Hammers fall to County Cups defeat at Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com
A spirited fight-back was not enough for West Ham United Ladies to avoid
losing at Crystal Palace Ladies 3-1, leading to their elimination from the
County Cups.
A controversial penalty and a close-ranged finish had put Palace in control
with a two-goal lead at half-time in Sunday's fixture, leaving the Hammers
with it all to do in the second period. A clever curling finish from Julie
Melfald with 15 minutes to play dragged the Ladies back into contention, but
a well-worked goal for Palace secured the home side's victory towards the
end of the game. The Hammers made three changes to their starting XI from
the last contest with Rosie Kmita, Paige Anderson-James and Molly Peters
struggling with injuries. The former duo at least made the bench while the
trio were replaced by Mollie Kmita, Andreya Ezekiel-Meade and Kelly
Wealthall in the side. The opening goal of the match came in dubious
circumstances as the referee awarded Palace a free-kick, only to then change
his mind and give the home side a penalty. Nikita Whinnett put the Eagles in
front from the spot on 15 minutes. A lively Kelly Wealthall stole possession
moments later and her shot was straight at the goalkeeper, before Burr
received the ball from a lovely pass by Chantelle Mackie, but her effort was
well-saved by Lynch. The Hammers were made to pay for that missed
opportunity as Palace went two ahead. Cherie Rowlands made a great save to
deny McRoberts but Elliie Stenning was on hand to smash home the rebound.
Burr again came close with a wonderful dipping effort that looked destined
for the top corner, if not for an incredible save, while Wealthall was able
to nip around Lynch only for the angle to be made too narrow by her touch.
Greg de Carnys made two changes at the start of the second half with Melfald
and Dayna Chong entering the fray, meaning all three had been used after
Anderson-James entered the fray after just 16 minutes, only to be removed at
half-time due to injury. The Hammers almost found a way back into the
contest within minutes of the restart as Amber Stobbs just failed to latch
onto a clever free-kick. The home side could have secured the win as
Rowlands was forced into an excellent save from a Bailes effort, but with 15
minutes to go substitute Melfald fired home a left-footed shot from outside
the area to half the deficit. Palace had hit the post as well, prior to
Melfald's well-taken goal, and the West Ham finish gave the away side hope
of getting back into the match in the final few minutes. But Palace found
the third that they had been threatening in the 82nd minute as an excellent
flicked pass allowed Bailes to fire into the net from close range.
West Ham United Ladies: Rowland; Mackie, Wheeler, Austin, Auguste; M Kmita,
Burr, Ezekiel-Meade (Anderson-James 16'- Chong 46'), Cooper, Stobbs;
Wealthall (Melfald 46')
Subs not used: Walker, R Kmita
Goals: Melfald 74'
Crystal Palace Ladies: Lynch; McRoberts, Foreman, Bailes, Paye (Collins
79'), Holdaway, Sherwood (Chandler 62'), Haydock, Whinnett, Goss (Davenport
76'), Stenning
Subs not used: Collins, Bryan
Goals: Whinnett 15' (p), Stenning 29', Bailes 82'
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First-half performance cost Ladies against Crystal Palace – De Carnys
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies' first half performance cost them the chance to
progress through the County Cups in the 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace,
according to Greg de Carnys. A dubious penalty and a close-ranged goal put
the Hammers two goals down heading into half-time, and while substitute
Julie Melfald halved the deficit on 74 minutes, a late finish secured
Palace's victory and eliminated the Irons. While the Ladies put in a lively
and encouraging performance in the second half the first period was cause
for concern for first team manager De Carnys, who has called on his team to
play to their full potential for the full 90 minutes. And the coach says
lessons need to be learned from Sunday's cup defeat. "We are disappointed
with our performance in the first half," De Carnys told whufc.com: "We need
to be prepared to up our game more from the start. It shouldn't come from
anything that happens at half-time. It shouldn't come from me, it should
come from the girls, and that's something that we've had a stern word about
in the changing room. "The second half we upped our game and there were
higher levels of performance from individuals on the pitch. I'm disappointed
because, in the second half, we showed we've got better players than were on
display in the first.
"Performing at a high level is not easy. It requires the players to be
really well prepared and doing things off the pitch right as well. As we
talk about the Club progressing and becoming more professional these are
lessons that the players have to learn quickly."
The side was also disrupted by a number of injury set-backs both before and
during the match. Molly Peters missed the game through injury while Paige
Anderson-James and Rosie Kmita, who started the last match, were only fit
enough for the bench. Anderson-James was brought on for Andreya
Ezekiel-Meade early on as the forward struggled with a knock, but the
substitute had to be taken off again at half-time due to a recurrence of her
problem. Kelly Wealthall, who started up front in Peters's absence, also was
withdrawn at the interval due to an injury. De Carnys added: "We had to make
changes to the starting XI due to injuries. Rosie [Kmita] and Paige
[Anderson-James] were on the bench but Molly [Peters] couldn't feature.
"Then we had to bring off Andreya [Ezekiel-Meade] because she was
struggling. Paige came on but could only play the rest of the first half
before we needed to substitute her as well. Add to that losing Kelly
[Wealthall] and that's all our options used before 46 minutes is on the
clock. "That obviously exasperates a difficult afternoon but we will assess
the severity of these knocks this week."
While De Carnys feels his Ladies gave a poor account of themselves in the
first half the opening goal – a penalty kick – did not help matters. The
referee had initially awarded a free-kick but a quick consultation with his
linesman saw the official change his mind and give the penalty. De Carnys
admits he didn't have the clearest view of the incident but feels the
decision to give a spot-kick was harsh. "I was quite a way from the incident
but from where I looked I had the same feeling as the referee – that the
foul was outside the box. I think the linesman has given it after."
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Ex-Blue Kemp disappointed not to beat Chelsea
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23s "bossed the game", according to winger Dan Kemp, but
could only record a goalless draw with Chelsea on Sunday. The Hammers
travelled to Aldershot Town's Recreation Ground to take on the Blues on the
back of two consecutive Premier League 2 Division 1 wins but were left
frustrated as they failed to break the deadlock. The visitors were the more
dangerous side throughout, creating the best openings and forcing goalkeeper
Jamie Cumming into action on a number of occasions.
Sead Haksabanovic, playing his first Hammers match since his first team bow
against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, came closest to scoring the
game's only goal when his superb scissor-kick shot was tipped round the
post. But Chelsea stayed compact at the back and frustrated Terry Westley's
men, who now have seven points from their last three league matches. Kemp –
a former Blues academy star – took the positives from the point, however,
when he spoke to West Ham TV after the full-time whistle. "We were a bit
disappointed in the end," he admitted, "but it's never a bad result away at
Chelsea getting a point. "We felt that we totally bossed the game. We felt
we dominated, had more chances so we're disappointed in a way. But it was a
good performance and the only thing missing was the goal.I thought the back
four were brilliant today, Vashon [Neufville], Dec [Rice], Pasky [Josh Pask]
and Johno [Ben Johnson] did well but especially Dec and Pasky kept the
forward out the game. I didn't really feel like he got into the game because
of them. Trotty as well did very well. "[The scissor kick] was a very good
effort from Sead. He had a really good game today. I felt that we had too
much for them with him, me, Nathan [Holland], Toni [Martinez] going forward
and Dec and Pasky at the back. At the front we had too much for them and
combined well together."
During the first half, Kemp was brought down in the penalty area by Chelsea
defender Trevoh Chalobah – brother of Watford's Nathaniel – but the referee
waved away the Hammers' strong spot-kick appeals. And after the game, the
winger looked back on the decision with frustration. "I felt that it was
almost a stone-wall [penalty]. I don't understand how the referee didn't
give it. "He said there was contact but that's something you have to get on
with. We did that and kept playing.
But we are getting more and more confident with every game and I think we
can compete with anyone in the league. We have got some great players and a
great squad, not just the players that start. "We have got a lot still to
come back [from injury] and we're really confident at the moment. We're
looking forward to keep improving and keep winning."
Kemp spent ten years as a youngster at Chelsea and played with a number of
the Blues who faced the Hammers on Sunday. And the England U19
international, who has gone from strength-to-strength since joining the east
Londoners in November 2015, looked back on his time there with fondness. "I
have a lot of great memories at Chelsea, and it was lovely to see them all
again and they were good to me. "It was nice to see the boys again and I
feel really content with the way I played. It was one of my better games
this season and it is always nice to do it against your old club. You always
have that little bit extra to give against them.
"Now, our focus is on Saturday and that's what is great about this league;
you play against very high quality opposition in the league. We will train
hard this week and look forward to another big game [against Manchester City
at Dagenham and Redbridge] on Saturday."
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'Rice is one of the best young centre-backs in England' - Westley
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Terry Westley labelled Declan Rice as one of the best young
central defenders in the country after West Ham United's PL2 side were held
to a 0-0 draw at Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. Rice, who was playing just his
second Premier League 2 fixture of the season, produced a man of the match
performance and, wearing the captain's armband, led his side superbly as
they secured a first clean sheet since the opening day of the season. "There
was one stand out player on the pitch today and that was Declan Rice." Terry
Westley explained. "His whole demeanour, the way he goes about the game, the
way he drives the team and his all-round ability, which covers all of that –
he was the stand out player on both sides."
The Republic of Ireland international received high praise for his
performances towards the end of the 2016/17 campaign, eventually making his
First Team debut on the final day of the Premier League season. And his form
has continued in to this term where he has established himself as a regular
in Slaven Bilic's match day squads – all at just 18 years of age. "If there
is a better young centre-back in the country, I haven't seen him, at least
not playing in under-23 football" said Westley. Rice was one of a number of
top performers in Hampshire as West Ham controlled much of the possession
against a highly-rated young Chelsea outfit. Dan Kemp, Nathan Holland, Sead
Haksabanovic and Conor Coventry all impressed and for Westley, there was
just one thing missing. "I think we edged the game and if you're coming to
Chelsea and you're disappointed that you haven't won, it shows the strides
we've come. "Our four attacking players were too much for them, I can't
remember Nathan Trott having to make a save. If I was critical, our final
ball in to the box wasn't quite good enough to open them up today."
"Holland, Kemp and Sead [Haksabanovic] in particular really caused them
grief and it would have been nice to round it off with a win but you have to
learn to stay in the game as well."
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Bobby Zamora: My West Ham Scrapbook
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United striker Bobby Zamora picks out his favourite memories
of his time in Claret and Blue...
Scoring on my home debut against Cardiff City in February 2004
Growing up as a West Ham fan, going to the Boleyn Ground as a kid and
singing 'Bubbles', I couldn't believe I was out on the pitch playing there.
Hearing 'Bubbles' two minutes before the game, it sent shivers down my spine
and I was singing along with it! It was my home debut, I ran out onto the
pitch and we won 1-0 and I scored the winning goal. It was what dreams were
made of. I had come from Spurs, but everyone knew I was a West Ham fan and I
didn't hear a single peep about Spurs, so it didn't bother me at all. The
West Ham took to me straight away and obviously scoring on my debut helped
me kick on from there.
The Championship Play-Off semi-final win over Ipswich Town in May 2005
I've got some great memories of the Play-Offs, of course, and none more so
than our win over Ipswich Town in 2005. We'd beaten Ipswich the previous
year, too, but lost to Crystal Palace in the final, then we had to face them
again. The 2004/05 season itself was not great for us, in terms of where we
finished, but we were on a roll at the right time. The volley for my second
goal at Portman Road was lovely and something people weren't expecting.
Marlon put the ball across and there was nothing the 'keeper could do. That
win set us up nicely for the final and when you're in that run of form as a
team, and myself as a striker, you feel nothing can go wrong and we hoped it
would continue into the Play-Off final.
Scoring in the 2005 Play-Off final win over Preston North End
As I said, I do like a Play-Off! The 2005 final was a cagey affair to be
honest and one goal was always likely to be enough to win it for either
side. Matty Etherington got down the left and put the ball over and the fact
I didn't make a great connection with it is probably what done the 'keeper!
I'd had a bit of a taste of it before with Spurs, but to be able to get the
team you love and support up into the Premier League was magnificent. That's
where all of us wanted to play, so to score and do it in front of so many
friends and family, including people I'd gone to games with as a kid, was a
great feeling. We had a great team spirit. I loved going into training, the
banter with all the lads was brilliant. It was just a great set of lads who
enjoyed a laugh and a joke, but we also put in the hard work so we could get
the results we needed.
2006 FA Cup final heartache
We got to the FA Cup final under Alan Pardew in 2006 and what a game it was,
as well! It had absolutely everything. I remember being gutted not to start.
Dean Ashton had been injured towards the end of the season and I'd come in
and done quite well, but Deano came back in. To be fair, the team done
brilliant and obviously it went down to a penalty shootout. We had practised
penalties at Chadwell Heath, where Ludo Miklosko had brought in Petr Cech to
help us out, and I remember taking three left-footed and three right-footed
and scoring them all! I was confident and knew where I wanted to go and what
I wanted to do. I hit the target and I still don't think it was a bad
penalty, but Pepe Reina chose the right way and saved it. We came so close
in the game itself and then by taking it to penalties, and losing it can't
take away from what an amazing season it was for us, really.
Scoring the first-ever away Premier League winner at the Emirates
We had been the last-ever visiting team to win at Highbury in February 2006,
when I scored in a 3-2 win over a very strong Arsenal team. When we went
there in April 2007, though, we were desperate for a win. Despite our
troubles, I really enjoyed that season. We had a great group of lads and
really shouldn't have been down where we were. Some of the players we had
were ridiculous. It just happened that we were down there but we showed that
spirit and togetherness again to pull through. We weathered the storm and
managed to become the first team to win at the Emirates and I managed to
score a nice goal too! I always felt we could win every single game we
played and this showed that.
Curling home a vital winner against Everton in April 2007
After winning at Arsenal, we'd been beaten heavily by Sheffield United and
Chelsea and were still right in it with a few games to go. We played Everton
at the Boleyn Ground with four matches to go and needed a win badly to boost
our chances of beating relegation. If you watch the goal again, it looks
like I take it quite nonchalantly, but it felt almost like a training
session the way it was backheeled to me by Yossi Benayoun and I took a touch
and smashed it into the top corner.
That win set us up very nicely and put us on the roll for the final three
games, which we won against Wigan, Bolton and Manchester United.
Completing the Great Escape at Old Trafford
What a fantastic afternoon that was! I had a really good understanding with
Carlos Tevez and the winning goal came after a one-two between us and a
little ricochet and he finished it really well. I absolutely loved playing
with him. We played a sort of 4-5-1 formation that season and the one of had
to fill in on the right wing when we were defending, so whenever we lost the
ball, we'd look at each other and laugh because one of us would have to
sprint back 50 yards to do some defending! We both had to do and had a
really good understanding which made it a pleasure playing alongside him. It
was a little bit surreal, that day, because they'd already won the Premier
League and you could tell they wanted to win that last game under their
fans. But then we won, so everyone in the stadium was happy, so it was a mad
vibe. It was a very special day.
*Bobby Zamora is a founder of the Legacy Foundation, which aims to bring
sport, education and high-quality housing to the areas that need it most,
and provides coaching for Football Escapes.
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RICE SHINES IN UNDER 23S DRAW WITH CHELSEA
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 22 OCTOBER 2017 AT 6:13PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Jack Lebeau
West Ham U23 visited Aldershot early this afternoon looking to climb up the
Premier League 2 table. An out-of-form Chelsea side, who had not won since
August 18th, stood in their way though.
The first half was very drab with neither side creating any brilliant
chances to go ahead. Chelsea's frustration mainly come down to Rice & Pask
forming a very solid centre-back partnership whilst West Ham's best chances
came through Haksabanovic, who was feeling very greedy on a number of
occasions, despite other players being in more space and in a better
position to score.
Kemp fared well up against Nathan Chalobah's younger brother Trevoh despite
him being twice the size of him!
Joe Powell replaced Quina at the start of the second half with Terry Westley
clearly looking to attack Chelsea as much as possible in the second half. We
started the second half really well too with both Martinez & Haksabanovic
coming incredibly close with brilliant shots within the first five minutes
of the re-start.
Trott got called into action mid-way and made a great save to keep the
scores level. Unfortunately, despite being the better side in the second
half, West Ham couldn't take advantage and the game ended 0-0. Man of the
Match for me would probably be Declan Rice purely because he won everything
both on the floor and in the air throughout. Notable mentions have to be for
Kemp & Holland though. Rice showed his class and we really do have a top
youngster on our hands here.
A few people have asked me who i'd bring into the side from the U23s for the
cup game against Spurs this week (if any), and my answer would be Martinez,
Rice & one of either Haksabanovic or Holland. Everyone knows how good Rice
can be so that is a no-brainer, and he should never have been dropped after
just one mistake against Newcastle, especially after being our best player
of the season up to that point. Martinez's goal-scoring record has been
phenomenal for the U23s so he also deserves a chance especially on the back
of a hat-trick against Manchester United last week. Meanwhile, West Ham have
appeared to be struggling out wide this season so either Haksabanovic or
Holland could inject some much needed enthusiasm and pace into our game.
I've also been asked about Terry Westley's potential takeover of the
first-team should Bilic be sacked or resign. Simply put, there's every
chance he could do well for us. He's passionate, very vocal, has motivated
the U23 players really well, developed them and got them playing good
football too. The players clearly want to play for him which is always a
good factor as well.
West Ham U23s next game is actually on Saturday at 1pm (an annoying clash
with the first-teams game against Palace) against Manchester City at
Dagenham's ground. As always, tickets are free for Season Ticket Holders, £3
for kids & £5 for adults. I'd definitely recommend seeing an U23 game soon
if you haven't already – they seem to be one of the only positive things
about the club at the moment.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE: A MANAGER SITUATION UPDATE
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 22 OCTOBER 2017 AT 10:41PM
TheWestHamWayco.uk
So the performance against Brighton on Friday was littered with problems,
faults and errors. I don't want to spend the whole article talking about
them and probably will end up discussing it on the radio show.
In a nutshell it was dreadful and a performance like that has seen most fans
now seem to turn against the manager, myself included. Now whilst you can
argue the players need to take the ultimate responsibility, they do, but in
modern football the buck always stops with the manager. You could also say
that he should have been 100% fully backed by the club too and it hasn't
always felt like that but whatever is the case the situation isn't good and
for me and many others Slav's time is now up.
In my opinion, and I will elaborate on this on the radio show, the training
isn't up to standards. I have heard this from multiple sources and many
explayers have said this after leaving the club. Even players such as Reece
Oxford and Robert Snodgrass who are technically still our players have
commented. The players always look unfit and I would also question how
effective in their role some of the backroom staff are. In the past you
could always name West Ham's coaches and assistant manager etc now I would
really struggle to name anyone other than Julian Dicks and then I am not
clear on his role either.
I also believe now that some players do not want to play for Bilic, again
from what I have heard and what some players have said and there is clearly
an issue with academy players being selected for squads too. This could
explain why a lot of players look lost on the pitch, some unclear on their
roles and unmotivated. Perhaps they do not respect or want to play for the
manager anymore? I can only speculate but these issues seem more and more
obvious as more confirm them.
I would also like to clarify my comments on Bilic offering to resign after
the Newcastle game. I hadn't intended for this to be public information as
it seems wrong but it was already on social media so I confirmed it and it
has gone viral. The offer of resignation never went to anyone senior it was
in the dressing room at the end and why David Sullivan would not have heard
of it happening. This information has been confirmed to me by a number of
sources but apparently he said to the players "If you do not want to play
for me, I need to walk" to which the players said they did and persuaded him
to stay. Therefore Bilic saw that as the unity that he needed to continue,
allegedly.
I feel for Bilic, I have defended him on social media and the radio show for
ages now and I really want him to do well but Friday's performance was very
hard to defend and I think this is now felt by the board.
I think everyone feels it is time for him to go and that a new manager
should be brought in but the managers that we would target have all made it
clear they would rather move in the summer and that they do not want to walk
out on their teams in the middle of a season. You have to admire their
loyalty but question if we really did push out the financial boat would they
really be that loyal? I know we like Mancini, he has been on the radar for
a while as has Wagner of Huddersfield. Another manager who almost joined us
in the past, before Real Madrid moved in, is Benitez but I think he doesn't
want to go until the summer and also has a large compensation figure which
needs to be paid if he does go. Pellegrini is someone who I got wind of a
while ago and had heard he was seriously under consideration. At this point
he wasn't even in the bookies list of potential managers and you could get
35-1 on him, then within a few weeks he went to 3-1 favourite. Other
managers in the frame are Dyche of Burnley and Silva of Watford. The
problem is none of them, at this point, want to join until the summer.
This means that we could look at a caretaker option for six months, whilst
that might appeal to the club it might not appeal to potential managers. A
simple search on transfer market website shows the managers that could fall
into this category including old managers of ours: Redknapp, Pardew and
Allardyce. I have been told that the first two are not wanted by the club
and that Big Sam would not see our offer as appealing. There are many other
names on the list, some quite appealing, but the chairmen are unsure that
any of them are any better than the options we have and this includes
academy manager Westley at this point. They will continue to explore these
options and try to find a replacement but at this point no one stands out
and no one is guaranteed to join.
This in effect means Slav is guaranteed a few more games whilst options are
considered. He could win them and we would find ourselves back in the
position again where he buys himself sometime and actually makes it all the
way to the summer. I think the club are worried that there are genuinely no
better options than Slav and that they hope he turns it around or that a
really good candidate makes themselves clear. It is a very difficult and
worrying situation for the club to be in and if anything changes I will
update you.
We have former Hammer of the Year Matthew Etherington on the radio show this
week who has previously been very pro Bilic, speaking about his new opinions
and with inside knowledge of what is felt by some of the players, this
should make a great show. I have deliberately held off my opinion and
knowledge of Slav's time at the club but will go into these in more details
on the radio, I would also like to point out that the West Ham Way Pre
Match event is selling very fast. Below is where you can get your tickets
for the Danny Gabbidon event
https://www.tickettailor.com/checkout/view-event/id/119305/chk/39ef
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic given two games to save job
By Kaveh Solhekol
Last Updated: 22/10/17 9:01pm
SSN
West Ham owners have decided Slaven Bilic will remain as manager - for the
time being, according to Sky sources. It is understood Bilic is being given
the next two games to save his job - at Spurs in the Carabao Cup on
Wednesday and at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday. The
Croatian's job is on the line following the 3-0 defeat at home to Brighton
on Friday. Despite extensive investment in new players in the summer with
the arrival of striker Javier Hernandez and goalkeeper Joe Hart, the club
have won only two of nine league games this season and have slipped to 16th
in the table. Sky Sports News reported that the club board were meeting on
Saturday to discuss Bilic's future. Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold
have a track record of standing by their managers, but it is understood that
the club's hierarchy were "very worried" by what they saw during Friday's
heavy loss at the London Stadium. Two goals from Glenn Murray and a Jose
Izquierdo strike condemned the Hammers to their worst start to a season
since 2010, taking just eight points from nine games. Bilic's contract runs
out at the end of the season, and Sullivan backed the Croatian ahead of
Friday night's game admitting he felt it was "morally wrong" to sack
managers and said he wants to give him opportunity to see out his three-year
contract. Speaking after Friday's defeat, Bilic said: "It is very hard for
me to say anything clever in this moment apart from it's very disappointing.
As manager I take full responsibility."
Asked if he was confident he will be given the opportunity to turn West
Ham's form around, he added: "The board will do what they are going to do.
"It is their decision. We have been in this situation before and we got out.
As a manager you take the credit and as a manager you take the full
responsibility. I don't want to hide. I'm not worried [about the sack]. I'm
doing my best." Bilic was appointed at West Ham in June 2015 when he
replaced Sam Allardyce, who left by mutual consent.
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Harry Kane set to be rested for League Cup encounter with West Ham
The Englishman scored twice in Tottenham's win over Liverpool
Miguel Delaney @MiguelDelaney
The Independent Sport
Mauricio Pochettino says he will likely rest Harry Kane for Wednesday's
fourth-round League Cup tie at home to West Ham United on Wednesday, but
insisted that the free-scoring striker is not injured despite going off
holding his hamstring at the end of Tottenham Hotspur's 4-1 thrashing of
Liverpool. The Argentine said that it was merely tiredness after a hectic
schedule, and that is why he will seek to give the 24-year-old a break,
after he scored twice against Jurgen Klopp's side.
"He was tired at the end," Pochettino said. "It was a massive effort,
Bournemouth [last week], Real Madrid [on Tuesday] and today. It's normal
he's a little bit tired. It will not be a problem. "Maybe, yes [I rest him].
We have many games ahead, Wednesday and then Man United [at Old Trafford on
Saturday]. It's important to know he played two games in the national team
before Bournemouth, so a massive effort from him. He's not a machine, so
maybe Wednesday he needs to rest. "He's amazing, one of the best strikers in
the world."
Before the game, Kane was one of two Tottenham players to have the privilege
of meeting Diego Maradona, along with Pochettino. The Spurs manager had
previously played with his compatriot when at Newell's Old Boys, and still
seemed in awe of the football great. "I saw him before in the manager's
room. It was difficult to let him go because when you're in front of
Maradona you want to speak with him. It was emotional. I hadn't seen him for
over 20 years. For me he was the best player ever in football. And he
remembers every single moment we shared at Newell's. Off the pitch a great,
great, great personalty, a great person. I hope to see him tomorrow at the
Fifa awards."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, October 23
Sunday, October 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd October 2017
Wind-assisted U18s breeze to first league win of season
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s gave the Club a lift on Saturday as they scored their
first win of the season. The Hammers took advantage of the windy conditions
to snatch a 1-0 U18 Premier League Southern Division victory over Reading at
Little Heath. Bernardo Rosa was the hosts' first match-winner of 2017/18,
when his corner was cleared back to him, and the Brazilian's cross was
caught by a gust of wind and flew into the top corner via the goalkeeper's
gloves. Assistant manager Mark Phillips was delighted with the team's
application, both before and after Rosa's goal, as they picked up three
welcome points. "The wind definitely made things difficult, and it wasn't
the most attractive of games, but we worked harder than them and deserved
the victory," he said. "To get our first win of the season is a massive
boost for everyone in the dressing room, which had gone a bit flat in recent
weeks, as you might expect. I made sure the lads played a bit of music
before the game and it seemed to get them up for it. "It was the sort of
game where one goal was always likely to be decisive and we got it. I felt
that if we could get ahead, we'd go onto win, but if we'd conceded, we might
well have lost. "Bernardo's goal was the first time we have been in front
all season, so we were pleased with the way we defended and saw the game out
after we'd scored. "The captain Ben Wells led by example and defended well,
as did the whole back five. Schoolboy Josh Okotcha played up [an age group]
and did really well, while Rihards Matrevics made a really important save
late on to ensure we won the game."
After a weekend off, the Hammers will return to action on Saturday 4
November at 11am, when they host Liverpool in the U18 Premier League Cup at
Little Heath.
"It'll be Steven Gerrard versus Steve Potts in terms of coaches!" Phillips
smiled. "They had some battles as players and now they'll meet on the
touchline, so let's hope Pottsy comes out on top! "It's a game we're all
looking forward to, so we'd love as many supporters as possible to come
along to cheer us on ahead of the first-team's game against Liverpool later
that afternoon."
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Trott hopeful for Chelsea win after Manchester United statement
WHUFC.com
Nathan Trott is desperate for his West Ham United U23 side to follow up last
weekend's win over Manchester United with another when they travel to
Chelsea on Sunday. The goalkeeper believes his team put down at statement
with their 4-2 victory over the Red Devils last Sunday, courtesy of Toni
Martinez's hat-trick and Joe Powell's first of the season. The Blues have
recorded just one win so far in the league this campaign in comparison to
West Ham's four and Trott thinks with the confidence high, the Hammers are
well set to continue their good form. He said: "Manchester United are
obviously a really big club who have produced excellent players in the past,
so I think that it was a big statement by us to win that game 4-2. "I think
it now tells us how good we are as a team and that the players we produce
are up there with the best. "Everyone is in good spirits now. It was a big
win and hopefully we can use this as momentum and keep winning games from
here on, starting with our match against Chelsea."
Terry Westley's men will travel to Aldershot Town's Recreation Ground to
face the Blues, whose one and only Division 1 win so far came against Derby
County back in mid-August. With England U20 international Trott now the
Club's third choice stopper behind Joe Hart and Adrian, much of his time in
training and on matchdays is spent with the first team. Nathan TrottThe
youngster insisted, though, he remains as focused as ever when it comes to
U23 games. "I try not to think too much before games," he continued. "I have
the same routine before every game, so I block things out and just stay
focused. "Being in and around the first team has given me a different
picture. Being with them on so many matchdays this season has been a great
experience so far and it gives me a chance to see all the lads preparing and
see how they do that. "For me, I look at the keepers Joe and Adrian, how
they train beforehand and how focused they are and I try to take on as much
as I can. "They have both helped me a lot. They are very different keepers
so I can take different things from both of them, which is good. Both have
the same mentality, staying tough and blocking out any distractions. "It's
good having that blend between them, and they are both experienced guys and
experienced in the Premier League. "If I can take that into my own games, it
will only help me improve."
The Hammers currently sit in fourth place in Premier League 2 Division 1 in
their first campaign since promotion last May. Should other results go their
way on Saturday, Westley's men could move up to third with maximum points
against Chelsea. Supporters can follow, from 11am, live blog coverage of the
clash on whufc.com Sunday.
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#REFWATCH: MARTIN ATKINSON – WEST HAM VS BRIGHTON
AUTHOR: SAMTWHWREF. PUBLISHED: 20 OCTOBER 2017 AT 10:16PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
Who doesn't love football on a Friday Night? After this performance, West
Ham fans for sure… After a challenging fixture at Burnley, we welcomed newly
promoted Brighton to the London Stadium for FNF which was live on Sky
Sports. Slaven Bilic and the players are under a microscope with recent
performances and especially since the move to the London Stadium, West Ham
have struggled to rediscover any type performance that we saw in the final
season at the Boleyn Ground.
Martin Atkinson was the referee appointed for this fixture and I was very
impressed with Atkinson last weekend for his performance in Liverpool Vs
Manchester United. It was a tough fixture to officiate but Atkinson was that
calm figure that the game needed and his decision making and player
management was impressive. I rate Atkinson highly and this was his second
West Ham appointment with the only other game being our first game of the
season away at Manchester United.
Martin Atkinson must be thinking to himself, what did I do to get given that
fixture? The first half was probably the easiest 45 minutes of Premier
League officiating he and his team could ask for. They cruised through the
half which lacked intensity and creativity. The only incident that is worth
talking about in the first half was the caution for Javier Hernandez. The
Mexican has been starved of chances and service so far this season and
within this particular incident, he came in late to a challenge clattering
Brighton's Anthony Knockaert. It was a 50/50 challenge but Knockaert was
caught and left in a heap after the challenge.
The match was desperately calling out for some end product by West Ham after
an awful 45 minutes after going 2-nil down. Martin Atkinson had limited to
do in the second half but thankfully a bit more busy than the first half.
Whenever a game is in cruise control, the worst thing you can do as a
referee is become complacent and lose focus; you never know when the game is
going to change and you need to be there to make that decision.
Glenn Murray was a handful for the West Ham defenders and he stepped over
the line on a few occasions. Atkinson was there to warn the Brighton striker
that his persistent infringing of the laws was unacceptable and gave him his
last warning. West Ham's evening took an even worse turn when Pablo Zabaleta
gave away a very stupid, lazy and tired penalty against the ever present
Glenn Murray. The West Ham man couldn't have any complaints with the
challenge and Martin Atkinson was well positioned to make the decision to
point to the spot.
Overall, Martin Atkinson had little to do during the game which during a
tough couple of years for referees, it was probably enjoyable to walk away
from a game which was incident free. A note on West Ham, it's pretty
shocking that you're playing at home against a newly promoted side and the
players look fed up, lacked intensity and creativity. Jamie Carragher summed
it up pretty well in commentary on Sky Sports – the team is full of
individuals and not a team. Personally, this comes from the management team
and filters down to the players and leaders in the squad. As we sit 17th in
the Premier League, it's going to be an uncomfortable couple of weeks for
Bilic. I do feel for him however it's a results business and something needs
to change in the team.
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@_CARLTONCOLE9'S THOUGHTS ON SLAVEN BILIC
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 21 OCTOBER 2017 AT 12:22PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @_CarltonCole9's thoughts on Slaven Bilic
If you've followed me for a while, you will know how much I love Slaven
Bilic. I have defended him throughout; regardless of how poor we've been I
have tweeted my praise for him and got a ton of abuse for being naive,
deluded and pretty much any synonym you can imagine. I have called people
who want him gone stupid and fickle. I have a massive scarf I got in Camden
Market saying Super Slav up in my bedroom. I do love him which is why
writing this is so hard so I'm just gonna come out and say it: For the sake
of West Ham United, Slaven Bilic needs to go.
He is still a good manager regardless of what people say. Maybe this is me
clinging on to the fact I do love him. Kinda like when your partner leaves
you and you hate them but you have that ounce of love for them. But the
Brighton game has pushed me too far. It was indefensible.
I have no idea what formation we were playing. Lanzini was acting as a
holding midfielder. Kouyate was wandering up front despite the fact he has
the shooting ability of a 4 year old American who has stolen their
grandmother's handgun from her handbag. But what baffles me the most is the
fact we kept crossing in for Hernandez and Ayew to score headers despite the
fact they're about 10 inches smaller than Brighton's centre backs.
However, the tip of the iceberg for me is the general attitude of the
players. They're not playing for him. They're not playing for the club. I
don't know what they're doing and they should be ashamed of themselves but
it seems like Bilic has hit the point of no return with them. He's fighting
a lost cause. Unless he does something drastic then this is gonna drag on
until the end of the season when his contract is up. The issue is I fear he
doesn't have it in him anymore.
I strongly disagree with people who say Bilic is a bad manager. He got us
our highest ever points tally – if you say that was Payet, remember who got
the best out of him – and with all the nonsense that happened last season we
still got a respectable 11th. But this season has been dire. Even the wins
have been dreadful. I've kid myself by saying a win's a win and that Slaven
got us the win (subs against Swansea) but the truth is, they were poor and
we were lucky. But losing 3-0 to 2 promoted sides, one at home, is
unacceptable for a club who want to fight for Europa.
This season hasn't just been Bilic's fault. It's been the player's fault as
well. I can't think of one player who's consistently been good. Zabaleta,
who's probably been our best player this season, has given away 2 penalties.
Hernandez isn't getting the service but on the rare occasion he does, he's
not doing anything. So far, Arnautovic has been a disaster, as have every
one of our central midfielders. As I said, they may not be playing for Bilic
but they could at least play for the shirt.
I have supported West Ham since Pardew. I'm aware many of you have been
supporting us for longer, but Slaven Bilic is my favourite West Ham manager.
I love the person and I did love the manager. But as long as he stays at
West Ham, his reputation will continue to get shredded apart. Thank you for
the memories Slaven and know that I do and always will love you. But,
similar to Big Sam, you've taken us as far as you can and it's time for you
to go.
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Slaven Bilic's future being discussed by West Ham board and owners
Last Updated: 21/10/17 4:45pm
SSN
West Ham owners and the club board are meeting on Saturday to discuss Slaven
Bilic's future as manager, according to Sky sources. Co-owners David
Sullivan and David Gold have a track record of standing by their managers,
but Sky Sports News understand the club's hierarchy are "very worried" by
what they saw during Friday's 3-0 home defeat to Brighton at the London
Stadium. Two goals from Glenn Murray and a Jose Izquierdo strike means the
Hammers, who are 17th in the Premier League, have made their worst start to
a season since 2010, taking just eight points from nine games. Sky sources
understand no final decision will be made on Bilic's future on Saturday as
the owners ponder whether to sack him or give him two more games - at
Tottenham in the League Cup on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports, and at Crystal
Palace next Saturday. Bilic's contract runs out at the end of the season,
and Sullivan backed the Croatian ahead of Friday night's game admitting he
felt it was "morally wrong" to sack managers and said he wants to give him
opportunity to see out his three-year contract. Speaking after Friday's
defeat, Bilic said: "It is very hard for me to say anything clever in this
moment apart from it's very disappointing. "As manager I take full
responsibility.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admits it was a bad result but is unsure why the
performance was so poor after his side were defeated 3-0 at home by Brighton
in the Premier League. When asked if he was confident he will be given the
opportunity to turn West Ham's form around, he said: "The board will do what
they are going to do. "It is their decision. We have been in this situation
before and we got out. As a manager you take the credit and as a manager you
take the full responsibility. I don't want to hide. "I'm not worried [about
the sack]. I'm doing my best."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher analyse Marko Arnautovic's West Ham
performance against Brighton
Last Updated: 21/10/17 10:03am
SSN
Gary Neville was critical of Marko Arnautovic after West Ham's heavy defeat
to Brighton on Friday Night Football, saying the forward "is Cristiano
Ronaldo in his own mind". Brighton produced a superb display to beat
struggling West Ham 3-0 at the London Stadium, with two goals from Glenn
Murray and another by Jose Izquierdo. Neville and fellow Sky Sports analyst
Jamie Carragher dissected a "woeful" West Ham performance, reserving
particular criticism for the Hammers' £24m club-record signing Arnautovic.
"I have only ever played with one player that had an excuse not to track
back and that was Cristiano Ronaldo," Neville told Sky Sports. "He scored 40
goals in a season. "That guy [Arnautovic] is Ronaldo in his own mind. That's
the problem, he thinks he is better than he is. "The part of the game I
can't get my head around from a West Ham point of view is the first 20
minutes. "When you think about the opportunity they had tonight - they had
turned it around a little bit over the last few weeks - but they came out
against Brighton and were not alert on set-pieces, they had no concentration
or urgency. That's the period of the game that is unforgivable for me."
Carragher added: "That's the kind of performance that gets the manager
sacked. I was very critical of Arnautovic during the game, he was a huge
money signing.
"It can be difficult to settle and show your true form at a new club but
that performance was not one you think was desperate to show everyone what
he can do.
"He's walking about during the game, it was beyond belief, certainly in the
first half. It was so poor and it heaps so much pressure on the manager."
The defeat leaves West Ham in 17th place having taken eight points from
their opening nine games. Large numbers of the home supporters left the
ground after Murray's penalty made it 3-0 with 15 minutes to go and speaking
to Sky Sports after the game Slaven Bilic took "full responsibility" for the
display.
West Ham centre back Jose Fonte says it was a difficult night but they must
bounce back ahead of their next game following their 3-0 defeat to Brighton.
"Slaven was such a buoyant manager in his first season at the club, the pain
he will be feeling now," Neville added. "That was woeful tonight from West
Ham. "I think back to Sunderland last year, the fans walking out of the
ground. The QPR team from four or five years ago that was a disgrace. "There
aren't many times you can recall fans just walking out en masse and that's a
real problem. That is what owners look at. "I hope Slaven stays and [West
Ham co-chairman] David Sullivan sticks to his word to keep him until the end
of the season."
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Slaven Bilic given Tottenham and Crystal Palace games to save West Ham job
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
Slaven Bilic will be given London derbies against Tottenham and Crystal
Palace to save his West Ham job. The Hammers 3-0 home defeat to Brighton on
Friday night raised immediate questions over the Croatian's future, with
fans calling for his departure and some even leaving at half-time. What was
billed as a big week before the clash with the Seagulls, with Tottenham and
Crystal Palace to come, has now turned into a season-defining seven days.
Speaking after the game, Bilic admitted that he did not know if he would be
given a chance to turn things around in east London. However, having
recovered from a somewhat similar position last season, losing to Watford
and Southampton at home, Standard Sport understands the board will give the
manager at least another two games. It was a 1-0 win at Selhurst Park last
season which put an end to a five-game winless run in the Premier League and
set the Hammers on the road to recovery, with Christian Benteke missing a
penalty, and Bilic may need similar luck this time around.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Man City managers linked with West Ham job
BY LONDON FOOTBALL NEWS 22/10/2017
Former Manchester City bosses Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini have
been linked with the West Ham manager's job amid doubts over Slaven Bilic's
future.
Bilic, whose side were beaten 3-0 at home by Brighton on Friday, is
reportedly clinging onto his job ahead of London derbies against Tottenham
and Crystal Palace. The Sunday Mirror reckon Mancini, now in charge of
Russian side Zenit St Petersburg, is the man West Ham want if they decide to
axe Bilic. The Sunday Telegraph, on the other hand, say the Hammers board
like Pellegrini, who is currently at Chinese club Hebei China Fortune, and
Huddersfield boss David Wagner.
The Sunday Express tout former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancellotti for a return to
Stamford Bridge and in a separate story also link the Italian with West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic on the brink of West Ham sacking but club hit brick wall in
search for his possible replacement
West Ham United will likely sack Slaven Bilic if he loses his next two
matches
He is preparing for back-to-back derbies away at Tottenham then Crystal
Palace
Bilic is on the brink at the London Stadium after Friday's 3-0 defeat by
Brighton
But Hammers bigwigs are struggling to line-up a suitable replacement for him
By Kieran Gill for The Mail on Sunday
PUBLISHED: 23:56, 21 October 2017 | UPDATED: 01:43, 22 October 2017
Slaven Bilic is clinging to his job as West Ham boss but the club's board
are worried about their lack of obvious options for a successor. While Bilic
remains on the brink, their search for a suitable replacement in the short
and long term has seen the Hammers hit a brick wall. Friday night's 3-0 home
loss to Brighton means West Ham's manager now faces crucial away games
against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and Crystal Palace in the Premier
League.
Club insiders say two losses will force the board's hand, regardless of
whether a replacement is lined up. It risks leaving them in the lurch like
Leicester, who sacked Craig Shakespeare last week. Assistant Michael
Appleton has temporarily taken over at the King Power Stadium. There is
concern in the West Ham boardroom that there is no obvious option within the
club who could act as a competent caretaker. They are considering a
short-term fix and looking at managers with Premier League experience who
are currently out of work. It comes amid frustration that their long-term
targets are unavailable. Manuel Pellegrini is in charge of Chinese Super
League side Hebei China Fortune on a lucrative contract, David Wagner wants
to see out the season with Huddersfield and Rafa Benitez is tied to
Newcastle. Carlo Ancelotti is out of work but has said he wants to sit out
this season. Their lack of options may have bought Bilic time after their
loss to Brighton, who secured their first top-flight away win since 1983.
The manner in which they were beaten by the newly-promoted Premier League
side sent West Ham into a tailspin. The club could allow Bilic to see out
his contract, which expires at the end of the season, but only if he bucks
up his ideas. Bilic and co-owner David Sullivan plan to speak on Monday over
the phone. There has been no major fallout between the pair despite the
alarming performance on Friday. To his credit, Bilic did not sell his
well-paid players down the river and accepted full responsibility in his
post-match press conference after the Brighton defeat.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham want Roberto Mancini as their next boss if Slaven Bilic cannot halt
Hammers slump
Bilic's men lost 3-0 to Brighton on Friday night to leave the side teetering
on the brink of the relegation zone
The Mirror
Steve Stammers
22:30, 21 OCT 2017
Roberto Mancini is the man West Ham want if Slaven Bilic fails to halt the
team's slump. The 3-0 defeat against Brighton at the London Stadium on
Friday left the Hammers hovering just above the relegation zone – and the
fans enraged. Tens of thousands left before the end and a handful, who
stayed, tried to confront co-chairman David Sullivan. Bilic now faces two
London derbies – the League Cup tie at Tottenham on Wednesday and a crunch
league game at fellow strugglers Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park next
Saturday. A defeat at Palace could see Bilic on his way, with an approach
for Mancini likely to follow. The former Manchester City boss is the
favoured choice of West Ham's owners, who will need to persuade him to swap
the top of the Russian league with Zenit St Petersburg for a scrap at the
wrong end of the Premier League. If they fail to convince the Italian, they
will weigh up moves for Burnley's Sean Dyche and Jaap Stam, at Reading. Jose
Fonte has warned his team-mates they must fight as if their lives depended
on it. After the collapse against Brighton, Fonte admits both upcoming games
are now huge. He said: "After Brighton, we have to give our lives for a
result on Wednesday, then we go into the Palace game, which will be like a
final, as we need points.
"And, if we fight like our lives depend on it, I'm sure the result will be
better. We've got to take responsibility as a team. "It's two massive games
we have now."
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England goalkeeper Joe Hart 'robbed by moped thieves'
Scooter related crime has risen over recent months in the capital
Will Worley @willrworley 19 hours ago
The Independent Online
England goalkeeper Joe Hart has reportedly been robbed of his personal
possessions by a gang on scooters Currently on loan from Manchester City at
West Ham United, the player is thought to have lost his watch, wallet and
mobile phone. He is believed to be one of the most high profile victims of
the moped crime wave ongoing in London. Hart is believed to have been
leaving West Ham's training ground near Romford last week, when the
criminals struck at a petrol station.
An eyewitness told The Sun: "There were three robbers on two bikes and they
surrounded him as he got into his car and took his phone. "I think they also
got a watch and a wallet." Another person told the newspaper: "Joe wasn't
hurt but he was pretty shaken up. He's a big powerful guy and it took some
nerve to rob him. "If it can happen to the safest pair of hands in England
it can happen to anyone."
Concerns have been mounting over the rise in moped crime in the capital.
Earlier this week, Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick was forced
to deny the force had a "no pursuit" policy on moped criminals. But she
said officers needed stronger powers to protect them from legal action in
the case of injury to suspected criminals. Many police officers have cited
the 2014 death of Henry Hicks as a turning point in policing moped crime.
Hicks, 18, was fatally injured when his scooter collided with traffic in
Islington, north London, as he was followed by two unmarked patrol cars.
Yesterday, four police officers were cleared of gross misconduct over the
death.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s gave the Club a lift on Saturday as they scored their
first win of the season. The Hammers took advantage of the windy conditions
to snatch a 1-0 U18 Premier League Southern Division victory over Reading at
Little Heath. Bernardo Rosa was the hosts' first match-winner of 2017/18,
when his corner was cleared back to him, and the Brazilian's cross was
caught by a gust of wind and flew into the top corner via the goalkeeper's
gloves. Assistant manager Mark Phillips was delighted with the team's
application, both before and after Rosa's goal, as they picked up three
welcome points. "The wind definitely made things difficult, and it wasn't
the most attractive of games, but we worked harder than them and deserved
the victory," he said. "To get our first win of the season is a massive
boost for everyone in the dressing room, which had gone a bit flat in recent
weeks, as you might expect. I made sure the lads played a bit of music
before the game and it seemed to get them up for it. "It was the sort of
game where one goal was always likely to be decisive and we got it. I felt
that if we could get ahead, we'd go onto win, but if we'd conceded, we might
well have lost. "Bernardo's goal was the first time we have been in front
all season, so we were pleased with the way we defended and saw the game out
after we'd scored. "The captain Ben Wells led by example and defended well,
as did the whole back five. Schoolboy Josh Okotcha played up [an age group]
and did really well, while Rihards Matrevics made a really important save
late on to ensure we won the game."
After a weekend off, the Hammers will return to action on Saturday 4
November at 11am, when they host Liverpool in the U18 Premier League Cup at
Little Heath.
"It'll be Steven Gerrard versus Steve Potts in terms of coaches!" Phillips
smiled. "They had some battles as players and now they'll meet on the
touchline, so let's hope Pottsy comes out on top! "It's a game we're all
looking forward to, so we'd love as many supporters as possible to come
along to cheer us on ahead of the first-team's game against Liverpool later
that afternoon."
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Trott hopeful for Chelsea win after Manchester United statement
WHUFC.com
Nathan Trott is desperate for his West Ham United U23 side to follow up last
weekend's win over Manchester United with another when they travel to
Chelsea on Sunday. The goalkeeper believes his team put down at statement
with their 4-2 victory over the Red Devils last Sunday, courtesy of Toni
Martinez's hat-trick and Joe Powell's first of the season. The Blues have
recorded just one win so far in the league this campaign in comparison to
West Ham's four and Trott thinks with the confidence high, the Hammers are
well set to continue their good form. He said: "Manchester United are
obviously a really big club who have produced excellent players in the past,
so I think that it was a big statement by us to win that game 4-2. "I think
it now tells us how good we are as a team and that the players we produce
are up there with the best. "Everyone is in good spirits now. It was a big
win and hopefully we can use this as momentum and keep winning games from
here on, starting with our match against Chelsea."
Terry Westley's men will travel to Aldershot Town's Recreation Ground to
face the Blues, whose one and only Division 1 win so far came against Derby
County back in mid-August. With England U20 international Trott now the
Club's third choice stopper behind Joe Hart and Adrian, much of his time in
training and on matchdays is spent with the first team. Nathan TrottThe
youngster insisted, though, he remains as focused as ever when it comes to
U23 games. "I try not to think too much before games," he continued. "I have
the same routine before every game, so I block things out and just stay
focused. "Being in and around the first team has given me a different
picture. Being with them on so many matchdays this season has been a great
experience so far and it gives me a chance to see all the lads preparing and
see how they do that. "For me, I look at the keepers Joe and Adrian, how
they train beforehand and how focused they are and I try to take on as much
as I can. "They have both helped me a lot. They are very different keepers
so I can take different things from both of them, which is good. Both have
the same mentality, staying tough and blocking out any distractions. "It's
good having that blend between them, and they are both experienced guys and
experienced in the Premier League. "If I can take that into my own games, it
will only help me improve."
The Hammers currently sit in fourth place in Premier League 2 Division 1 in
their first campaign since promotion last May. Should other results go their
way on Saturday, Westley's men could move up to third with maximum points
against Chelsea. Supporters can follow, from 11am, live blog coverage of the
clash on whufc.com Sunday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#REFWATCH: MARTIN ATKINSON – WEST HAM VS BRIGHTON
AUTHOR: SAMTWHWREF. PUBLISHED: 20 OCTOBER 2017 AT 10:16PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
Who doesn't love football on a Friday Night? After this performance, West
Ham fans for sure… After a challenging fixture at Burnley, we welcomed newly
promoted Brighton to the London Stadium for FNF which was live on Sky
Sports. Slaven Bilic and the players are under a microscope with recent
performances and especially since the move to the London Stadium, West Ham
have struggled to rediscover any type performance that we saw in the final
season at the Boleyn Ground.
Martin Atkinson was the referee appointed for this fixture and I was very
impressed with Atkinson last weekend for his performance in Liverpool Vs
Manchester United. It was a tough fixture to officiate but Atkinson was that
calm figure that the game needed and his decision making and player
management was impressive. I rate Atkinson highly and this was his second
West Ham appointment with the only other game being our first game of the
season away at Manchester United.
Martin Atkinson must be thinking to himself, what did I do to get given that
fixture? The first half was probably the easiest 45 minutes of Premier
League officiating he and his team could ask for. They cruised through the
half which lacked intensity and creativity. The only incident that is worth
talking about in the first half was the caution for Javier Hernandez. The
Mexican has been starved of chances and service so far this season and
within this particular incident, he came in late to a challenge clattering
Brighton's Anthony Knockaert. It was a 50/50 challenge but Knockaert was
caught and left in a heap after the challenge.
The match was desperately calling out for some end product by West Ham after
an awful 45 minutes after going 2-nil down. Martin Atkinson had limited to
do in the second half but thankfully a bit more busy than the first half.
Whenever a game is in cruise control, the worst thing you can do as a
referee is become complacent and lose focus; you never know when the game is
going to change and you need to be there to make that decision.
Glenn Murray was a handful for the West Ham defenders and he stepped over
the line on a few occasions. Atkinson was there to warn the Brighton striker
that his persistent infringing of the laws was unacceptable and gave him his
last warning. West Ham's evening took an even worse turn when Pablo Zabaleta
gave away a very stupid, lazy and tired penalty against the ever present
Glenn Murray. The West Ham man couldn't have any complaints with the
challenge and Martin Atkinson was well positioned to make the decision to
point to the spot.
Overall, Martin Atkinson had little to do during the game which during a
tough couple of years for referees, it was probably enjoyable to walk away
from a game which was incident free. A note on West Ham, it's pretty
shocking that you're playing at home against a newly promoted side and the
players look fed up, lacked intensity and creativity. Jamie Carragher summed
it up pretty well in commentary on Sky Sports – the team is full of
individuals and not a team. Personally, this comes from the management team
and filters down to the players and leaders in the squad. As we sit 17th in
the Premier League, it's going to be an uncomfortable couple of weeks for
Bilic. I do feel for him however it's a results business and something needs
to change in the team.
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@_CARLTONCOLE9'S THOUGHTS ON SLAVEN BILIC
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 21 OCTOBER 2017 AT 12:22PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @_CarltonCole9's thoughts on Slaven Bilic
If you've followed me for a while, you will know how much I love Slaven
Bilic. I have defended him throughout; regardless of how poor we've been I
have tweeted my praise for him and got a ton of abuse for being naive,
deluded and pretty much any synonym you can imagine. I have called people
who want him gone stupid and fickle. I have a massive scarf I got in Camden
Market saying Super Slav up in my bedroom. I do love him which is why
writing this is so hard so I'm just gonna come out and say it: For the sake
of West Ham United, Slaven Bilic needs to go.
He is still a good manager regardless of what people say. Maybe this is me
clinging on to the fact I do love him. Kinda like when your partner leaves
you and you hate them but you have that ounce of love for them. But the
Brighton game has pushed me too far. It was indefensible.
I have no idea what formation we were playing. Lanzini was acting as a
holding midfielder. Kouyate was wandering up front despite the fact he has
the shooting ability of a 4 year old American who has stolen their
grandmother's handgun from her handbag. But what baffles me the most is the
fact we kept crossing in for Hernandez and Ayew to score headers despite the
fact they're about 10 inches smaller than Brighton's centre backs.
However, the tip of the iceberg for me is the general attitude of the
players. They're not playing for him. They're not playing for the club. I
don't know what they're doing and they should be ashamed of themselves but
it seems like Bilic has hit the point of no return with them. He's fighting
a lost cause. Unless he does something drastic then this is gonna drag on
until the end of the season when his contract is up. The issue is I fear he
doesn't have it in him anymore.
I strongly disagree with people who say Bilic is a bad manager. He got us
our highest ever points tally – if you say that was Payet, remember who got
the best out of him – and with all the nonsense that happened last season we
still got a respectable 11th. But this season has been dire. Even the wins
have been dreadful. I've kid myself by saying a win's a win and that Slaven
got us the win (subs against Swansea) but the truth is, they were poor and
we were lucky. But losing 3-0 to 2 promoted sides, one at home, is
unacceptable for a club who want to fight for Europa.
This season hasn't just been Bilic's fault. It's been the player's fault as
well. I can't think of one player who's consistently been good. Zabaleta,
who's probably been our best player this season, has given away 2 penalties.
Hernandez isn't getting the service but on the rare occasion he does, he's
not doing anything. So far, Arnautovic has been a disaster, as have every
one of our central midfielders. As I said, they may not be playing for Bilic
but they could at least play for the shirt.
I have supported West Ham since Pardew. I'm aware many of you have been
supporting us for longer, but Slaven Bilic is my favourite West Ham manager.
I love the person and I did love the manager. But as long as he stays at
West Ham, his reputation will continue to get shredded apart. Thank you for
the memories Slaven and know that I do and always will love you. But,
similar to Big Sam, you've taken us as far as you can and it's time for you
to go.
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Slaven Bilic's future being discussed by West Ham board and owners
Last Updated: 21/10/17 4:45pm
SSN
West Ham owners and the club board are meeting on Saturday to discuss Slaven
Bilic's future as manager, according to Sky sources. Co-owners David
Sullivan and David Gold have a track record of standing by their managers,
but Sky Sports News understand the club's hierarchy are "very worried" by
what they saw during Friday's 3-0 home defeat to Brighton at the London
Stadium. Two goals from Glenn Murray and a Jose Izquierdo strike means the
Hammers, who are 17th in the Premier League, have made their worst start to
a season since 2010, taking just eight points from nine games. Sky sources
understand no final decision will be made on Bilic's future on Saturday as
the owners ponder whether to sack him or give him two more games - at
Tottenham in the League Cup on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports, and at Crystal
Palace next Saturday. Bilic's contract runs out at the end of the season,
and Sullivan backed the Croatian ahead of Friday night's game admitting he
felt it was "morally wrong" to sack managers and said he wants to give him
opportunity to see out his three-year contract. Speaking after Friday's
defeat, Bilic said: "It is very hard for me to say anything clever in this
moment apart from it's very disappointing. "As manager I take full
responsibility.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admits it was a bad result but is unsure why the
performance was so poor after his side were defeated 3-0 at home by Brighton
in the Premier League. When asked if he was confident he will be given the
opportunity to turn West Ham's form around, he said: "The board will do what
they are going to do. "It is their decision. We have been in this situation
before and we got out. As a manager you take the credit and as a manager you
take the full responsibility. I don't want to hide. "I'm not worried [about
the sack]. I'm doing my best."
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Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher analyse Marko Arnautovic's West Ham
performance against Brighton
Last Updated: 21/10/17 10:03am
SSN
Gary Neville was critical of Marko Arnautovic after West Ham's heavy defeat
to Brighton on Friday Night Football, saying the forward "is Cristiano
Ronaldo in his own mind". Brighton produced a superb display to beat
struggling West Ham 3-0 at the London Stadium, with two goals from Glenn
Murray and another by Jose Izquierdo. Neville and fellow Sky Sports analyst
Jamie Carragher dissected a "woeful" West Ham performance, reserving
particular criticism for the Hammers' £24m club-record signing Arnautovic.
"I have only ever played with one player that had an excuse not to track
back and that was Cristiano Ronaldo," Neville told Sky Sports. "He scored 40
goals in a season. "That guy [Arnautovic] is Ronaldo in his own mind. That's
the problem, he thinks he is better than he is. "The part of the game I
can't get my head around from a West Ham point of view is the first 20
minutes. "When you think about the opportunity they had tonight - they had
turned it around a little bit over the last few weeks - but they came out
against Brighton and were not alert on set-pieces, they had no concentration
or urgency. That's the period of the game that is unforgivable for me."
Carragher added: "That's the kind of performance that gets the manager
sacked. I was very critical of Arnautovic during the game, he was a huge
money signing.
"It can be difficult to settle and show your true form at a new club but
that performance was not one you think was desperate to show everyone what
he can do.
"He's walking about during the game, it was beyond belief, certainly in the
first half. It was so poor and it heaps so much pressure on the manager."
The defeat leaves West Ham in 17th place having taken eight points from
their opening nine games. Large numbers of the home supporters left the
ground after Murray's penalty made it 3-0 with 15 minutes to go and speaking
to Sky Sports after the game Slaven Bilic took "full responsibility" for the
display.
West Ham centre back Jose Fonte says it was a difficult night but they must
bounce back ahead of their next game following their 3-0 defeat to Brighton.
"Slaven was such a buoyant manager in his first season at the club, the pain
he will be feeling now," Neville added. "That was woeful tonight from West
Ham. "I think back to Sunderland last year, the fans walking out of the
ground. The QPR team from four or five years ago that was a disgrace. "There
aren't many times you can recall fans just walking out en masse and that's a
real problem. That is what owners look at. "I hope Slaven stays and [West
Ham co-chairman] David Sullivan sticks to his word to keep him until the end
of the season."
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Slaven Bilic given Tottenham and Crystal Palace games to save West Ham job
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
Slaven Bilic will be given London derbies against Tottenham and Crystal
Palace to save his West Ham job. The Hammers 3-0 home defeat to Brighton on
Friday night raised immediate questions over the Croatian's future, with
fans calling for his departure and some even leaving at half-time. What was
billed as a big week before the clash with the Seagulls, with Tottenham and
Crystal Palace to come, has now turned into a season-defining seven days.
Speaking after the game, Bilic admitted that he did not know if he would be
given a chance to turn things around in east London. However, having
recovered from a somewhat similar position last season, losing to Watford
and Southampton at home, Standard Sport understands the board will give the
manager at least another two games. It was a 1-0 win at Selhurst Park last
season which put an end to a five-game winless run in the Premier League and
set the Hammers on the road to recovery, with Christian Benteke missing a
penalty, and Bilic may need similar luck this time around.
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Former Man City managers linked with West Ham job
BY LONDON FOOTBALL NEWS 22/10/2017
Former Manchester City bosses Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini have
been linked with the West Ham manager's job amid doubts over Slaven Bilic's
future.
Bilic, whose side were beaten 3-0 at home by Brighton on Friday, is
reportedly clinging onto his job ahead of London derbies against Tottenham
and Crystal Palace. The Sunday Mirror reckon Mancini, now in charge of
Russian side Zenit St Petersburg, is the man West Ham want if they decide to
axe Bilic. The Sunday Telegraph, on the other hand, say the Hammers board
like Pellegrini, who is currently at Chinese club Hebei China Fortune, and
Huddersfield boss David Wagner.
The Sunday Express tout former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancellotti for a return to
Stamford Bridge and in a separate story also link the Italian with West Ham.
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Slaven Bilic on the brink of West Ham sacking but club hit brick wall in
search for his possible replacement
West Ham United will likely sack Slaven Bilic if he loses his next two
matches
He is preparing for back-to-back derbies away at Tottenham then Crystal
Palace
Bilic is on the brink at the London Stadium after Friday's 3-0 defeat by
Brighton
But Hammers bigwigs are struggling to line-up a suitable replacement for him
By Kieran Gill for The Mail on Sunday
PUBLISHED: 23:56, 21 October 2017 | UPDATED: 01:43, 22 October 2017
Slaven Bilic is clinging to his job as West Ham boss but the club's board
are worried about their lack of obvious options for a successor. While Bilic
remains on the brink, their search for a suitable replacement in the short
and long term has seen the Hammers hit a brick wall. Friday night's 3-0 home
loss to Brighton means West Ham's manager now faces crucial away games
against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and Crystal Palace in the Premier
League.
Club insiders say two losses will force the board's hand, regardless of
whether a replacement is lined up. It risks leaving them in the lurch like
Leicester, who sacked Craig Shakespeare last week. Assistant Michael
Appleton has temporarily taken over at the King Power Stadium. There is
concern in the West Ham boardroom that there is no obvious option within the
club who could act as a competent caretaker. They are considering a
short-term fix and looking at managers with Premier League experience who
are currently out of work. It comes amid frustration that their long-term
targets are unavailable. Manuel Pellegrini is in charge of Chinese Super
League side Hebei China Fortune on a lucrative contract, David Wagner wants
to see out the season with Huddersfield and Rafa Benitez is tied to
Newcastle. Carlo Ancelotti is out of work but has said he wants to sit out
this season. Their lack of options may have bought Bilic time after their
loss to Brighton, who secured their first top-flight away win since 1983.
The manner in which they were beaten by the newly-promoted Premier League
side sent West Ham into a tailspin. The club could allow Bilic to see out
his contract, which expires at the end of the season, but only if he bucks
up his ideas. Bilic and co-owner David Sullivan plan to speak on Monday over
the phone. There has been no major fallout between the pair despite the
alarming performance on Friday. To his credit, Bilic did not sell his
well-paid players down the river and accepted full responsibility in his
post-match press conference after the Brighton defeat.
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West Ham want Roberto Mancini as their next boss if Slaven Bilic cannot halt
Hammers slump
Bilic's men lost 3-0 to Brighton on Friday night to leave the side teetering
on the brink of the relegation zone
The Mirror
Steve Stammers
22:30, 21 OCT 2017
Roberto Mancini is the man West Ham want if Slaven Bilic fails to halt the
team's slump. The 3-0 defeat against Brighton at the London Stadium on
Friday left the Hammers hovering just above the relegation zone – and the
fans enraged. Tens of thousands left before the end and a handful, who
stayed, tried to confront co-chairman David Sullivan. Bilic now faces two
London derbies – the League Cup tie at Tottenham on Wednesday and a crunch
league game at fellow strugglers Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park next
Saturday. A defeat at Palace could see Bilic on his way, with an approach
for Mancini likely to follow. The former Manchester City boss is the
favoured choice of West Ham's owners, who will need to persuade him to swap
the top of the Russian league with Zenit St Petersburg for a scrap at the
wrong end of the Premier League. If they fail to convince the Italian, they
will weigh up moves for Burnley's Sean Dyche and Jaap Stam, at Reading. Jose
Fonte has warned his team-mates they must fight as if their lives depended
on it. After the collapse against Brighton, Fonte admits both upcoming games
are now huge. He said: "After Brighton, we have to give our lives for a
result on Wednesday, then we go into the Palace game, which will be like a
final, as we need points.
"And, if we fight like our lives depend on it, I'm sure the result will be
better. We've got to take responsibility as a team. "It's two massive games
we have now."
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England goalkeeper Joe Hart 'robbed by moped thieves'
Scooter related crime has risen over recent months in the capital
Will Worley @willrworley 19 hours ago
The Independent Online
England goalkeeper Joe Hart has reportedly been robbed of his personal
possessions by a gang on scooters Currently on loan from Manchester City at
West Ham United, the player is thought to have lost his watch, wallet and
mobile phone. He is believed to be one of the most high profile victims of
the moped crime wave ongoing in London. Hart is believed to have been
leaving West Ham's training ground near Romford last week, when the
criminals struck at a petrol station.
An eyewitness told The Sun: "There were three robbers on two bikes and they
surrounded him as he got into his car and took his phone. "I think they also
got a watch and a wallet." Another person told the newspaper: "Joe wasn't
hurt but he was pretty shaken up. He's a big powerful guy and it took some
nerve to rob him. "If it can happen to the safest pair of hands in England
it can happen to anyone."
Concerns have been mounting over the rise in moped crime in the capital.
Earlier this week, Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick was forced
to deny the force had a "no pursuit" policy on moped criminals. But she
said officers needed stronger powers to protect them from legal action in
the case of injury to suspected criminals. Many police officers have cited
the 2014 death of Henry Hicks as a turning point in policing moped crime.
Hicks, 18, was fatally injured when his scooter collided with traffic in
Islington, north London, as he was followed by two unmarked patrol cars.
Yesterday, four police officers were cleared of gross misconduct over the
death.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, October 20
Daily WHUFC News - 21st October 2017
Hammers bested by Brighton at London Stadium
WHUFC.com
Two goals from Glenn Murray and a strike by Jose Izquierdo condemned West
Ham United to a 3-0 defeat at home to Brighton and Hove Albion. In a
disappointing evening at London Stadium the Irons, despite controlling the
possession, were made to pay for mistakes that Chris Hughton's Seagulls
pounced on. Murray headed home after just 10 minutes and Izquierdo fired
home from distance to put Brighton 2-0 up at half-time, and a penalty in the
second period secured the points for the away team. The first real
meaningful chance of the game provided the first goal. A well-placed ball in
from a free-kick by Brighton's Pascal Gross evaded the West Ham defence,
finding Murray, who was able to head into the ground and past Joe Hart after
just ten minutes. With a goal to their name Brighton seemed comfortable
sitting back, protecting their lead, and inviting pressure from the Hammers.
Arthur Masuaku saw a shot from distance blocked while a well-timed tackle on
Manuel Lanzini stopped the Argentinian from shooting in a dangerous area.
Two efforts from outside the area by Pedro Obiang were also dealt with by
the Seagulls before Chicharito had a half-volleyed shot deflected away and
then a low effort skid just wide of the far post. These missed chances came
back to haunt the home side however and Izquierdo doubled the away team's
tally just before half-time with a long-ranged effort that Hart could not
keep out, despite getting a hand to the ball.
The second half, much like the first, started with West Ham controlling
possession but struggled to get through a resolute Brighton team. Lanzini
saw two free-kicks miss the target as one went over the bar and the other
deflected wide of the near post. West Ham's miserable evening was compounded
15 minutes before the end as Brighton were awarded a penalty, which Murray
comfortably dispatched for his second and his side's third of the game.
West Ham United: Hart; Zabaleta, Reid (c), Fonte, Masuaku; Obiang, Kouyate
(Ayew 46'), Antonio, Lanzini, Arnautovic (Fernandes 73'); Chicharito
Subs not used: Adrian, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Byram, Noble
Brighton: Ryan, Bruno (c), Bong, Dunk, Stephens, Knockaert (Schelotto 84'),
Gross (Brown 77'), Murray, Izquierdo (March 69'), Duffy, Propper
Subs not used: Krul, Goldson, Suttner, Molumby
Goals: Murray 10 75' (p)', Izquierdo 45 +1'
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Fonte: We are all frustrated and we apologise
WHUFC.com
Jose Fonte apologised to supporters after West Ham United were beaten 3-0 by
Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday. Two Glenn Murray strikes either side of
Jose Izquierdo's long-range curler sealed the points for Chris Hughton's men
during a disappointing night for the Hammers. Manuel Lanzini and Chicharito
had the hosts' best opportunities in the first half, but the visitors
defended well to grab their first ever Premier League win on the road.
Portugal international Fonte was left gutted at the full time whistle and
assured fans the side will do everything they can to turn things around. "We
are all disappointed, we are all frustrated and we apologise," the
centre-back said. "It was not the performance we wanted to produce and it
wasn't the performance the fans deserve. "We need to look at ourselves in
the mirror because this cannot happen. It happened a few times last season,
and we have to put this right. This is West Ham and it's just not possible
[to let this happen]. "We have got to move on. We have a game Wednesday and
we need to go and beat Spurs because we have to react, we have to bounce
back."
The Hammers' night began in the worst possible fashion when Murray nodded
Pascal Gross' set-piece into the ground and past Joe Hart with just ten
minutes on the clock to give his side the lead. And with Slaven Bilic's side
pushing for an equaliser for the majority of the remainder of the opening
period, Brighton hit them on the break and doubled their lead spectacularly
with Izquierdo's strike. Murray grabbed his second from the penalty spot
after Pablo Zabaleta had fouled the forward and Fonte admitted all three
goals were hard to accept. "The first goal, from the set piece, when we
didn't do anything was difficult to take," he continued. "We had a lot of
possession but we couldn't create and it's disappointing. "I'm not going to
say it is unacceptable because the players, we tried hard. We tried the best
we could. It just didn't go our way. The second goal was a great shot from
outside the box and we go into the break 2-0 down. "Second half, we came
with the mentality of getting the goal back and trying to get back into the
game and the only occasion they came [forward] in the second half, they got
a penalty. "The fans don't like to lose 3-0 at home, we don't like to
either. We are going to work very hard on the training ground to not let
them down again like this. "Of course we have to look at ourselves in the
mirror. Everyone needs to work hard and we need to bounce back."
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Bilic: I take full responsibility for Brighton defeat
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic admitted West Ham United had not risen to the occasion in
losing a 'very important' game 3-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Hammers
went into Friday night's fixture with the Seagulls at London Stadium knowing
a victory would take them into the Premier League's top ten, but slumped to
a frustrating and disappointing defeat to Chris Hughton's newly-promoted
team. Glenn Murray's double and a long-range strike from José Izquierdo on
the stroke of half-time condemned Bilic's side to a loss that the manager
was at a loss to explain. "It's a bad performance from us," he said. "The
goals killed us. The first one was very quick and between the first and
second goal we were dominating the game and we were there and put a lot of
balls in the box, but they defended the balls really well and then in those
moments at the end of the first half, we conceded the second one from a good
bit of individual skill from their player. "We tried to come back, but it's
very difficult for me to say anything clever now. All I can say is that it
was very disappointing and frustrating and as manager I take full
responsibility for that. "We all wanted to win. It happened to us a few
times last season at a time when we thought we were in a good situation, in
good form and all that and we had a home game like this, with the greatest
respect to them, when we thought we would get three points and climb up the
table and play with less negative pressure and we don't do it. "You start
the game with good shape and good confidence, but then they score and it's
1-0 for them and it gives them a boost. In the first half we played good
football, then they scored a second one, and it's affected the way we played
the game. "We were playing good football, but we were very sterile. On the
contrary, they were there in the situations when they could expose the
situations when we left space because we were losing and we wanted to take
risks. They were lethal and used it in the best possible way for them. "Why
did it happen? To be fair, I don't know. It looked very good on the training
ground and in the last few games we were getting players back in shape, but
we didn't look good enough."
When asked what effect West Ham's defeat would have on his own role, the
manager was typically honest, but insisted he would not give up his own
ambitions to forge a successful Hammers side in the future. "It is
definitely not a good situation and the Board will do what they're going to
do. It is their decision, but all I am saying is that we have been in this
situation before and got out of that. "As a manager, you are taking the
credit but on the other hand you are taking full responsibility for that and
I don't want to hide or get away from that. "I am not worried at all about
that, to be fair. I am doing my best, but when you lose 3-0 at home to
Brighton in a game that it's not must, must-win as it's not that stage of
the sason, but it was a very important game for us and we didn't make it. I
am a fighter, but it's not my decision."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Two goals from Glenn Murray and a strike by Jose Izquierdo condemned West
Ham United to a 3-0 defeat at home to Brighton and Hove Albion. In a
disappointing evening at London Stadium the Irons, despite controlling the
possession, were made to pay for mistakes that Chris Hughton's Seagulls
pounced on. Murray headed home after just 10 minutes and Izquierdo fired
home from distance to put Brighton 2-0 up at half-time, and a penalty in the
second period secured the points for the away team. The first real
meaningful chance of the game provided the first goal. A well-placed ball in
from a free-kick by Brighton's Pascal Gross evaded the West Ham defence,
finding Murray, who was able to head into the ground and past Joe Hart after
just ten minutes. With a goal to their name Brighton seemed comfortable
sitting back, protecting their lead, and inviting pressure from the Hammers.
Arthur Masuaku saw a shot from distance blocked while a well-timed tackle on
Manuel Lanzini stopped the Argentinian from shooting in a dangerous area.
Two efforts from outside the area by Pedro Obiang were also dealt with by
the Seagulls before Chicharito had a half-volleyed shot deflected away and
then a low effort skid just wide of the far post. These missed chances came
back to haunt the home side however and Izquierdo doubled the away team's
tally just before half-time with a long-ranged effort that Hart could not
keep out, despite getting a hand to the ball.
The second half, much like the first, started with West Ham controlling
possession but struggled to get through a resolute Brighton team. Lanzini
saw two free-kicks miss the target as one went over the bar and the other
deflected wide of the near post. West Ham's miserable evening was compounded
15 minutes before the end as Brighton were awarded a penalty, which Murray
comfortably dispatched for his second and his side's third of the game.
West Ham United: Hart; Zabaleta, Reid (c), Fonte, Masuaku; Obiang, Kouyate
(Ayew 46'), Antonio, Lanzini, Arnautovic (Fernandes 73'); Chicharito
Subs not used: Adrian, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Byram, Noble
Brighton: Ryan, Bruno (c), Bong, Dunk, Stephens, Knockaert (Schelotto 84'),
Gross (Brown 77'), Murray, Izquierdo (March 69'), Duffy, Propper
Subs not used: Krul, Goldson, Suttner, Molumby
Goals: Murray 10 75' (p)', Izquierdo 45 +1'
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Fonte: We are all frustrated and we apologise
WHUFC.com
Jose Fonte apologised to supporters after West Ham United were beaten 3-0 by
Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday. Two Glenn Murray strikes either side of
Jose Izquierdo's long-range curler sealed the points for Chris Hughton's men
during a disappointing night for the Hammers. Manuel Lanzini and Chicharito
had the hosts' best opportunities in the first half, but the visitors
defended well to grab their first ever Premier League win on the road.
Portugal international Fonte was left gutted at the full time whistle and
assured fans the side will do everything they can to turn things around. "We
are all disappointed, we are all frustrated and we apologise," the
centre-back said. "It was not the performance we wanted to produce and it
wasn't the performance the fans deserve. "We need to look at ourselves in
the mirror because this cannot happen. It happened a few times last season,
and we have to put this right. This is West Ham and it's just not possible
[to let this happen]. "We have got to move on. We have a game Wednesday and
we need to go and beat Spurs because we have to react, we have to bounce
back."
The Hammers' night began in the worst possible fashion when Murray nodded
Pascal Gross' set-piece into the ground and past Joe Hart with just ten
minutes on the clock to give his side the lead. And with Slaven Bilic's side
pushing for an equaliser for the majority of the remainder of the opening
period, Brighton hit them on the break and doubled their lead spectacularly
with Izquierdo's strike. Murray grabbed his second from the penalty spot
after Pablo Zabaleta had fouled the forward and Fonte admitted all three
goals were hard to accept. "The first goal, from the set piece, when we
didn't do anything was difficult to take," he continued. "We had a lot of
possession but we couldn't create and it's disappointing. "I'm not going to
say it is unacceptable because the players, we tried hard. We tried the best
we could. It just didn't go our way. The second goal was a great shot from
outside the box and we go into the break 2-0 down. "Second half, we came
with the mentality of getting the goal back and trying to get back into the
game and the only occasion they came [forward] in the second half, they got
a penalty. "The fans don't like to lose 3-0 at home, we don't like to
either. We are going to work very hard on the training ground to not let
them down again like this. "Of course we have to look at ourselves in the
mirror. Everyone needs to work hard and we need to bounce back."
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Bilic: I take full responsibility for Brighton defeat
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic admitted West Ham United had not risen to the occasion in
losing a 'very important' game 3-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Hammers
went into Friday night's fixture with the Seagulls at London Stadium knowing
a victory would take them into the Premier League's top ten, but slumped to
a frustrating and disappointing defeat to Chris Hughton's newly-promoted
team. Glenn Murray's double and a long-range strike from José Izquierdo on
the stroke of half-time condemned Bilic's side to a loss that the manager
was at a loss to explain. "It's a bad performance from us," he said. "The
goals killed us. The first one was very quick and between the first and
second goal we were dominating the game and we were there and put a lot of
balls in the box, but they defended the balls really well and then in those
moments at the end of the first half, we conceded the second one from a good
bit of individual skill from their player. "We tried to come back, but it's
very difficult for me to say anything clever now. All I can say is that it
was very disappointing and frustrating and as manager I take full
responsibility for that. "We all wanted to win. It happened to us a few
times last season at a time when we thought we were in a good situation, in
good form and all that and we had a home game like this, with the greatest
respect to them, when we thought we would get three points and climb up the
table and play with less negative pressure and we don't do it. "You start
the game with good shape and good confidence, but then they score and it's
1-0 for them and it gives them a boost. In the first half we played good
football, then they scored a second one, and it's affected the way we played
the game. "We were playing good football, but we were very sterile. On the
contrary, they were there in the situations when they could expose the
situations when we left space because we were losing and we wanted to take
risks. They were lethal and used it in the best possible way for them. "Why
did it happen? To be fair, I don't know. It looked very good on the training
ground and in the last few games we were getting players back in shape, but
we didn't look good enough."
When asked what effect West Ham's defeat would have on his own role, the
manager was typically honest, but insisted he would not give up his own
ambitions to forge a successful Hammers side in the future. "It is
definitely not a good situation and the Board will do what they're going to
do. It is their decision, but all I am saying is that we have been in this
situation before and got out of that. "As a manager, you are taking the
credit but on the other hand you are taking full responsibility for that and
I don't want to hide or get away from that. "I am not worried at all about
that, to be fair. I am doing my best, but when you lose 3-0 at home to
Brighton in a game that it's not must, must-win as it's not that stage of
the sason, but it was a very important game for us and we didn't make it. I
am a fighter, but it's not my decision."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 20th October 2017
West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to the London Stadium for another game under the lights in Friday's Premier League contest.
Read on for all the information you need to know ahead of this encounter.
Where and when?
West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion will be played at the London Stadium in Stratford on Friday 20 October, with kick-off at 8pm.
How to follow:
West Ham United v Brighton and Hove Albion will be shown live on Sky Sports across three channels - Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Mix - with coverage beginning at 7pm.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com, with updates also available on Twitter throughout the evening. You can also follow the match in different ways on our official Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat channels!
Audio coverage will also be provided by BBC Radio London Sport.
Match officials:
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistant Referees: Peter Kirkup & Steve Child
Fourth Official: Neil Swarbrick
Meet the opposition:
Two wins and two draws from their opening eight Premier League games this season is a respectable start to the campaign for Chris Hughton's side, with Brighton back in the top flight for the first time since 1983.
Albion picked up a decent draw with Everton in their last contest and the Seagulls are fighting hard to ensure their first campaign back in the Premier League ends with their status as a top flight club confirmed for next season.
Player to watch:
A first goal of the season for Michail Antonio last weekend helped the Hammers to a 1-1 draw at Burnley, and the speedy attacker will be eager to continue his fine form on Friday.
During his career Antonio has played nine matches against Brighton - having only played more against Huddersfield Town (10) - and it's possible that record will be matched in this week's fixture.
Head-to-head:
West Ham fans will happily recall our last contest against Brighton, where a Ricardo Vaz Te hat-trick inspired the Irons to a thumping 6-0 victory over the Seagulls in the Championship, in April 2012.
The two sides have only met three times in the last decade, with West Ham winning all of those games. A solitary campaign in the Championship together in the 2004/05 season was the first time the Hammers and the Seagulls played together since 1991.
Last five meetings:
West Ham United 6-0 Brighton, Championship, 14 April 2012
Brighton 0-1 West Ham United, Championship, 24 October 2011
West Ham United 3-0 Brighton, FA Cup, 06 January 2007
Brighton 2-2 West Ham United, Championship, 23 April 2005
West Ham United 0-1 Brighton, Championship, 13 November 2004
Did you know:
It was against Brighton, ten years ago, that captain Mark Noble scored his first goal for West Ham.
In January 2007 a then 19-year-old Noble latched on to a Carlos Tevez knock-down to fire home from 18 yards.
A decade on, Noble now has 48 goals in all competitions for the Hammers.
How to get there:
There are four train stations that supporters are recommended to utilise to reach the London Stadium.
Stratford Station makes use of the Central and Jubilee lines as well as the DLR, Overground and TfL Rail.
Stratford International also uses the DLR line and National Rail.
Pudding Mill Lane is on the DLR line and is just south of the London Stadium while Hackney Wick makes use of the London Overground.
Other information:
The latest in the free Hammers Collectables card range will be available at this Friday's contest, with Manuel Lanzini the newest first team star to be featured.
Under-16 supporters should see their nearest Supporter Liaison Officer at London Stadium on Friday to continue building their collection.
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Antonio: I won't forget my celebration if I score against Brighton!
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio was so overcome with the emotion of scoring his first West Ham United goal of the season that he forgot his pre-planned celebration. The winger netted for the first time since March and just the second time this year in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Burnley, latching onto Joe Hart's long clearance before poking the ball past goalkeeper Nick Pope and slamming it into the unguarded net. While previous goals have been followed by elaborate dance moves, including the Homer Simpson, the Carlton Banks and the Worm, Antonio admitted his mind went blank and he went freestyle at Turf Moor. "It was my first of the season and it's always good to get off the mark and hopefully I can go on a little run now," the No30 began. "Sometimes you have too much time to think about something and I was thinking to myself 'If you miss here, it will be really embarrassing', but I managed to put it into the back of the net, so now I'll move onto the next game!
"I had something planned for my celebration but the way that it happened and with everything that had gone on, it was just too much emotion for me to even think about doing my celebration, so I just threw a little bit of everything in! I thought it still looked all right, to be honest! "Now, I'm still thinking about what I would do if I score on Friday [against Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium] and hopefully I'll score and the celebration will look just right."
Reflecting on Saturday's game, which saw the Hammers lose Andy Carroll to a first half red card and the lead to Chris Wood's late equaliser, Antonio felt his teammates had both given their all and produced some of their best football of the season. Despite being reduced to ten men, West Ham created a succession of chances, showcasing their ability to open up defences in a variety of ways, with long balls, intricate one-touch moves, individual flair and strength all giving the Burnley back four trouble. With the likes of Chicharito, Diafra Sakho, Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, Andre Ayew, Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate all fit and firing, and Carroll due back after a one-game ban, Antonio is excited by the Hammers' attacking options. "It was a great performance. Twenty-seven minutes in we lost a player at a place where they are very good at home and pick up the majority of their points, so to play for 60 minutes with ten men and even get opportunities shows the ability that we have. "If we show the character and performance we showed in that game in games to come, we will be winning games. It showed the different parts of the game that we can play – the hard work, the nice football and the flair play – so hopefully we can take all of them into the next game. "With the players that we have here, we are definitely going to be able to cut teams open and people are definitely going to be scared of us going in behind, so we can get the ball down and cut them open."
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Three December West Ham fixtures moved
WHUFC.com
Three West Ham United fixtures in December have been moved for live television coverage. The mouth-watering Premier League matches at Manchester City and home to Chelsea and Arsenal have all been selected for broadcast. The Hammers will now face Pep Guardiola's free-scoring Citizens at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 3 December at 4pm in a game that will be screened live by Sky Sports. Slaven Bilic's side will now host Antonio Conte's Premier League champions at London Stadium on Saturday 9 December at 12.30pm, with Sky Sports again showing the game live. And finally, West Ham will welcome Arsene Wenger's Gunners to Stratford at 8pm on Wednesday 13 December for a match being broadcast live on BT Sport.
Supporters should note that no Premier League fixtures will be played on Christmas Eve. The away fixture at Stoke City on Saturday 16 December, visit of Newcastle United on Saturday 23 December and Boxing Day trip to AFC Bournemouth will all kick-off at 3pm, as previously scheduled. Broadcast selections for the final round of Premier League fixtures of 2017, including the trip to Wembley Stadium to face Tottenham Hotspur currently scheduled for 3pm on Saturday 30 December, will be confirmed in due course.
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'Chicharito should be OK for Brighton clash' - Bilic
WHUFC.com
First team manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Chicharito should be fine to feature in West Ham United's Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday. Chicharito missed training on Wednesday due to a tight feeling in his hamstring but a scan on the area has confirmed he is clear of injury. The striker will participate in Thursday's training session at the London Stadium and, according to Bilic, Chicharito will be in the squad for Friday's match as long as he feels right. The manager told his pre-match press-conference: "Chicharito had a slight problem but he's training at 4pm and he should be good to train with us. It's not a big thing. "He trained and felt a little bit of a tight hamstring, so we scanned it which was important, and the scan was completely clear. He missed Wednesday's light session and we expect him to train today and, based on his feeling, to be OK."
The Hammers are still without defender James Collins, who continues his recovery from a set-back against West Brom last month, while Diafra Sakho is also set to miss the contest with Brighton after a back complaint. However, Bilic suggests the duo could be back in time for next week's Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham.
Goalkeeper Adrian, meanwhile, has recovered from illness and is likely to also be involved. "We have a couple that are out because of injury," Bilic added. "James Collins is out for a matter of days and Sakho has back pain. He didn't train since Burnley so he's out of Friday's game. They could both be back for the Spurs game.
"Adrian had a stomach problem for a couple of days, but he is OK now and should train with us."
Andy Carroll will definitely miss the fixture due to suspension but the Hammers can still call on the likes of Chicharito, Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, Michail Antonio and Andre Ayew for this match, with all five set to be involved. With that in mind Bilic has confirmed it's unlikely he will call on young striker Toni Martinez, who has been impressing with the U23s after a hat-trick against Manchester United last weekend. "Martinez is showing good form. He's been with us a couple of times, in pre-season, and is improving a lot, but we have enough options so he will probably not be in the squad."
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Brighton & Hove Albion
WHUFC.com
With an identical record of two wins, two draws and four defeats from their opening eight matches, two goals are all that separate West Ham and Brighton in the Premier League table. So, a close encounter ought to be on the cards when the two sides, who have scored a combined total of 14 goals in their 16 matches so far this season, meet tonight at the London Stadium. Especially with both teams missing their frontline forwards through suspension. West Ham don't tend to slip up against visiting promoted sides, with their 2-0 victory over Huddersfield earlier this season their sixth in a row without defeat. And, having already kept a clean sheet in three of their four matches at home, the Hammers can be confident of extending that run against a team that are characteristically cautious away from home. Even when finishing as runners-up in the Championship last season, Brighton scored fewer away goals than nine other teams in the division. That conservatism has, predictably, been compounded by promotion to the Premier League, with the Seagulls scoring only one goal and earning just a single point – when playing against 10 men for more than an hour – in their four away matches so far. Chris Hughton did not even start a striker in their most recent away match at the Emirates, which is perhaps understandable considering that Glenn Murray, his only other alternative, has not scored a top-flight goal since December 2015.
The visitors' most obvious threat, therefore, comes from the wings, with last season's Player of the Year Anthony Knockaert getting off the mark last week and England Under-21 international Solly March a stand-out performer so far. Slaven Bilic's recent switch to a flat-back four ought to deny space down the flanks, and also enable him to deploy a similarly attacking midfield to the one seen at Turf Moor last week.
Against a rear-guard action as resolute as Brighton's, it is those multiple runners into the box who are most likely to provide the breakthrough.
Recommended bets
1st half draw – 11/10
Under 2.5 goals – 13/20
West Ham to keep a clean sheet – 5/4
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Cottee: We are looking, solid hard to beat and close to our physical peak
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are 'looking solid, hard to beat and close to reaching a peak physical level', according to Hammers great Tony Cottee. The striker, who scored 146 goals in 336 appearances in Claret and Blue across two spells, says his former team's recent performances have given him confidence that his old Club can yet enjoy a successful season. West Ham have lost just five of their last 17 matches dating back to early April and Cottee says the signs are there that his former teammate's side are clicking at both ends of the pitch. "There is no reason why Slaven Bilic and his players shouldn't go into Friday's game feeling confident and positive about the challenge in front of them," Cottee wrote in his exclusive column for Friday's Official Programme. "Four points could quite easily have been six from the last two matches and, while the performance level may not yet be flowing in the way Slaven would like, his team are looking solid, hard to beat, and close to reaching a peak physical level. "Looking back to the 18-match unbeaten run that I was involved in during the first half of the record-breaking 1985/86 season, we began that with three successive draws, against Liverpool, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday, and there was certainly no real sign of what was to follow. "We'd had a difficult start, but we identified what was wrong and gradually started to build our consistency and confidence. "As we said throughout the difficult period at the start of this season, hard work is the only way to get yourself out of it and, credit to the players, because they have worked hard and found a way to resolve the problems they faced in the opening three games. "A lot has been said about the attacking options that Slaven now has available to him, but I think the defensive improvement over the past month would have given him most pleasure. "There is always a lot to be said for a settled back line. If you look at Chelsea when they won the Premier League last season they had the same three central defenders for virtually every game, Leicester the year before had Huth and Morgan as a solid pairing, and that consistency breeds success. "We are now showing that type of defensive consistency and stability, with Joe Hart looking settled and in command behind the back line, and it is that platform which will hopefully give our attacking players the opportunity to shine."
Friday's 100-page Official Programme will be available to buy in and around London Stadium on matchday. You can pre-order a copy here now, or download the digital issue from 9am on Friday here.
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Bilic: Discipline, bold Brighton and professional Adrian
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic sat down with the media on Thursday afternoon at the London Stadium ahead of Friday's Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion. The West Ham United manager was asked for his thoughts on counter-part Chris Hughton, the Hammers' disciplinary record and a possible move into the top ten.
Bilic also talked about goalkeeper Adrian and his side's home form…
Bold Brighton
Brighton secured promotion to the Premier League last season and Bilic has been impressed with what he's seen so far from the Seagulls. Although the manager described Brighton as a 'confident team', Bilic insists he is only focusing on his own side ahead of the fixture. "They also made a slow start and then they improved," Bilic said: "I've watched their games, home and away, and I see a very confident team. They got that confidence last season when they were winning most of their games. They have confidence and they also brought some good players from Holland and Germany. "It's going to be a very tough game. I respect them but we are concentrating on us. We have one defeat in six. We are at home and we've improved our home form a lot since we've moved here. What we want is a good performance and three points."
Brighton
The manager was also very complimentary of Chris Hughton, who has been in charge of Brighton since 2014. "He is underrated. I watched their games and I'm impressed with Brighton. I expected them, at least in the first half of the season, like most promoted teams they have good memories from last season and that positive arrogance. They play like that. "Okay, there is a difference between their home and away records, but I watched them and they play nice football so of course Chris has done a great job there.
Adrian is 'a great professional'
Bilic has taken the opportunity to praise Spanish goalkeeper Adrian for his professionalism. The shot-stopper was linked with an exit from West Ham in the media this week, with Joe Hart the first choice in the Premier League, but Bilic seemed delighted Adrian is so eager to play. "If I was a player on the bench and wasn't playing I wouldn't expect to say I was happy to not be playing," he said. "It's a positive thing that he wants to play."
Adrian
"All the players want to play and be regular. That's why they are top sportsmen. We need a good squad though and we need a second good goalkeeper. Adrian is a great professional and is acting and behaving in the way I wanted. I've spoken a few times with him about it and he's very good in training. He's working hard to get his chance."
No discipline issues
The manager was questioned on his side's disciplinary record after Andy Carroll became the second West Ham player to be shown a red card this season. Bilic told the gathered media that he did not believe any of these sending offs were down to discipline issues, highlighting a number of them had been rescinded after.
He said: "None of these red cards were down to typical lack of discipline. Nobody head-butted anyone. A few of those red cards were appealed and they were ruled out. Three or four were big mistakes. I don't remember one of them where I would connect it with lack of discipline on the pitch and letting the team down.
"On the other hand, yes we've had 12 red cards in the space of two and a half seasons." The boss did admit however that the sending-offs this season were a concern due to both Carroll and Marko Arnautovic getting dismissed in the first half. "A red card is a red card but it's a big difference if it happens in added time or like it happens like it did to Arnautovic and Carroll," he added. "We did amazing in both of those games because normally it's one-sided after that happens. "I spoke to both and it's unacceptable. It's a big blow for the team, especially for that game and also for the next game."
'We want to push into the top ten'
A victory over Brighton on Friday evening would push the Irons into the top ten of the Premier League for the first time this campaign. Bilic admits that he and his side had aspirations of being in the top ten earlier in the season but they are now ready to claim that spot with a win in the next match. He said: "We hoped to be in the top ten straight away but it didn't happen for various reasons. We have a feeling when we are analysing the games now that we've improved a lot. "We've started to get points and it would be really good and crucial to win tomorrow and to move up the table."
'Good memories make the London Stadium home'
Bilic also commented on a recent improvement in home form for the Hammers, admitting that he and his players now consider the London Stadium their home ground. The manager puts that feeling down to the creation of happy experiences for the squad and the fans in the past 12 months. He added: "From day one we've been amazed with the new Stadium but we've needed some time to start calling it home. Now when I hear the players, and it happens to me also, now we say we can't wait to play at home. "To make someone home you need good memories. You need time to make those memories and to experience those positive things. We've had a few recently and yes, it's home now."
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West Ham United v Brighton And Hove Albion
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th October 2017
By: Preview Percy
When the sky went a funny colour the other day Preview Percy refused to accept the "Saharan Dust" explanation, preferring instead to stand there muttering something about "tampering with nature by allowing centre forwards to wear no.2 shirts". Nevertheless, on the off-chance that the full apocalypse holds off until the weekend he still found time to prepare this look at Friday's match. On the whole the Apocalypse may have been more preferable....
So Brighton then. 8pm kick off on a Friday. Yuk. Enjoy the rush hour getting over there.
The visitors will be paying their first visit to the new gaff having been promoted last term. They looked odds on to go up as champions but a failure to win any of their last three matches saw the Geordies sneak in to take the silverware, with the Seagulls having to be content with promotion as a consolation prize.
I was a bit surprised when I saw the league table for this one. I had it in my head that they had made a fairly decent start to the season not unlike that of Burnley. However, I was surprised to note that prior to last weekend's draw against Everton they were actually behind us, though the point mustered against the Toffeemen moved them to a place above us on goal difference.
They opened their season with a 2-0 home defeat to Man City (which looks quite good in retrospect) which was followed by a similar reverse away at Leicester. They picked up a 0-0 draw at Watford before picking up their first win of the season with a 3-1 home win against West Brom. A 2-1 setback away at Bournemouth was followed up with a 1-0 win over the Geordies at the Stadium in Falmer that is sponsored by a well-known charge card company who haven't paid me to mention their name. They then went down 2-0 at Arsenal before Sunday's stalemate which saw Everton salvage a late point after Bruno's assault on an opponent in the box led to a match-saving Rooney spot kick. 8 points, 8 games and a minus 4 GD gives them 14th place at the moment.
They are managed by Chris Hughton who many will remember playing for us after the nightmare of having to play nearly 400 games for Spurs. He always seems to be an affable chap who shows no ill-effects from having spent so long at White Hart Lane. One recalls the dignity with which he handled himself whilst having to deal with the circus that is Newcastle United under Mike Ashley. When Hughton was sacked The Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered's resident Geordie, Preview Alastair, was so disgusted that he went on hunger strike for a while. It is a mark of how good the rest home food is that he actually gained 10lbs before succumbing to the temptation of the lasagne that is cook's speciality whenever there has been an equine fatality at Kempton Park.
As one often finds from promoted clubs they were a bit busy in the summer window. According to the work-experience kid of as yet-to-be determined gender wearing a hoodie who seems only able to communicate with some strange grunting noises, they brought in no fewer than thirteen players on permanent deals this summer. On closer inspection that figure turns out to be actually more like twelve and a half with kid striker Viktor Gyokeres not actually arriving from somewhere unpronounceable in Sweden until New Year's Day. Some of the other signings are also in the category of U23 signings "for the future".
Arguably the most influential of the new boys so far this season has been Pascal Gross (whose name is actually spelt with one of those odd German letters that actually looks like a letter "B". I am sure there is probably a way of finding that particular character on a computer keyboard but frankly I can' be bothered. Gross scored the clubs first goal in the top flight since whenever it was they were last up here having arrived for an undisclosed fee from German second division outfit FC Ingolstadt 04, a club of whom even Germans are heard to say "who?" (only in German, obviously). Gross has also weighed in what the stattos like to refer to as "assists" (translation into English: "he's also made a few goals"). Although the fee was undisclosed figures of £3-4m have been bandied about which would make the player something of a bargain, assuming he progresses well in the league.
Well you go through all your life having never heard of FC Ingolstadt 04 then all of a sudden you get a club who signs two players from them at once. Left-back Markus Suttner had spent the vast majority of his career with Austria Wien, making over 250 appearances for them in the process. He was lured to Ingolstadt by the promise of top flight Bundesliga football, Ingolstadt having somehow managed to get themselves promoted for the 2015-16 season. In the event they managed to stay afloat at the top level for two seasons before returning to life in division "zwei". After a bit of haggling it is believed that Brighton forked out something like £2m for the 30 year-old who was capped on 20 occasions for the Austrian national side before announcing his retirement from international football last summer. Clearly he didn't fancy hanging on on the small off-chance that they might qualify for Russia then.
Between the sticks they have another new boy in the form of Aussie no.1 Matt Ryan. Another "undisclosed" fee (or £5m if you believe most sources) was enough to bring him in from Valencia. Valencia had signed him from Club Brugge back in 2015 and had been considered first choice for Valencia until injury in 2016 saw him lose that status. With him struggling for first XI football he spent the end of last season on loan back in Belgium at Racing Genk but the player himself ruled out a permanent return to Belgium, signing instead a 5 year deal beside the sea, the deal being made so much easier by the fact that Ryan possesses a UK passport (a process known in bygone days as "returning to the scene of the crime"). He is first choice 'keeper for "The Soceroos" (one of those ugly nicknames our colonial chums insist on giving their national sports teams) so he will be building up the airmiles. Having played in the dramatic two leg win over Syria he will now face a trip involving Honduras and Australia in November as the Aussies go for World Cup qualification via the playoff system.
One of the illustrators of the difference in financial clout between the top two tiers of English football can be observed in the statistic that the £5m allegedly paid for Ryan represented a club record for Brighton at the time. This was soon eclipsed by the £6m believed to have been the outlay on Dutch midfielder Davy Propper (or "pwopah" if you happen to be Oscar Winning actor Danny Dyer). Propper arrived in the summer from PSV with whom he won the title last season and has previously gained So-Called Champions League experience. He also gives this column the opportunity to resurrect, for the first time this season, the opportunity to indulge in some schoolboy humour as we note (to the sound of suitable sniggers) that the player is a full Netherlands international with seven Dutch caps to his name (chortle). Pwopah featured in the last couple of competitive internationals as their ill-fated attempt to qualify for Russia collapsed,
Pwopah is a doubt for this one and may well end up watching from the stands alongside Israeli striker Tomer Hemed, who will be serving the final match of a three match retrospective ban for an off the ball stamp in the Newcastle match. Despite Hemed's absence over the past couple of games there has been no place in the side for Sam Baldock this season. The former Hammer has been struggling with a calf problem for some time though he did turn out for the U23 side in midweek which suggests that he might have a small chance of making the bench on Friday. Balcdock made a blistering start to his Hammers career scoring five in his first six starts. However, injury messed up his season and by the time he was fit again Ricardo Vaz Te had arrived. Baldock left for Bristol City after we had been promoted.
And so to us. Well I think we can all agree that Andy Carroll was a bit daft last weekend and his contribution to the game did us no favours. However I do have a slight – and it is very slight – teensy weensy bit of sympathy for him. Week after week he gets clobbered with challenges as bad or worse than the two that got him his two yellows last weekend. More often than not he is the one who gets punished. Tarkowski did exactly the same thing to Carroll earlier in the game but escaped punishment. I think we are entitled to ask why referees are targeting our player don't you? I mean there was one challenge in the Swansea match which saw a defender go right through his back and when Carroll got up he saw the referee penalise him and indicate that Carroll had "made a back" which was, quite simply, a lie on the part of the official. I have seen Carroll hauled down by the neck with no free-kick given so, deserved as the red was, it would be nice if we were given a reason why the laws of the game only seem to apply one way.
Not that the Burnley match has been unique in this. Had the same criteria applied to Southampton and Spurs as seem to apply against us both opponents would have been down to 9 men, in the Southampton case well before Arnautovic took the law into his own hands (no matter how much the BBC tried to pretend things didn't happen.) And the melee that happened at the end of the Spurs match was caused by Oliver looking at and ignoring a deliberate challenge much worse than anything perpetrated by Carroll.
In fact it would also be nice to know why, despite continually marking substandard to the extent that he was given a break from the select group, Atwell is now considered good enough to have re-joined the select group (so called because you get selected if you are mates with Riley). Championship spies suggest that there had been a marked decline in his performances even from the low standard that saw him temporarily demoted from the select group after a meteoric rise from non-league to Premier league in a couple of seasons at the insistence of Keith Hackett – a family friend I believe. Incidentally, according to one observer, the fourth official and all-round embarrassment to the beautiful game that is Mike Dean was seen swanning about giving out autographs before the Burnley match. Says it all really.
Carroll's suspension could well have meant a start for the Sakho-Hernandez combination up front that any – myself included – were looking for before Burnley. However, the law of sod being what it is, we are hearing that Hernandez has a dodgy hamstring. Great.
There have also been calls for a call up to the squad for young Martinez following his hat-trick (the first at the Olympic) against Man Utd's kids last week. I've only seen a little of him so judgement is reserved in these parts – though spending time in and around the first XI squad surely won't do him any harm.
Otherwise the only other player on the injury list at present is dear old Ginge whose ankle is a couple of weeks away from healing. That's the ankle that West Brom fans accused him of faking by the way.
Prediction? Well I reckon we would have won last weekend had we kept 11 on the pitch. As it was we were a bit unfortunate to only take a point away and that's the attitude to take into this one. Carroll's absence may lend a bit more balance to the side who, as was displayed on a couple of rather spectacular occasions last weekend, can actually pass the ball well when it wants to.
I think this will be close but on the whole my optimism won't, for once, be misplaced. It will be tight but I think that this week's £2.50, which I had previously earmarked towards paying someone to give Ed Sheerhan laryngitis (thereby completing the job started by the music lover who knocked him off his bike) will be going on a home win. That will be 2-1 if anyone from Winstone The Turf Accountant is reading this and wants to have my betting slip ready for when I pop in om my way to the Swan & Superinjunction.
Enjoy the game!
When last we met at the Boleyn: Won 6-0 (Championship – April 2012)
A hat-trick from Vaz Te with goals from Nolan, Cole (C not J) and a Dicker og did the job. Vaz Te's third was a beaut -one of those mid-air scissor kicks. It was as one-sided as the scoreline suggests.
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Oh for pity's sake….
Danger Man: Pascal Gross
Has been handy as both goalscorer and provider this season.
Percy's Poser:
Last week we asked you what connects the town of Burnley with 1950's communist children's television. Congratulations to Mrs Rebecca Craggs of Watford who wrote thusly:
"The answer is "The Singing Ringing Tree" which is both the name of a sculpture plonked on a hill somewhere just outside the town of Burnley and of a really odd kid's tv programme that somehow made it past the planning stage at the East German Peoples' Entertainment Committee meetings in 1957. The thing started life as a feature film and over a third of the entire East German population is said to have seen it at the cinema. The BBC bought it for a few old copies of the Radio Times with Arthur Askey on the cover and, in keeping with the whole low-budget feel of the thing, decided to split the film into three separate parts to make a mini-series out of it.
The cheapskated-ness of the whole project didn't stop there. The film having been made in German (obviously) the BBC had to do something to present the thing to the children of 1960's Britain who, much as now, weren't noted for their ability to speak German (although at least back then most could make a decent fist of English). Instead of overdubbing the thing with actors (expensive), or providing subtitles (which would have ruled out an entire audience of about 23,000 Spurs fans who would have had to learn to read) they simply turned down the volume a bit on the soundtrack and had a solitary voice-over artist describe the goings on over the top of it. Which simply added to the whole weirdness of the experience." Thanks Rebecca – you win a night out at your local curry house paid for by your husband - including the most expensive drinks on the menu.
For this week's poser we ask you: when we beat Brighton 6-0 at the Boleyn back in 2012 what was unusual about the three substitutions we made that day? First prize is probably an old copy of the Radio Times with a photo of Arthur Askey on the cover assuming that I can get it out of my doctor's waiting room without being spotted.
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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The paper that backs 'Franco's club' has the nerve to call us racists?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th October 2017
By: Paul Walker
So Spanish sports paper Marca has branded West Ham fans as racists. The hypocrisy is stunning, from a paper who have been in the pocket of 'Franco's club' for more than seven decades. That's Real Madrid to the uninitiated. Marca, have unashamedly supported them, been cheerleaders for them and have been accused of doing their transfer dirty work. Unbiased? Don't make me laugh.
Their story this week is a remarkable attack not only on West Ham, but Chelsea too (I'll leave them to fight their own battles) as well as claiming that Spurs are universally hated throughout the UK for their Jewish heritage. Marca's back catalogue needs some explaining. General Franco, Spain's fascist dictator from the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 to his death in 1975, was always reputed to have supported Real, and there are many allegations that he actively aided their success through bent referees and corruption from Spanish football authorities. Barcelona are not slow in making such claims.
Marca in turn have, it is claimed, always supported and aided Real during the Franco years and beyond. So, say their critics, are implicit in the racism of Franco's regime. A leader who is reputed to have given Hitler a list of Spanish Jews during the Second World War. I wouldn't dare suggest that Marca have any such leanings these days, but when they start making claims of racism and anti-Semitism elsewhere, it's a touch rich to say the least. I always refuse to use the word 'hate' when discussing football. It's only as game, for heaven's sake. And after ourselves, Spurs and Chelsea have hit back at such wild accusations, Marca's only reply is to question the translation of the word 'hate.' Not a hint of an apology for such a slur. It would be equally foolish to suggest that racism doesn't fester in every corner of the globe somewhere. Even the White House. But to make such a sweeping generalisation against, of all people, the folk from London's East End, is plainly daft. Yes, I have heard the silly song about foreskins from a few of our boy scouts--absolutely reprehensible--but to imply that there are gangs of racists running amok is just not true.
What is even worse is that Marca claimed that Spurs are hated because of their Jewish heritage by clubs all over the country. Absolute nonsense. It is to our credit that our joint owner David Gold, Jewish by birth, has been at the forefront of attempts to eradicate such behaviour. And it has been largely successful. I would also point out that Yossi Benayoun and Eyal Berkovic were much loved in these parts. And we also were the leaders in the signing of local black English players, as well as the wonderful Clyde Best. Just to make it clear. We don't dislike Spurs because the have a Jewish heritage, we dislike them because they are our closest, bitter rivals, and because they are annoyingly insistent that they are a big club, bigger than us and they are inherently superior. And some of their fans call us 'Pikeys' (a word derived to describe people who lived on the 'turnpike' in centuries gone by, living on the road).
When ignorant people like Marca start calling us Jew-haters, they really do need a potted history lesson about the East End, and how our grandparents and parents reacted to war-time refugees. Many thousands of terrified Jews ran from Hitler and arrived in their droves in the East End from the mid-1930s until the end of the war. They were welcomed and protected by East Enders who spawned the heritage and history of West Ham United.
West Ham is a working class club with solid socialist roots, well that's how I was brought up, and a dockland area is always full of people from all countries and religions. My own late father told me stories of the days when the East End stood shoulder to shoulder to fight Oswald Mosley's black-shirted fascists pre-war to stop them getting into the area to attack the Jews. I would suggest Marca put 'Cable Street' into a Google search to discover our attitude to Jewish refugees and incoming arrivals from all corners of the world. My old fella worked for a Jewish tie-maker in Aldgate and several Jewish-owned print companies. I never heard him or any of my family or friends talk of hatred. There will always be bigots, and idiots, in all walks of life but I would suggest that Marca shows more concern about a recent poll that a majority of Spaniards think Franco was right, rather than worry about a few silly football songs. They might also reflect on the fact that their impartiality is damaged by the rabid support for Real. Even Sir Alex Ferguson once hammered them for " unsettling" Madrid's transfer targets and doing their tapping up for them. That was a while ago, but it is being suggested that the same approach is now being aimed at Spurs' striker Harry Kane. Mind you, I would be more than happy to see Kane playing for Madrid rather those chancers from White Hart Lane!
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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OPPOSITION Q&A WITH BRIGHTON
By Jeff Gayle 19 Oct 2017 at 17:00
WTID
This weekend West Ham kick off the weekend early, hosting Brighton & Hove Albion at the London Stadium on Friday evening. Ahead of the fixture I had a chat with Scott McCarthy from WeAreBrighton to discuss the game amongst other things.
First welcome back to the top division. It's been a while since you even flirted with promotion, when did you first start to think it could happen?
After we'd missed out on automatic promotion by one goal to Middlesbrough and then seen four players go off injured in the first leg of the play offs in 2016, I never thought it would happen! The Championship looked much stronger last year with Newcastle, Norwich and Villa all coming in and it seemed as though our best chance had gone. That was the most pleasing thing about last season – a lot of sides would've suffered a serious hangover after that sort of heartbreak yet we just dusted ourselves down and got on with it again. The Fulham away game at the turn of the year was a big moment. Fulham battered us for the entire game bar 90 seconds in which we scored twice and won 2-1. We took 7,000 to Craven Cottage that day and the general consensus after was that if we could be that outclassed by an opposition yet still find a way to win, then there was a real chance that promotion might actually happen.
What are the main differences you have noticed since coming back into the Premier League?
Mistakes get punished. We learnt that in our first game against Manchester City. Dale Stephens gave the ball away in what looks like a harmless position, as we would do last season. No problem, we'd always just win it back against a team in the Championship. This time though it goes through David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero and it's a goal.
Two wins and two draws is exactly the same as us in terms of results so far, are you pleased with your start?
I think we've got to be aiming for an average of a point a game, which is where we are. Our record at the Amex is pleasing, having only lost to Manchester City and even that 2-0 defeat looks a really good result now given the way they've been tearing times apart since. Burnley showed you can stay up on home form along but it would be nice to start picking up some points away from home – we've only got one so far and have only scored once on our travels.
I expect you'll be looking forward to the Palace game in November? Any other games you're looking forward to?
Having spent most of the last 30 years being largely rubbish, there are a load of clubs in the Premier League a generation of our supporters have never been to. We've already ticked off Arsenal away, but the trips to Manchester City, United, Everton, Chelsea and West Brom will all prove very popular.
Where do you think Brighton can finish in the Premier League this season?
Anywhere outside the relegation zone would do me. Realistically, I'd say 16th presuming we don't get left behind by other clubs strengthening in January
Where do you think West Ham can realistically finish the season?
Anywhere between 7th and 20th. What we are seeing is that it is effectively two mini leagues again, nobody is going to crack that top six and everyone else looks pretty similar. On paper West Ham are far too good to go down but we've said that before about some big clubs. If I had to pick an exact position, I'd go for 12th.
Which three teams do you think will suffer relegation and who will lift the title this season?
Manchester City are going to take some stopping and Manchester United aren't realistically going to do it as they won't pick up enough points from the others in the top six due to José Mourinho's love of sticking their team coach on the pitch. Relegation is ridiculously tough to call. Palace have a habit of managing to outdo us every season no matter what. We've finished above them twice in 20 years and in those two seasons they became the first ever visiting side to win at the Amex and then knocked us out in the play offs and won promotion. We could finish top 10 and they will still have one over us by being the only side to escape from such a hopeless position. Presuming that happens, I can see Huddersfield, Bournemouth and, erm, Swansea going.
Are you happy with the current make-up of your squad? Which positions do you think need strengthening?
Even Stevie Wonder can see we need a striker. We got lucky in getting through last season with only three senior forwards and it was obvious that wouldn't last this time around – lo and behold Glenn Murray and Sam Baldock were injured at the same time Tomer Hemed was suspended. Of those three, only Murray has played even semi regularly in the top flight before. Pascal Gross has papered over the cracks slightly by being superb in the number 10 role but a proven Premier League goal getter will give us a much greater chance of staying up. Just as well they are cheap and easy to find.
Chris Hughton has done brilliantly to get you promoted. Are you going to stick with him or will you dump him if and when the going gets tough?
Tony Bloom is one of the most pragmatic and loyal chairmen in the league. He even tried to talk – and certainly delayed by a couple of weeks – Sami Hyppia out of resigning when we looked destined for League One under the Finn. Even if we were to go down I'd be shocked if Hughton went, especially as Burnley have shown what can be done with a little bit of loyalty to Sean Dyche who took them up, down, up again and now looks as if he can establish them in the top flight.
How do you rate West Ham's Slaven Bilic as our manager?
I like Bilic but that might be more to do with the fact that he looks like he has just wandered out of a club at 3am and into the dugout. I don't know much else about him as – and I'm sure this will come as a surprise to Sky Sports – being a Brighton fan there has never really been much need to pay attention to the Premier League before this season. One thing I would say is that I don't think your owners with the pronouncements of top four football and the like have helped manage expectations at all and that will always make things difficult for a manager.
If you could have any current West Ham player in your first team who would you choose and why?
At the start of the season it would have been Joe Hart after David Stockdale decided he wanted to count a vast salary and signing on fee in a house overlooking Spaghetti Junction rather than play in the Premier League. Stockdale's replacement Matty Ryan has been excellent though so I'd go for either Javier Hernandez or Andy Carroll. Carroll would thrive on the service from Anthony Knockaert and Solly March out wide as Murray did last season although given that our players "short term" injuries tend to last for at least six weeks, God knows what the medical team would do with him.
Which Brighton player(s) will be key to your hopes this season?
Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy have been excellent this season and I don't think there is a better centre back pairing outside of the top six. We aren't going to score many goals so keeping them out is vital and on the way they have played so far, they are both clearly destined for bigger and better things than the Albion.
Any particular memories of West Ham/Brighton games of the past?
Well I'm hoping to last longer in the ground this time that I did on our last visit to Upton Park when I walked out after 20 minutes with you 3-0 up in favour of watching the Grand National in the pub. That proved to be a good decision as you went on to win 6-0. A far cry from when we won 1-0 under Mark McGhee with McGhee's famous 10-0-0 formation. Guy Butters got the only goal in one of the most incredible backs to the wall performances I can remember and we had plenty of those back then.
How do you expect Brighton to setup against West Ham on Saturday/ Team/formation prediction?
4-2-3-1 seems to be the norm for Hughton this season with the only doubts being over Duffy who went off with a groin problem in Sunday's draw with Everton. Seven of our 10 games so far this season have been level at the break so expect a pretty tight affair for the first half. I'm banking on a draw and probably a low scoring one at that, either 0-0 or 1-1.
Thanks to Scott for his time. Ever the optimist though, I think this will be the game that we can finally have a convincing win, I'm going for a 3 – 0 victory. Come on you Irons!
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Slaven Bilic impressed by West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian in training
HITC
John Verrall
Adrian is yet to make a start for West Ham United in the Premier League this season. West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has told Football.London that he can understand Adrian's comments, where he has suggested that he could move on from the London Stadium. Adrian has been dropped from West Ham's first-team this season in favour of Joe Hart. The Spanish stopper has still not played for the Hammers in the Premier League this season, and the 30-year-old could look to move on in January. But Bilic has offered Adrian hope that he could still break into West Ham's team ahead of Hart, if he continues to impress. "I can understand it. They want to play, be a regular, they are top sportsmen but we also need a good squad and two good keepers," Bilic said. "On the other hand, Adrian is a great professional and is acting in the way I wanted. He is very good in training, working hard. At the moment he is getting the cup only and that can change." Hart has had a rather indifferent start to life at West Ham, after signing from Manchester City. Bilic has stood by the goalkeeper, but he hasn't quite found his top form just yet. West Ham have made a poor start to the campaign, and they currently sit in 15th place in the Premier League table. If West Ham can beat Brighton tomorrow, they could move into the top half of the table.
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Three reasons Slaven Bilic is wrong to sideline Toni Martinez against Brighton
by James Beavis
3 minute read 19/10/2017 | 07:20pm
According to West Ham United's official website, Irons boss Slaven Bilic confirmed that Toni Martinez is unlikely to be named in the squad against Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday night in his pre-match press conference, despite the fact that the Croatian could be missing three of his first-team strikers for the visit of the Seagulls.
While Andy Carroll misses out through suspension after being dismissed in the 1-1 draw against Burnley last weekend, Bilic also stated that Diafra Sakho will be absent because of a back problem, while Javier Hernandez could also be a doubt having had a scan on his hamstring this week after it felt tight in training.
The potential absence of the trio would certainly leave the east London outfit looking light up top, but despite that fact the manager seems unwilling to include the 20-year-old Martinez in his matchday squad.
The 49-year-old said: "Martinez is showing good form. He's been with us a couple of times, in pre-season, and is improving a lot, but we have enough options so he will probably not be in the squad."
Here are three reasons Bilic is wrong to leave Spaniard on the sidelines against Brighton…
Martinez is a goalscorer
While Bilic still has the likes of Michail Antonio, Marko Arnautovic and Andre Ayew available if Hernandez fails to make the clash against the Seagulls, you would think that he would like to at least have a goalscorer on the substitutes' bench – that is exactly what Martinez is. The 20-year-old made a big impression during pre-season and has scored 23 goals in 26 appearances for the U23s. He clearly knows where the net is and the Croatian boss could regret not including him in the squad if his team struggle to break the Brighton defence down.
He deserves a chance
With three strikers potentially missing against Brighton, you would think this would be the ideal opportunity for Bilic to give a promising young attacker a chance to impress and build up his experience by being included in a Premier League squad. The fact that the fixture is at home to a newly-promoted club – with no disrespect to the Seagulls – is surely even more of a reason for the 20-year-old not to be left on the sidelines, and the youngster would certainly have that extra bit of support from the London Stadium faithful.
Must-win game
Having said that West Ham "have to win" against Brighton in his pre-match press conference, Irons boss Slaven Bilic should have the options in his squad to be able to change the game should it not be going his side's way. Having failed to find a way past a resolute Swansea City defence until injury-time in their previous Premier League game at the London Stadium, the Croatian should have attacking players that can make a difference on the substitutes' bench against the Seagulls, and if Hernandez misses out and Arnautovic, Ayew and Antonio all start then that certainly wouldn't be the case.
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West Ham United's red card record is not down to poor team discipline, insists manager Slaven Bilic who has had 12 players sent off since 2015
West Ham's Andy Carroll was sent off for two cautionable offences last weekend
Carroll's dismissal in the draw at Burnley was West Ham's second red this season
The Hammers have had 12 red cards since Slaven Bilic became manager in 2015
But Bilic does not believe that his team have any problems with their discipline
'None of these red cards were from a typical lack of discipline,' said boss Bilic
By Andy Sims, Press Association Sport
PUBLISHED: 19:36, 19 October 2017 | UPDATED: 19:36, 19 October 2017
Slaven Bilic has denied there is a lack of discipline at West Ham. The Hammers boss will be without Andy Carroll against Brighton on Friday night after the striker's red card, for two elbows in just over two minutes, during the draw at Burnley last weekend. New signing Marko Arnautovic also saw red at Southampton earlier this season, potentially costing West Ham more points. In total Hammers players have been shown 12 red cards since Bilic took over in 2015, but the Croatian insisted: 'Is there a lack of discipline? I don't think so. 'None of these red cards were from a typical lack of discipline. Nobody headbutted anyone. 'Andy's one, two yellows, was basically stupid. 'But many of the red cards we appealed and they were ruled out - three or four, or even five, were completely big mistakes from the referees. 'I don't remember one that I would connect with lack of discipline and letting the team down.'
Speculation over Bilic's future has eased in recent weeks, but he knows a poor result at home to the newly-promoted Seagulls will bring the storm clouds back.
'It's calm at the moment but it can change tomorrow night,' he added. 'We are still there, there are five teams on eight points. Whoever gets three points tomorrow, or after the weekend, is going have a calm week. 'But then you have those hurricanes, there's no point trying to think about that. 'You have no time and no need to concentrate on those things, if you focus on that you have a problem. You concentrate on what you can effect, and then you can influence the pressure. 'You can ease the pressure with a new game but to talk about long-term stability you need a good run, five, six, seven or eight games, that's the rule for every manager.' As well as Carroll, Bilic will be without Diafra Sakho, who has a minor back injury, but Javier Hernandez is expected to be fit despite a hamstring niggle.
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PSG's Thomas Meunier should've chosen West Ham if he wanted first-team football
Danny Owen
HITC
Thomas Meunier wants to play more for Paris Saint-Germain - but there's little doubt he'd have been West Ham's first-choice right-back. Thomas Meunier is unlikely to be making any longing glances towards the London Stadium any time soon. The Belgian defender told Telefoot back in February that West Ham United were among one of the clubs keen to take him away from Club Brugge after his impressive performances at Euro 2016. As soon as Paris Saint-Germain entered the race, however, and put Champions League football on the table, Meunier's heart was set on a move to the Ligue 1 giants. And who could blame him? While PSG look set to storm to the French league title this season and challenge for a maiden Champions League crown after making Neymar and Kylian Mbappe the two most expensive players in footballing history, The Hammers are sitting 15th in the Premier League with doubts still surrounding the future of manager Slaven Bilic.
Though one thing West Ham would have guaranteed Meunier, that PSG cannot, is regular first-team football. And it's fair to say the 26-year-old's lack of regular starts in France is starting to grate on him.
'I'm not a priority'
"(It is frustrating) because I want to play every match, whether it's against Gueugnon, Niort or Bayern Munich," Meunier, who has started just five Ligue 1 games from 11 this season with Dani Alves (below) ahead of him in the pecking order, said in quotes reported by The Sun. "I want to be on the pitch every time. I am in a team which is one of the top five in the world where the backups and the starters are about the same level. "I just have to be patient for now, because I'm not the priority."
Meunier, who has a remarkable seven goals in ten games for club and country in 2017/18 from right-back, certainly would have found first-team football far easier to come by at West Ham. Nonetheless, it is for the Belgian to decide whether he would rather fight for the Champions League as a squad player or struggle in the Premier League as an undisputed starter.
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West Ham United fans react on Twitter to Toni Martinez's omission
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United are set to take on Brighton & Hove Albion, but Toni Martinez will not feature. West Ham United's Croatian manager West Ham United fans have been left furious, after Slaven Bilic confirmed that Antonio Martinez will miss out on featuring against Brighton & Hove Albion to Football.London. Martinez has been in scintillating form for West Ham's development squad recently, and he has scored with great frequency. The Spanish forward's excellent form has led to calls for him to be given a chance by Bilic, and it seemed that tomorrow's match was a great opportunity for the former Valencia man to be handed his debut.
West Ham are without a number of their first choice strikers, with Bilic's options limited. Andy Carroll is currently out with suspension, Diafra Sakho is injured and Javier Hernandez is nursing a hamstring problem. However, Bilic is still not going to give Martinez a chance - and West Ham fans are furious with the Croatian boss.
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MR ⚒ @WHU_MR2013
Good lineup IMO, im just annoyed Martinez isn't gonna be amongst the subs 😩 https://twitter.com/hammers_chat/status/921002392132431872 …
2:28 PM - Oct 19, 2017
1 1 Reply Retweets 1 1 like
Waller @waller_whu
Replying to @WestHamMatters
Why won't he just give Martinez a chance!?
2:27 PM - Oct 19, 2017
1 1 Reply Retweets likes
West Ham Community @WHU_Forever
No Carroll, sakho or Martínez 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://twitter.com/uberwestham/status/920998440666099712 …
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Brett @AnsellBrett
Billic has to go if that is the case, cannot see how he can carry on. We will end up losing Martinez to another club and he will go on and
2:22 PM - Oct 19, 2017
Replies Retweets 1 1 like
MR ⚒ @WHU_MR2013
If Sakho injury & Carroll' sending off cant get Toni Martinez in the squad, then I dunno what will..
HE HAS TO MAKE THE SUBS VS BRIGHTON
1:46 PM - Oct 19, 2017
1 1 Reply Retweets 2 2 likes
West Ham News @WHUFC_News
Bilic on Martinez: "We have good options. He will not be in the squad." pic.twitter.com/sdXp86hsbb
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Simon Rees @TheEarlofEssex
Slowly loosing faith - we have options - oh yeah they all have the same scoring rate then eh
2:16 PM - Oct 19, 2017
Adrian Bailey @abailey2791
Replying to @WHUFC_News
He is one of our better options and if I and the many thousands on here can see it why the hell cant he ??⚒
2:40 PM - Oct 19, 2017
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Steven Blewitt @blewitt_17
So Sakho is out Friday and Martinez still not going to be even in the squad? I wonder what goes through Bilics head sometimes #COYI #WHUFC
1:59 PM - Oct 19, 2017
☘Irish Tommy 5280 ⚒ @tomster36
Carroll & Sakho out but Bilic not calling up Martinez because "We have enough options". Seriously? Please tell me he's not playing 1 up top?
2:34 PM - Oct 19, 2017
2 2 Replies Retweets 3 3 likes
Danny ⚒ Hopkins @1DannyHopkins
Bilic starting to grind me , no sakho no Carroll and Hernandez not completely fit still not giving Martinez a go !
2:12 PM - Oct 19, 2017
Replies 1 1 Retweet 2 2 likes
The logical process is to start Martinez tomorrow. The Bilic process is to start Adrian up top with the kit man
— ΔИDY (@_AXDY_) October 19, 2017
West Ham are currently in 15th place in the Premier League table, but if they can beat Brighton, Bilic's side will move into the top half.
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Marko Arnautovic determined to prove himself at West Ham
HITC
Saikat Mandal
West Ham summer signing Marko Arnautovic is determined to prove himself at his new club. West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic is determined to make a strong impact for the London club. He is keen to take his game to the next level at West Ham, but so far has not started well. The 28-year-old joined the Hammers this summer from Stoke City for a club-record transfer fee of £20 million, that could rise to £25 million, according to BBC. In his second match, Arnautovic was shown a straight red card against Southampton. He is yet to open his account for the Hammers, and hasn't really made an impact in truest sense. He understands that expectations are high, and is also aware that he hasn't made a great start at his club. However, he says that he is determined to prove his worth to the club and the fans. The former Stoke player adds that he is happy and grateful to be given an opportunity to represent a big club like West Ham.
Arnautovic has left a strong message for the fans, and also for the haters, that he should not be judged this soon. "I want to show people - especially the haters - what I am capable of and bring this club up with everything I have got," said Arnautovic, as quoted by the Daily Mail. "Don't judge me after four games. Judge me at the end. Expectation of me is high and I know people are not happy. I have apologised for the red card, it was stupid. And then I've been ill and I can't change it. So it's not been great and I know that. "I hear people saying I came for £27million and have done nothing. I want to show the club they didn't pay so much money for nothing."
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Javier Hernandez injured in training as West Ham face striker crisis for Brighton clash - report
West Ham could be without Javier Hernandez when they face Brighton
Football London
Slaven Bilic could be left with a shortage of senior strikers for Friday night's clash with Brighton with a report claiming that Javier Hernandez pulled up in training on Tuesday. The West Ham boss already knows that he will be without Andy Carroll for tomorrow's game after the England striker was sent off during the Hammers' 1-1 draw at Burnley over the weekend. But Bilic could be forced to call upon Diafra Sakho or even U23 striker Toni Martinez to lead the line against the Seagulls. Claret & Hugh report that Hernandez was sent for a scan after suffering an leaving training early this week, although the extent of the injury is not currently known. The Mexican striker apparently did not report for training on Wednesday following the scare on Tuesday, and faces a late fitness test to be available for Friday night's game. Chicharito has started every league game for the Hammers so far this season but has so far scored in just two of those appearances, both of which ended in 3-2 defeats - including a brace against Southampton. If Hernandez cannot play, then perhaps fans will get their wish to see Spanish forward Martinez given a shot with the first team after he has continued to impress for the U23 side this season. The 20-year-old scored at hat-trick on Sunday as the Irons beat Manchester United 4-2 at the London Stadium, giving him a record of seven goals in his seven Premier League 2 games so far in the current campaign. Fans already took to Twitter this week to tell club co-owner David Gold that they want to see Martinez included in the senior team sooner rather than later.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to the London Stadium for another game under the lights in Friday's Premier League contest.
Read on for all the information you need to know ahead of this encounter.
Where and when?
West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion will be played at the London Stadium in Stratford on Friday 20 October, with kick-off at 8pm.
How to follow:
West Ham United v Brighton and Hove Albion will be shown live on Sky Sports across three channels - Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Mix - with coverage beginning at 7pm.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com, with updates also available on Twitter throughout the evening. You can also follow the match in different ways on our official Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat channels!
Audio coverage will also be provided by BBC Radio London Sport.
Match officials:
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistant Referees: Peter Kirkup & Steve Child
Fourth Official: Neil Swarbrick
Meet the opposition:
Two wins and two draws from their opening eight Premier League games this season is a respectable start to the campaign for Chris Hughton's side, with Brighton back in the top flight for the first time since 1983.
Albion picked up a decent draw with Everton in their last contest and the Seagulls are fighting hard to ensure their first campaign back in the Premier League ends with their status as a top flight club confirmed for next season.
Player to watch:
A first goal of the season for Michail Antonio last weekend helped the Hammers to a 1-1 draw at Burnley, and the speedy attacker will be eager to continue his fine form on Friday.
During his career Antonio has played nine matches against Brighton - having only played more against Huddersfield Town (10) - and it's possible that record will be matched in this week's fixture.
Head-to-head:
West Ham fans will happily recall our last contest against Brighton, where a Ricardo Vaz Te hat-trick inspired the Irons to a thumping 6-0 victory over the Seagulls in the Championship, in April 2012.
The two sides have only met three times in the last decade, with West Ham winning all of those games. A solitary campaign in the Championship together in the 2004/05 season was the first time the Hammers and the Seagulls played together since 1991.
Last five meetings:
West Ham United 6-0 Brighton, Championship, 14 April 2012
Brighton 0-1 West Ham United, Championship, 24 October 2011
West Ham United 3-0 Brighton, FA Cup, 06 January 2007
Brighton 2-2 West Ham United, Championship, 23 April 2005
West Ham United 0-1 Brighton, Championship, 13 November 2004
Did you know:
It was against Brighton, ten years ago, that captain Mark Noble scored his first goal for West Ham.
In January 2007 a then 19-year-old Noble latched on to a Carlos Tevez knock-down to fire home from 18 yards.
A decade on, Noble now has 48 goals in all competitions for the Hammers.
How to get there:
There are four train stations that supporters are recommended to utilise to reach the London Stadium.
Stratford Station makes use of the Central and Jubilee lines as well as the DLR, Overground and TfL Rail.
Stratford International also uses the DLR line and National Rail.
Pudding Mill Lane is on the DLR line and is just south of the London Stadium while Hackney Wick makes use of the London Overground.
Other information:
The latest in the free Hammers Collectables card range will be available at this Friday's contest, with Manuel Lanzini the newest first team star to be featured.
Under-16 supporters should see their nearest Supporter Liaison Officer at London Stadium on Friday to continue building their collection.
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Antonio: I won't forget my celebration if I score against Brighton!
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio was so overcome with the emotion of scoring his first West Ham United goal of the season that he forgot his pre-planned celebration. The winger netted for the first time since March and just the second time this year in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Burnley, latching onto Joe Hart's long clearance before poking the ball past goalkeeper Nick Pope and slamming it into the unguarded net. While previous goals have been followed by elaborate dance moves, including the Homer Simpson, the Carlton Banks and the Worm, Antonio admitted his mind went blank and he went freestyle at Turf Moor. "It was my first of the season and it's always good to get off the mark and hopefully I can go on a little run now," the No30 began. "Sometimes you have too much time to think about something and I was thinking to myself 'If you miss here, it will be really embarrassing', but I managed to put it into the back of the net, so now I'll move onto the next game!
"I had something planned for my celebration but the way that it happened and with everything that had gone on, it was just too much emotion for me to even think about doing my celebration, so I just threw a little bit of everything in! I thought it still looked all right, to be honest! "Now, I'm still thinking about what I would do if I score on Friday [against Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium] and hopefully I'll score and the celebration will look just right."
Reflecting on Saturday's game, which saw the Hammers lose Andy Carroll to a first half red card and the lead to Chris Wood's late equaliser, Antonio felt his teammates had both given their all and produced some of their best football of the season. Despite being reduced to ten men, West Ham created a succession of chances, showcasing their ability to open up defences in a variety of ways, with long balls, intricate one-touch moves, individual flair and strength all giving the Burnley back four trouble. With the likes of Chicharito, Diafra Sakho, Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, Andre Ayew, Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate all fit and firing, and Carroll due back after a one-game ban, Antonio is excited by the Hammers' attacking options. "It was a great performance. Twenty-seven minutes in we lost a player at a place where they are very good at home and pick up the majority of their points, so to play for 60 minutes with ten men and even get opportunities shows the ability that we have. "If we show the character and performance we showed in that game in games to come, we will be winning games. It showed the different parts of the game that we can play – the hard work, the nice football and the flair play – so hopefully we can take all of them into the next game. "With the players that we have here, we are definitely going to be able to cut teams open and people are definitely going to be scared of us going in behind, so we can get the ball down and cut them open."
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Three December West Ham fixtures moved
WHUFC.com
Three West Ham United fixtures in December have been moved for live television coverage. The mouth-watering Premier League matches at Manchester City and home to Chelsea and Arsenal have all been selected for broadcast. The Hammers will now face Pep Guardiola's free-scoring Citizens at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 3 December at 4pm in a game that will be screened live by Sky Sports. Slaven Bilic's side will now host Antonio Conte's Premier League champions at London Stadium on Saturday 9 December at 12.30pm, with Sky Sports again showing the game live. And finally, West Ham will welcome Arsene Wenger's Gunners to Stratford at 8pm on Wednesday 13 December for a match being broadcast live on BT Sport.
Supporters should note that no Premier League fixtures will be played on Christmas Eve. The away fixture at Stoke City on Saturday 16 December, visit of Newcastle United on Saturday 23 December and Boxing Day trip to AFC Bournemouth will all kick-off at 3pm, as previously scheduled. Broadcast selections for the final round of Premier League fixtures of 2017, including the trip to Wembley Stadium to face Tottenham Hotspur currently scheduled for 3pm on Saturday 30 December, will be confirmed in due course.
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'Chicharito should be OK for Brighton clash' - Bilic
WHUFC.com
First team manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Chicharito should be fine to feature in West Ham United's Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday. Chicharito missed training on Wednesday due to a tight feeling in his hamstring but a scan on the area has confirmed he is clear of injury. The striker will participate in Thursday's training session at the London Stadium and, according to Bilic, Chicharito will be in the squad for Friday's match as long as he feels right. The manager told his pre-match press-conference: "Chicharito had a slight problem but he's training at 4pm and he should be good to train with us. It's not a big thing. "He trained and felt a little bit of a tight hamstring, so we scanned it which was important, and the scan was completely clear. He missed Wednesday's light session and we expect him to train today and, based on his feeling, to be OK."
The Hammers are still without defender James Collins, who continues his recovery from a set-back against West Brom last month, while Diafra Sakho is also set to miss the contest with Brighton after a back complaint. However, Bilic suggests the duo could be back in time for next week's Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham.
Goalkeeper Adrian, meanwhile, has recovered from illness and is likely to also be involved. "We have a couple that are out because of injury," Bilic added. "James Collins is out for a matter of days and Sakho has back pain. He didn't train since Burnley so he's out of Friday's game. They could both be back for the Spurs game.
"Adrian had a stomach problem for a couple of days, but he is OK now and should train with us."
Andy Carroll will definitely miss the fixture due to suspension but the Hammers can still call on the likes of Chicharito, Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, Michail Antonio and Andre Ayew for this match, with all five set to be involved. With that in mind Bilic has confirmed it's unlikely he will call on young striker Toni Martinez, who has been impressing with the U23s after a hat-trick against Manchester United last weekend. "Martinez is showing good form. He's been with us a couple of times, in pre-season, and is improving a lot, but we have enough options so he will probably not be in the squad."
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Brighton & Hove Albion
WHUFC.com
With an identical record of two wins, two draws and four defeats from their opening eight matches, two goals are all that separate West Ham and Brighton in the Premier League table. So, a close encounter ought to be on the cards when the two sides, who have scored a combined total of 14 goals in their 16 matches so far this season, meet tonight at the London Stadium. Especially with both teams missing their frontline forwards through suspension. West Ham don't tend to slip up against visiting promoted sides, with their 2-0 victory over Huddersfield earlier this season their sixth in a row without defeat. And, having already kept a clean sheet in three of their four matches at home, the Hammers can be confident of extending that run against a team that are characteristically cautious away from home. Even when finishing as runners-up in the Championship last season, Brighton scored fewer away goals than nine other teams in the division. That conservatism has, predictably, been compounded by promotion to the Premier League, with the Seagulls scoring only one goal and earning just a single point – when playing against 10 men for more than an hour – in their four away matches so far. Chris Hughton did not even start a striker in their most recent away match at the Emirates, which is perhaps understandable considering that Glenn Murray, his only other alternative, has not scored a top-flight goal since December 2015.
The visitors' most obvious threat, therefore, comes from the wings, with last season's Player of the Year Anthony Knockaert getting off the mark last week and England Under-21 international Solly March a stand-out performer so far. Slaven Bilic's recent switch to a flat-back four ought to deny space down the flanks, and also enable him to deploy a similarly attacking midfield to the one seen at Turf Moor last week.
Against a rear-guard action as resolute as Brighton's, it is those multiple runners into the box who are most likely to provide the breakthrough.
Recommended bets
1st half draw – 11/10
Under 2.5 goals – 13/20
West Ham to keep a clean sheet – 5/4
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Cottee: We are looking, solid hard to beat and close to our physical peak
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are 'looking solid, hard to beat and close to reaching a peak physical level', according to Hammers great Tony Cottee. The striker, who scored 146 goals in 336 appearances in Claret and Blue across two spells, says his former team's recent performances have given him confidence that his old Club can yet enjoy a successful season. West Ham have lost just five of their last 17 matches dating back to early April and Cottee says the signs are there that his former teammate's side are clicking at both ends of the pitch. "There is no reason why Slaven Bilic and his players shouldn't go into Friday's game feeling confident and positive about the challenge in front of them," Cottee wrote in his exclusive column for Friday's Official Programme. "Four points could quite easily have been six from the last two matches and, while the performance level may not yet be flowing in the way Slaven would like, his team are looking solid, hard to beat, and close to reaching a peak physical level. "Looking back to the 18-match unbeaten run that I was involved in during the first half of the record-breaking 1985/86 season, we began that with three successive draws, against Liverpool, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday, and there was certainly no real sign of what was to follow. "We'd had a difficult start, but we identified what was wrong and gradually started to build our consistency and confidence. "As we said throughout the difficult period at the start of this season, hard work is the only way to get yourself out of it and, credit to the players, because they have worked hard and found a way to resolve the problems they faced in the opening three games. "A lot has been said about the attacking options that Slaven now has available to him, but I think the defensive improvement over the past month would have given him most pleasure. "There is always a lot to be said for a settled back line. If you look at Chelsea when they won the Premier League last season they had the same three central defenders for virtually every game, Leicester the year before had Huth and Morgan as a solid pairing, and that consistency breeds success. "We are now showing that type of defensive consistency and stability, with Joe Hart looking settled and in command behind the back line, and it is that platform which will hopefully give our attacking players the opportunity to shine."
Friday's 100-page Official Programme will be available to buy in and around London Stadium on matchday. You can pre-order a copy here now, or download the digital issue from 9am on Friday here.
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Bilic: Discipline, bold Brighton and professional Adrian
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic sat down with the media on Thursday afternoon at the London Stadium ahead of Friday's Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion. The West Ham United manager was asked for his thoughts on counter-part Chris Hughton, the Hammers' disciplinary record and a possible move into the top ten.
Bilic also talked about goalkeeper Adrian and his side's home form…
Bold Brighton
Brighton secured promotion to the Premier League last season and Bilic has been impressed with what he's seen so far from the Seagulls. Although the manager described Brighton as a 'confident team', Bilic insists he is only focusing on his own side ahead of the fixture. "They also made a slow start and then they improved," Bilic said: "I've watched their games, home and away, and I see a very confident team. They got that confidence last season when they were winning most of their games. They have confidence and they also brought some good players from Holland and Germany. "It's going to be a very tough game. I respect them but we are concentrating on us. We have one defeat in six. We are at home and we've improved our home form a lot since we've moved here. What we want is a good performance and three points."
Brighton
The manager was also very complimentary of Chris Hughton, who has been in charge of Brighton since 2014. "He is underrated. I watched their games and I'm impressed with Brighton. I expected them, at least in the first half of the season, like most promoted teams they have good memories from last season and that positive arrogance. They play like that. "Okay, there is a difference between their home and away records, but I watched them and they play nice football so of course Chris has done a great job there.
Adrian is 'a great professional'
Bilic has taken the opportunity to praise Spanish goalkeeper Adrian for his professionalism. The shot-stopper was linked with an exit from West Ham in the media this week, with Joe Hart the first choice in the Premier League, but Bilic seemed delighted Adrian is so eager to play. "If I was a player on the bench and wasn't playing I wouldn't expect to say I was happy to not be playing," he said. "It's a positive thing that he wants to play."
Adrian
"All the players want to play and be regular. That's why they are top sportsmen. We need a good squad though and we need a second good goalkeeper. Adrian is a great professional and is acting and behaving in the way I wanted. I've spoken a few times with him about it and he's very good in training. He's working hard to get his chance."
No discipline issues
The manager was questioned on his side's disciplinary record after Andy Carroll became the second West Ham player to be shown a red card this season. Bilic told the gathered media that he did not believe any of these sending offs were down to discipline issues, highlighting a number of them had been rescinded after.
He said: "None of these red cards were down to typical lack of discipline. Nobody head-butted anyone. A few of those red cards were appealed and they were ruled out. Three or four were big mistakes. I don't remember one of them where I would connect it with lack of discipline on the pitch and letting the team down.
"On the other hand, yes we've had 12 red cards in the space of two and a half seasons." The boss did admit however that the sending-offs this season were a concern due to both Carroll and Marko Arnautovic getting dismissed in the first half. "A red card is a red card but it's a big difference if it happens in added time or like it happens like it did to Arnautovic and Carroll," he added. "We did amazing in both of those games because normally it's one-sided after that happens. "I spoke to both and it's unacceptable. It's a big blow for the team, especially for that game and also for the next game."
'We want to push into the top ten'
A victory over Brighton on Friday evening would push the Irons into the top ten of the Premier League for the first time this campaign. Bilic admits that he and his side had aspirations of being in the top ten earlier in the season but they are now ready to claim that spot with a win in the next match. He said: "We hoped to be in the top ten straight away but it didn't happen for various reasons. We have a feeling when we are analysing the games now that we've improved a lot. "We've started to get points and it would be really good and crucial to win tomorrow and to move up the table."
'Good memories make the London Stadium home'
Bilic also commented on a recent improvement in home form for the Hammers, admitting that he and his players now consider the London Stadium their home ground. The manager puts that feeling down to the creation of happy experiences for the squad and the fans in the past 12 months. He added: "From day one we've been amazed with the new Stadium but we've needed some time to start calling it home. Now when I hear the players, and it happens to me also, now we say we can't wait to play at home. "To make someone home you need good memories. You need time to make those memories and to experience those positive things. We've had a few recently and yes, it's home now."
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West Ham United v Brighton And Hove Albion
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th October 2017
By: Preview Percy
When the sky went a funny colour the other day Preview Percy refused to accept the "Saharan Dust" explanation, preferring instead to stand there muttering something about "tampering with nature by allowing centre forwards to wear no.2 shirts". Nevertheless, on the off-chance that the full apocalypse holds off until the weekend he still found time to prepare this look at Friday's match. On the whole the Apocalypse may have been more preferable....
So Brighton then. 8pm kick off on a Friday. Yuk. Enjoy the rush hour getting over there.
The visitors will be paying their first visit to the new gaff having been promoted last term. They looked odds on to go up as champions but a failure to win any of their last three matches saw the Geordies sneak in to take the silverware, with the Seagulls having to be content with promotion as a consolation prize.
I was a bit surprised when I saw the league table for this one. I had it in my head that they had made a fairly decent start to the season not unlike that of Burnley. However, I was surprised to note that prior to last weekend's draw against Everton they were actually behind us, though the point mustered against the Toffeemen moved them to a place above us on goal difference.
They opened their season with a 2-0 home defeat to Man City (which looks quite good in retrospect) which was followed by a similar reverse away at Leicester. They picked up a 0-0 draw at Watford before picking up their first win of the season with a 3-1 home win against West Brom. A 2-1 setback away at Bournemouth was followed up with a 1-0 win over the Geordies at the Stadium in Falmer that is sponsored by a well-known charge card company who haven't paid me to mention their name. They then went down 2-0 at Arsenal before Sunday's stalemate which saw Everton salvage a late point after Bruno's assault on an opponent in the box led to a match-saving Rooney spot kick. 8 points, 8 games and a minus 4 GD gives them 14th place at the moment.
They are managed by Chris Hughton who many will remember playing for us after the nightmare of having to play nearly 400 games for Spurs. He always seems to be an affable chap who shows no ill-effects from having spent so long at White Hart Lane. One recalls the dignity with which he handled himself whilst having to deal with the circus that is Newcastle United under Mike Ashley. When Hughton was sacked The Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered's resident Geordie, Preview Alastair, was so disgusted that he went on hunger strike for a while. It is a mark of how good the rest home food is that he actually gained 10lbs before succumbing to the temptation of the lasagne that is cook's speciality whenever there has been an equine fatality at Kempton Park.
As one often finds from promoted clubs they were a bit busy in the summer window. According to the work-experience kid of as yet-to-be determined gender wearing a hoodie who seems only able to communicate with some strange grunting noises, they brought in no fewer than thirteen players on permanent deals this summer. On closer inspection that figure turns out to be actually more like twelve and a half with kid striker Viktor Gyokeres not actually arriving from somewhere unpronounceable in Sweden until New Year's Day. Some of the other signings are also in the category of U23 signings "for the future".
Arguably the most influential of the new boys so far this season has been Pascal Gross (whose name is actually spelt with one of those odd German letters that actually looks like a letter "B". I am sure there is probably a way of finding that particular character on a computer keyboard but frankly I can' be bothered. Gross scored the clubs first goal in the top flight since whenever it was they were last up here having arrived for an undisclosed fee from German second division outfit FC Ingolstadt 04, a club of whom even Germans are heard to say "who?" (only in German, obviously). Gross has also weighed in what the stattos like to refer to as "assists" (translation into English: "he's also made a few goals"). Although the fee was undisclosed figures of £3-4m have been bandied about which would make the player something of a bargain, assuming he progresses well in the league.
Well you go through all your life having never heard of FC Ingolstadt 04 then all of a sudden you get a club who signs two players from them at once. Left-back Markus Suttner had spent the vast majority of his career with Austria Wien, making over 250 appearances for them in the process. He was lured to Ingolstadt by the promise of top flight Bundesliga football, Ingolstadt having somehow managed to get themselves promoted for the 2015-16 season. In the event they managed to stay afloat at the top level for two seasons before returning to life in division "zwei". After a bit of haggling it is believed that Brighton forked out something like £2m for the 30 year-old who was capped on 20 occasions for the Austrian national side before announcing his retirement from international football last summer. Clearly he didn't fancy hanging on on the small off-chance that they might qualify for Russia then.
Between the sticks they have another new boy in the form of Aussie no.1 Matt Ryan. Another "undisclosed" fee (or £5m if you believe most sources) was enough to bring him in from Valencia. Valencia had signed him from Club Brugge back in 2015 and had been considered first choice for Valencia until injury in 2016 saw him lose that status. With him struggling for first XI football he spent the end of last season on loan back in Belgium at Racing Genk but the player himself ruled out a permanent return to Belgium, signing instead a 5 year deal beside the sea, the deal being made so much easier by the fact that Ryan possesses a UK passport (a process known in bygone days as "returning to the scene of the crime"). He is first choice 'keeper for "The Soceroos" (one of those ugly nicknames our colonial chums insist on giving their national sports teams) so he will be building up the airmiles. Having played in the dramatic two leg win over Syria he will now face a trip involving Honduras and Australia in November as the Aussies go for World Cup qualification via the playoff system.
One of the illustrators of the difference in financial clout between the top two tiers of English football can be observed in the statistic that the £5m allegedly paid for Ryan represented a club record for Brighton at the time. This was soon eclipsed by the £6m believed to have been the outlay on Dutch midfielder Davy Propper (or "pwopah" if you happen to be Oscar Winning actor Danny Dyer). Propper arrived in the summer from PSV with whom he won the title last season and has previously gained So-Called Champions League experience. He also gives this column the opportunity to resurrect, for the first time this season, the opportunity to indulge in some schoolboy humour as we note (to the sound of suitable sniggers) that the player is a full Netherlands international with seven Dutch caps to his name (chortle). Pwopah featured in the last couple of competitive internationals as their ill-fated attempt to qualify for Russia collapsed,
Pwopah is a doubt for this one and may well end up watching from the stands alongside Israeli striker Tomer Hemed, who will be serving the final match of a three match retrospective ban for an off the ball stamp in the Newcastle match. Despite Hemed's absence over the past couple of games there has been no place in the side for Sam Baldock this season. The former Hammer has been struggling with a calf problem for some time though he did turn out for the U23 side in midweek which suggests that he might have a small chance of making the bench on Friday. Balcdock made a blistering start to his Hammers career scoring five in his first six starts. However, injury messed up his season and by the time he was fit again Ricardo Vaz Te had arrived. Baldock left for Bristol City after we had been promoted.
And so to us. Well I think we can all agree that Andy Carroll was a bit daft last weekend and his contribution to the game did us no favours. However I do have a slight – and it is very slight – teensy weensy bit of sympathy for him. Week after week he gets clobbered with challenges as bad or worse than the two that got him his two yellows last weekend. More often than not he is the one who gets punished. Tarkowski did exactly the same thing to Carroll earlier in the game but escaped punishment. I think we are entitled to ask why referees are targeting our player don't you? I mean there was one challenge in the Swansea match which saw a defender go right through his back and when Carroll got up he saw the referee penalise him and indicate that Carroll had "made a back" which was, quite simply, a lie on the part of the official. I have seen Carroll hauled down by the neck with no free-kick given so, deserved as the red was, it would be nice if we were given a reason why the laws of the game only seem to apply one way.
Not that the Burnley match has been unique in this. Had the same criteria applied to Southampton and Spurs as seem to apply against us both opponents would have been down to 9 men, in the Southampton case well before Arnautovic took the law into his own hands (no matter how much the BBC tried to pretend things didn't happen.) And the melee that happened at the end of the Spurs match was caused by Oliver looking at and ignoring a deliberate challenge much worse than anything perpetrated by Carroll.
In fact it would also be nice to know why, despite continually marking substandard to the extent that he was given a break from the select group, Atwell is now considered good enough to have re-joined the select group (so called because you get selected if you are mates with Riley). Championship spies suggest that there had been a marked decline in his performances even from the low standard that saw him temporarily demoted from the select group after a meteoric rise from non-league to Premier league in a couple of seasons at the insistence of Keith Hackett – a family friend I believe. Incidentally, according to one observer, the fourth official and all-round embarrassment to the beautiful game that is Mike Dean was seen swanning about giving out autographs before the Burnley match. Says it all really.
Carroll's suspension could well have meant a start for the Sakho-Hernandez combination up front that any – myself included – were looking for before Burnley. However, the law of sod being what it is, we are hearing that Hernandez has a dodgy hamstring. Great.
There have also been calls for a call up to the squad for young Martinez following his hat-trick (the first at the Olympic) against Man Utd's kids last week. I've only seen a little of him so judgement is reserved in these parts – though spending time in and around the first XI squad surely won't do him any harm.
Otherwise the only other player on the injury list at present is dear old Ginge whose ankle is a couple of weeks away from healing. That's the ankle that West Brom fans accused him of faking by the way.
Prediction? Well I reckon we would have won last weekend had we kept 11 on the pitch. As it was we were a bit unfortunate to only take a point away and that's the attitude to take into this one. Carroll's absence may lend a bit more balance to the side who, as was displayed on a couple of rather spectacular occasions last weekend, can actually pass the ball well when it wants to.
I think this will be close but on the whole my optimism won't, for once, be misplaced. It will be tight but I think that this week's £2.50, which I had previously earmarked towards paying someone to give Ed Sheerhan laryngitis (thereby completing the job started by the music lover who knocked him off his bike) will be going on a home win. That will be 2-1 if anyone from Winstone The Turf Accountant is reading this and wants to have my betting slip ready for when I pop in om my way to the Swan & Superinjunction.
Enjoy the game!
When last we met at the Boleyn: Won 6-0 (Championship – April 2012)
A hat-trick from Vaz Te with goals from Nolan, Cole (C not J) and a Dicker og did the job. Vaz Te's third was a beaut -one of those mid-air scissor kicks. It was as one-sided as the scoreline suggests.
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Oh for pity's sake….
Danger Man: Pascal Gross
Has been handy as both goalscorer and provider this season.
Percy's Poser:
Last week we asked you what connects the town of Burnley with 1950's communist children's television. Congratulations to Mrs Rebecca Craggs of Watford who wrote thusly:
"The answer is "The Singing Ringing Tree" which is both the name of a sculpture plonked on a hill somewhere just outside the town of Burnley and of a really odd kid's tv programme that somehow made it past the planning stage at the East German Peoples' Entertainment Committee meetings in 1957. The thing started life as a feature film and over a third of the entire East German population is said to have seen it at the cinema. The BBC bought it for a few old copies of the Radio Times with Arthur Askey on the cover and, in keeping with the whole low-budget feel of the thing, decided to split the film into three separate parts to make a mini-series out of it.
The cheapskated-ness of the whole project didn't stop there. The film having been made in German (obviously) the BBC had to do something to present the thing to the children of 1960's Britain who, much as now, weren't noted for their ability to speak German (although at least back then most could make a decent fist of English). Instead of overdubbing the thing with actors (expensive), or providing subtitles (which would have ruled out an entire audience of about 23,000 Spurs fans who would have had to learn to read) they simply turned down the volume a bit on the soundtrack and had a solitary voice-over artist describe the goings on over the top of it. Which simply added to the whole weirdness of the experience." Thanks Rebecca – you win a night out at your local curry house paid for by your husband - including the most expensive drinks on the menu.
For this week's poser we ask you: when we beat Brighton 6-0 at the Boleyn back in 2012 what was unusual about the three substitutions we made that day? First prize is probably an old copy of the Radio Times with a photo of Arthur Askey on the cover assuming that I can get it out of my doctor's waiting room without being spotted.
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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The paper that backs 'Franco's club' has the nerve to call us racists?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th October 2017
By: Paul Walker
So Spanish sports paper Marca has branded West Ham fans as racists. The hypocrisy is stunning, from a paper who have been in the pocket of 'Franco's club' for more than seven decades. That's Real Madrid to the uninitiated. Marca, have unashamedly supported them, been cheerleaders for them and have been accused of doing their transfer dirty work. Unbiased? Don't make me laugh.
Their story this week is a remarkable attack not only on West Ham, but Chelsea too (I'll leave them to fight their own battles) as well as claiming that Spurs are universally hated throughout the UK for their Jewish heritage. Marca's back catalogue needs some explaining. General Franco, Spain's fascist dictator from the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 to his death in 1975, was always reputed to have supported Real, and there are many allegations that he actively aided their success through bent referees and corruption from Spanish football authorities. Barcelona are not slow in making such claims.
Marca in turn have, it is claimed, always supported and aided Real during the Franco years and beyond. So, say their critics, are implicit in the racism of Franco's regime. A leader who is reputed to have given Hitler a list of Spanish Jews during the Second World War. I wouldn't dare suggest that Marca have any such leanings these days, but when they start making claims of racism and anti-Semitism elsewhere, it's a touch rich to say the least. I always refuse to use the word 'hate' when discussing football. It's only as game, for heaven's sake. And after ourselves, Spurs and Chelsea have hit back at such wild accusations, Marca's only reply is to question the translation of the word 'hate.' Not a hint of an apology for such a slur. It would be equally foolish to suggest that racism doesn't fester in every corner of the globe somewhere. Even the White House. But to make such a sweeping generalisation against, of all people, the folk from London's East End, is plainly daft. Yes, I have heard the silly song about foreskins from a few of our boy scouts--absolutely reprehensible--but to imply that there are gangs of racists running amok is just not true.
What is even worse is that Marca claimed that Spurs are hated because of their Jewish heritage by clubs all over the country. Absolute nonsense. It is to our credit that our joint owner David Gold, Jewish by birth, has been at the forefront of attempts to eradicate such behaviour. And it has been largely successful. I would also point out that Yossi Benayoun and Eyal Berkovic were much loved in these parts. And we also were the leaders in the signing of local black English players, as well as the wonderful Clyde Best. Just to make it clear. We don't dislike Spurs because the have a Jewish heritage, we dislike them because they are our closest, bitter rivals, and because they are annoyingly insistent that they are a big club, bigger than us and they are inherently superior. And some of their fans call us 'Pikeys' (a word derived to describe people who lived on the 'turnpike' in centuries gone by, living on the road).
When ignorant people like Marca start calling us Jew-haters, they really do need a potted history lesson about the East End, and how our grandparents and parents reacted to war-time refugees. Many thousands of terrified Jews ran from Hitler and arrived in their droves in the East End from the mid-1930s until the end of the war. They were welcomed and protected by East Enders who spawned the heritage and history of West Ham United.
West Ham is a working class club with solid socialist roots, well that's how I was brought up, and a dockland area is always full of people from all countries and religions. My own late father told me stories of the days when the East End stood shoulder to shoulder to fight Oswald Mosley's black-shirted fascists pre-war to stop them getting into the area to attack the Jews. I would suggest Marca put 'Cable Street' into a Google search to discover our attitude to Jewish refugees and incoming arrivals from all corners of the world. My old fella worked for a Jewish tie-maker in Aldgate and several Jewish-owned print companies. I never heard him or any of my family or friends talk of hatred. There will always be bigots, and idiots, in all walks of life but I would suggest that Marca shows more concern about a recent poll that a majority of Spaniards think Franco was right, rather than worry about a few silly football songs. They might also reflect on the fact that their impartiality is damaged by the rabid support for Real. Even Sir Alex Ferguson once hammered them for " unsettling" Madrid's transfer targets and doing their tapping up for them. That was a while ago, but it is being suggested that the same approach is now being aimed at Spurs' striker Harry Kane. Mind you, I would be more than happy to see Kane playing for Madrid rather those chancers from White Hart Lane!
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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OPPOSITION Q&A WITH BRIGHTON
By Jeff Gayle 19 Oct 2017 at 17:00
WTID
This weekend West Ham kick off the weekend early, hosting Brighton & Hove Albion at the London Stadium on Friday evening. Ahead of the fixture I had a chat with Scott McCarthy from WeAreBrighton to discuss the game amongst other things.
First welcome back to the top division. It's been a while since you even flirted with promotion, when did you first start to think it could happen?
After we'd missed out on automatic promotion by one goal to Middlesbrough and then seen four players go off injured in the first leg of the play offs in 2016, I never thought it would happen! The Championship looked much stronger last year with Newcastle, Norwich and Villa all coming in and it seemed as though our best chance had gone. That was the most pleasing thing about last season – a lot of sides would've suffered a serious hangover after that sort of heartbreak yet we just dusted ourselves down and got on with it again. The Fulham away game at the turn of the year was a big moment. Fulham battered us for the entire game bar 90 seconds in which we scored twice and won 2-1. We took 7,000 to Craven Cottage that day and the general consensus after was that if we could be that outclassed by an opposition yet still find a way to win, then there was a real chance that promotion might actually happen.
What are the main differences you have noticed since coming back into the Premier League?
Mistakes get punished. We learnt that in our first game against Manchester City. Dale Stephens gave the ball away in what looks like a harmless position, as we would do last season. No problem, we'd always just win it back against a team in the Championship. This time though it goes through David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero and it's a goal.
Two wins and two draws is exactly the same as us in terms of results so far, are you pleased with your start?
I think we've got to be aiming for an average of a point a game, which is where we are. Our record at the Amex is pleasing, having only lost to Manchester City and even that 2-0 defeat looks a really good result now given the way they've been tearing times apart since. Burnley showed you can stay up on home form along but it would be nice to start picking up some points away from home – we've only got one so far and have only scored once on our travels.
I expect you'll be looking forward to the Palace game in November? Any other games you're looking forward to?
Having spent most of the last 30 years being largely rubbish, there are a load of clubs in the Premier League a generation of our supporters have never been to. We've already ticked off Arsenal away, but the trips to Manchester City, United, Everton, Chelsea and West Brom will all prove very popular.
Where do you think Brighton can finish in the Premier League this season?
Anywhere outside the relegation zone would do me. Realistically, I'd say 16th presuming we don't get left behind by other clubs strengthening in January
Where do you think West Ham can realistically finish the season?
Anywhere between 7th and 20th. What we are seeing is that it is effectively two mini leagues again, nobody is going to crack that top six and everyone else looks pretty similar. On paper West Ham are far too good to go down but we've said that before about some big clubs. If I had to pick an exact position, I'd go for 12th.
Which three teams do you think will suffer relegation and who will lift the title this season?
Manchester City are going to take some stopping and Manchester United aren't realistically going to do it as they won't pick up enough points from the others in the top six due to José Mourinho's love of sticking their team coach on the pitch. Relegation is ridiculously tough to call. Palace have a habit of managing to outdo us every season no matter what. We've finished above them twice in 20 years and in those two seasons they became the first ever visiting side to win at the Amex and then knocked us out in the play offs and won promotion. We could finish top 10 and they will still have one over us by being the only side to escape from such a hopeless position. Presuming that happens, I can see Huddersfield, Bournemouth and, erm, Swansea going.
Are you happy with the current make-up of your squad? Which positions do you think need strengthening?
Even Stevie Wonder can see we need a striker. We got lucky in getting through last season with only three senior forwards and it was obvious that wouldn't last this time around – lo and behold Glenn Murray and Sam Baldock were injured at the same time Tomer Hemed was suspended. Of those three, only Murray has played even semi regularly in the top flight before. Pascal Gross has papered over the cracks slightly by being superb in the number 10 role but a proven Premier League goal getter will give us a much greater chance of staying up. Just as well they are cheap and easy to find.
Chris Hughton has done brilliantly to get you promoted. Are you going to stick with him or will you dump him if and when the going gets tough?
Tony Bloom is one of the most pragmatic and loyal chairmen in the league. He even tried to talk – and certainly delayed by a couple of weeks – Sami Hyppia out of resigning when we looked destined for League One under the Finn. Even if we were to go down I'd be shocked if Hughton went, especially as Burnley have shown what can be done with a little bit of loyalty to Sean Dyche who took them up, down, up again and now looks as if he can establish them in the top flight.
How do you rate West Ham's Slaven Bilic as our manager?
I like Bilic but that might be more to do with the fact that he looks like he has just wandered out of a club at 3am and into the dugout. I don't know much else about him as – and I'm sure this will come as a surprise to Sky Sports – being a Brighton fan there has never really been much need to pay attention to the Premier League before this season. One thing I would say is that I don't think your owners with the pronouncements of top four football and the like have helped manage expectations at all and that will always make things difficult for a manager.
If you could have any current West Ham player in your first team who would you choose and why?
At the start of the season it would have been Joe Hart after David Stockdale decided he wanted to count a vast salary and signing on fee in a house overlooking Spaghetti Junction rather than play in the Premier League. Stockdale's replacement Matty Ryan has been excellent though so I'd go for either Javier Hernandez or Andy Carroll. Carroll would thrive on the service from Anthony Knockaert and Solly March out wide as Murray did last season although given that our players "short term" injuries tend to last for at least six weeks, God knows what the medical team would do with him.
Which Brighton player(s) will be key to your hopes this season?
Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy have been excellent this season and I don't think there is a better centre back pairing outside of the top six. We aren't going to score many goals so keeping them out is vital and on the way they have played so far, they are both clearly destined for bigger and better things than the Albion.
Any particular memories of West Ham/Brighton games of the past?
Well I'm hoping to last longer in the ground this time that I did on our last visit to Upton Park when I walked out after 20 minutes with you 3-0 up in favour of watching the Grand National in the pub. That proved to be a good decision as you went on to win 6-0. A far cry from when we won 1-0 under Mark McGhee with McGhee's famous 10-0-0 formation. Guy Butters got the only goal in one of the most incredible backs to the wall performances I can remember and we had plenty of those back then.
How do you expect Brighton to setup against West Ham on Saturday/ Team/formation prediction?
4-2-3-1 seems to be the norm for Hughton this season with the only doubts being over Duffy who went off with a groin problem in Sunday's draw with Everton. Seven of our 10 games so far this season have been level at the break so expect a pretty tight affair for the first half. I'm banking on a draw and probably a low scoring one at that, either 0-0 or 1-1.
Thanks to Scott for his time. Ever the optimist though, I think this will be the game that we can finally have a convincing win, I'm going for a 3 – 0 victory. Come on you Irons!
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Slaven Bilic impressed by West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian in training
HITC
John Verrall
Adrian is yet to make a start for West Ham United in the Premier League this season. West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has told Football.London that he can understand Adrian's comments, where he has suggested that he could move on from the London Stadium. Adrian has been dropped from West Ham's first-team this season in favour of Joe Hart. The Spanish stopper has still not played for the Hammers in the Premier League this season, and the 30-year-old could look to move on in January. But Bilic has offered Adrian hope that he could still break into West Ham's team ahead of Hart, if he continues to impress. "I can understand it. They want to play, be a regular, they are top sportsmen but we also need a good squad and two good keepers," Bilic said. "On the other hand, Adrian is a great professional and is acting in the way I wanted. He is very good in training, working hard. At the moment he is getting the cup only and that can change." Hart has had a rather indifferent start to life at West Ham, after signing from Manchester City. Bilic has stood by the goalkeeper, but he hasn't quite found his top form just yet. West Ham have made a poor start to the campaign, and they currently sit in 15th place in the Premier League table. If West Ham can beat Brighton tomorrow, they could move into the top half of the table.
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Three reasons Slaven Bilic is wrong to sideline Toni Martinez against Brighton
by James Beavis
3 minute read 19/10/2017 | 07:20pm
According to West Ham United's official website, Irons boss Slaven Bilic confirmed that Toni Martinez is unlikely to be named in the squad against Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday night in his pre-match press conference, despite the fact that the Croatian could be missing three of his first-team strikers for the visit of the Seagulls.
While Andy Carroll misses out through suspension after being dismissed in the 1-1 draw against Burnley last weekend, Bilic also stated that Diafra Sakho will be absent because of a back problem, while Javier Hernandez could also be a doubt having had a scan on his hamstring this week after it felt tight in training.
The potential absence of the trio would certainly leave the east London outfit looking light up top, but despite that fact the manager seems unwilling to include the 20-year-old Martinez in his matchday squad.
The 49-year-old said: "Martinez is showing good form. He's been with us a couple of times, in pre-season, and is improving a lot, but we have enough options so he will probably not be in the squad."
Here are three reasons Bilic is wrong to leave Spaniard on the sidelines against Brighton…
Martinez is a goalscorer
While Bilic still has the likes of Michail Antonio, Marko Arnautovic and Andre Ayew available if Hernandez fails to make the clash against the Seagulls, you would think that he would like to at least have a goalscorer on the substitutes' bench – that is exactly what Martinez is. The 20-year-old made a big impression during pre-season and has scored 23 goals in 26 appearances for the U23s. He clearly knows where the net is and the Croatian boss could regret not including him in the squad if his team struggle to break the Brighton defence down.
He deserves a chance
With three strikers potentially missing against Brighton, you would think this would be the ideal opportunity for Bilic to give a promising young attacker a chance to impress and build up his experience by being included in a Premier League squad. The fact that the fixture is at home to a newly-promoted club – with no disrespect to the Seagulls – is surely even more of a reason for the 20-year-old not to be left on the sidelines, and the youngster would certainly have that extra bit of support from the London Stadium faithful.
Must-win game
Having said that West Ham "have to win" against Brighton in his pre-match press conference, Irons boss Slaven Bilic should have the options in his squad to be able to change the game should it not be going his side's way. Having failed to find a way past a resolute Swansea City defence until injury-time in their previous Premier League game at the London Stadium, the Croatian should have attacking players that can make a difference on the substitutes' bench against the Seagulls, and if Hernandez misses out and Arnautovic, Ayew and Antonio all start then that certainly wouldn't be the case.
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West Ham United's red card record is not down to poor team discipline, insists manager Slaven Bilic who has had 12 players sent off since 2015
West Ham's Andy Carroll was sent off for two cautionable offences last weekend
Carroll's dismissal in the draw at Burnley was West Ham's second red this season
The Hammers have had 12 red cards since Slaven Bilic became manager in 2015
But Bilic does not believe that his team have any problems with their discipline
'None of these red cards were from a typical lack of discipline,' said boss Bilic
By Andy Sims, Press Association Sport
PUBLISHED: 19:36, 19 October 2017 | UPDATED: 19:36, 19 October 2017
Slaven Bilic has denied there is a lack of discipline at West Ham. The Hammers boss will be without Andy Carroll against Brighton on Friday night after the striker's red card, for two elbows in just over two minutes, during the draw at Burnley last weekend. New signing Marko Arnautovic also saw red at Southampton earlier this season, potentially costing West Ham more points. In total Hammers players have been shown 12 red cards since Bilic took over in 2015, but the Croatian insisted: 'Is there a lack of discipline? I don't think so. 'None of these red cards were from a typical lack of discipline. Nobody headbutted anyone. 'Andy's one, two yellows, was basically stupid. 'But many of the red cards we appealed and they were ruled out - three or four, or even five, were completely big mistakes from the referees. 'I don't remember one that I would connect with lack of discipline and letting the team down.'
Speculation over Bilic's future has eased in recent weeks, but he knows a poor result at home to the newly-promoted Seagulls will bring the storm clouds back.
'It's calm at the moment but it can change tomorrow night,' he added. 'We are still there, there are five teams on eight points. Whoever gets three points tomorrow, or after the weekend, is going have a calm week. 'But then you have those hurricanes, there's no point trying to think about that. 'You have no time and no need to concentrate on those things, if you focus on that you have a problem. You concentrate on what you can effect, and then you can influence the pressure. 'You can ease the pressure with a new game but to talk about long-term stability you need a good run, five, six, seven or eight games, that's the rule for every manager.' As well as Carroll, Bilic will be without Diafra Sakho, who has a minor back injury, but Javier Hernandez is expected to be fit despite a hamstring niggle.
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PSG's Thomas Meunier should've chosen West Ham if he wanted first-team football
Danny Owen
HITC
Thomas Meunier wants to play more for Paris Saint-Germain - but there's little doubt he'd have been West Ham's first-choice right-back. Thomas Meunier is unlikely to be making any longing glances towards the London Stadium any time soon. The Belgian defender told Telefoot back in February that West Ham United were among one of the clubs keen to take him away from Club Brugge after his impressive performances at Euro 2016. As soon as Paris Saint-Germain entered the race, however, and put Champions League football on the table, Meunier's heart was set on a move to the Ligue 1 giants. And who could blame him? While PSG look set to storm to the French league title this season and challenge for a maiden Champions League crown after making Neymar and Kylian Mbappe the two most expensive players in footballing history, The Hammers are sitting 15th in the Premier League with doubts still surrounding the future of manager Slaven Bilic.
Though one thing West Ham would have guaranteed Meunier, that PSG cannot, is regular first-team football. And it's fair to say the 26-year-old's lack of regular starts in France is starting to grate on him.
'I'm not a priority'
"(It is frustrating) because I want to play every match, whether it's against Gueugnon, Niort or Bayern Munich," Meunier, who has started just five Ligue 1 games from 11 this season with Dani Alves (below) ahead of him in the pecking order, said in quotes reported by The Sun. "I want to be on the pitch every time. I am in a team which is one of the top five in the world where the backups and the starters are about the same level. "I just have to be patient for now, because I'm not the priority."
Meunier, who has a remarkable seven goals in ten games for club and country in 2017/18 from right-back, certainly would have found first-team football far easier to come by at West Ham. Nonetheless, it is for the Belgian to decide whether he would rather fight for the Champions League as a squad player or struggle in the Premier League as an undisputed starter.
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West Ham United fans react on Twitter to Toni Martinez's omission
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United are set to take on Brighton & Hove Albion, but Toni Martinez will not feature. West Ham United's Croatian manager West Ham United fans have been left furious, after Slaven Bilic confirmed that Antonio Martinez will miss out on featuring against Brighton & Hove Albion to Football.London. Martinez has been in scintillating form for West Ham's development squad recently, and he has scored with great frequency. The Spanish forward's excellent form has led to calls for him to be given a chance by Bilic, and it seemed that tomorrow's match was a great opportunity for the former Valencia man to be handed his debut.
West Ham are without a number of their first choice strikers, with Bilic's options limited. Andy Carroll is currently out with suspension, Diafra Sakho is injured and Javier Hernandez is nursing a hamstring problem. However, Bilic is still not going to give Martinez a chance - and West Ham fans are furious with the Croatian boss.
Follow
MR ⚒ @WHU_MR2013
Good lineup IMO, im just annoyed Martinez isn't gonna be amongst the subs 😩 https://twitter.com/hammers_chat/status/921002392132431872 …
2:28 PM - Oct 19, 2017
1 1 Reply Retweets 1 1 like
Waller @waller_whu
Replying to @WestHamMatters
Why won't he just give Martinez a chance!?
2:27 PM - Oct 19, 2017
1 1 Reply Retweets likes
West Ham Community @WHU_Forever
No Carroll, sakho or Martínez 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://twitter.com/uberwestham/status/920998440666099712 …
Follow
Brett @AnsellBrett
Billic has to go if that is the case, cannot see how he can carry on. We will end up losing Martinez to another club and he will go on and
2:22 PM - Oct 19, 2017
Replies Retweets 1 1 like
MR ⚒ @WHU_MR2013
If Sakho injury & Carroll' sending off cant get Toni Martinez in the squad, then I dunno what will..
HE HAS TO MAKE THE SUBS VS BRIGHTON
1:46 PM - Oct 19, 2017
1 1 Reply Retweets 2 2 likes
West Ham News @WHUFC_News
Bilic on Martinez: "We have good options. He will not be in the squad." pic.twitter.com/sdXp86hsbb
Follow
Simon Rees @TheEarlofEssex
Slowly loosing faith - we have options - oh yeah they all have the same scoring rate then eh
2:16 PM - Oct 19, 2017
Adrian Bailey @abailey2791
Replying to @WHUFC_News
He is one of our better options and if I and the many thousands on here can see it why the hell cant he ??⚒
2:40 PM - Oct 19, 2017
Follow
Steven Blewitt @blewitt_17
So Sakho is out Friday and Martinez still not going to be even in the squad? I wonder what goes through Bilics head sometimes #COYI #WHUFC
1:59 PM - Oct 19, 2017
☘Irish Tommy 5280 ⚒ @tomster36
Carroll & Sakho out but Bilic not calling up Martinez because "We have enough options". Seriously? Please tell me he's not playing 1 up top?
2:34 PM - Oct 19, 2017
2 2 Replies Retweets 3 3 likes
Danny ⚒ Hopkins @1DannyHopkins
Bilic starting to grind me , no sakho no Carroll and Hernandez not completely fit still not giving Martinez a go !
2:12 PM - Oct 19, 2017
Replies 1 1 Retweet 2 2 likes
The logical process is to start Martinez tomorrow. The Bilic process is to start Adrian up top with the kit man
— ΔИDY (@_AXDY_) October 19, 2017
West Ham are currently in 15th place in the Premier League table, but if they can beat Brighton, Bilic's side will move into the top half.
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Marko Arnautovic determined to prove himself at West Ham
HITC
Saikat Mandal
West Ham summer signing Marko Arnautovic is determined to prove himself at his new club. West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic is determined to make a strong impact for the London club. He is keen to take his game to the next level at West Ham, but so far has not started well. The 28-year-old joined the Hammers this summer from Stoke City for a club-record transfer fee of £20 million, that could rise to £25 million, according to BBC. In his second match, Arnautovic was shown a straight red card against Southampton. He is yet to open his account for the Hammers, and hasn't really made an impact in truest sense. He understands that expectations are high, and is also aware that he hasn't made a great start at his club. However, he says that he is determined to prove his worth to the club and the fans. The former Stoke player adds that he is happy and grateful to be given an opportunity to represent a big club like West Ham.
Arnautovic has left a strong message for the fans, and also for the haters, that he should not be judged this soon. "I want to show people - especially the haters - what I am capable of and bring this club up with everything I have got," said Arnautovic, as quoted by the Daily Mail. "Don't judge me after four games. Judge me at the end. Expectation of me is high and I know people are not happy. I have apologised for the red card, it was stupid. And then I've been ill and I can't change it. So it's not been great and I know that. "I hear people saying I came for £27million and have done nothing. I want to show the club they didn't pay so much money for nothing."
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Javier Hernandez injured in training as West Ham face striker crisis for Brighton clash - report
West Ham could be without Javier Hernandez when they face Brighton
Football London
Slaven Bilic could be left with a shortage of senior strikers for Friday night's clash with Brighton with a report claiming that Javier Hernandez pulled up in training on Tuesday. The West Ham boss already knows that he will be without Andy Carroll for tomorrow's game after the England striker was sent off during the Hammers' 1-1 draw at Burnley over the weekend. But Bilic could be forced to call upon Diafra Sakho or even U23 striker Toni Martinez to lead the line against the Seagulls. Claret & Hugh report that Hernandez was sent for a scan after suffering an leaving training early this week, although the extent of the injury is not currently known. The Mexican striker apparently did not report for training on Wednesday following the scare on Tuesday, and faces a late fitness test to be available for Friday night's game. Chicharito has started every league game for the Hammers so far this season but has so far scored in just two of those appearances, both of which ended in 3-2 defeats - including a brace against Southampton. If Hernandez cannot play, then perhaps fans will get their wish to see Spanish forward Martinez given a shot with the first team after he has continued to impress for the U23 side this season. The 20-year-old scored at hat-trick on Sunday as the Irons beat Manchester United 4-2 at the London Stadium, giving him a record of seven goals in his seven Premier League 2 games so far in the current campaign. Fans already took to Twitter this week to tell club co-owner David Gold that they want to see Martinez included in the senior team sooner rather than later.
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