearance since the FA Cup third-round visit from Manchester
City in January, which West Ham lost 5-0. 'When I decided to drop Adrian to
give Randy a chance, and then again after that, we have spoken a couple of
times about his future,' added Bilic. 'He's a great professional and he
never dropped one bit his level in training. I told him he had to wait for
his chance and that is exactly how it is.' Whoever lines up in goal will be
facing the daunting task of stopping Romelu Lukaku, the striker who cannot
stop scoring against West Ham. The Belgian has scored in each of his last
nine matches against the Hammers, and Bilic admitted: 'It's a job for our
defenders. 'In some of the games we've played against them we were really
good, but still he scored a goal. 'He is good and, not only that, he is
consistent for his age. People forget how young he is as he has been on the
radar for a long time. 'Everton have done a really good job to keep him. He
is one of best strikers, not only in the Premier League, but in Europe.'
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WEST HAM LINING UP BID FOR A GOALKEEPER NICKNAMED THE 'BUTTERFLY'Featured
Image
Date: 21st April 2017 at 9:00pm
Written by: David Tully
West Ham are interested in a move for Trabzonspor goalkeeper Onur Kivrak,
according to Turkish website F5haber.com. Kivrak is Trabzonspor's captain
and has been nicknamed the 'Butterfly" because of his spectacular saves. The
29 year old has been at his current club for nine years and Hammers boss
Slaven Bilic would no doubt be aware of the player after his two year spell
in charge at Besiktas. F5haber report that West Ham have previously made an
"official proposal" for Kivrak but Trabzonspor turned down the offer as they
felt they couldn't sell their club captain during the club's 50 year
anniversary. They say that may change in the future though. This season,
Kivrak has played 27 times, conceded 27 goals and kept 13 clean sheets. West
Ham may be looking for a new number one with both first team goalkeepers
Darren Randolph and Adrian struggling for form and making errors this
season. Whether Kivrak is the answer though, remains to be seen.
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Grant McCann claims West Ham United midfielder Martin Samuelsen has lost all
his confidence
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United attacking midfielder Martin Samuelsen has been on loan at
Peterborough United since January. Peterborough United boss Grant McCann has
told the League One side's official Youtube channel that West Ham United
prospect Martin Samuelsen seems to have lost his confidence. Samuelsen was
on loan at Posh last season, and he impressed hugely during his time at the
ABAX Stadium. The Norwegian international then opted to move to Blackburn
Rovers on loan at the start of this season, but that switch did not work out
as planned. The West Ham youngster barely played at Ewood Park, but Posh
tried to rescue his season in January. Unfortunately, Samuelsen's second
move to Peterborough was nowhere near as productive as his first. The
talented attacking midfielder barely featured for Posh, and rarely showed
the quality that he possesses. And McCann believes that Samuelsen's
confidence has gone after his spell at Blackburn. "The Martin Samuelsen that
was here last year was an unbelievable talent. He is an unbelievable talent.
But for whatever reason his confidence got knocked when he went to
Blackburn," McCann said, after confirming that Samuelsen's loan had been
terminated early. "He didn't have the confidence to try things that he once
did, when he was here. I wanted him to express himself more. "He needs to
get somewhere where he can play week in week out. He should've come here at
the start of the season, but he decided to go to the Championship. "He's a
great kid, he'll have a massive future in the game."
West Ham now appear to have work to do to coax Samuelsen back to his best,
as they look to help the youngster fulfil his potential. Samuelsen is still
very highly regarded at West Ham, but Slaven Bilic may have to think long
and hard about the next move he takes with the youngster, as another knock
to his confidence could be extremely damaging.
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RUBIN KAZAN STAR "HONOURED" BY WEST HAM INTERESTFeatured Image
Date: 21st April 2017 at 5:00pm
Written by: David Tully
Rubin Kazan right back Moritz Bauer says he is flattered by the interest
being shown in him. Italian website Tuttomercatoweb have linked the 25 year
old with a move to West Ham, Inter Milan and Valencia.
When asked about moving to one of those clubs by the same website, Bauer
responded: "It 's an honour that teams of this calibre are interested in me.
At the moment I am happy to Rubin Kazan, where I can still grow a lot, but
if they come in the summer with a very good deal for all parties involved
[then I] will evaluate it carefully."
Bauer has featured 20 times in all competitions for Rubin this season,
making four assists so far. The Hammers are looking for a right back in the
summer. At 25, he would perhaps be a younger alternative to other full
backs currently being linked with West Ham. 32 year old Pablo Zabaleta and
34 year old Bacary Sagna of Manchester City have been the two players who
are rumoured to be on the Hammers' radar. Both players are out of contract
at the end of the season and will be available on free transfers. Stoke
City's Glen Johnson was also said to be a target for West Ham but the full
back signed a new one year contract to stay with the Potters this week.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic shares his thoughts as West Ham United prepare to host Everton
at London Stadium…
Good morning everyone.
Before I talk about today's game, I want to say a few words about Ugo
Ehiogu, who sadly passed away on Friday at the age of just 44.
I didn't know Ugo personally but I played against him, and he was a proper
gentleman and a proper player.
It is a big, big shock and our deepest condolences go out to Ugo's family,
friends and everyone who knew him.
We face Everton at London Stadium today in the Premier League and it is
another big game for us.
We hope to get the win this afternoon that would get us to that magic number
of 40 points and that should be enough for us to be safe, but we are not
thinking only of three more points.
We have five games left to play and 15 points to play for and we want to get
as many as we can, because we have shown we have a chance in every game when
we are good. We have got four points from the last two games and we want to
continue in that way.
Today, we play Everton and we have to stop Romelu Lukaku, which is a job not
only for our defenders, but for the whole team.
We have played well against him before, but he has still managed to score
goals. He can do you harm, but we need to stop the service to him, because
that will prevent him having the ball in dangerous positions. When he does
get the service, we need to double him and stop him getting shots away.
He is definitely one of the best strikers in Europe at the moment. He is
consistent, especially for his age, and has been scoring goals regularly and
getting better and better. I rate him really, really highly.
He's been linked with a lot of big, big clubs and Everton have shown how big
and ambitious they are by keeping him.
Everton are not one player, though. They are a very confident team,
especially at home, and they have removed the vulnerability they had last
season and are much more solid, and kept their offensive strength. They have
a lot of energy and ability.
Concentrating on our own fortunes, these five games are going to determine
where we are going to finish in the Premier League.
We are in a position where we can look above us, but we also need to keep
the gap below us and the relegation zone big. We can finish higher in the
table and a lot of things can happen in the last five games, as we found
when we lost five in a row recently.
The table is very congested, but it is more or less the same in most top
leagues in Europe, where the gaps between the mid-table teams are very
small.
We are without a number of important players today – Andy Carroll, Pedro
Obiang, Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio through injury and Sam Byram
after his red card at Sunderland – but we hope to have Diafra Sakho and
Winston Reid available.
Reidy has been training this week and he looked good, so his return would be
a big boost for us. Diafra was injured and missed the Sunderland game but he
returned to training on Thursday and we will assess him ahead of today's
game.
Whoever plays, we need to take our chances when we create them and be
stronger defensively, because in our recent matches we have taken a lead a
few times and not built on it.
We need to use our momentum to kill games off when we get our noses in front
and that will be the same if we go ahead today.
Defensively, we know the opposition will take risks and create chances if
they are behind, so we also need to be stronger and show more resolve as a
team to maintain our advantage.
Come on you Irons!
Slaven Bilic
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Pixie Lott to perform at London Stadium
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fan and singer Pixie Lott will perform her new song 'Baby'
at half-time in Saturday's Premier League meeting with Everton.
The 26-year-old star will entertain the sell-out London Stadium crowd with
the dance track, which is the first single Pixie has released since 2014.
Baby is a collaboration with DJ and producer Anton Powers and was performed
live on The Voice UK Final on BBC 1 earlier this month.
A popular performer, Pixie's debut single 'Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)' went
straight to number one in the UK Singles Chart in 2009, while her second
single 'Boys and Girls' also went to number one.
In recent years, she has also appeared on television in a variety of roles,
both as an actress and contestant, most notably on Strictly Come Dancing and
The Voice Kids UK.
Last year, she starred as Holly Golightly in a successful run of the musical
Breakfast at Tiffany's in London's West End.
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Both Sides of the Fence - Mark Ward
WHUFC.com
As someone who enjoyed a successful career with both West Ham and Everton,
Mark Ward truly knows what it means to be Claret and Blue.
Born in Prescot, Merseyside in October 1962, the winger joined his boyhood
heroes Everton as a schoolboy but was left devastated when the club released
him in his first year as a professional for being too small.
He battled back to forge a career at Oldham Athletic, before John Lyall paid
£250,000 to bring him to West Ham in the summer of 1985. 'Wardy' became an
instant fan favourite at Upton Park thanks to his pace, skill and
fully-committed approach, and played a key role in the record-breaking
1985-86 campaign, when Hammers reached their highest-ever league finish.
Despite remaining one of the club's most consistent performers over the next
three years, Mark suffered the pain of relegation and the departure of Lyall
in 1989 and, after falling out with his successor Lou Macari, joined
Manchester City in December 1989 after 165 appearances for the Hammers.
In 1991, his career came full circle when he signed for Everton for £1m and
finally achieved his dream of playing at Goodison Park. After three
successful years with his boyhood heroes, he joined Birmingham City and then
had further spells with Huddersfield and Leigh RMI before hanging up his
boots...
It will be a very tough game for West Ham given the amount of injuries and
suspensions Slaven has.
Thankfully, though, they have picked up those four points from their last
two games that have pushed them into a relatively safe position, and
hopefully they will approach this one feeling more relaxed and confident.
I've seen a lot of West Ham this season and it obviously hasn't gone as well
as everyone hoped, especially after such a fantastic campaign last year.
It's a shame that they haven't been able to build on that, and there are
probably lots of reasons why, but the main thing now is that they make sure
of their Premier League status - which I believe they have already done -
and look forward to next season. I've got a lot of respect for Slaven and
the chairmen, who I know from my time at Birmingham, and I know how much
they all want success for West Ham.
Everton are in great form at the moment and Romelu Lukaku will no doubt be
looking forward to the game.
His record against West Ham is phenomenal - I think it's nine games in a row
he has scored against them. Sometimes as a player you just have those
certain teams that you just seem to play well against and it almost becomes
psychological. I remember mine was Sheffield United - I always seemed to
score against them or have a brilliant game. I wouldn't say Lukaku is
unplayable but on his day he is a very difficult opponent, and West Ham's
central defenders will need to be on top of their game against him. There
are obviously suggestions that Winston Reid will be back from injury and
that would be great news for Slaven, because he has been one of the more
consistent performers, and James Collins has also played very well lately.
In some ways, you can compare West Ham's season to what happened to us after
1985-86.
We obviously had an exceptional season, that no-one really saw coming, but
it became far more difficult for us the following year. Basically, teams
sussed us out, and took us a lot more seriously. The tactics towards us
changed, and then we suffered injuries to some key players, which hadn't
happened the previous year. Suddenly things can become difficult very
quickly, and I think that has been the case for West Ham this season.
They've lost vital players for long periods - including Payet altogether of
course - and that is always going to have an impact. Mind you, it shows how
much football has changed when you think that, after finishing third in
1985-86, we didn't make a single new signing that summer. Imagine a team
finishing in the Champions League places now and not buying any new players!
A lot has been said about the new stadium and its effect on the team but,
I've got to be honest, I don't really buy into that.
A game of football is a pitch and two goals, and that doesn't change whether
you are playing at London Stadium, Goodison Park, Anfield or Hackney
Marshes! As a player, that was my philosophy, it didn't matter where I was
playing. There have been a number of reasons for West Ham's struggles this
season, but I don't think the stadium is one of them, and it certainly can't
be used as an excuse going into next season and the season after. At the end
of the day, it is a fantastic arena, with 57,000 fans packed in, and we've
seen at times how special it can be. I know I'd love to be playing there!
I actually watched the video highlights of the '85-86 season recently and, I
have to say, how good were we!
I was staying with a great friend of mine, Mick Tobyn, while working down
here, and his son Danny put it on. I'd just got in, I was knackered and just
wanted to jump in the shower, but I sat down and started watching it, and I
had to watch it to the end! I had never really looked back on it, and it
made me realise how special that team was. It was fantastic to be a part of,
and I will always treasure those memories.
I can say for sure now that I would never have left West Ham in 1989 if John
Lyall or Billy Bonds had been in charge.
I had a personality clash with Lou Macari and, basically, I felt that man
wasn't good enough to manage the club I loved. I didn't like the way he
wanted us to play - for him to say that I couldn't collect the ball from
Phil Parkes throwing it out was ridiculous. With the players we had in our
side, yet he wanted Parkesy to kick it long. And Parkesy couldn't kick it
anyway because his knees were dodgy! In hindsight, perhaps I should have
been a bit more patient, because it was a bit of a kick in the teeth to see
Macari go and Bonzo take over just a couple of months after I left. That was
the story of my career, though. I left Everton in 1994 under Mike Walker,
and just a few months later my old boss at Oldham Joe Royle came in and took
them to FA Cup glory that season!
West Ham will always have a piece of my heart but I think everyone knows
that Everton is in my blood.
It was almost 10 years to the day between them letting me go for nothing and
buying me back for a million pounds. I made my home debut at Goodison Park
against the champions Arsenal, the long wait to pull on the blue shirt,
coming out to the Z Cars theme. I'd taken a kick from Stuart Pearce the week
before when we played away at Nottingham Forest, but I wouldn't go in for
treatment in case the physio stopped me playing against Arsenal! I scored
two goals in a 3-1 win, and I always say it was probably my greatest ever
game of football. And although my departure from West Ham hadn't been very
pleasant, I have to look back and say that it actually led to me achieving
my boyhood dream.
I've worked hard to get my life back on track since coming out of prison in
2009.
I made a big mistake, and I paid the price for it, but I appreciate what
I've got now and life is positive. In 2014, I got married to Michelle, who
has made me very happy, and we are about to set up a small floristry
business in Liverpool, which we hope will be successful. I do some work on
the after-dinner speaking circuit, and I've also set up a successful West
Ham pre-match event that takes place at the East Ham Working Men's Club at
Upton Park before Saturday home games. The idea came from something similar
that happens in a pub near Everton, and so far it has been a great success.
We have a former player come in for every event, and lay on buses afterwards
to take everyone over to London Stadium. It's great for me personally to
stay involved, and to still have that bond with West Ham fans that I cherish
so dearly.
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Three Key Battles - Everton
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will hope to improve upon their disappointing Premier League
record against Everton when Ronald Koeman's side travel to London Stadium on
Saturday.
The Toffees have been beaten just once in their last 17 top flight meetings
with this afternoon's hosts, though that single victory for the Hammers did
come at Goodison Park last season.
With four points from their last two games, Slaven Bilic's outfit are keen
to build momentum and finish as high up the table as possible as the season
reaches its climax.
And the following six players will be vital for their respective sides on
the London Stadium pitch as West Ham and Everton go to battle…
Collins v Williams
With Winston Reid missing the last four matches through injury, James
Collins has returned to the side, looking to build a partnership alongside
Jose Fonte in the centre of defence.
The Welshman has played his part in the Hammers' recent positive results
too, scoring in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Sunderland.
That goal – which means his tally is double that of Everton defender and
international teammate Ashley Williams – was as important as his defensive
display at home to Swansea City was a fortnight ago.
Williams has been in fine form this season too, and has, over a number of
years now, been one of the Premier League's most consistent performers.
Lanzini v Barkley
With the burden of providing goals and chances for teammates resting on
their shoulders, Manuel Lanzini and Ross Barkley are hugely important to
today's sides.
Lanzini's performances since Christmas, during which he has scored four of
his five goals from open play this season, have been particularly impressive
and his passing stats rival the best in the Premier League.
Barkley's style is less measured and more off-the-cuff than the Argentine's,
but it is exciting and gets Toffees fans off their seats. The Englishman, as
shown by the above statistics, isn't afraid to try a killer pass or take a
shot at goal.
All of Lanzini's 2017 goals have come at London Stadium, so Hammers
supporters everywhere will be hoping he can add another to his collection on
Saturday.
Ayew v Mirallas
With Andy Carroll missing through injury and Michail Antonio ruled out for
the season, Andre Ayew will be the man the Hammers look to on Saturday for
goals, having bagged four in his last eight games.
Similar to Ayew, Kevin Mirallas normally plays off the main striker or on
the wing, and likes to get amongst the goals as well.
The Belgian, in-and-out of Ronald Koeman's starting XI this season, has an
impressive total of six assists to go alongside his four goals and has found
the back of the net three times previously against West Ham.
Could a goal from either of the pair prove crucial on Saturday?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble urges Hammers to end Everton run
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble urges teammates to end decade-long run without a home league win
over Everton
West Ham United have not beaten Toffees in east London in top-flight since
April 2007
Suspended captain Noble says victory on Saturday would make Hammers all but
safe
Mark Noble has urged his teammates to embrace the spirit of the Great Escape
when West Ham United host Everton on Saturday. The Hammers have not beaten
the Blues on home turf in the Premier League since 21 April 2007, when Bobby
Zamora's wondergoal helped West Ham to a vital 1-0 win on their way to
miraculously beating the drop. Ten years on and the east Londoners welcome
the Merseysiders to London Stadium without seven senior players, including
captain Noble, through injury and suspension, but the skipper is not taking
that for an excuse for another defeat to the Toffees. "I was told that it
was ten years ago this week that we last beat the Blues at home in the
Premier League, 1-0 in a game I remember well because Bobby Zamora whipped
in a fantastic goal on our way to pulling off the Great Escape!" he recalled
in his exclusive column for Saturday's Official Programme. "While we are not
in immediate danger this season, we do need to pick up a positive result
this weekend if we are going to ensure our Premier League place for next
season. "If we can get the win, we will get to the 40-point mark and also be
in mid-table which, when you consider all the challenges we have faced this
season, not only as a team but as a Club, that's not a bad position to be
in."
Noble knows his teammates, including the returning Winston Reid, will need
to be at their best to stop Everton and their regular West Ham nemesis
Romelu Lukaku, who has scored in nine straight appearances against the
Hammers. But Everton are not the same force away from Goodison Park as they
are on home turf, as the midfielder pointed out, and he believes a lively
London Stadium atmosphere could help the hosts end their unwanted recent
record against both Lukaku and the Blues. "It's going to be tough, because
Everton are having a fantastic season," observed the No16, who is completing
a two-match ban for receiving ten yellow cards. "They are a force at home at
Goodison Park, where they have only lost once and have picked up 40 of their
57 points, but they are not quite so good on the road. "We need to take
advantage of that and recreate the performance we put in against Swansea
City a fortnight ago, when we created more than enough chances to win far
more comfortably than we did in the end. "The atmosphere that afternoon was
brilliant and, for me, was what the traditional West Ham United is all about
– everyone pulling together when our backs are against the wall and coming
out with the right result on the other side. "It was a massive game and the
atmosphere you created was incredible."
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U15s top the group in Prague
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U15s won their opening two matches at the Slavia
International Cup
As a result, they top Group A with three games left to play
The Hammers beat St Polten (Austria) 1-0 and Jiangsu Suning (China) 2-0
Head of U15-U18 Coaching Danny Searle believes his team have laid down a
marker after winning their opening two matches at the Slavia International
Cup.
The young Hammers travelled to Prague, Czech Republic yesterday and today
beat SKN St.Polten (Austria) and Jiangsu Suning (China) to top Group A.
They won the first 1-0 thanks to a close-range finish from Dan Chesters
before cruising to victory in the second match after goals from Amadou
Diallo and Charlie O'Connell.
"The first day is always tough and you have to make sure you're still in the
competition at the close of play," said Searle.
"The performances weren't necessarily the types we want but we did get
better as the games went on.
"We haven't conceded and we're top of the group so we have laid down a
marker and put breathing space between us and the rest.
The Hammers took on St.Polten in their first match and had to dig-in for the
three points against their resilient Austrian opponents.
Harry Costa went close in the opening stages with a long-range effort before
Chesters opened the scoring, sliding in to convert Captain Sam Caiger's
cross.
Polten went close in the final stages but the Hammers registered three
points in their opening game and used their momentum to dominate their
second fixture.
Their opponents Suning were no match for the East Londoners who went ahead
on the stroke of half-time thanks to a wonderful run and finish from Diallo.
Kai Corbett missed a great chance to double the lead midway through the
second half before substitute Charlie O'Connell finished well to ensure West
Ham topped Group A going into Day Two.
"Other teams have slipped up today so that gives us great confidence going
into a packed day tomorrow," added Searle.
"The aim is to reach the final and it's a great incentive that it will be
played at Slavia Prague's 20,000 seater stadium."
The Hammers play three group games tomorrow against hosts Slavia Prague, the
Chinese national team and MSK Zilina (Slovakia).
West Ham (v SKN St. Polten): Roach, Greenidge (O'Connell), Caiger, Costa,
Thomas, Nsumbu (Fevrier), Diallo, Chesters, Corbett (Khouri), Peake (Swyer),
King (Maragh).
Subs not used: Wilson-Esbrand.
Goals: Chesters.
Bookings: Costa.
West Ham (v Jiangsu Suning): Roach, Greenidge (O'Connell), Caiger (Fevrier),
Costa, Thomas, Nsumbu, Diallo (Maragh), Chesters, Corbett (Khouri), Lennon
Peake (Swyer), King.
Subs not used: Wilson-Esbrand.
Goals: Diallo, O'Connell.
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Phillips - Boys are relishing tests
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s travel to Manchester United tomorrow (1pm)
The Hammers haven't played a competitive fixture for three weeks
Mark Phillips thinks his players are looking forward to the final few tests
of the season
Mark Phillips believes his U18s are relishing their final few fixtures which
see them take on some of the biggest teams in the Academy scene.
The Hammers take on Manchester United today (1pm) at the Aon Training
Complex after a long three-week break from competitive action.
With three games left to play this season, assistant boss Phillips hopes his
team can end another terrific season on a positive note.
"It's a game that all the boys are looking forward to," he said. "We're not
sure what we're up against but the lads are relishing it. "
"It will be a bit of a balancing act with the U23s who have a really
important game on Monday night, which they have to win. So, we don't know
what personnel we'll have at this stage."
The Hammers last played against Liverpool three weeks ago, and despite going
behind with a few minutes to play, they deservedly hit back in the dying
embers to snatch a point.
Steve Potts's men started on the front foot from the first whistle and went
close when Jahmal Hector-Ingram forced the keeper into action from a tight
angle.
The Hammers emerged from the interval with the same intensity and missed a
terrific chance to take a deserved lead. Hector-Ingram returned the favour
for Anthony Scully who shot over from point blank range.
Against the run of play though, Liverpool snatched the lead with just
minutes to go. A mix-up in the Hammers defence allowed Okera Simmonds to
slot home from the edge of the box.
But the Hammers got their just rewards in injury time. Hector-Ingram was
brought down by the Liverpool keeper and up stepped Joe Powell to fire home
the penalty and give the visitors a deserved point.
"If you look at the chances we had, we had numerous occasions where we
should have scored," Phillips continued. "On chances created, we definitely
should have taken more than a point.
"It was a long six hour coach journey. To get off the coach, have little
time to warm-up and then play a competitive game of football is testament to
the boys.
"We were very pleased with their performance. It was up there with one of
our best performances of the season against good opposition."
Phillips now hopes the tasks coming up will spur his young players on to
finish the season well.
"We had a friendly recently against Barnet which was a worthwhile exercise
and a good, competitive game.
"You won't get three bigger games than Manchester United, Manchester City
and Arsenal. They're among the biggest teams in this country and that's an
incentive for us to keep going till the end of the season.
Kick-off between West Ham United U18s and Manchester United is at 1pm on
Saturday at the Aon Training Complex.
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MARK WARD'S EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: HOW DO YOU STOP LUKAKU?!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 21 APRIL 2017 AT 9:38PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
By Mark Ward @mark7ward
I am an Evertonian Hammer and have fond memories from my time at both clubs.
The two clubs have many links with a number of players having played for
both clubs, including our current manager Slaven Bilic. Both clubs mean so
much to me and it was at Goodison that we played (and lost) our final game
of the record breaking 85/86 season.
There is one player that obviously stands out as the biggest threat from the
opposition and that is Lukaku. His goalscoring record against the Hammers
is ridiculous and I think Slav should play with three centre backs to try
and counter his threat. His supply through the middle is often from scouser
Ross Barclay and they offer the biggest threat.
It is a very important game for the Hammers as I still do not believe they
are safe just yet, if they get a win however, they can start to look forward
to Premier League football next year.
I hope to see many of you at the West Ham Way Event tomorrow with former
Hammer of the Year Matthew Etherington. I really would urge you to come to
one of these events if you haven't before. COYI
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West Ham United v Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th April 2017
By: Preview Percy
What does Ross Barkley have in common with Professor Stephen Hawking? More
than you might think actually. They both feature in Preview Percy's look at
this weekend's visit of Everton for a start. And, well, that's it
really......
Next up we play host to Everton. 3pm Saturday kick-off at the Olympic. Light
cloud and an anticipated high of 15 degrees (66.2 degrees in real
temperatures). Slight chance of a mid-morning shower. Now I have a piece of
news that might rightly be regarded as earth-shattering.
It is this: there are no engineering works between Liverpool Street and
points east on Greater Anglia this weekend. Well not until you get as far as
Ipswich anyway. Amazing isn't it? I mean we are at home and they are
thinking of running a train service. I mean don't go shouting about it or
they will realise it's an admin error or something and start digging the
tracks up again.
So Everton. Bit of a bogey team over the years. We have had the odd blip in
our favour here and there – beating them on penalties in the Cup in the
famous Adrian "gloves off" match and last year's comeback from 2-0 down up
on their patch leap to mind. However more often than not they have had the
edge – even when we have clearly been the better side.
They currently lie in 7th spot with 57 points from 33 games. They're not
exactly looking over their shoulders, having as they do a 13 point cushion
over West Brom in 8th place. Looking up they are just behind Arsenal in 6th
on goal difference though they have played two more matches. Both are three
points shy of the Thursday Night League qualification spot occupied by the
Salford Moaners who seem to have twigged that winning the Thursday Night
League might just be their best way of qualifying for the So Called
Champions League.
As usual the criteria for European qualification seems to have been put
together using some of the more fanciful equations used by Stephen Hawking
to prove the existence of Richard Dawkins but from Everton's point of view
they are in with a shout of some foreign travel next season, though our
experience suggests that that may be more hassle than it ends up being
worth.
It's been an eventful week or two in the Goodison area. There was already
some ongoing debate about the progress made by Ross Barkley in recent years.
Then he went out and got himself decked in an unprovoked attack which
Merseyplod are apparently investigating. This prompted Sun ex-editor and
columnist Kelvin MacKenzie to weigh in with his two pennorth-worth likening
the part-Nigerian Barkley to a "Gorilla" and suggesting that the Barkley is
one of the country's dimmest footballers.
The graphics department helpfully published a photo of Barkley next to a
gorilla (I presume there were captions for the hard of thinking to explain
which was which) and enquired as to whether the player was the missing link.
Both the Sun and MacKenzie denied having knowledge of Barkley's racial
background.
Now Barkley may well be not exactly the sharpest tool in the box – let's
face it professional footballers on the whole probably aren't
over-represented in the MENSA membership registers. But MacKenzie might want
to ponder the definition of the word dim and ask himself the question as to
which of them which one of them was "dim" enough to publish something so
stupid that they have been suspended from their job pending an
investigation. For the Sun readers amongst you the clue is it wasn't
Barkley.
The work experience girl wearing the Cult t-shirt without knowing who they
are tells me they brought in just the two players during the last window.
The big money (£20m plus another £4m in potential add-ons) went on Morgan
Schneiderlin who was out of favour, never having quite managed to get in
favour at Old Trafford. He had fallen so far down the pecking order that
France initially blanked him for last summer's Euros and, although injuries
did see him called up to the squad, he failed to make an appearance in the
tournament.
A "mere" £7.5m was required to prise Ademola Lookman from Charlton.
Lookman's surname sounds a bit Geordie though he is in fact from Wandsworth.
The 19 year-old has England honours at U18 and U19 level thus far in his
career and he turned down flat an invitation from the Nigerian FA to switch
allegiance to the country of his parents' ancestry. He made his mark on his
debut against Man City, sticking away the final goal in the Toffees' 4-0
demolition of the Citizens.
Up front they will be able to call on the services of Romelu Lukaku who has
scored in so many consecutive matches against us for them that the odds on
him not scoring down at Winstone's the Turf Accountant are identically
astronomical to those of Mike Dean getting through a live tv match without
deliberately doing something controversial. I did check the injury list in
the hope that he might have some embarrassing rash or something that might
need to have him quarantined from the rest of the squad but sadly for us he
is fit enough to continue his run.
Defender Phil Jagielka has scored three in his last three. However he will
be forever remembered around these parts for that handball for Sheffield
United against Wigan in 2007 that (it says here following extensive editing
by our lawyers) was in no way shape or form deliberate. It was just
coincidence that he put his hand up to stop a ball that was going nowhere
near an opponent to produce a scoreline that would have seen both teams stay
up at our expense had we rolled over and lost.
They will of course be without Seamus Coleman whose horrible injury in the
recent Republic of Ireland v Wales qualifier the other week was so bad that
even Sky wouldn't show the replay. Bizzarely the usual injury listing site
shows Coleman as being a "major doubt" for the weekend. Really? Better hurry
up with that plaster then Seamus. Seriously though, one's best wishes go to
him of course, though I can't quite bring myself to send the same sort of
greeting to McCarthy whose hamstring problem can be attributed to the
football gods as payback for the Payet assault last season. Even if it was
Payet.
Elsewehere I see that Captain. Racist. Twat. John Terry is to leave
Abrahamovic's money laundering operation. Some have linked him with a move
to us. No thanks. Others have suggested he might go to China or the US. Here
at the Avran Grant Olympic Rest Home For the Bewildered we think he will
sign for a club in the English Defence League or, alternatively, replace
Kelvin MacKenzie as a Sun columnist.
Us? Well I am waiting for an explanation of how their first equaliser was
allowed to stand last week. Anichebe was so all over Randolph that the
'keeper required a pregnancy test post-match. Probably. The goal represented
a dreadful but all-too-common dereliction of duty from the match officials.
Time and time again we hear how officials need to be protected but from what
exactly? I mean it's a different kettle of fish at amateur level but I don't
recall too many instances of top level referees ever being on the end of
violence (notwithstanding Alcock's comedy performance in the sitcom "Paul
and Paolo").
As usual there were a number of games this weekend where goals were allowed
due to the failure of officials to apply the laws that they are paid to
apply. (Mike Dean now does this so often that nobody notices anymore). And
the consequences of these errors for those responsible? Nothing. You don't
believe me? Well consider this then: three times as many people have walked
on the moon as have been permanently demoted from the Select Group. The
authorities have spent so much time falling for the lie perpetuated by PGMOL
that referees need "protection" that it is now virtually impossible to get
rid of a useless ref unless he does something really stupid like leaving
early in his own car to go and see Ed Sheerhan.
That said we took the foot off the gas twice and got what we deserved.
Byram's red resulted from two yellows the first of which should have been
given to Anichebe for diving. Meanwhile Cattermole, who picked up a yellow
on 37 seconds proceeded to kick and trip his way through the game without
further punishment. Yet again Marriner will escape any punishment from his
ineptitude whilst we get punished by missing a player in an already worrying
position for us.
The big question mark surrounds Darren Randolph whose form of late has been
less than inspiring. For the second goal he came so far they charged him
excess on his Oyster card. He doesn't seem at his most confident and with
Jagielka in goal-machine type form in penalty areas lacking a dominant
'keeper at the moment I would be a bit concerned that his understandable
lack of confidence might prove costly.
Slav was quick to defend Randolph with his "we win or lose as a team"
statement at the weekend and many took this as a sign that Randolph might
keep his place for this weekend. I'm not so sure – I took the comments as an
admirable refusal to single out one particular player for criticism.
Internally Bilic will have his own thoughts on Randolph's form which has
been a worry for a while now and I would not be in the slightest bit
surprised to see Adrian come into the side.
On the injury front we are approaching the date listed for a return for
Winston Reid – he has been training and is slated for a much-welcome return.
Then there's the Sakho affair. It's been suggested that the player refused
to go to Sunderland to sit on the bench last weekend. This has been denied
by all and Sakho is said to be ready to go on Saturday.
Which is just as well as Andy Carroll is injured. A thigh problem we hear.
That noise you can hear is best described as a "resigned sigh". Further
comment is superfluous.
So prediction then. Easy this week. They're in good fettle. We aren't.
Lukaku will score against us because he usually does. Sorry but the £2.50 I
managed to rescue from club cash before the terms and conditions changed
will be going on an away win – stick me down for 3-1 to them then Mr
Winstone.
Enjoy the game!
When Last We Met At The Boleyn: Drew 1-1 (Premier League November 2015)
Aided by some of the most spineless refereeing ever seen outside of the
Jellyfish Premier League, Everton proceeded to kick us off the park.
McCarthy's disgraceful scissors tackle on Payet put him out for 3 months
whilst a whole catalogue of cynical challenges went unpunished by anything
stronger than a free-kick. Lanzini opened the scoring. You don't really have
to ask who got the equaliser.
Referee: Roger East – this was the joker who told Vardy off for diving but
somehow forgot to book him in the recent league match v Leicester. Could we
have Buzz Aldrin instead please.
Danger Man: You reallydon't have to ask that either.
Percy's Poser: Last week we asked you what was unusual about the transfer of
Ivor Broadis from Carlisle to Sunderland in 1949. A tip of the hat to Mrs
Mavis Soft-Brexit (no relation) of Writtle who informs us: "Ivor Broadis can
have no complaints over the Carlisle manager wanting to get rid of him as,
he himself held that position at the time" Yes Broadis effectively
transferred himself, which must have led to some interesting fee
negotiations back then. Mrs Soft-Brexit wins a copy of "1,001 things to do
in Monkwearmouth" which will be published as soon as an author who hasn't
already lost the will to live can be found.
For this week's poser we ask you: what is it that Everton were allegedly the
first to do in the 1880s that every club now does as a matter of routine?
First correct answer out of the had wins a kumb cash credit of £500, amounts
to be credited at 11:59pm on 31 August. Expiry date 1 September.
Good luck everyone!
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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WILL WEST HAM CLOSE THE GAP ON SPURS?
By Sean Whetstone 20 Apr 2017 at 08:00
WTID
The owners have frequently talked about ambition for West Ham to become a
top six side in the future and that starts with closing the gap on Spurs
they claim.
In terms of financial power, West Ham lags behind their North London rivals.
Tottenham published their accounts for 2016 last month showing an increase
in turnover to just under £210m to compared to the Hammers £142m for the
same period last season.
Spurs Premier League gate receipts were £22.2m. Like the Hammers White Hart
Lane sold out for all Premier League home games but they claim to have a
waiting list for season tickets of 63,200 compared to our 55,000 waiting
list. They reached the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League resulting in
gate receipts and prize money of £18.7m. Revenue from the domestic cup
competitions earned the Club £2.4m. Television and media revenues rose to
£94.8m after they finished third in the Premier League.
In reality, their income will continue to outstrip West Ham's as the
Champions League mega money comes through this season and they look odds on
favourite's to qualify again this season and continue on that money trail.
Next season they will play at Wembley and could see regular attendances of
over 80,000. In February this year, they had an attendance of 80,465 that
watched Tottenham v Gent which is a new UEFA Europa League attendance
record, beating the previous high set when Manchester United met Liverpool
last season. They have applied to Brent Council to hold Premier League games
at the full 90,000 capacity for the next two seasons.
Their new 61,000 capacity £800million stadium should be ready ahead of the
2018-19 season. Although they will need to fund it for many years, it has
been purpose built for football, they own it and will, therefore, sell the
naming rights for as much as £20m per year and they keep all the catering
and pouring income.
Although technically West Ham will one day have the ability to claim a
66,000 capacity rented stadium, the when is less clear due to a requirement
for planning permission for extra toilet and catering to cope with 9,000
additional match day fans. The stadium owners and the club are currently at
a stalemate over money at the moment and any increase from 57,000 is
debatable for next season as it stands. Spurs also plan to sign up an
American football franchise for their new stadium.
On the pitch is probably the biggest gap. Despite Spurs being the sixth
biggest turnover in the Premier League, they have outperformed their
financial might on the pitch last season and again this season.
They have 71 points and are in second place just four points behind league
leaders Chelsea while West Ham settles for 13th position on 37 points.
Their chairman rarely talks to the media, is not on twitter and never makes
promises or statements he can not realistically deliver. We may not like
Levy but it hard not to admire his business acumen and transfer dealings.
They have invested wisely and bought and developed youngsters. Eastender
Harry Kane was a youth product of their academy and they signed a young
Delli Alli for £5m from MK Dons in 2015 to name just a few.
Pochettino is a well-respected manager. He has a squad of players that
routinely outclass their opposition in terms of distance covered on the
pitch. With training sessions allegedly higher in intensity than matches and
a rigorous preseason training regime, Pochettino ensures that even if his
team lose, it would not be due to a lack of effort.His team rarely lose,
especially at home. They have an impeccable defence and has conceded the
fewest goals in the league.
The core of the Spurs side is refreshingly young with Harry Kane at 23, Dele
Alli at 21 and Christian Eriksen at 24, among others. The Argentinian
manager seems comfortable to integrate a steady inflow of talent from the
youth academy, there is no other manager who would be quite as prepared to
risk his reputation for giving youth a chance.
On the flip side, it is true that we have the largest TV screen in Europe at
the London Stadium but this is the only thing we could claim to have the
upper hand over them over the foreseeable future. It pains me to write all
of this and embarrassing that our club boasts the largest TV screen in
Europe as a positive.
However, we have closed the gap on the physical distance between the two
clubs, West Ham is only 4.5 miles away from White Hart Lane compared to 6.4
miles away from the Boleyn ground. By road, the shortest route is 5.8 miles
along the A10 while it would be 10.5 miles by road from the Boleyn ground.
In reality beyond TV screens and physical distance, we will not be catching
Spurs anytime soon and not be joining the top six anytime soon either. It is
time we just accept that and move on.
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Speculation over use of Olympic Stadium could pave way for West Ham to
properly convert new home
HITC
Damien Lucas
Speculation surrounding the future use of West Ham United's Olympic Stadium
home has made the headlines again this week. The Hammers have had to request
to play the first three games of next season away from their new home due to
the World Athletic Championships taking place there, as reported by The
Mirror. The IAAF competition, which runs between August 4th and 13th, means
West Ham could not play at home on the opening day regardless and require
special dispensation from the Premier League to be granted an away fixture.
But then the much-criticised retractable seating at the 60,000 seater ground
- which will cost an eye-watering £8 million each time it is done - will
have to be reconfigured again for football mode, a process which takes
around 15 days
Many supporters are unhappy with broken promises over the stadium which they
feel has not been transformed to be fit for football. The scaffolding
seating solution leaves a huge gap between the East and West Stands and the
pitch given the bowl shape of the ground. Supporters want to see the stadium
redeveloped to make the seats closer to the pitch and there could be new
hope on that front this week. Well placed Hammers fans' website Claret and
Hugh, which often gets exclusive club news first, claimed earlier this week
that UK Athletics could be paid to quit the London Stadium after the 2017
London Anniversary Games and World Athletics Championships. The report
states that the huge £8m cost of moving what it more accurately describes as
'relocatable' seating is not feasible long term and one idea being explored
is paying UK Athletics to relocate the Anniversary Games to their home base
in Birmingham, giving up their 50-year agreement to use the London Stadium.
Cancelling the agreement would cost millions but could work out cheaper than
the annual transformation bill. But it could also free up West Ham to
properly convert the stadium as the running track would no longer be
required. While the sightlines are not too bad at the stadium, the huge gap
between the playing surface and supporters is not conducive to generating
the kind of atmosphere the club were famous for at their former Upton Park
home. Whether co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold would put up the money
to make such changes is up for debate, but should UK Athletics relocate it
may well attract a buyer with more money and ambition to bid to takeover the
East Londoners.
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Slaven Bilic could drop Darren Randolph for Everton clash as West Ham look
again to Adrian
West Ham host Everton at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon
The Hammers look set to drop goalkeeper Darren Randolph for Adrian
Bilic made Randolph his No 1 in November after dropping Adrian
By Andy Sims, Press Association Sport
PUBLISHED: 23:46, 21 April 2017 | UPDATED: 23:46, 21 April 2017
Daily Mail
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is considering dropping goalkeeper Darren
Randolph for Saturday's clash with Everton. Republic of Ireland
international Randolph was responsible for both Sunderland goals in last
weekend's 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, the latest in a string of
unconvincing performances. Bilic made Randolph his number one in November
after dropping Spanish keeper Adrian following some high-profile mistakes.
But Adrian could now be in line for a dramatic recall as Bilic attempts to
plug the holes in a defence which has let in more goals than rock-bottom
Sunderland this season. 'We are going to see, we have to discuss it,' said
Bilic. 'We win as a team, we lose as a team, but if we are talking about
individual errors when we conceded a few goals then the whole world knows
when a keeper makes a mistake. 'But we are winning as a team and losing as a
team. We can't forget how many times he has done a really good job for us.
'Is he still the number one? We are going to see, we have two really good
goalkeepers. 'With keepers they need confidence like every other player.
It's wrong to judge keepers on one mistake, and to change them on a weekly
basis. If you do that you lose both your keepers.' Adrian has not made a
first-team appearance since the FA Cup third-round visit from Manchester
City in January, which West Ham lost 5-0. 'When I decided to drop Adrian to
give Randy a chance, and then again after that, we have spoken a couple of
times about his future,' added Bilic. 'He's a great professional and he
never dropped one bit his level in training. I told him he had to wait for
his chance and that is exactly how it is.' Whoever lines up in goal will be
facing the daunting task of stopping Romelu Lukaku, the striker who cannot
stop scoring against West Ham. The Belgian has scored in each of his last
nine matches against the Hammers, and Bilic admitted: 'It's a job for our
defenders. 'In some of the games we've played against them we were really
good, but still he scored a goal. 'He is good and, not only that, he is
consistent for his age. People forget how young he is as he has been on the
radar for a long time. 'Everton have done a really good job to keep him. He
is one of best strikers, not only in the Premier League, but in Europe.'
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WEST HAM LINING UP BID FOR A GOALKEEPER NICKNAMED THE 'BUTTERFLY'Featured
Image
Date: 21st April 2017 at 9:00pm
Written by: David Tully
West Ham are interested in a move for Trabzonspor goalkeeper Onur Kivrak,
according to Turkish website F5haber.com. Kivrak is Trabzonspor's captain
and has been nicknamed the 'Butterfly" because of his spectacular saves. The
29 year old has been at his current club for nine years and Hammers boss
Slaven Bilic would no doubt be aware of the player after his two year spell
in charge at Besiktas. F5haber report that West Ham have previously made an
"official proposal" for Kivrak but Trabzonspor turned down the offer as they
felt they couldn't sell their club captain during the club's 50 year
anniversary. They say that may change in the future though. This season,
Kivrak has played 27 times, conceded 27 goals and kept 13 clean sheets. West
Ham may be looking for a new number one with both first team goalkeepers
Darren Randolph and Adrian struggling for form and making errors this
season. Whether Kivrak is the answer though, remains to be seen.
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Grant McCann claims West Ham United midfielder Martin Samuelsen has lost all
his confidence
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United attacking midfielder Martin Samuelsen has been on loan at
Peterborough United since January. Peterborough United boss Grant McCann has
told the League One side's official Youtube channel that West Ham United
prospect Martin Samuelsen seems to have lost his confidence. Samuelsen was
on loan at Posh last season, and he impressed hugely during his time at the
ABAX Stadium. The Norwegian international then opted to move to Blackburn
Rovers on loan at the start of this season, but that switch did not work out
as planned. The West Ham youngster barely played at Ewood Park, but Posh
tried to rescue his season in January. Unfortunately, Samuelsen's second
move to Peterborough was nowhere near as productive as his first. The
talented attacking midfielder barely featured for Posh, and rarely showed
the quality that he possesses. And McCann believes that Samuelsen's
confidence has gone after his spell at Blackburn. "The Martin Samuelsen that
was here last year was an unbelievable talent. He is an unbelievable talent.
But for whatever reason his confidence got knocked when he went to
Blackburn," McCann said, after confirming that Samuelsen's loan had been
terminated early. "He didn't have the confidence to try things that he once
did, when he was here. I wanted him to express himself more. "He needs to
get somewhere where he can play week in week out. He should've come here at
the start of the season, but he decided to go to the Championship. "He's a
great kid, he'll have a massive future in the game."
West Ham now appear to have work to do to coax Samuelsen back to his best,
as they look to help the youngster fulfil his potential. Samuelsen is still
very highly regarded at West Ham, but Slaven Bilic may have to think long
and hard about the next move he takes with the youngster, as another knock
to his confidence could be extremely damaging.
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RUBIN KAZAN STAR "HONOURED" BY WEST HAM INTERESTFeatured Image
Date: 21st April 2017 at 5:00pm
Written by: David Tully
Rubin Kazan right back Moritz Bauer says he is flattered by the interest
being shown in him. Italian website Tuttomercatoweb have linked the 25 year
old with a move to West Ham, Inter Milan and Valencia.
When asked about moving to one of those clubs by the same website, Bauer
responded: "It 's an honour that teams of this calibre are interested in me.
At the moment I am happy to Rubin Kazan, where I can still grow a lot, but
if they come in the summer with a very good deal for all parties involved
[then I] will evaluate it carefully."
Bauer has featured 20 times in all competitions for Rubin this season,
making four assists so far. The Hammers are looking for a right back in the
summer. At 25, he would perhaps be a younger alternative to other full
backs currently being linked with West Ham. 32 year old Pablo Zabaleta and
34 year old Bacary Sagna of Manchester City have been the two players who
are rumoured to be on the Hammers' radar. Both players are out of contract
at the end of the season and will be available on free transfers. Stoke
City's Glen Johnson was also said to be a target for West Ham but the full
back signed a new one year contract to stay with the Potters this week.
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