Moyes: Mark's Noble response, fantastic support and getting one over Everton
WHUFC.com
Manager David Moyes sat down with the media ahead of his midweek Premier League return to Everton. However, while the West Ham United manager had warm words for his former club and caretaker manager David Unsworth, he insisted there will be no room for sentiment at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. Moyes also talked positively about the way his players have responded to his methods since he took charge three weeks ago, and praised captain Mark Noble for his response to being left out of the starting XI last time out...
We've got to get better and better
The players are most definitely responding to the messages we are giving them, both in training and in matches, but they are very basic messages we are giving them so far. I thought it was a really good response on Friday night, particularly after we went 1-0 down early on. The players did a lot of good things, but we've got to do more things better yet, so we've got to keep at it and also try to improve the football as well. But the basics, running around, doing the hard miles, that's a given now.
Mark's Noble response
I was asked about leaving the Club captain Mark Noble out of the starting XI to face Leicester City and whether I was 'making a statement' with my team selection, but I can assure you it wasn't anything to do with making a statement. If anyone rallies West Ham United and the players then it's Mark Noble. I'm no expert on Mark, as I've only been here two weeks or so, but the people who know him speak so highly of him. I can only say that in the time I've been with him, even today, he's driving everyone on, making sure we do the right things in training and making sure the standards are right. As you would expect, Mark responded to being selected among the substitutes in the right way, but he also wants to play and be part of the team. He'll certainly be a part of the squad at Everton on Wednesday. We'll need to wait and see whether he starts or not as we have competition for places, but there is no problem playing him because he's a good player. We decided to go with a bit more pace in the wide areas, brought Arthur Masuaku in on the left and Manuel Lanzini in the middle of the pitch and that is why we did it, to give ourselves a bit more added speed.
The supporters were fan-tastic
I must say again that I thought the supporters did a brilliant job rallying the team on Friday night. I can understand their disappointment with results this season, but the other night they got right behind their team and gave us every chance of winning. It's been mentioned by everybody what it was like at London Stadium on Friday evening. I think a lot of people thought maybe they could not generate a similar atmosphere to Upton Park, but they tell me the Chelsea game last year was a terrific atmosphere and I thought the game on Friday was very good considering it was only one-each at the time. The supporters could see the players trying to fight back and win the game so great credit to them, as they really got behind the players.
No room for sentiment
I spent eleven seasons at Everton as manager but there will be no room for sentiment when I go back to Goodison Park on Wednesday night because I need to win with West Ham. It's really important we try and pick up three points. We got our first point last week and we need a first clean sheet and a first three points. I'm hoping to get them when I go back to Goodison. That said, I very much have sympathy with Everton's own predicament because that club was part of my life, part of my family's life, for a great deal of time. I don't think many managers will do eleven years at a club again, but I've been away a long while now, and I've been back as well, and I'm going back again, and it's a great place – I know the staff, the people behind scenes, a lot of the players and I know David Unsworth very well. He scored 25 seconds into my first game as manager so I'll always remember Unsy for that and he's a good lad as well.
My focus is West Ham now, though. I'll always look out for Everton but, at the moment, I can only focus on making sure it's West Ham who are out of trouble and not at the bottom.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes exercising caution ahead of Everton test
WHUFC.com
David Moyes will not be rushing injured players back into the West Ham United first team for this week's clash with Everton as the manager keeps one eye on a busy festive fixture list. West Ham travel to Goodison Park on Wednesday for Moyes's third match in charge of the Hammers, with the side beginning to brace itself for an accumulation of matches before the end of the year. The Irons will play eight competitive contests in December, starting with Manchester City away at the weekend, and Moyes is eager to ensure his players are fully prepared for the manic schedule.
With that in mind the West Ham United boss is reluctant to force back the Club's current group of players on the sidelines – including Chicharito, Michail Antonio, and James Collins – with Moyes indicating that the Mexican striker did not train on Monday while suggesting the latter duo are still working their way back "We have a couple of knocks and niggles but nothing to be overly concerned about," Moyes told his press-conference. "I'll wait until tomorrow to see for sure. "Chicharito has not trained today, so he's going to be a few days or a bit longer at this rate. But we want him back fit, because we have so many games coming up. "It's the same for James Collins and even Michail Antonio. We have to be really careful because our squad isn't the biggest. It's important to get these boys fit and ready to play."
All three are yet to play under Moyes since the Scotsman was appointed West Ham United manager. Chicharito has been out with a hamstring injury, sustained on international duty at the start of the month, while Antonio's last appearance for the Hammers was against Crystal Palace. Collins meanwhile is still recovering from an ankle injury that the Welsh defender suffered in September's draw at West Brom. One player who could be involved on Wednesday is Club captain Mark Noble. The midfielder was left out of the starting XI for Friday's draw with Leicester City but Moyes has confirmed he will be in the squad for the Everton game. Moyes added: "If anyone is going to rally West Ham United, it's Mark Noble. In the time I've been with him, he's driving everybody on and making sure everyone is doing the right thing in training. "He took [being left out] the right way as you'd expect. He will certainly be part of the squad at Everton."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United trial new away ticket sales method
WHUFC.com
In response to feedback from supporters and discussions at last week's Supporter Advisory Board meeting, West Ham United will be trialling a new method for away ticket sales to allow more Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members the opportunity to follow the Hammers on the road.
The new system will see ten per cent of every away allocation reserved for our 52,000 Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members to purchase on a first come, first served basis, once the first 90 per cent of the allocation have been allocated as standard by Season Ticket Holder Priority Points.
West Ham United hope the new system will enable as many supporters to follow the team away from home, while still offering priority to those loyal fans who currently travel week in, week out.
Those who narrowly miss out via Season Ticket Holder Priority Points will effectively have another chance to secure a seat, while our Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members – consisting of Hammers supporters both in the UK and abroad - can begin to build Priority Points and attend games they historically would not be able to.
The new sales method will be trialled over five upcoming away matches, beginning with the trip to Stoke City on 16 December, followed by the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Arsenal, the visit to Tottenham Hotspur on 31 December, Huddersfield Town on 13 January and Brighton and Hove Albion on 3 February.
Full ticket allocations will be taken for each of these fixtures to allow as many supporters as possible the opportunity to attend. A further 800 seats have already been requested from Stoke City, taking the total allocation to 3,200.
Furthermore, the Hammers Ticket Office have secured a further 2,040 tickets for the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Emirates Stadium, meaning over 7,000 supporters will be in attendance. Tickets will be available to Season Ticket Holders with 6 or more Priority Points from 4pm on Wednesday 29 November, at a price of £20 for adults or £10 for concessions.
The away fixture at Bournemouth on Boxing Day is not included in the trial. The Club can confirm we have requested our maximum allocation of 1,300 at the Vitality Stadium, but due to the fact that the figure is significantly lower than other matches, we believe it is right to allocate the full amount to our most loyal travelling fans.
The Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members sale period will begin 24 hours after the initial 90 per cent of the allocation has sold out. Once the trial period has taken place, there will be a full review of the system before it is decided whether it will become permanent.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chicharito: I'm close to returning
WHUFC.com
Chicharito is closing in on a return from a hamstring injury and would love to be involved when the Hammers travel to Manchester City on Sunday. The Mexico international has been absent since suffering the injury on international duty at the start of November but could return to training with David Moyes' squad this week. Chicharito faced many battles against Sunday's opponents during his Manchester United days and is keen to get back scoring as soon as possible. "Hopefully I'm close to returning," he said. "Hopefully this week I can get involved with the team, we're going to see. "With this type of injury you have to be careful because it is a hamstring and sometimes the best thing is that you [don't rush] but I'm feeling very good, and we'll see if I can get involved with the team this week. "Of course I have memories of playing against Manchester City but that game is a at the end of the week. We have a midweek game against Everton away first and we need to think step-by-step. We will try to get the three points there. "We're coming up to the busiest time in the Premier League. Hopefully for us and the Hammers fans it will be a good moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes' Everton legacy: How the West Ham boss will be remembered at Goodison
WHUFC.com
Liverpool-born journalist, author and Everton supporter Simon Hart shines a light on the sparkling work done by David Moyes...
"He's the one who made me push myself to a level I didn't expect to at the age I was." The words are from Sylvain Distin, and they belong to a conversation that took place in a hospitality box at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium in the summer of 2015. We were speaking for a Saturday interview in the Independent and he was reflecting on the managers he had learned most from in English football.
Sir Bobby Robson got a mention and Harry Redknapp too but it was David Moyes, he told me, whose approach had helped him become the foreign outfield player with most appearances in Premier League history. "When I signed for Everton, I thought I might play the first year and then the second year I'd be on the bench," said the now retired defender. "But he made me feel like I should never give up and always fight, no matter what. I was a bit like that but he reinforced it. In the end, I played six years."
You can find many similar testimonies about the new West Ham United manager from players with whom he worked with during his eleven years at Goodison Park – model professionals like Phil Neville, Tim Howard and Leon Osman. It feels pertinent to raise this now given the debate that accompanied Moyes's appointment as manager at another of the famous names of English football.
The world of football is brimming with opinions. And yet the insights of those who knew Moyes over his eleven years at Everton have surely a greater worth than most.
Putting my cards firmly on the table – as an Everton supporter and huge admirer of Moyes's efforts during his time on Merseyside – I still recall a conversation with Dan Donachie, the club's former head of medicine, whom I called one day for a view on the Scot's knack of drawing consistently strong performances from a tight squad of players. Donachie cited the following example of midfielder Osman playing through illness as representative of the unity of purpose fostered by Moyes. "Leon Osman woke up at two o'clock in the morning and he was vomiting until six o'clock in the morning," he said. "He had one piece of toast to eat, that was all, and he played the whole game and was one of the best players."
It was Moyes who built that team-first ethic, and it came through on the field. Everton had five top-six finishes and reached three cup semi-finals and, in 2009, the FA Cup final. They lost 2-1 to Chelsea but – in mitigation – were missing their best defender, midfielder and forward in the injured Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta and Yakubu.
It is only four and a half years now since he left Liverpool and took his well-documented path to Manchester, then San Sebastian and Sunderland. It feels longer. It was uplifting then to hear Moyes spell out on arrival at West Ham United that he has 'not got any time for any nonsense'.
It sounded like the man who showed Paul Gascoigne and David Ginola the door early on at Everton. This chimes with the view of one well-respected journalist who knows him well who told me he senses a fresh hunger in the 54-year-old.
Moyes is a man who always had a burning wish to improve footballers. A story that footballer-turned-broadcaster Pat Nevin recounts is of Moyes, a year his senior, lecturing him at half-time during a Celtic Boys Club match for shirking a tackle. "Never show a weakness" was the glaring Moyes's advice to Nevin. They weren't actually in the same team; Moyes had been watching on the sidelines but did not think twice about stepping forward to make his point. Speaking in a book I wrote about Everton in the 1980s, Here We Go, Nevin cites Moyes as a manager in the long line of men inspired by the great Celtic boss, Jock Stein. "If you know Jock, you see David Moyes. The line is obvious for those of us who were inside it."
It is worth recalling all of this as a reminder that here is a manager with a firmer foothold in the game than the wobbling weather vane of football fashion. His experiences post-Old Trafford have included improving Real Sociedad's defence during a steep-learning-curve year in Spain, and working for UEFA on their technical study team at EURO 2016.
At Everton, he is remembered first and foremost as the man who lifted the clouds and set about restoring sagging expectations after the dismal Walter Smith years. He instilled defensive solidity, brought through some talented youngsters, and had a higher success rate in the transfer market than the men who have followed him – bringing in not just good characters but some excellent footballers too. His combined £7.5m outlay on Arteta, Steven Pienaar and Tim Cahill looks even more remarkable today than it did at the time.
Last weekend I had lunch with a player whom Moyes signed from South America who spoke with awe of the work ethic he found in that dressing room and the sense of belonging among a squad of players who, thanks to Moyes's due diligence, were not the types to just pass through.
It is worth recalling too that his Everton team played some fine football. For any sceptics out there, type 'Leon Osman goal v Larissa' into YouTube. That was in October 2007. The next month, Everton demolished Sunderland 7-1. Their midfield included Arteta, Osman and Pienaar – three clever, technical footballers. Tim Cahill buzzed about infectiously. Yakubu shuffled here and there. The football was fluid and incisive. It was, incidentally, in this very week ten years ago.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wycombe Wanderers v West Ham United U21s: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley will take his West Ham United Academy side to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening in the final group stage match of the Checkatrade Trophy.
Read on for more information in regards to team news, how to follow the game, and how to get there:
Where and when?
West Ham United U21s will play Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday 28 November at 7:45pm at Adams Park.
The contest is the final game in Checkatrade Trophy South Group C.
How to follow:
Tickets are still available for this Tuesday's match at Wycombe on the official West Ham eTicket website here!
Adult tickets cost £10 while U18s are available at just £5!
Live updates from Tuesday's fixture will be available through a live blog on the official West Ham United website.
Live score updates will also be available on the official Twitter account.
Match highlights will be viewable on the Club website after the contest.
Meet the opposition:
Team news:
Terry Westley has revealed Tuesday's match was in his thinking on Friday, when his side took on Arsenal, with the manager's eye on qualifying top of the Checkatrade group.
A host of U18s regulars played in the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal and the Academy Director could have one or two players back in action for the match with Wycombe.
Westley said: "Not playing one or two against Friday was in my thinking, in that we can qualify top if we don't get beat by more than two goals on Tuesday night.
"We will see if we get anyone back down from the first team squad, which will be important to us because it's against a league side – a tough game."
What they say:
"We'd like to go there and really be competitive which would then give us a nice away draw against Forest Green Rovers rather than Luton, which could be tougher If you looked at current form."
Terry Westley
Academy Director
Player to watch:
Nathan Trott was highlighted by Terry Westley following the match with Arsenal for his character and attitude, with the goalkeeper giving a strong performance despite the loss.
The 19-year-old will need to be at his best again this week if the Irons are to qualify from Group C as group leaders.
Last time out:
West Ham United:
A tricky evening at Boreham Wood last Friday saw the West Ham U23s bested 3-0 by Arsenal in Premier League 2.
Two goals from Vlad Dragomir put the Gunners in control before a late finish by Eddie Nketiah earned all three points for Arsenal.
Wycombe Wanderers:
The Chairboys moved back into the League Two play-off places with a 2-1 win over Yeovil Town on Saturday.
Finishes by Eberechi Eze and Joe Jacobson in the first half gave Wycombe the lead, with the side now sitting fifth in their division.
How to get there:
Leave the M25 at Junction 16, and follow the M40. Leave the M40 at Junction 4, joining the A4010. Move onto Lane End Road and then Hillbottom Road.
By Car
Fans are advised that the nearest train station to Wycombe Wanderer's Adams Park - High Wycombe - is a 2.5/3 mile walk.
By train
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hart: Claret and Blue Army inspire us to play differently
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart believes the support of the Claret and Blue Army can lift West Ham United's performances to greater heights over the coming weeks and month.
The England goalkeeper said the atmosphere created by Hammers fans in Friday's Premier League draw with Leicester City at London Stadium undoubtedly gave the players a boost. In David Moyes' first home game in charge, Hart and company responded by outrunning and out-sprinting their opponents and, on balance of play, should arguably have picked up their third top-flight win of the season. "I'd like to say a big 'Thank you' to the fans as it could have gone one of two ways on Friday night and they chose to stick with us and we have put a performance in," said Hart, who was powerless to prevent Marc Albrighton's early opener for Leicester. "I was stood in goal and didn't have a lot to do second half and it would have been easy to carry on hammering us, but they were fantastic. "As good as the players are who we've got on our team, when we have their support we play differently. I'm not attaching any blame to the fans, but it meant the world to the players. "There is steam coming off the big man [Carroll] because he's ironing people out trying to score goals. That's what they want to see and the quality will come."
While the crowd most definitely played their part, Hart also revealed how manager Moyes' words were ringing in the players' ears as they took to the pitch at London Stadium. As a result, West Ham ran nearly 6km more than their visitors, sprinted 498 times to Leicester's 387, won ten more duels, delivered almost twice as many crosses and spent nearly a third of the match inside the Foxes' final third. "The manager has asked for quality, he wants goals but first and foremost he wants us to fight, be in shape and be disciplined and I think we did that on Friday. "At Watford we lost 2-0 and it wasn't great, but we missed some big chances. On Friday night, the fans stuck with us and we put a big performance in.
Next up for West Ham is a trip to struggling Everton on Wednesday evening, where Hart is desperate for his team to produce quality at both ends of the pitch and pick up a welcome three-point haul. Should the team and the fans repeat the intensity of Friday's display, victory at Goodison Park is a distinct possibility.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Club to sponsor Club
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
After nearly 18 months of petitioning, West Ham United have finally agreed to sponsor the Hammers Supporters Club - albeit on a short-term basis. On Friday evening, shortly before the Leicester City fixture and at the end of a week in which there was much talk of anti-Board protests, the club issued a statement confirming that they would be sponsoring the Club's new premises at Stour Space "for the remainder of the 2017/18 season". "We are delighted to be able to offer our support and assistance to the Hammers Supporters Club," read a statement issued on behalf of co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan. "We hope it will go some way to helping them get back on their feet and re-establish the organisation as an integral part of our local community. "As we have always said, the heart and soul of West Ham United is its supporters, who have followed the Club for generations in the past and will continue to follow it for generations in the future. "The Hammers Supporters Club isn't about a connection to a stadium or a building - it is about a connection to West Ham United Football Club," continued the statement. "Our football club is now located at Stratford, and we want the Supporters Club here with us, to ensure that our rich and proud history is always recognised and cherished. "We hope, in time, that a permanent venue near to London Stadium can be secured so that the Hammers Supporters Club can provide a safe and welcome social environment for its members all year round."
The welcome news arrived at the end of a week in which a new protest group - The West Ham Fans Action Group - was formed, in order to challenge the Board's perceived mismanagement of the club.
Other headlines to appear on West Ham's 'official' website since talks of anti-Board protests arose last week include "Hart: Claret and Blue Army inspire us to play differently", "Moyes praises players and fans after London Stadium debut", "Zabaleta hails 'incredible' Claret and Blue Army" and "Lanzini hails 'incredible' West Ham United supporters".
Offering the Supporters Club a new home closer to the Olympic Stadium was one of ten requests made of the club in KUMB.com's ten point plan, which was delivered to Karren Brady back in January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Club accede to full allocation demands
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have bowed down to demands from supporters to request the full allocation of tickets at away venues for five of the club's next six matches.
Excluding the Boxing Day trip to Bournemouth, for which the full allocation of 1,100 had already been applied, the club confirmed today that they would be requesting full allocations for the trips to Stoke (16 December), Arsenal (19 December), Tottenham (31 December), Huddersfield (13 January) and Brighton, on 3 February.
News of the policy change follows demands from fans for the club to take the highest possible allocation, after West Ham's marketing department were accused of requesting a minimal amount in order to prevent losses from unsold tickets.
And in addition to the increased allocations, the club also confirmed that a percentage of additional tickets would be made available for season ticket holders and claret members who had not accrued enough points to be eligible for away trips.
That new directive has however received a lukewarm reponse from supporters posting on the KUMB Forum this afternoon, with some complaining that their efforts to gain enough priority points in order to be eligible for away tickets had effectively been a waste of time.
"The system we have works, it rewards the people who put the effort in," wrote Row X. "Currently, if you're on the cusp of getting a ticket - let's say around the seven point mark for some games - you'll probably miss out due to 10% of the tickets going to a ballot and someone on zero points jumping in before you and getting a ticket."
However the new system - which is being trialled until mid-January - was welcomed by others. "I am on eight points and I'm happy with this new system (subject to seeing it in action of course)," wrote bobd. "Anyone who goes to most of the away games won't miss out and the infrequent away-ers like myself have a chance at (almost) all games now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A ten point pledge of our own: update
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th November 2017
By: Graeme Howlett
News that West Ham have finally agreed to sponsor the official Hammers Supporters Club is thoroughly welcome - even if the timing is perhaps a little cynical.
Coming as it did in the wake of talks of anti-Board demonstrations, it's easy to see why some fans will view Mssrs Sullivan and Gold's sudden change of heart as reactive, rather than proactive. However regardless of the reasons, the move is a welcome one and guarantees the future of this particular deeply-loved institution for another few months, at the very least.
Back in January of this year, I attended a meeting of various websites, blogs and YouTube enterprises. Some of us have been writing about the club for 20 years or so, whilst others have been airing their views for no more than a matter of months. It was planned to be a regular occurrence but there was to be just one more meeting, three months later in April.
During the initial meeting with Brady and Marketing Director Tara Warren I presented a ten point plan on behalf of KUMB.com readers, with view to improving our lot at Stratford. Nearly a year on, here's how the Club have thus far responded to our plan.
1. Surround the ground with local vendors
Our readers felt it was vital to 'WestHamify' the long walk from Stratford station to the stadium. This has never looked like happening - indeed, we have heard several tales of merchandise sellers being arrested and fined for not holding the appropriate license (which is impossible to obtain anyway).
2. Make a concerted effort to re-employ as many former Boleyn Ground stewards as possible
A letter was sent to all former Boleyn Ground stewards a matter of weeks after our plan was presented urging them to contact the club with view to returning to their previous position. Very few opted to take up the offer, amidst claims of low pay and poor working conditions.
3. Install genuine, retractable seating, as promised in pre-move communications
The temporary scaffolding that was erected instead of the retractable seating promised by vice chair Karren Brady costs up to £8million to remove and re-install every summer, ensuring that the stadium runs at a loss for owners E20 LLP. There are no plans at present to abide by Brady's previous promise.
4. Offer the Supporters' Club a new home close to the new stadium
On Friday, some 10 months after our plan was presented, and in the wake of threats of anti-Board demonstrations, West Ham confirmed that they would be bankrolling the club at its new Stour Space home for the remainder of the 2017/18 season. However what happens after that is anybody's guess - presumably the Club will be back to square one.
5. Re-house the occasional visitors and day-trippers in the upper tier
Occasional visitors are still offered some of the very best seats in the house over genuine West Ham United supporters although seating concerns are fewer and far between.
6. Put the home fans first! Ensure away fans leave the stadium last, if necessary
The club continue to monitor and amend their policy with regards to stadium ingress and egress, although the issues prevalent a year or so ago have largely disappeared.
7. Provide singing and family enclosures and an accurate, up to date, seating plan
When challenged on this issue, Karren Brady insisted that the entire stadium was "family-friendly". There are currently no plans in place to introduce specific family orientated areas of the ground, nor singing or standing areas.
8. Provide additional shuttle buses from Stratford for the benefit of those experiencing difficulty with the lengthy walk
The club doubled the number of buses ferrying supporters from Stratford to the stadium in the wake of our plan - however the number available (doubled from six to 12) is still woefully insufficient to cope with the sheer number of fans whilst we've received complaints of some disabled fans being left in the rain for up to 90 minutes waiting for a bus.
9. Employ additional Supporter Liaison Officers to act as fan representatives
The club have employed a very approachable liaison officer in Jake Heath adding several volunteers to assist with support enquiries on match day. However this still pales into insignificance compared to clubs like London neighbours Arsenal, who employ up to 20 full time staff to deal with fan enquiries.
10. Treat the fans with respect and agree to engage with us on a regular basis
KUMB's ten point plan was delivered to vice chair Karren Brady last January during the first of what was planned to be a quarterly meeting between the vice chair and representatives of online supporter groups. That was followed up by a further meeting in April, since when the planned July and October meetings were cancelled by West Ham. The club finally announced a third meet for November in the wake of the appointment of David Moyes - although insist that no recording equipment can be used and demanded to know what questions would be aired beforehand.
So as you can see, even though the majority of our ten points were reasonable and easily achievable within a short period of time - excepting perhaps the installation of retractable seating, which would require major investment and some considerable time - few have been fully acted upon, despite nearly an entire calendar year having passed.
Meanwhile other promises made by Ms Brady during our meeting last January, such as the installation of shelving around the entire concourse (some areas have it, others still don't) and free wi-fi for all have likewise have similarly failed to come to fruition.
All of which leaves the impression that, as was the case with the much-maligned original version of the Supporter Advisory Board, we are merely being paid lip service by a Board who have little genuine interest in actively engaging with and working alongside the fanbase - or possibly even worse, are precluded from being able to do so as a result of the terms they struck in order to land the stadium.
The natural consequence of which is further fan unrest, which looks set to manifest itself in the shape of anti-Board protests in the coming weeks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes unfazed by return to Everton as West Ham boss
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 27/11/17 3:06pm
SSN
David Moyes insists his focus will be on claiming a West Ham win when he returns to Goodison Park four-and-a-half years after leaving as Everton boss. Moyes is still looking for his opening victory for the Hammers since replacing Slaven Bilic, but will be buoyed by an encouraging 1-1 draw in his first home game against Leicester on Friday. The 54-year-old Scot is now preparing for an emotional visit on Wednesday back to the club he managed between 2002 and 2013. "It's really important we get three points at Everton, so there is no room for sentiment," Moyes said in Monday's press conference. "I want a clean sheet and a win when I go back to Goodison, I'll always look out for Everton and hope they do well, but my focus now is on West Ham only."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A WEST HAM AND ANYWAY, WE WILL STAY UP THIS SEASON!
By HamburgHammer 27 Nov 2017 at 07:00
WTID
At least not another embarrassing defeat. In previous seasons, under normal circumstances, a 1:1 draw at home against Leicester would not have yielded the kind of enthusiastic support and raucous noise from the West Ham home crowd. But from what I could gather from the comfort of my sofa the atmosphere at the London Stadium last Friday was fantastic, a proper defiant reaction from our fanbase, displaying a fierce in the trenches corral mentality.
The current circumstances at West Ham are anything but normal, but at least the fans did their bit and it seemed to rub off on the team who gave a much more spirited performance. They looked like they actually gave a monkey's.
The effort was certainly there, the running was a lot better, the pressing too and while there was still a clear lack of creative quality in our side this should come back in due course once the new gaffer has settled in properly and the team begin playing with more confidence and according to a clearly defined gameplan.
There has been a lot of talk in recent days about former members of the ICF taking things into their own hands in terms of letting the board know that most of our supporters are anything but happy (and why that is the case), so those guys will try and compile a list of the most pressing issues and tell the owners accordingly. It is then up to the board to act upon the suggestions from the fanbase or face significant backlash in the shape of various fan protests over the coming weeks and months.
I applaud those guys for their efforts and wish them every success, alas I am less than hopeful it will have the desired effect. The board will follow their financial roadmap to the letter, cashing in their interest payments for another three or four years until they can sell the club without the shackles of having to share a portion of their profit with the LLDC/taxpayer. Then – and only then – will they seriously consider getting out of the club.
I take a degree of comfort though from the thought that there will still be a West Ham worth rooting for in some shape or form once the current lot are gone and hopefully the latest initiative from the "Real West Ham Fans" group will help in uniting our fanbase again, making sure that as much of our club's soul as possible can be preserved, despite the actions of the current owners.
I am confident that there are still plenty of sons and daughters out there who will follow in the footsteps of their parents, uncles, aunties and grandparents and grow up to be staunch West Ham supporters. West Ham are more than just a football club and it still has a place in the hearts of thousands of people all over the globe. That must count for something.
I have no doubt that our team is good enough to see out the season with a modicum of professional pride and reach the beckoning shore of Premier League safety.
It will probably not quite be another Great Escape a la Tevez, we look far too minimalistic on the pitch for that, so it'll be more like a Late Escape than a great one, but escape we will. Of that I have no doubt.
The upcoming Everton game should be a thrilling encounter as surely Everton too are nowhere near where they expected to be in the table at the start of the season.
The pressure on them should be even bigger than on us which might work in our favour on the night. We should also have players returning back into the fold, like Hernandez and Antonio, giving us a few more options in terms of how to approach the game.
It looks to me like a switch has finally been flicked and I have no doubt that both results and performances will continue to improve as long as the players persist with showing better effort and application as that alone can and will trigger the kind of support from the Hammers faithful that is paramount if we want to maintain our league status.
In other, local German news I told you in a previous column about the agreement of the local Regionalliga Southwest to play the Chinese U20 side in a series of friendly games, not affecting the league table, but giving the lower league clubs some much needed financial boost while affording the Chinese players the opportunity to play some competitive games to get themselves ready for the Olympic Games.
There was a lot of criticism even before a ball was kicked, now the experiment has been stopped until further notice due to some football fans deciding to make a political statement by taking Tibetan flags to the first game of the Chinese team which obviously didn't go down with their players, officials and the football authorities back home.
On the one hand of course you could argue that sporting events like these should not be overshadowed by political campaigning.
On the other hand there is the right of free speech in Western Europe, so taking a flag to football should not be a reason to eject supporters from the venue or abandon the game. Then again West Ham fans have learned in recent weeks that you don't have to take a Tibetan flag to the stadium to get yourself in a spot of bother.
I never thought the idea with the Chinese U20 team playing in Germany was a brilliant one to pursue and if a Tibetan flag in the crowd is all it takes to rile up the visitors then maybe they should get their Olympic preparations done elsewhere.
To quickly update you on Reece Oxford and his exploits at a team from Germany (Borussia Moenchengladbach) his loan club surprisingly managed to deal the mighty Bayern Munich its first defeat in what felt like five years or so, beating them 2:1. Moenchengladbach are now only five points behind the league leaders from Munich and The Foals Eleven (as they are affectionately known in the country of the sausage munchers) are well on course to secure Champions league football coming to the Rhineland next season.
It's not ideal for Reece Oxford on the face of it as Moenchengladbach have no reason whatsoever to play him as things are going very well as they are at the moment, without Oxford getting any significant gametime. On the other hand they are known for developing and bringing through youngsters in a very strategic and patient manner, so his time may come, but Moenchengladbach may take their time in watching his progress and maybe even decide to buy him if they are convinced he is right for them.
They certainly won't be playing him just to do West Ham any favours.
As for the quick Concordia update (haters, please skip this section accordingly), the trip to Buchholz in Lower Saxony (representing the longest away trip of the season with their ground being 30 miles away from my flat) yielded mixed results. On the pitch it was an unmitigated disaster, with Cordi losing 0:4 to a side fighting relegation.
Concordia this season are certainly not pulling their weight and at this rate can forget any ambitions of going up one level at the end of the season. Not good.
Talking of weight though, for a food aficionado like me Buchholz offer a unique selling point to the carnivorous groundhopper: Grilled sausages made from horsemeat.
In the Oberliga Hamburg no other club serves these, but Lower Saxony is horse country, hence their unusual (and very tasty) offer on the matchday menu.
Before you kill me, I don't have a special bond with horses. I never spent any holidays on a ranch as a kid, I have never ridden a horse in my life, I don't bet on horses and I also eat pork, veal, beef or chicken. And besides, Cordi only play away at Buchholz once a season, so please forgive me if I treat myself to a horsemeat based snack once a year. And believe me, right now I am particularly grateful for any treat I can get.
Which brings me to a bit of a parish notice, closing out my column for this week. In the upcoming weeks my column may be a lot shorter than usual. There may even be certain weeks where I won't feel like penning an article at all. This is due to personal circumstances/family reasons. Quite simply, I may be absent-minded when it comes to West Ham in the next few weeks/months (although I will still come over for the Chelsea and Arsenal games), so please accept my apologies should my column not go up quite as regularly as you have been accustomed to.
COYI!!!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, November 27
Sunday, November 26
Daily WHUFC News - 27th November 2017
Moyes: We will go to Everton with confidence
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says West Ham United will go to Everton on Wednesday evening with 'a bit of confidence' after an improved performance against Leicester City. The Hammers came from a goal down to deservedly equalise at London Stadium in Moyes' first home game in charge, before producing a spirited second-half performance inspired by the Claret and Blue Army. Now, Moyes is hoping his players can give him a winning return to Goodison Park, a ground where he spent eleven years as manager from 2003-14...
The players deserved fans' applause
I thought we were a little bit unlucky to go a goal behind, as I don't think Leicester had been in our box prior to that. It was a bit of character that we showed because it could easily have gone under after that, but we dug in. I don't think we played as well as we should have in the first half, but we still warranted going in drawing and thankfully we got the goal just before half-time. I thought the second half was a lot more like us and more like the crowd and it was more like Upton Park for me, and there was a period in the game of about ten minutes when the crowd were right behind the team and we need it, we really do. The second half, it was terrific the way the supporters got behind us and I think they got behind us because they saw the effort from the players. It goes hand-in-hand. I thought the players worked hard and deserved the applause they got at the final whistle, because when we went 1-0 down, they didn't boo because they understand the game and in the opening nine or ten minutes we hadn't deserved to go 1-0 down. The players stuck at it and got the goal and I have to say I thought the players did a great job in the second half with their aptitude and the way they went about it.
We still have plenty of improvements to make
There are bits we are going to have to do loads and loads better, but I have to say we are trying to do the basics right for now. I have to say that don't think because they ran hard or did a few sprints more than they have done previously that we are there, because those should be a given in every game, really. I've said to the players that I thought that work was good, but that our play and our passing in the final third could be better. We had some good play, but I thought we could have had some moments of even better play.
I hope to see more from Marko
I thought Marko Arnautovic was very good on Friday night. He not only delivered three or four very dangerous crosses, but he also did the other side of the game and tracked back, which is he knows he has to do. You wouldn't want to play against him if he can deliver that quality and we just need to make sure keeps it up. He got a kick and an injury just before half-time and was limping around but I wanted him to carry on and he did. He seemed OK at half-time and he did carry on. In the end it caught up on him it didn't look too severe and hopefully he should be OK.
I'd love to make a winning Goodison return
We go to Everton with a bit of confidence now. It was important that we won on Friday night, but it was probably more important that we didn't lose. We take that into Wednesday's game and I am personally really looking forward to going back to Everton. I've been back a few times and not been that successful on my other visits, so I'm hoping that this one can be. It's a special place for me because of the years I spent there and also because of the people I worked with, many of whom are still there behind the scenes. I'll enjoy going back but I'm only interested in West Ham now and getting a win for West Ham is all that matters.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karen Ray: Our big dream for West Ham United Ladies
WHUFC.com
As West Ham United Ladies continue the application process for a license to play in the top division of the restructured FA Women's Super League from 2018/19, general manager Karen Ray has penned a column on the side's journey:
Being part of West Ham United requires patience, belief and an intense desire. The club has history; full of pride, character and a legacy to maintain. At the Ladies, we are trying to inherit all of these wonderful characteristics, while also setting out to ensure that the culture shift and engagement are our mechanisms for exceptional success in our own right. As they say; a flock of birds flying in formation is 70% more efficient than flying solo.
Character begins with humility, I am not ashamed to admit that without the overwhelming support of everyone at the club we would not be where we are today. The marketing team, led by Karim Virani have been instrumental in supporting the application and have shown an undeniable amount of dedication.
Anyone associated with West Ham United requires an incalculable amount of authenticity. Every member of this club must trust in the sense of safe vulnerability with honesty and integrity. It is no secret that we are aiming for the highest cloud and we have built a great synergy within the club because of our passion. Women's football is finally beginning to emerge from the dark and we are hoping to become part of the most exciting sporting culture at the highest level of the game. We urge you all to join us as we create a legacy, making the intangible real. Support us as we make a purposeful contribution to the club.
Let's capitalize on the opportunity to bridge the gap by promoting equality in football and opening new doors for young girls by ambitiously creating future stars within the game. I would like to end by wishing our Managing Director, Jack Sullivan, a very happy birthday from everyone at West Ham United Ladies.
We are all truly grateful for your efforts, belief and contribution to put the Ladies at the forefront.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers bested by C&K Basildon
WHUFC.com
Five goals conceded in the first half saw West Ham United Ladies fell to a 7-3 home defeat at the hands of C&K Basildon.
The Irons found themselves 3-0 down early on in the contest and were 5-1 adrift heading into the break after a disappointing opening period, with Molly Peters scoring for the Hammers.
The home side continued to battle in the second half but, despite finishes from Ellie Zoepfl and Rosie Kmita, could not come back against a Basildon side that have now won their last five league games.
The Hammers had a mountain to climb after just 11 minutes of action at Rush Green as Basildon caught out the home side with their first three attacks.
Bowers fired the away team in front from a free-kick in the third minute of the contest, while Basildon had doubled their advantage just moments later through a Revell header.
The task was made even harder when Bowers got her second and her side's third, after the ball was played into the midfielder, allowing her to slot home.
Despite the deficit West Ham showed sparks of quality. Rosie Kmita's long-ranged attempt was well saved while Zoe Swift almost caused Basildon to net an own-goal after a mazy run.
The two forwards combined to put pressure on Basildon but the scoreline became 4-0 when Addison broke through the back-line to score just a few minutes before half-time.
There was still time for Basildon to net a fifth before the break as well, as another header found the back of the net through Jay Blackie, although Molly Peters reduced the defecit ahead of the half-time whistle.
Swift was once again involved after the half-time interval as she saw two efforts well saved but Basildon added a sixth – with Bowers getting her hat-trick – not long after.
Zoepfl's half-volley – a terrific finish from the edge of the area – gave West Ham a second before Rosie Kmita added a third from close range, although the away side had scored their seventh between the two goals.
Zoepfl would also hit the post but it was Basildon who ran out winners following their impressive first half.
West Ham United: Kanto; Mackie, Wheeler, Austin, Auguste; Stobbs (c), Georgiou, Zoepfl, R Kmita; Peters (Cooper'), Swift
Subs not used Chong, Salcedo, Shannon, M Kmita
Goals: Peters 45', Zoepfl 80', R Kmita 87'
C&K Basildon: Runnacles, Manning, West, Revell, Duchar-Clark, Rushen, Blackie, Bowers, Nash, Addison, Addison
Subs: Rodney, Stimson, Wakefield
Goals: Bowers 2' 11' 67', Revell 7', Addison 38' 83', Blackie 43'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
C&K Basildon 'punished' West Ham's mistakes – De Carnys
WHUFC.com
Mistakes by West Ham United Ladies were 'punished' by C&K Basildon in the Irons' 7-3 defeat, according to manager Greg de Carnys.
Three goals in the opening 11 minutes of Sunday's contest at Rush Green – and five before half-time – put Basildon on the way to victory against the Hammers.
West Ham tried to fight back through goals from Molly Peters, Ellie Zoepfl and Rosie Kmita but conceded twice more in the second period as well in a disappointing result for the home side.
De Carnys has pointed to his team's poor start to the match as the catalyst for the heavy defeat and believes individual mistakes were pounced upon by Basildon.
"We didn't start well enough," De Carnys told whufc.com. "We can't defend the manner in which we started the game. There were individual errors and a lack of urgency, and C&K Basildon punished us for it.
"I feel like they did that all afternoon; they punished us every time we made a silly mistake, and there were a few of them today. It's disappointing.
"I felt like we'd been training well. We prepared the team properly but unfortunately, especially in the first 25 minutes, we weren't at the races. It wasn't good enough."
Prior to Sunday's match the Ladies had been without a match for two weeks, due to a last-minute fixture change – a scenario that De Carnys had confessed to being a bit concerned about before playing C&K Basildon.
The coach believes, having seen his side lose in the manner they did, that the unexpected break did have a negative impact on his team.
De Carnys added: "In hindsight, we'd have to say that break potentially had an impact.
"I said before the game that I felt we had worked well over the last two weeks and I didn't sense any complacency in the team. When the game kicked off though there were certainly people that weren't at it. We've got to make sure we don't let that happen again."
Positives were admittedly difficult for De Carnys to find following the loss but the manager was happy to see his side score three times and compete better in the second period.
"I think if you're looking for positives, we scored three and we've had a lot of chances and could've scored more. I think it was slightly better in the second half, although the damage was already done by that stage.
"Thankfully we don't have to look at that sort of score very often and we shouldn't be allowing it to happen. Hopefully it's a one-off."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says West Ham United will go to Everton on Wednesday evening with 'a bit of confidence' after an improved performance against Leicester City. The Hammers came from a goal down to deservedly equalise at London Stadium in Moyes' first home game in charge, before producing a spirited second-half performance inspired by the Claret and Blue Army. Now, Moyes is hoping his players can give him a winning return to Goodison Park, a ground where he spent eleven years as manager from 2003-14...
The players deserved fans' applause
I thought we were a little bit unlucky to go a goal behind, as I don't think Leicester had been in our box prior to that. It was a bit of character that we showed because it could easily have gone under after that, but we dug in. I don't think we played as well as we should have in the first half, but we still warranted going in drawing and thankfully we got the goal just before half-time. I thought the second half was a lot more like us and more like the crowd and it was more like Upton Park for me, and there was a period in the game of about ten minutes when the crowd were right behind the team and we need it, we really do. The second half, it was terrific the way the supporters got behind us and I think they got behind us because they saw the effort from the players. It goes hand-in-hand. I thought the players worked hard and deserved the applause they got at the final whistle, because when we went 1-0 down, they didn't boo because they understand the game and in the opening nine or ten minutes we hadn't deserved to go 1-0 down. The players stuck at it and got the goal and I have to say I thought the players did a great job in the second half with their aptitude and the way they went about it.
We still have plenty of improvements to make
There are bits we are going to have to do loads and loads better, but I have to say we are trying to do the basics right for now. I have to say that don't think because they ran hard or did a few sprints more than they have done previously that we are there, because those should be a given in every game, really. I've said to the players that I thought that work was good, but that our play and our passing in the final third could be better. We had some good play, but I thought we could have had some moments of even better play.
I hope to see more from Marko
I thought Marko Arnautovic was very good on Friday night. He not only delivered three or four very dangerous crosses, but he also did the other side of the game and tracked back, which is he knows he has to do. You wouldn't want to play against him if he can deliver that quality and we just need to make sure keeps it up. He got a kick and an injury just before half-time and was limping around but I wanted him to carry on and he did. He seemed OK at half-time and he did carry on. In the end it caught up on him it didn't look too severe and hopefully he should be OK.
I'd love to make a winning Goodison return
We go to Everton with a bit of confidence now. It was important that we won on Friday night, but it was probably more important that we didn't lose. We take that into Wednesday's game and I am personally really looking forward to going back to Everton. I've been back a few times and not been that successful on my other visits, so I'm hoping that this one can be. It's a special place for me because of the years I spent there and also because of the people I worked with, many of whom are still there behind the scenes. I'll enjoy going back but I'm only interested in West Ham now and getting a win for West Ham is all that matters.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karen Ray: Our big dream for West Ham United Ladies
WHUFC.com
As West Ham United Ladies continue the application process for a license to play in the top division of the restructured FA Women's Super League from 2018/19, general manager Karen Ray has penned a column on the side's journey:
Being part of West Ham United requires patience, belief and an intense desire. The club has history; full of pride, character and a legacy to maintain. At the Ladies, we are trying to inherit all of these wonderful characteristics, while also setting out to ensure that the culture shift and engagement are our mechanisms for exceptional success in our own right. As they say; a flock of birds flying in formation is 70% more efficient than flying solo.
Character begins with humility, I am not ashamed to admit that without the overwhelming support of everyone at the club we would not be where we are today. The marketing team, led by Karim Virani have been instrumental in supporting the application and have shown an undeniable amount of dedication.
Anyone associated with West Ham United requires an incalculable amount of authenticity. Every member of this club must trust in the sense of safe vulnerability with honesty and integrity. It is no secret that we are aiming for the highest cloud and we have built a great synergy within the club because of our passion. Women's football is finally beginning to emerge from the dark and we are hoping to become part of the most exciting sporting culture at the highest level of the game. We urge you all to join us as we create a legacy, making the intangible real. Support us as we make a purposeful contribution to the club.
Let's capitalize on the opportunity to bridge the gap by promoting equality in football and opening new doors for young girls by ambitiously creating future stars within the game. I would like to end by wishing our Managing Director, Jack Sullivan, a very happy birthday from everyone at West Ham United Ladies.
We are all truly grateful for your efforts, belief and contribution to put the Ladies at the forefront.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers bested by C&K Basildon
WHUFC.com
Five goals conceded in the first half saw West Ham United Ladies fell to a 7-3 home defeat at the hands of C&K Basildon.
The Irons found themselves 3-0 down early on in the contest and were 5-1 adrift heading into the break after a disappointing opening period, with Molly Peters scoring for the Hammers.
The home side continued to battle in the second half but, despite finishes from Ellie Zoepfl and Rosie Kmita, could not come back against a Basildon side that have now won their last five league games.
The Hammers had a mountain to climb after just 11 minutes of action at Rush Green as Basildon caught out the home side with their first three attacks.
Bowers fired the away team in front from a free-kick in the third minute of the contest, while Basildon had doubled their advantage just moments later through a Revell header.
The task was made even harder when Bowers got her second and her side's third, after the ball was played into the midfielder, allowing her to slot home.
Despite the deficit West Ham showed sparks of quality. Rosie Kmita's long-ranged attempt was well saved while Zoe Swift almost caused Basildon to net an own-goal after a mazy run.
The two forwards combined to put pressure on Basildon but the scoreline became 4-0 when Addison broke through the back-line to score just a few minutes before half-time.
There was still time for Basildon to net a fifth before the break as well, as another header found the back of the net through Jay Blackie, although Molly Peters reduced the defecit ahead of the half-time whistle.
Swift was once again involved after the half-time interval as she saw two efforts well saved but Basildon added a sixth – with Bowers getting her hat-trick – not long after.
Zoepfl's half-volley – a terrific finish from the edge of the area – gave West Ham a second before Rosie Kmita added a third from close range, although the away side had scored their seventh between the two goals.
Zoepfl would also hit the post but it was Basildon who ran out winners following their impressive first half.
West Ham United: Kanto; Mackie, Wheeler, Austin, Auguste; Stobbs (c), Georgiou, Zoepfl, R Kmita; Peters (Cooper'), Swift
Subs not used Chong, Salcedo, Shannon, M Kmita
Goals: Peters 45', Zoepfl 80', R Kmita 87'
C&K Basildon: Runnacles, Manning, West, Revell, Duchar-Clark, Rushen, Blackie, Bowers, Nash, Addison, Addison
Subs: Rodney, Stimson, Wakefield
Goals: Bowers 2' 11' 67', Revell 7', Addison 38' 83', Blackie 43'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
C&K Basildon 'punished' West Ham's mistakes – De Carnys
WHUFC.com
Mistakes by West Ham United Ladies were 'punished' by C&K Basildon in the Irons' 7-3 defeat, according to manager Greg de Carnys.
Three goals in the opening 11 minutes of Sunday's contest at Rush Green – and five before half-time – put Basildon on the way to victory against the Hammers.
West Ham tried to fight back through goals from Molly Peters, Ellie Zoepfl and Rosie Kmita but conceded twice more in the second period as well in a disappointing result for the home side.
De Carnys has pointed to his team's poor start to the match as the catalyst for the heavy defeat and believes individual mistakes were pounced upon by Basildon.
"We didn't start well enough," De Carnys told whufc.com. "We can't defend the manner in which we started the game. There were individual errors and a lack of urgency, and C&K Basildon punished us for it.
"I feel like they did that all afternoon; they punished us every time we made a silly mistake, and there were a few of them today. It's disappointing.
"I felt like we'd been training well. We prepared the team properly but unfortunately, especially in the first 25 minutes, we weren't at the races. It wasn't good enough."
Prior to Sunday's match the Ladies had been without a match for two weeks, due to a last-minute fixture change – a scenario that De Carnys had confessed to being a bit concerned about before playing C&K Basildon.
The coach believes, having seen his side lose in the manner they did, that the unexpected break did have a negative impact on his team.
De Carnys added: "In hindsight, we'd have to say that break potentially had an impact.
"I said before the game that I felt we had worked well over the last two weeks and I didn't sense any complacency in the team. When the game kicked off though there were certainly people that weren't at it. We've got to make sure we don't let that happen again."
Positives were admittedly difficult for De Carnys to find following the loss but the manager was happy to see his side score three times and compete better in the second period.
"I think if you're looking for positives, we scored three and we've had a lot of chances and could've scored more. I think it was slightly better in the second half, although the damage was already done by that stage.
"Thankfully we don't have to look at that sort of score very often and we shouldn't be allowing it to happen. Hopefully it's a one-off."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 25
Daily WHUFC News - 26th November 2017
Cresswell: Friday's game gives us a foundation
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell believes Friday's battling draw against Leicester City gives West Ham United a foundation to build from as new boss David Moyes looks to put his stamp on the club. The Hammers travel to the boss's former side Everton in midweek looking for their first league win since the end of September and Scouser Cresswell says Friday's performance gives them confidence that run can some to an end in his home city. "A draw is a little disappointing, but a point is a point and we'll build towards Wednesday's game against Everton now," the left back said. "The new manager has lifted the place, but we just need that little bit of luck now to get that win and push up the table. "Friday gave us something to build on, and gives us that belief going into Wednesday. We pressed a bit more against Leicester, pushing them backwards and trying to get on the front foot We're definitely going to go to Everton and look for the three points."
Cresswell also had praise for the London Stadium crowd, who got behind their team with fervour on Friday and played their part in getting the result. He added: "Going a goal down so early, they could easily have turned but credit to them they were fantastic. They gave us a lift and I think there was a period of the game when for 15, 20 minutes nobody sat on their seat and they were all up pushing us forward. "We know where we are in the league is nowhere near good enough, but the crowd were fantastic. It gives us that lift and with nearly 60,000 fans behind you it's fantastic. The main thing is us giving them something to shout about.
"If we play like that and have that attitude I'm sure we'll push up the league."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zabaleta hails 'incredible' Claret and Blue Army
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta paid tribute to the 'incredible' Claret and Blue Army following Friday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Leicester City at London Stadium. The West Ham United fans created the best atmosphere of the season in David Moyes' first home game in charge and the team responded with arguably their best performance of the campaign on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In the second half, especially, the supporters raised the roof and urged their team forward, but ultimately the Hammers could not fashion the winner their overall performance arguably deserved. "We must say 'Thank you' to the fans because they were incredible and brilliant during the whole game," said the right-back. "We know that they probably want to see the team in a better place in the table, I know that, but at least we tried to win the game. "They saw the team with a different attitude tonight and, as I said, they were incredible, so thank you for the great support."
The vociferous backing undoubtedly spurred West Ham on as they dominated for long periods and forced Leicester onto the back foot, but Zabaleta knows the team will have to produce greater quality in the attacking third if they are to turn draws into wins going forward. "A point is a point but for me it's not enough. We were looking for the three points and that's what we needed, but apart from that the attitude was a lot better than the last game and the team looks a lot more organised. "We pressed a lot better and in the second half we were the team looking to win the game. We pressed forward and had a few chances but we couldn't win the game. "It's a shame when you try everything and you cannot get the three points. In the situation we're in at the moment, a point is not enough."
West Ham's fitness levels have clearly risen since Moyes' arrival and the post-match statistics confirmed they both outran and outsprinted the Foxes. That, said the Argentinian, will be a prerequisite at Everton on Wednesday evening, at Manchester City next weekend and in every Premier League fixture going forward. "The intensity was a lot better. We were more organised and we played as a team. The team spirit was completely different from the last game and we did everything to try to score the second goal. "They were defending so deep and well and we couldn't find the second goal. "Of course, a clean sheet is important for us. We conceded another early goal but our reaction was much better and we need to keep improving on that. "The Everton game is going to be another huge game. We've got three massive games against three big teams and that's why we need to get the result on Wednesday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nathan Trott: U23s were 'off the mark' against Arsenal
WHUFC.com
Nathan Trott believes a poor opening period to Friday's game against Arsenal cost West Ham United U23s after the side fell to a 3-0 defeat. Despite Trott putting in a terrific showing in goal the Hammers were bested by Arsenal thanks to a brace from Vlad Dragomir and a second-half finish by Eddie Nketiah. The opening goal of the match came after just six minutes and Trott feels it was this slow opening for West Ham that saw Arsenal take control of the fixture. "I think we were off the mark a bit today," the goalkeeper told whufc.com. "We gave them a bit too much space and I think a team of that quality can get you. We lost 3-0 today and, for games like this against top teams, we have to be a bit more disciplined. "We have to be focused from the start but we reacted too late and I think by the time we had reacted Arsenal had scored a couple of goals, which makes it very hard to turn the game around and get into the lead."
Even though West Ham were beaten by Arsenal Trott's individual performance was worthy of praise, with Academy director Terry Westley even singling out the shot-stopper for his showing. The 19-year-old saved a first-half penalty and insists he will always try to help the team in any way he can. Trott modestly said, when asked about the penalty save: "I expect these games to be busy so I was just doing my job and trying to help the team as much as possible. "The thing about penalties is, if you're going to choose one way, you have to make sure you give it 100 per cent. Don't second guess yourself. Pick one way and go for it – it worked out for me."
It won't be long before the U23s are back in action as Westley's side prepares to take on Wycombe Wanderers in the final group stage contest of the Checkatrade Trophy. Trott is eager for the team to show more aggression and strength in Tuesday's match, with top spot in the group up for grabs. "Wycombe will be a big game. It will be a physical game like the others. We have to be prepared for that. We have to be a bit more aggressive. It's good we've qualified. We want to keep that form going with another good game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AS ALWAYS WITH WEST HAM UNITED THERE IS STILL HOPE!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 25 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 10:52AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is written by FarehamHammer
Does it ever stop!? A geezer say's to me "You will be pleased! Gold and Sullivan are selling up! Robert Mugabe is buying The Club" Bloody West Ham, even in crisis they bring a smile to your face. Let us not kid ourselves, we are in deep trouble on and off the pitch. But we are by no means out for the count… just yet, but things have to change on and off the pitch quickly. I will tell you when a club is finished, it is when huge defeats or poor performances no longer matter. The end result being that supporters appear to be in the final stage of grievance. Acceptance, denial, anger, bargaining and depression have gone. As one could have seen from the chants at the Watford game of "Sack the Board" we are far from ready to accept our lot. It is simple really, if we did we would almost certainly be relegated. If that were to happen we could well end up like Coventry City or worse.
West Ham have always had a passionate and loyal fan, a 'broad church' people with different opinions. There is huge dissatisfaction regards The Board, we have been told lie upon lie! ABSOLUTE CRAP! Left the Boleyn so that we could reach 'the next level', that looks to be The Championship at this rate. Phantom bid after phantom bid, leaked to the media during the summer transfer window. Lies, lies sweet little lies. Christ on a bike! They even had Mrs Brady invite all the fanzine owners for a meeting, and told them: "We had a 'substantial' transfer budget". Old Fareham could not stop laughing! Thank f**k I was not at the meeting I would of told Mrs Brady a thing or two! Believe me. Mrs Brady is rude, arrogant and thinks West Ham fans are beneath her. Always looking to have a dig at West Ham fans, whether it's about blue popcorn, wanting Spurs to win the league, always ready to niggle us Hammers.
Her dig at Slaven Bilic in The Sun regarding his sacking sums her up completely. Devoid of any class, the relationship between Mrs Brady and the fans is toxic, it's destroying The Club. She MUST go! Although calling her a C*** is bang out of order. Who can replace her? It's obvious! One of our own Sir Trevor Brooking. Trevor knows football inside out, and is an astute businessman. It would be a huge step in the right direction in my opinion. It would help unite The Club that is for sure. So what of The Owners themselves? Well that is a bit more complex in my humble opinion. Do I buy into the notion that they sold The Boleyn to make money? Absolutely! Did they think The London Stadium move would pan out like this, well it would be easy to say yes, but cast your mind back to a few seasons when we beat Chelsea 2-1 at The Boleyn, The game where Jose Mourinho got sent to the stands. Remember the photo in the papers of Messrs Gold and Sullivan GOING OFF THEIR NUT IN THE DIRECTOR'S BOX?? You are all intelligent enough to make your own mind up. Do you really believe they thought: "Ha ha we are going to destroy West Ham and make a killing in the process" Don't think so. The move was on Brady's watch and she f***** up big time and they are having to deal with the consequences. Do the right think pay the £1.4 million bonus back Karren!
I have been beating the anti-board drum very hard lately, as like many I fear for The Club if we go down again. You have got to bear in mind, that The Owners have FOUR relegation's on their CV's. It is almost like your partner has cheated on you four times, you have taken them back each time, yet once again there are telling signs that they are back on the game. As for them selling up and someone buy us. Unfortunately there are no sugar daddy's waiting to snap the Club up, and splash millions in the transfer window. That is fantasy land stuff! The game is littered with Billionaires who have destroyed football Clubs. Still for West Ham to progress we are going to need to change the status quo. I think David Gold wants out anyway, his attitude towards fans on twitter says it all really. On more than one occasion he has deliberately tried to goad West Ham fans. Downright insulting at times. He always said if 87% of the fans wanted him out he would go. I can see Tripp Smith who recently bought a 10% stake in The Club buying Gold's shares. Which should definitely give us more cash in the transfer market. So what of David Sullivan the majority share-holder? I can't see him going anywhere.
Sullivan has come in for all sorts of abuse, some wishing he got cancer, another wishing that he dies. Some feeling that it's open season on his children David and Jack. Board out! Time to march or die! You destroyed our Club! Fine. But vicious personal abuse no! For God sake we are a decent lot our mob! The great Bobby Moore wiping his hands on the Royal Carpet, before receiving The World Cup from The Queen sums us up. Decency and respect that is West Ham. In the past Sullivan used to really piss me off gobbing off constantly. But he has certainly piped down a bit this season. I'm in favour of his sons Jack and David learning the ropes and taking over The Club. They have both been good to fans on numerous occasions, which does not surprise me as I have spoken to Sullivan twice and he came across well. Once I asked him to sign my nephew's Birthday Card which he did but had a parting shot: "I hope you are going to put something in the card as a present" he said. I was bloody speechless. As I have said many a time Sullivan DOES know how to run a Football Club. But far more investment is needed to see West Ham become one of the best clubs. Sullivan's way of doing business of one Marquee signing, one costing a reasonable amount, one a bit of money, the others being loans, and freebies or cheap gambles are simply not good enough for a Club hoping to progress. The times they are a changin your old road is agin Sullivan! Whether it be investment via Tripp Smith or from someone else we badly need a serious injection of cash. But board in and out, we can't blame them for everything, especially on the pitch. To put it bluntly we have been a bloody shambles on the pitch.
Some seem willing to throw in the towel after one defeat under David Moyes. Come on behave! The man is not the bloody wizard of Oz! He can't put everything right in a few training sessions. What he is going to have change is the midfield. No pace, creativity or movement, offering no protection for the back four, creating no chances for the striker. Leaving the likes of Javier Hernandez and Carroll isolated. People are going to call me a Noble 'hater' and the rest, he does wonderful work off the pitch representing The Club, which he rightly gets plaudits. However on the pitch he is a huge part of the problem. The opposition know he is the weak link and simply pass the ball around him, knowing he is so slow he has not a hope and hell of getting back. Slow pedestrian passing anywhere but forward is Markie Noble. Playing him is sentimentality gone mad. In game after game it costs us. It has even started to affect Kouyate and Obiang. Sort the midfield Moyesey and we will all be blowing bubbles in harmony again. Time to get behind the team (a repeat of last night), get a win, have a few JD's and then; Noble the best Captain, the Owners no complaints, Moyesey a top manager. It's funny what winning does to everyone. Players, fans, manager and The Board. Before I go I would to apologise for EX in calling him a Board 'lackey'. He is an extremely loyal and decent person who is loyal to his friends, West Ham and fans.
We are more than a football club, we're a way of life!
COYI!!
Farehamhammer!!!
(Edited by Danny Twigg)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MARK WARD EXCLUSIVE: "LETS TAKE IT BACK TO BASICS AND MOVE FORWARD!"
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 25 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 11:25AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Mark Ward @Mark7Ward
It was on Wednesday night after The West Ham Way radio show that I received a phone call from Ex, who was uncharacteristically downbeat about the club. Fed up with the negativity, the infighting, the defeats, the lack of passion from certain players and without notice put me on the spot with "Wardy, what would you do if you were there?" and we ended up having a great discussion and I was asked to put it all down in writing. It is very hard to sum up a 45 minute conversation but some of the key things I said and would do, I have listed below:
Firstly I would look at the player's contracts. In this day and age there is too much earned by players just for having a contract at the club and if you are unhappy, a money grabber or just lacking in passion there is no incentive to try and contribute positively on the pitch. I would have a much more equal balance between basic wage and selection and performance related pay. Here is your weekly wage but (depending on position) if you do this and that in a game your wage increases to this. It isn't something you would have to do with many players in my day because we all played for the love of the game but in this modern era, where money and image seem to be the most important thing to some, it may get these players playing with more fight. This can also apply to younger players, there are under 21 players at most top teams now earning huge amounts of money for not even playing for the first team. Having been released by Everton as a kid I needed to fight my way back into this game via the non league and lower divisions with Northwich Victoria and Oldham and that made me appreciate playing even more when I eventually did return to the top division and the one thing you would never see myself doing as a player was not giving it 100% in every match-it should be the minimum expectation of any player.
Team spirit is another thing. Too often I see players arriving at games with huge headphones on and no interaction with each other. I have heard that this often happens on the coach to away games and in the team hotel where players often get their own rooms now. For me this takes away a lot of the spirit and heart from your club. Anyone who has ever been to our West Ham Way events or watched some of my interviews will know some of my best stories come from away trips with the likes of Frank McAvennie, Alvin Martin and Tony Gale! It was Ex who commented how, having got to know some of the boys of '86, how amazing it is that we are all still such good mates! We built that trust and friendship with each other which would last till the end of our days and carried us to wins that we may not have got had we not been fighting for each other. I would say to the players, no headphones, no mobiles when the players are together and try to encourage more interaction between them to build up these relationships. Team meals, nights out things like that go a long way.
Another key element for me is the fans. Yesterday reminded me of days gone by. We are West Ham United, we have never been the most successful of clubs however our fans stand second to none. I am very lucky to have played for clubs with extremely passionate support: West Ham, Everton, Manchester City and Birmingham City and I cannot tell you how much it makes you lift you game when the fans are onside and urging you on. No matter what goes on off the pitch, and I experienced a lot of things at those clubs, if the fans are on side immediately you feel there is even more fight in you to win the match.
West Ham are a great club and I am so thankful for my time there. Whatever you may think of things of the pitch, it is so important that we stick together and try and get the team away from the relegation zone and in the summer this is where the inquistions can begin.
For those of you who have been to our events you will know they are what makes West Ham good. A great atmosphere and remembering the good times. We are lucky enough to have former academy graduate, popular player and now academy coach Jack Collison with me on the stage for our Christmas event before Newcastle on the 23rd of December. We have great raffle prizes to give away including a match worn Danny Gabbidon shirt and tickets to the boxing day clash against Bournemouth amongst many other things. I hope to see some of you there! Get your tickets here: bit.ly/TWHWTICKET14
Now on to the match against Everton on Wednesday where both teams are desperate for the result, so I am going to hope for a draw! 😉 COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell believes Friday's battling draw against Leicester City gives West Ham United a foundation to build from as new boss David Moyes looks to put his stamp on the club. The Hammers travel to the boss's former side Everton in midweek looking for their first league win since the end of September and Scouser Cresswell says Friday's performance gives them confidence that run can some to an end in his home city. "A draw is a little disappointing, but a point is a point and we'll build towards Wednesday's game against Everton now," the left back said. "The new manager has lifted the place, but we just need that little bit of luck now to get that win and push up the table. "Friday gave us something to build on, and gives us that belief going into Wednesday. We pressed a bit more against Leicester, pushing them backwards and trying to get on the front foot We're definitely going to go to Everton and look for the three points."
Cresswell also had praise for the London Stadium crowd, who got behind their team with fervour on Friday and played their part in getting the result. He added: "Going a goal down so early, they could easily have turned but credit to them they were fantastic. They gave us a lift and I think there was a period of the game when for 15, 20 minutes nobody sat on their seat and they were all up pushing us forward. "We know where we are in the league is nowhere near good enough, but the crowd were fantastic. It gives us that lift and with nearly 60,000 fans behind you it's fantastic. The main thing is us giving them something to shout about.
"If we play like that and have that attitude I'm sure we'll push up the league."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zabaleta hails 'incredible' Claret and Blue Army
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta paid tribute to the 'incredible' Claret and Blue Army following Friday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Leicester City at London Stadium. The West Ham United fans created the best atmosphere of the season in David Moyes' first home game in charge and the team responded with arguably their best performance of the campaign on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In the second half, especially, the supporters raised the roof and urged their team forward, but ultimately the Hammers could not fashion the winner their overall performance arguably deserved. "We must say 'Thank you' to the fans because they were incredible and brilliant during the whole game," said the right-back. "We know that they probably want to see the team in a better place in the table, I know that, but at least we tried to win the game. "They saw the team with a different attitude tonight and, as I said, they were incredible, so thank you for the great support."
The vociferous backing undoubtedly spurred West Ham on as they dominated for long periods and forced Leicester onto the back foot, but Zabaleta knows the team will have to produce greater quality in the attacking third if they are to turn draws into wins going forward. "A point is a point but for me it's not enough. We were looking for the three points and that's what we needed, but apart from that the attitude was a lot better than the last game and the team looks a lot more organised. "We pressed a lot better and in the second half we were the team looking to win the game. We pressed forward and had a few chances but we couldn't win the game. "It's a shame when you try everything and you cannot get the three points. In the situation we're in at the moment, a point is not enough."
West Ham's fitness levels have clearly risen since Moyes' arrival and the post-match statistics confirmed they both outran and outsprinted the Foxes. That, said the Argentinian, will be a prerequisite at Everton on Wednesday evening, at Manchester City next weekend and in every Premier League fixture going forward. "The intensity was a lot better. We were more organised and we played as a team. The team spirit was completely different from the last game and we did everything to try to score the second goal. "They were defending so deep and well and we couldn't find the second goal. "Of course, a clean sheet is important for us. We conceded another early goal but our reaction was much better and we need to keep improving on that. "The Everton game is going to be another huge game. We've got three massive games against three big teams and that's why we need to get the result on Wednesday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nathan Trott: U23s were 'off the mark' against Arsenal
WHUFC.com
Nathan Trott believes a poor opening period to Friday's game against Arsenal cost West Ham United U23s after the side fell to a 3-0 defeat. Despite Trott putting in a terrific showing in goal the Hammers were bested by Arsenal thanks to a brace from Vlad Dragomir and a second-half finish by Eddie Nketiah. The opening goal of the match came after just six minutes and Trott feels it was this slow opening for West Ham that saw Arsenal take control of the fixture. "I think we were off the mark a bit today," the goalkeeper told whufc.com. "We gave them a bit too much space and I think a team of that quality can get you. We lost 3-0 today and, for games like this against top teams, we have to be a bit more disciplined. "We have to be focused from the start but we reacted too late and I think by the time we had reacted Arsenal had scored a couple of goals, which makes it very hard to turn the game around and get into the lead."
Even though West Ham were beaten by Arsenal Trott's individual performance was worthy of praise, with Academy director Terry Westley even singling out the shot-stopper for his showing. The 19-year-old saved a first-half penalty and insists he will always try to help the team in any way he can. Trott modestly said, when asked about the penalty save: "I expect these games to be busy so I was just doing my job and trying to help the team as much as possible. "The thing about penalties is, if you're going to choose one way, you have to make sure you give it 100 per cent. Don't second guess yourself. Pick one way and go for it – it worked out for me."
It won't be long before the U23s are back in action as Westley's side prepares to take on Wycombe Wanderers in the final group stage contest of the Checkatrade Trophy. Trott is eager for the team to show more aggression and strength in Tuesday's match, with top spot in the group up for grabs. "Wycombe will be a big game. It will be a physical game like the others. We have to be prepared for that. We have to be a bit more aggressive. It's good we've qualified. We want to keep that form going with another good game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AS ALWAYS WITH WEST HAM UNITED THERE IS STILL HOPE!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 25 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 10:52AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is written by FarehamHammer
Does it ever stop!? A geezer say's to me "You will be pleased! Gold and Sullivan are selling up! Robert Mugabe is buying The Club" Bloody West Ham, even in crisis they bring a smile to your face. Let us not kid ourselves, we are in deep trouble on and off the pitch. But we are by no means out for the count… just yet, but things have to change on and off the pitch quickly. I will tell you when a club is finished, it is when huge defeats or poor performances no longer matter. The end result being that supporters appear to be in the final stage of grievance. Acceptance, denial, anger, bargaining and depression have gone. As one could have seen from the chants at the Watford game of "Sack the Board" we are far from ready to accept our lot. It is simple really, if we did we would almost certainly be relegated. If that were to happen we could well end up like Coventry City or worse.
West Ham have always had a passionate and loyal fan, a 'broad church' people with different opinions. There is huge dissatisfaction regards The Board, we have been told lie upon lie! ABSOLUTE CRAP! Left the Boleyn so that we could reach 'the next level', that looks to be The Championship at this rate. Phantom bid after phantom bid, leaked to the media during the summer transfer window. Lies, lies sweet little lies. Christ on a bike! They even had Mrs Brady invite all the fanzine owners for a meeting, and told them: "We had a 'substantial' transfer budget". Old Fareham could not stop laughing! Thank f**k I was not at the meeting I would of told Mrs Brady a thing or two! Believe me. Mrs Brady is rude, arrogant and thinks West Ham fans are beneath her. Always looking to have a dig at West Ham fans, whether it's about blue popcorn, wanting Spurs to win the league, always ready to niggle us Hammers.
Her dig at Slaven Bilic in The Sun regarding his sacking sums her up completely. Devoid of any class, the relationship between Mrs Brady and the fans is toxic, it's destroying The Club. She MUST go! Although calling her a C*** is bang out of order. Who can replace her? It's obvious! One of our own Sir Trevor Brooking. Trevor knows football inside out, and is an astute businessman. It would be a huge step in the right direction in my opinion. It would help unite The Club that is for sure. So what of The Owners themselves? Well that is a bit more complex in my humble opinion. Do I buy into the notion that they sold The Boleyn to make money? Absolutely! Did they think The London Stadium move would pan out like this, well it would be easy to say yes, but cast your mind back to a few seasons when we beat Chelsea 2-1 at The Boleyn, The game where Jose Mourinho got sent to the stands. Remember the photo in the papers of Messrs Gold and Sullivan GOING OFF THEIR NUT IN THE DIRECTOR'S BOX?? You are all intelligent enough to make your own mind up. Do you really believe they thought: "Ha ha we are going to destroy West Ham and make a killing in the process" Don't think so. The move was on Brady's watch and she f***** up big time and they are having to deal with the consequences. Do the right think pay the £1.4 million bonus back Karren!
I have been beating the anti-board drum very hard lately, as like many I fear for The Club if we go down again. You have got to bear in mind, that The Owners have FOUR relegation's on their CV's. It is almost like your partner has cheated on you four times, you have taken them back each time, yet once again there are telling signs that they are back on the game. As for them selling up and someone buy us. Unfortunately there are no sugar daddy's waiting to snap the Club up, and splash millions in the transfer window. That is fantasy land stuff! The game is littered with Billionaires who have destroyed football Clubs. Still for West Ham to progress we are going to need to change the status quo. I think David Gold wants out anyway, his attitude towards fans on twitter says it all really. On more than one occasion he has deliberately tried to goad West Ham fans. Downright insulting at times. He always said if 87% of the fans wanted him out he would go. I can see Tripp Smith who recently bought a 10% stake in The Club buying Gold's shares. Which should definitely give us more cash in the transfer market. So what of David Sullivan the majority share-holder? I can't see him going anywhere.
Sullivan has come in for all sorts of abuse, some wishing he got cancer, another wishing that he dies. Some feeling that it's open season on his children David and Jack. Board out! Time to march or die! You destroyed our Club! Fine. But vicious personal abuse no! For God sake we are a decent lot our mob! The great Bobby Moore wiping his hands on the Royal Carpet, before receiving The World Cup from The Queen sums us up. Decency and respect that is West Ham. In the past Sullivan used to really piss me off gobbing off constantly. But he has certainly piped down a bit this season. I'm in favour of his sons Jack and David learning the ropes and taking over The Club. They have both been good to fans on numerous occasions, which does not surprise me as I have spoken to Sullivan twice and he came across well. Once I asked him to sign my nephew's Birthday Card which he did but had a parting shot: "I hope you are going to put something in the card as a present" he said. I was bloody speechless. As I have said many a time Sullivan DOES know how to run a Football Club. But far more investment is needed to see West Ham become one of the best clubs. Sullivan's way of doing business of one Marquee signing, one costing a reasonable amount, one a bit of money, the others being loans, and freebies or cheap gambles are simply not good enough for a Club hoping to progress. The times they are a changin your old road is agin Sullivan! Whether it be investment via Tripp Smith or from someone else we badly need a serious injection of cash. But board in and out, we can't blame them for everything, especially on the pitch. To put it bluntly we have been a bloody shambles on the pitch.
Some seem willing to throw in the towel after one defeat under David Moyes. Come on behave! The man is not the bloody wizard of Oz! He can't put everything right in a few training sessions. What he is going to have change is the midfield. No pace, creativity or movement, offering no protection for the back four, creating no chances for the striker. Leaving the likes of Javier Hernandez and Carroll isolated. People are going to call me a Noble 'hater' and the rest, he does wonderful work off the pitch representing The Club, which he rightly gets plaudits. However on the pitch he is a huge part of the problem. The opposition know he is the weak link and simply pass the ball around him, knowing he is so slow he has not a hope and hell of getting back. Slow pedestrian passing anywhere but forward is Markie Noble. Playing him is sentimentality gone mad. In game after game it costs us. It has even started to affect Kouyate and Obiang. Sort the midfield Moyesey and we will all be blowing bubbles in harmony again. Time to get behind the team (a repeat of last night), get a win, have a few JD's and then; Noble the best Captain, the Owners no complaints, Moyesey a top manager. It's funny what winning does to everyone. Players, fans, manager and The Board. Before I go I would to apologise for EX in calling him a Board 'lackey'. He is an extremely loyal and decent person who is loyal to his friends, West Ham and fans.
We are more than a football club, we're a way of life!
COYI!!
Farehamhammer!!!
(Edited by Danny Twigg)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MARK WARD EXCLUSIVE: "LETS TAKE IT BACK TO BASICS AND MOVE FORWARD!"
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 25 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 11:25AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Mark Ward @Mark7Ward
It was on Wednesday night after The West Ham Way radio show that I received a phone call from Ex, who was uncharacteristically downbeat about the club. Fed up with the negativity, the infighting, the defeats, the lack of passion from certain players and without notice put me on the spot with "Wardy, what would you do if you were there?" and we ended up having a great discussion and I was asked to put it all down in writing. It is very hard to sum up a 45 minute conversation but some of the key things I said and would do, I have listed below:
Firstly I would look at the player's contracts. In this day and age there is too much earned by players just for having a contract at the club and if you are unhappy, a money grabber or just lacking in passion there is no incentive to try and contribute positively on the pitch. I would have a much more equal balance between basic wage and selection and performance related pay. Here is your weekly wage but (depending on position) if you do this and that in a game your wage increases to this. It isn't something you would have to do with many players in my day because we all played for the love of the game but in this modern era, where money and image seem to be the most important thing to some, it may get these players playing with more fight. This can also apply to younger players, there are under 21 players at most top teams now earning huge amounts of money for not even playing for the first team. Having been released by Everton as a kid I needed to fight my way back into this game via the non league and lower divisions with Northwich Victoria and Oldham and that made me appreciate playing even more when I eventually did return to the top division and the one thing you would never see myself doing as a player was not giving it 100% in every match-it should be the minimum expectation of any player.
Team spirit is another thing. Too often I see players arriving at games with huge headphones on and no interaction with each other. I have heard that this often happens on the coach to away games and in the team hotel where players often get their own rooms now. For me this takes away a lot of the spirit and heart from your club. Anyone who has ever been to our West Ham Way events or watched some of my interviews will know some of my best stories come from away trips with the likes of Frank McAvennie, Alvin Martin and Tony Gale! It was Ex who commented how, having got to know some of the boys of '86, how amazing it is that we are all still such good mates! We built that trust and friendship with each other which would last till the end of our days and carried us to wins that we may not have got had we not been fighting for each other. I would say to the players, no headphones, no mobiles when the players are together and try to encourage more interaction between them to build up these relationships. Team meals, nights out things like that go a long way.
Another key element for me is the fans. Yesterday reminded me of days gone by. We are West Ham United, we have never been the most successful of clubs however our fans stand second to none. I am very lucky to have played for clubs with extremely passionate support: West Ham, Everton, Manchester City and Birmingham City and I cannot tell you how much it makes you lift you game when the fans are onside and urging you on. No matter what goes on off the pitch, and I experienced a lot of things at those clubs, if the fans are on side immediately you feel there is even more fight in you to win the match.
West Ham are a great club and I am so thankful for my time there. Whatever you may think of things of the pitch, it is so important that we stick together and try and get the team away from the relegation zone and in the summer this is where the inquistions can begin.
For those of you who have been to our events you will know they are what makes West Ham good. A great atmosphere and remembering the good times. We are lucky enough to have former academy graduate, popular player and now academy coach Jack Collison with me on the stage for our Christmas event before Newcastle on the 23rd of December. We have great raffle prizes to give away including a match worn Danny Gabbidon shirt and tickets to the boxing day clash against Bournemouth amongst many other things. I hope to see some of you there! Get your tickets here: bit.ly/TWHWTICKET14
Now on to the match against Everton on Wednesday where both teams are desperate for the result, so I am going to hope for a draw! 😉 COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 25th November 2017
Kouyate header earns Hammers Leicester point
WHUFC.com
West Ham United 1 – 1 Leicester City
Premier League
Cheikhou Kouyate's header earned David Moyes his first point as West Ham
United manager as his side fought back well to draw 1-1 with Leicester City
on Friday night. The Hammers had to recover from the early blow of falling
behind to Marc Albrighton's eighth minute opener, and they showed great
spirit to do just that.
Kouyate rose highest to nod home a Manuel Lanzini corner on the stroke of
half-time and it was the Hammers, backed by a tremendous atmosphere inside
London Stadium, who remained on the front foot after the break. Joe Hart was
barely tested in goal in the second period as the hosts searched for a way
through, but they could not break down a stubborn Foxes defence again and
had to settle for a point. Moyes made one change from the side which faced
Watford in his first game as Hammers boss, with Arthur Masuaku coming in for
Mark Noble, but his team made a similar start to that Vicarage Road. There
were just eight minutes on the clock when Jamie Vardy fashioned space on the
left to cross. His low delivery eluded Angelo Ogbonna and Albrighton had
moved in from the flank to steer home.
Vardy's pace threatened to create another chance midway through the half
when he burst into life in the left channel and nicked the ball inside
Winston Reid, but Marko Arnautovic had tracked back diligently to shepherd
the England striker away from danger. It was an excellent piece of defending
and the Hammers almost took full advantage on 26 minutes when Masuaku's
strong run forward was halted illegally outside the box and Lanzini's
delivery was flicked goalwards by Ogbonna, forcing a save from Kasper
Schmeichel. The Hammers were trying to get on the front foot, but had to be
wary of Leicester's pace on the counter and Riyad Mahrez made a couple of
probing runs as time wore on before the break, calling Hart into action with
one rising effort from 20 yards. At the other end, the hosts' fashioned an
opportunity for Kouyate eight minutes before the interval, but he could only
nod wide after Cresswell crossed wickedly from the left. Right on the stroke
of half-time the Senegal midfielder more than made up for it, rising in the
centre to head Lanzini's corner goalwards with enough force that Danny
Simpson's shoulder couldn't keep it out on the line.
It was an impressive response to the early blow of falling behind and
Masuaku tried to drive the Hammers yet further forward early after the
restart, making Schmeichel hold his testing cross-shot as he drove on down
the left. Arnautovic was continuing to put a real shift in and he got across
his man to meet a Lanzini cross on 63 minutes, but from his position in
front of the near post he couldn't force the ball on target. Although West
Ham were having the better of the game, clear chances were difficult to come
by as the game looked to be heading for a draw. There was time for one more
opportunity when sub Andre Ayew acroatically attempted to score in the
aftermath of a late corner, but the ball flew over the bar and the Hammers
had to settle for a well-earned point.
West Ham United: Hart, Zabaleta, Reid (c), Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang,
Kouyate, Arnautovic (Ayew 69), Lanzini, Masuaku (Sakho 90+2), Carroll
Subs: Adrian, Noble, Fernandes, Quina, Rice
Goal: Kouyate 45
Booked: Ayew
Leicester City: Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan (c), Maguire, Fuchs, Ndidi,
Iborra, Albrighton, Mahrez (Chilwell 70), Gray (Slimani 90+1), Vardy
Subs: Hamer, Iheanacho, King, Dragovic, Okazaki
Goal: Albrighton 8
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 56,897
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arnautovic: We are progressing
WHIFC.com
Marko Arnautovic felt Friday's 1-1 draw with Leicester City shows the
Hammers are making progress in the early days of David Moyes' reign as
manager. Cheikhou Kouyate's header on the stroke of half-time cancelled out
Marc Albrighton's early opener and West Ham remained on the front foot in
the second half as they searched for a winner. Backed by the tremendous
support of the London Stadium crowd the Hammers probed, and although they
could not find a way through a stubborn Foxes defence for a second time,
Arnautovic was pleased with how the hosts responded. He also had praise for
the fans' vocal support and wants to reward them with victories as soon as
possible. He said: "I think we deserved more and from my point of view we
were the better team. We know we are not in an easy situation, but I think
we are progressing. "The fans today were so loud. The last weeks have not
been what everyone wanted and we know they are disappointed because we're
not bringing the results, but they were behind us and they gave everything
like we did on the pitch. "I hope we can continue like that, and that we can
have a lot of joy, but we need to win the games. "We came good after the
goal. We said 'come on let's do this, we need to fight, we need to win and
we need to get our goals'. "We got it [the equaliser] before half time and
we had a few chances. Let's now be okay with a point and move on."
From a personal point of view, Arnautovic contributed at both ends of the
pitch, supplying seven crosses as well as doing his defensive duty
diligently and he feels he is getting back to form. He added: "It was hard
for me at the beginning of the season. I got the red card, then I was ill
when we played Swansea and it was hard mentally for me, but I think I'm
ready, I'm fit and I hope I can give everything for West Ham. "I'm not here
for no reason, and I want to show the fans, the players and everyone
involved at West Ham that they can count on me. Last week I had [the injury]
with my hand and on Friday I had a bang on my knee. "I tried to run it off,
but I don't want to hurt the team. If there are players with fresh legs who
can help the team, I don't want to be the man who can't move any more.
"I want to help the team, I want to give assists and score goals. Hopefully
that can come in the future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes praises players and fans after London Stadium debut
WHUFC.com
David Moyes praised both his West Ham United players and the Claret and Blue
Army for helping the Hammers to a hard-earned 1-1 Premier League draw with
Leicester City. The Scot marked his first home game in charge with a
deserved point as Cheikhou Kouyate's equaliser on the stroke of half-time
cancelled out Marc Albrighton's early opener. With the London Stadium
faithful in great voice, Moyes' team went in search of a winner their
overall performance arguably deserved, but ultimately the Hammers had to
settle for a share of the spoils. "It was a start for us tonight. It's not
been the best place for us, but I thought the players' performance warranted
more. I thought the crowd were fantastic, so all the negatives I've heard
about the crowd, I thought the opposite and that they were great, they
really were. "I think any player will tell you that West Ham has always been
a tough place to come over the years, with a tough crowd and they can make
it that way in this stadium as well, and I think they did tonight. "I
thought they got right behind the players, but I also thought the players
gave them something to shout about as well."
The second half may not have brought a winning goal for the hosts, but they
controlled the game for long periods and went close on a number of
occasions, most notably through substitute Andre Ayew's overhead kick. "I
thought they were great in the second half and that's why the crowd reacted
so well," said Moyes.
"I think they are low on confidence as the results haven't gone well and
they lost a manager as well, and when it goes like that it's difficult and
you need some things to go for you now and again. "We lost a goal after
eight minutes when I don't know if Leicester had been up the pitch before
that. They stuck at it though, they really did, and the second half they
made a really good go of it and in the end we might have nicked it."
Two players who caught the eye were wingers Marko Arnautovic and Arthur
Masuaku, who gave Leicester full-backs Danny Simpson and Christian Fuchs a
tough time with their power, pace and direct running. The pair delivered 15
of West Ham's 31 crosses and generally pushed the Foxes onto the back foot
every time they took possession. "Marko played really well for us on Sunday,
without really getting a lot of praise for it. Everybody said he hasn't run
so I said 'If you don't run, we won't play you', so he's running and I
think, if you're a full-back, you don't really want to play against
Arnautovic because he's got power and pace. "He probably prefers to play on
the left-hand side but we've got a few people who want to do that, so at the
moment we are playing him on the opposite side. "We want him to be a big
player. We spent a lot of money on him and we want him to score goals and
make goals and tonight he helped us."
The statistics also showed that the Hammers outran and outsprinted their
opponents, showing further evidence of their improving fitness levels under
Moyes and his coaching staff. So, was the manager happy with his team's
output in his first home game at the helm? "We've learnt that we can run and
they have now set the standard and cannot go below that. Even then, we only
got a draw, so we'll need to play better with the ball when we get it and at
least keep those levels up if we are going to take something from every
game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers U23s bested away to Arsenal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23s fell to a 3-0 defeat against their Arsenal counterparts
in a tricky contest on Friday evening. Two first half goals from Vlad
Dragomir put the Gunners in control at half-time, and if not for a penalty
save by Nathan Trott that lead could have been greater. Grady Diangana and
Toni Martinez saw efforts saved for the Hammers in freezing conditions at
Boreham Wood, but Arsenal secured the win with a late finish through Eddie
Nketiah in the second half. It was the Hammers that had the opening effort
of the game as Diangana fired a shot over the bar in the first minute, after
the away side got forward from the opening whistle. Risky play in the
back-line, particularly from goalkeeper Matt Macey, almost allowed Martinez
in as well but it was Arsenal that took the lead after six minutes.
Dragomir's header looped over Trott and into the far corner. The England
youth international was the hero just minutes later however as Arsenal were
given the chance to extend their lead from the penalty spot. Eddie Nketiah's
effort from 12 yards was excellently saved by Trott down to his right. Ben
Johnson and Sead Haksabanovic came close to getting West Ham level with
headers from corners, while Martin Samuelsen was brought down in the area
only for the referee to wave away the penalty appeals.
Martinez saw a shot saved by Macey as well before Arsenal doubled their
advantage. Dragomir grabbed his second on 36 minutes after a well-found ball
put him in, allowing the Arsenal player to score. The second period began in
the exact same vein as the first with Diangana again having the opening shot
of the half. This time the midfielder's curling effort forced a decent save
from Macey. The Hammers were a more composed unit following the break and
captain Moses Makasi came very close to getting the Irons back in the game,
but his follow-up shot was over the bar. Arsenal's Da Silva took an effort,
which Trott held well, but chances in the second half were scarcer as both
sides battled in midfield. But the Gunners secured all three points with
their third goal in the 82nd minute as Nketiah fired home from close range.
Arsenal: Macey, Osei-Tutu, Bola, Sheaf, Pleguezuelo; Medley, Dragomir,
Dasilva, Nketiah; Willock, Smith Rowe
Subs not used: Gilmour, Keto, Amaechi, Eyoma
Goalscorers: Draogmir 6' 36', Nketiah 82'
West Ham United: Trott; Johnson, Akinola, Wells, Longelo; Makasi, Coventry,
Samuelsen, Haksabanovic (Hector-Ingram 52'), DIangana; Martinez
Subs not used: Powell, Matrevics, Bernardo,
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal had 'cutting edge' over West Ham U23s - Westley
WHUFC.com
Academy director Terry Westley has conceded Arsenal's quality was the
difference as the West Ham United U23s fell to a 3-0 defeat in Boreham Wood.
Two first half finishes from Vlad Dragomir were followed up by a late Eddie
Nketiah strike to hand the Hammers the loss on Friday evening. West Ham
looked to battle back in the second period but struggled to find a way
through a strong Arsenal team, and Westley admitted that his young U23s side
were beaten by the better side on the night. "They are a strong team with
strong players," Westley told whufc.com. "Some have played in the Europa
League or at least travelled with the squad, with the first team. You could
see the quality they had in their team. "I though we stayed with the game
nicely in the second half to be fair. The late goal was a bit unfair on us
given how hard we had worked, but Arsenal really had the cutting edge. They
play some nice, attractive football. We were really just trying to stay with
them. A 3-0 was about right."
Westley did not look to make excuses for the loss but did point to the
number of regular U23s players that his team lined up without. Nathan
Holland is currently out injured, as is Josh Pask, while Declan Rice and
Domingos Quina were with the first team squad at London Stadium for the
Premier League tie with Leicester City. The Academy director added: "I don't
think you can take out the quality of players we've in our squad, like Pask
and Holland, and then Declan Rice and Domingos Quina. When you take that
level out, we haven't got the numbers to come in and really strengthen the
team again. It was always going to be difficult.
"Rosaire Longelo, Ben Wells and Ben Johnson are all under 18, meaning three
of our back four were under 18. Conor Coventry, in midfield, is also under
18, so it was going to be a tall order tonight from the start."
Westley did however indicate that such a game taught him and his coaching
team about other qualities the players possess, before highlighting Nathan
Trott'a performance. The goalkeeper made a number of top saves, including
one from a first-half penalty, in Friday's match to stop Arsenal from
netting more than the three goals they found. Westley continued: "It was a
different type of game and what you do see is people's character and the
ones who can stand up to it when it goes against you. "On that note, I would
probably say our best performer was our goalkeeper, Nathan Trott. He's had
14 plus shots to deal with tonight and he's pulled off some very good saves,
including the penalty."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Ladies v C&K Basildon: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies return to action this weekend with a home contest
against C&K Basildon.
Read on for everything you need ahead of this Sunday's fixture, including
ticket information, team news, and a look at this weekend's opposition:
Where and When?
West Ham United Ladies will play C&K Basildon in the FA Women's Premier
League Southern Division on Sunday 26 November.
The contest is to be played at home, at the Rush Green Stadium, with
kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
How to follow:
Season Ticket holders and Claret Members can attend this Ladies contest for
free!
General admission is £2 while U16s can also enter free of charge.
Live updates will be provided throughout the afternoon through the official
West Ham United Ladies Twitter account.
Highlights of Sunday's fixture will be available on the West Ham United
website on Monday.
Meet the opposition:
0:21
Team news:
Greg de Carnys will be hoping he can call on some regular first team players
when the Ladies return to action against C&K Basildon.
Captain Amy Cooper and Chloe Burr were among the players that missed the
last match against Coventry United, while Rosie Kmita was only fit enough
for the bench, and it remains to be seen if any of those trio will be
available for this weekend's fixture.
De Carnys said: "We're hoping we will have a few players back, but a couple
are not available. It's about making sure we get them back in the right way
so they can stay injury free. I'll be taking the advice I get from the
physios."
What they say:
"C&K Basildon are a tough side, as we found when we played them last time. I
think we've improved since then though. They are the only other side to beat
Charlton this season. We know it's a tough challenge but we are ready."
Greg de Carnys
West Ham United Ladies manager
Last time out:
West Ham United Ladies:
Despite a debut goal from Zoe Swift the Hammers fell to a defeat in their
last fixture, suffering a 2-1 loss away at a tough Coventry United.
The Ladies had taken the lead but conceded a penalty just minutes before
half-time, which was converted, before Coventry won the match in the second
period.
C&K Basildon Ladies:
Two goals apiece for Jay Blackie and Angela Addison put C&K Basildon well on
their way with the side picking up an impressive 5-0 victory over Cardiff
City Ladies.
Danica Revell claimed the other goal in the win.
How to get there:
Rush Green (RM7 0LU) can be found on Rush Green road and provides free
parking for Ladies matches. The nearest train station is Romford which is
roughly a 30 minute walk to Rush Green.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 1-1 LEICESTER CITY – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 24 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 10:29PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham drew tonight 1-1 to Leicester City in a Friday night premier league
fixture that featured a spirited home crowd and a bit more passion from the
stands of the London Stadium than recent matches have shown. For Claude
Puel , he like David Moyes, is still finding his path with his first team
players. But with proven scorers like Jamie Vardy, the Foxes have shown
they are able to score quickly.
In the early going on Leicester's first real counter attack, Vardy crossed
to a poorly defended Marc Albrighton, who found the corner of the net.
While Vardy showed his usual pace, it was the poor communication from centre
backs that allowed Albrighton the space to open up the scoring.
Following the opening goal, West Ham seemed to regroup and carried a slight
advantage in possession throughout the opening half. Desperately needing an
equaliser , Andy Carroll tried his best to play his role of target man.
Crosses from Cresswell and Arnautovic were close but not quite there for the
tall striker.
Finally, in the final minute of the half, a West Ham corner kick allowed
Cheikhou Kouyate muscle through Wilfred Ndidi and get a header past Kasper
Schmeichel (the header actually rolled off of Danny Simpson's back, and into
the goal). But West Ham went level and found some momentum heading into the
break.
The second half was spirited but neither goalkeeper was under much duress
for most of the half. The fans at the London Stadium really came to life in
the second half to encourage their struggling side on to a sorely needed
victory. The most notable point of the second half was the number of game
stoppages due to injury on both sides of the pitch.
In the final moments of the half and the six minutes of added time, it was
West Ham showing the most ambition in taking all three points, however the
Hammers were unable to find a clean shot and Leicester showed some fortitude
in defending Lanzini's set plays. The closest attempt was a stoppage time
corner kick which featured an Andre Ayew overhead kick in heavy traffic
which sailed over the crossbar.
It wasn't lack of effort towards the end, but Martin Atkinson's whistle
ended West Ham's chances at victory and Moyes had to settle for a single
point for all of the effort. The story to follow after this match is the
medical status of Arnautovic, and Kouyate. Both picked up injuries,
although only Arnautovic left the match.
It is a short week for West Ham as they travel to Goodison Park to face a
struggling Everton side, still without a new manager. Coming off their
1-5 Europa league embarrassment, the Toffees will be seeking some redemption
and both clubs desperately need a victory.
Be sure to stay tuned to TheWestHamWay for all your information on
Wednesday's match.
West Ham: Hart, Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Kouyate, Obiang,
Arnautovic, Lanzini, Masuaku, Carroll
Subs: Adrian, Rice, Noble, Quina, Fernandes, Sakho (93'), Ayew (69')
Leicester: Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs, Mahrez, Ndidi,
Albrighton, Iborra, Gray, Vardy
Subs: Hamer, Chilwell (70'), Dragovic, King, Okazaki, Slimani (92'),
Iheanacho
Referee: Martin Atkinson
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-1 Leicester: David Moyes picks up first point of Hammers tenure
By Lewis Jones at The London Stadium
Last Updated: 25/11/17 8:00am
SSN
West Ham extended their winless run to six games as they were held to a 1-1
draw with Leicester City on Friday Night Football. In David Moyes first home
game in charge, West Ham fell behind inside eight minutes when Marc
Albrighton took advantage of some sloppy Hammers defending. That early goal
could have triggered a toxic atmosphere inside The London Stadium but - as
Moyes had called for all week - the club and fans stuck together and got a
deserved equaliser through Cheikhou Kouyate right on half-time. A point was
not enough to lift West Ham out of the drop zone, who have put together
their worst start to a season since 2010 when they were relegated under
Avram Grant.
Player ratings
West Ham: Hart (6), Zabaleta (6), Reid (6), Ogbonna (5), Cresswell (6),
Kouyate (7), Obiang (6), Arnautovic (7), Lanzini (6), Masuaku (7), Carroll
(5).
Subs: Ayew (6), Sakho (6)
Leicester: Schmeichel (6), Simpson, (6) Morgan (6), Maguire (6), Fuchs (6),
Mahrez (6), Ndidi (7), Albrighton (7), Iborra (6), Gray (6), Vardy (7)
Subs: Chilwell (6),
Man of the match: Marko Arnautovic
Moyes would have been hoping to build on the positive signs on show in the
defeat at Watford, but his team wilted inside eight minutes. Jamie Vardy was
allowed to run free down the left and his cross was missed completely by
Angelo Ogbonna, which allowed Albrighton the opportunity to poke home from
close range.
The Hammers was quite lucky to get away with a penalty appeal on 22 minutes
when Albrighton was bundled into by Arthur Masuaku and Vardy curled inches
wide seven minutes later. However, West Ham always looked a threat from
set-pieces and they forced home the equaliser just before the break when
Kouyate bundled in a left-wing corner. David Moyes dropped Mark Noble for
winger Arthur Masuaku in the only change from the 2-0 defeat at Watford.
Claude Puel named the same players that started the 2-0 home defeat against
Manchester City last Saturday. Despite the best efforts of the home fans,
who tried to roar their team forward, West Ham failed to really lay siege to
the Leicester goal in a disjointed second period that was lacking in
quality. The stop-start nature to proceedings resulted in six minutes of
injury time and substitute Andre Ayew nearly nicked it with an acrobatic
attempt following a goalmouth scramble but his effort flew inches over.
Man of the match: Marko Arnautovic
It looked at times as though West Ham had signed a new right winger. The
home fans had yet to see their big money signing really produce a high level
of work-rate but he produced the goods here in a solid all-round display.
The pick of his key moments came midway through the first-half where he
sprinted back 50 yards to make a vital last-ditch tackle on Jamie Vardy.
Moyes commented: "He was very good - people told me on Sunday that was one
of his better games. He showed the other side to his game that he knows he
has to do."
Opta stats
Moyes has failed to win any of his 11 Premier League home games in 2017 (D4
L7), equalling the record set by Mick McCarthy in 2005 (P11 W0 D3 L8).
Kouyate has been involved in more goals against Leicester (3, two goals and
one assist) than any other opponent in the Premier League.
No side has conceded more goals from corners in the Premier League this
season than Leicester (6, level with Watford).
West Ham are yet to win a Premier League match at the London Stadium in
which they conceded first (D3 L10).
Manager reaction: David Moyes
"The second half was much more like us, it was more like the crowd, it was
more like Upton Park. There was 10 minutes when the crowd was right behind
the team - they need it, we need it."
David Moyes was encouraged by West Ham's performance in their 1-1 draw with
Leicester at the London Stadium and felt the display merited more.
Claude Puel
"We had to kill the game after the first half. With the goal before
half-time West Ham took confidence."
What's next?
West Ham face fellow strugglers Everton on Wednesday before facing
Manchester City (a), Chelsea (h) and Arsenal (a). Meanwhile, Leicester have
a home clash with Tottenham on Tuesday evening.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes praises West Ham fans for making 'atmosphere like Upton Park'
Last Updated: 25/11/17 7:44am
SSN
David Moyes praised the home fans for sticking with his West Ham team and
likened the atmosphere to Upton Park in the 1-1 draw with Leicester. The
Hammers extended their winless run to six games with the result but there
were plenty of positives to take from the performance. After falling behind
early, the atmosphere could have turned toxic inside The London Stadium but
- as Moyes had called for all week - the club and fans stuck together and
got a deserved equaliser through Cheikhou Kouyate right on half-time.
Moyes acknowledged the crowd's backing. He said: "We were a little bit
unlucky to go behind - we showed character. We could've gone under but they
kept digging in. "We didn't play as well as we should have in first half
but we warranted going in level at half-time. The second half was much more
like us, it was more like the crowd, it was more like Upton Park. There was
10 minutes when the crowd was right behind the team - they need it, we need
it. "The players worked hard and deserved the applause. When we went 1-0
down, the supporters didn't boo - they understood we didn't deserve to be
behind. The players stuck at it. "I thought the second half was terrific in
the way the supporters got behind the team. They got behind them as they saw
the effort from the players. It goes hand-in-hand."
Marko Arnautovic, who has flattered to deceive since joining from Stoke City
in the summer, put in a much-improved showing on the right wing. His
willingness to work back and help out his defence was duly noted by Moyes.
"He was very good - people told me on Sunday that was one of his better
games," he said. "He showed the other side to his game that he knows he has
to do. "He needs to make sure he does that week-in, week-out. They've all
got to do it, they all tried to the best of their ability."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"It's difficult to get a back-four that disorganised, it's shocking!" Gary
Neville tears into West Ham's defence
The Sky Sports pundit couldn't believe what he was watching in the first
half of West Ham's game with Leicester City
The Mirror
ByJake Polden
21:39, 24 NOV 2017
Gary Neville ripped apart West Ham's back-four following a shocking
defensive display in the first half of their Premier League clash with
Leicester City. The Manchester United legend said he couldn't believe what
he had just witnessed, and claimed it actually takes work for a defence to
be that disorganised. The Hammers fell behind in just eight minutes of the
clash at the London Stadium when Jamie Vardy picked out Marc Albrighton in
the box and he fired past Joe Hart.
Angelo Ogbonna was all over the place when the ball came into the box, and
the Italian struggled to recover as the first half wore on. Criticising his
performance, as well as the rest of the West Ham defence, Neville told Spy
Sports: "That is very difficult to coach to get a back-four that
disorganised, it's shocking, and it leaves Vardy one-on-one. "Ogbonna has
had a nightmare, he really has at centre-back." "Look at them, walking. You
have got to show some level of liveliness and alertness, be on your toes.
"But you look at them, that gap there, and you look at Ogbonna. I have no
idea what he is doing. Just watch him here, he doesn't even move. "Against a
throw-in, it's absolutely scandalous to be found in that position, and it's
just a penalty, he's tackling from the wrong side, it's definitely a
penalty."
He concluded: "And at that point of the game it could have been away from
David Moyes, it could have been away from West Ham, and you could have seen
this crowd getting toxic."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United 1 – 1 Leicester City
Premier League
Cheikhou Kouyate's header earned David Moyes his first point as West Ham
United manager as his side fought back well to draw 1-1 with Leicester City
on Friday night. The Hammers had to recover from the early blow of falling
behind to Marc Albrighton's eighth minute opener, and they showed great
spirit to do just that.
Kouyate rose highest to nod home a Manuel Lanzini corner on the stroke of
half-time and it was the Hammers, backed by a tremendous atmosphere inside
London Stadium, who remained on the front foot after the break. Joe Hart was
barely tested in goal in the second period as the hosts searched for a way
through, but they could not break down a stubborn Foxes defence again and
had to settle for a point. Moyes made one change from the side which faced
Watford in his first game as Hammers boss, with Arthur Masuaku coming in for
Mark Noble, but his team made a similar start to that Vicarage Road. There
were just eight minutes on the clock when Jamie Vardy fashioned space on the
left to cross. His low delivery eluded Angelo Ogbonna and Albrighton had
moved in from the flank to steer home.
Vardy's pace threatened to create another chance midway through the half
when he burst into life in the left channel and nicked the ball inside
Winston Reid, but Marko Arnautovic had tracked back diligently to shepherd
the England striker away from danger. It was an excellent piece of defending
and the Hammers almost took full advantage on 26 minutes when Masuaku's
strong run forward was halted illegally outside the box and Lanzini's
delivery was flicked goalwards by Ogbonna, forcing a save from Kasper
Schmeichel. The Hammers were trying to get on the front foot, but had to be
wary of Leicester's pace on the counter and Riyad Mahrez made a couple of
probing runs as time wore on before the break, calling Hart into action with
one rising effort from 20 yards. At the other end, the hosts' fashioned an
opportunity for Kouyate eight minutes before the interval, but he could only
nod wide after Cresswell crossed wickedly from the left. Right on the stroke
of half-time the Senegal midfielder more than made up for it, rising in the
centre to head Lanzini's corner goalwards with enough force that Danny
Simpson's shoulder couldn't keep it out on the line.
It was an impressive response to the early blow of falling behind and
Masuaku tried to drive the Hammers yet further forward early after the
restart, making Schmeichel hold his testing cross-shot as he drove on down
the left. Arnautovic was continuing to put a real shift in and he got across
his man to meet a Lanzini cross on 63 minutes, but from his position in
front of the near post he couldn't force the ball on target. Although West
Ham were having the better of the game, clear chances were difficult to come
by as the game looked to be heading for a draw. There was time for one more
opportunity when sub Andre Ayew acroatically attempted to score in the
aftermath of a late corner, but the ball flew over the bar and the Hammers
had to settle for a well-earned point.
West Ham United: Hart, Zabaleta, Reid (c), Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang,
Kouyate, Arnautovic (Ayew 69), Lanzini, Masuaku (Sakho 90+2), Carroll
Subs: Adrian, Noble, Fernandes, Quina, Rice
Goal: Kouyate 45
Booked: Ayew
Leicester City: Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan (c), Maguire, Fuchs, Ndidi,
Iborra, Albrighton, Mahrez (Chilwell 70), Gray (Slimani 90+1), Vardy
Subs: Hamer, Iheanacho, King, Dragovic, Okazaki
Goal: Albrighton 8
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 56,897
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arnautovic: We are progressing
WHIFC.com
Marko Arnautovic felt Friday's 1-1 draw with Leicester City shows the
Hammers are making progress in the early days of David Moyes' reign as
manager. Cheikhou Kouyate's header on the stroke of half-time cancelled out
Marc Albrighton's early opener and West Ham remained on the front foot in
the second half as they searched for a winner. Backed by the tremendous
support of the London Stadium crowd the Hammers probed, and although they
could not find a way through a stubborn Foxes defence for a second time,
Arnautovic was pleased with how the hosts responded. He also had praise for
the fans' vocal support and wants to reward them with victories as soon as
possible. He said: "I think we deserved more and from my point of view we
were the better team. We know we are not in an easy situation, but I think
we are progressing. "The fans today were so loud. The last weeks have not
been what everyone wanted and we know they are disappointed because we're
not bringing the results, but they were behind us and they gave everything
like we did on the pitch. "I hope we can continue like that, and that we can
have a lot of joy, but we need to win the games. "We came good after the
goal. We said 'come on let's do this, we need to fight, we need to win and
we need to get our goals'. "We got it [the equaliser] before half time and
we had a few chances. Let's now be okay with a point and move on."
From a personal point of view, Arnautovic contributed at both ends of the
pitch, supplying seven crosses as well as doing his defensive duty
diligently and he feels he is getting back to form. He added: "It was hard
for me at the beginning of the season. I got the red card, then I was ill
when we played Swansea and it was hard mentally for me, but I think I'm
ready, I'm fit and I hope I can give everything for West Ham. "I'm not here
for no reason, and I want to show the fans, the players and everyone
involved at West Ham that they can count on me. Last week I had [the injury]
with my hand and on Friday I had a bang on my knee. "I tried to run it off,
but I don't want to hurt the team. If there are players with fresh legs who
can help the team, I don't want to be the man who can't move any more.
"I want to help the team, I want to give assists and score goals. Hopefully
that can come in the future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes praises players and fans after London Stadium debut
WHUFC.com
David Moyes praised both his West Ham United players and the Claret and Blue
Army for helping the Hammers to a hard-earned 1-1 Premier League draw with
Leicester City. The Scot marked his first home game in charge with a
deserved point as Cheikhou Kouyate's equaliser on the stroke of half-time
cancelled out Marc Albrighton's early opener. With the London Stadium
faithful in great voice, Moyes' team went in search of a winner their
overall performance arguably deserved, but ultimately the Hammers had to
settle for a share of the spoils. "It was a start for us tonight. It's not
been the best place for us, but I thought the players' performance warranted
more. I thought the crowd were fantastic, so all the negatives I've heard
about the crowd, I thought the opposite and that they were great, they
really were. "I think any player will tell you that West Ham has always been
a tough place to come over the years, with a tough crowd and they can make
it that way in this stadium as well, and I think they did tonight. "I
thought they got right behind the players, but I also thought the players
gave them something to shout about as well."
The second half may not have brought a winning goal for the hosts, but they
controlled the game for long periods and went close on a number of
occasions, most notably through substitute Andre Ayew's overhead kick. "I
thought they were great in the second half and that's why the crowd reacted
so well," said Moyes.
"I think they are low on confidence as the results haven't gone well and
they lost a manager as well, and when it goes like that it's difficult and
you need some things to go for you now and again. "We lost a goal after
eight minutes when I don't know if Leicester had been up the pitch before
that. They stuck at it though, they really did, and the second half they
made a really good go of it and in the end we might have nicked it."
Two players who caught the eye were wingers Marko Arnautovic and Arthur
Masuaku, who gave Leicester full-backs Danny Simpson and Christian Fuchs a
tough time with their power, pace and direct running. The pair delivered 15
of West Ham's 31 crosses and generally pushed the Foxes onto the back foot
every time they took possession. "Marko played really well for us on Sunday,
without really getting a lot of praise for it. Everybody said he hasn't run
so I said 'If you don't run, we won't play you', so he's running and I
think, if you're a full-back, you don't really want to play against
Arnautovic because he's got power and pace. "He probably prefers to play on
the left-hand side but we've got a few people who want to do that, so at the
moment we are playing him on the opposite side. "We want him to be a big
player. We spent a lot of money on him and we want him to score goals and
make goals and tonight he helped us."
The statistics also showed that the Hammers outran and outsprinted their
opponents, showing further evidence of their improving fitness levels under
Moyes and his coaching staff. So, was the manager happy with his team's
output in his first home game at the helm? "We've learnt that we can run and
they have now set the standard and cannot go below that. Even then, we only
got a draw, so we'll need to play better with the ball when we get it and at
least keep those levels up if we are going to take something from every
game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers U23s bested away to Arsenal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23s fell to a 3-0 defeat against their Arsenal counterparts
in a tricky contest on Friday evening. Two first half goals from Vlad
Dragomir put the Gunners in control at half-time, and if not for a penalty
save by Nathan Trott that lead could have been greater. Grady Diangana and
Toni Martinez saw efforts saved for the Hammers in freezing conditions at
Boreham Wood, but Arsenal secured the win with a late finish through Eddie
Nketiah in the second half. It was the Hammers that had the opening effort
of the game as Diangana fired a shot over the bar in the first minute, after
the away side got forward from the opening whistle. Risky play in the
back-line, particularly from goalkeeper Matt Macey, almost allowed Martinez
in as well but it was Arsenal that took the lead after six minutes.
Dragomir's header looped over Trott and into the far corner. The England
youth international was the hero just minutes later however as Arsenal were
given the chance to extend their lead from the penalty spot. Eddie Nketiah's
effort from 12 yards was excellently saved by Trott down to his right. Ben
Johnson and Sead Haksabanovic came close to getting West Ham level with
headers from corners, while Martin Samuelsen was brought down in the area
only for the referee to wave away the penalty appeals.
Martinez saw a shot saved by Macey as well before Arsenal doubled their
advantage. Dragomir grabbed his second on 36 minutes after a well-found ball
put him in, allowing the Arsenal player to score. The second period began in
the exact same vein as the first with Diangana again having the opening shot
of the half. This time the midfielder's curling effort forced a decent save
from Macey. The Hammers were a more composed unit following the break and
captain Moses Makasi came very close to getting the Irons back in the game,
but his follow-up shot was over the bar. Arsenal's Da Silva took an effort,
which Trott held well, but chances in the second half were scarcer as both
sides battled in midfield. But the Gunners secured all three points with
their third goal in the 82nd minute as Nketiah fired home from close range.
Arsenal: Macey, Osei-Tutu, Bola, Sheaf, Pleguezuelo; Medley, Dragomir,
Dasilva, Nketiah; Willock, Smith Rowe
Subs not used: Gilmour, Keto, Amaechi, Eyoma
Goalscorers: Draogmir 6' 36', Nketiah 82'
West Ham United: Trott; Johnson, Akinola, Wells, Longelo; Makasi, Coventry,
Samuelsen, Haksabanovic (Hector-Ingram 52'), DIangana; Martinez
Subs not used: Powell, Matrevics, Bernardo,
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal had 'cutting edge' over West Ham U23s - Westley
WHUFC.com
Academy director Terry Westley has conceded Arsenal's quality was the
difference as the West Ham United U23s fell to a 3-0 defeat in Boreham Wood.
Two first half finishes from Vlad Dragomir were followed up by a late Eddie
Nketiah strike to hand the Hammers the loss on Friday evening. West Ham
looked to battle back in the second period but struggled to find a way
through a strong Arsenal team, and Westley admitted that his young U23s side
were beaten by the better side on the night. "They are a strong team with
strong players," Westley told whufc.com. "Some have played in the Europa
League or at least travelled with the squad, with the first team. You could
see the quality they had in their team. "I though we stayed with the game
nicely in the second half to be fair. The late goal was a bit unfair on us
given how hard we had worked, but Arsenal really had the cutting edge. They
play some nice, attractive football. We were really just trying to stay with
them. A 3-0 was about right."
Westley did not look to make excuses for the loss but did point to the
number of regular U23s players that his team lined up without. Nathan
Holland is currently out injured, as is Josh Pask, while Declan Rice and
Domingos Quina were with the first team squad at London Stadium for the
Premier League tie with Leicester City. The Academy director added: "I don't
think you can take out the quality of players we've in our squad, like Pask
and Holland, and then Declan Rice and Domingos Quina. When you take that
level out, we haven't got the numbers to come in and really strengthen the
team again. It was always going to be difficult.
"Rosaire Longelo, Ben Wells and Ben Johnson are all under 18, meaning three
of our back four were under 18. Conor Coventry, in midfield, is also under
18, so it was going to be a tall order tonight from the start."
Westley did however indicate that such a game taught him and his coaching
team about other qualities the players possess, before highlighting Nathan
Trott'a performance. The goalkeeper made a number of top saves, including
one from a first-half penalty, in Friday's match to stop Arsenal from
netting more than the three goals they found. Westley continued: "It was a
different type of game and what you do see is people's character and the
ones who can stand up to it when it goes against you. "On that note, I would
probably say our best performer was our goalkeeper, Nathan Trott. He's had
14 plus shots to deal with tonight and he's pulled off some very good saves,
including the penalty."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Ladies v C&K Basildon: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies return to action this weekend with a home contest
against C&K Basildon.
Read on for everything you need ahead of this Sunday's fixture, including
ticket information, team news, and a look at this weekend's opposition:
Where and When?
West Ham United Ladies will play C&K Basildon in the FA Women's Premier
League Southern Division on Sunday 26 November.
The contest is to be played at home, at the Rush Green Stadium, with
kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
How to follow:
Season Ticket holders and Claret Members can attend this Ladies contest for
free!
General admission is £2 while U16s can also enter free of charge.
Live updates will be provided throughout the afternoon through the official
West Ham United Ladies Twitter account.
Highlights of Sunday's fixture will be available on the West Ham United
website on Monday.
Meet the opposition:
0:21
Team news:
Greg de Carnys will be hoping he can call on some regular first team players
when the Ladies return to action against C&K Basildon.
Captain Amy Cooper and Chloe Burr were among the players that missed the
last match against Coventry United, while Rosie Kmita was only fit enough
for the bench, and it remains to be seen if any of those trio will be
available for this weekend's fixture.
De Carnys said: "We're hoping we will have a few players back, but a couple
are not available. It's about making sure we get them back in the right way
so they can stay injury free. I'll be taking the advice I get from the
physios."
What they say:
"C&K Basildon are a tough side, as we found when we played them last time. I
think we've improved since then though. They are the only other side to beat
Charlton this season. We know it's a tough challenge but we are ready."
Greg de Carnys
West Ham United Ladies manager
Last time out:
West Ham United Ladies:
Despite a debut goal from Zoe Swift the Hammers fell to a defeat in their
last fixture, suffering a 2-1 loss away at a tough Coventry United.
The Ladies had taken the lead but conceded a penalty just minutes before
half-time, which was converted, before Coventry won the match in the second
period.
C&K Basildon Ladies:
Two goals apiece for Jay Blackie and Angela Addison put C&K Basildon well on
their way with the side picking up an impressive 5-0 victory over Cardiff
City Ladies.
Danica Revell claimed the other goal in the win.
How to get there:
Rush Green (RM7 0LU) can be found on Rush Green road and provides free
parking for Ladies matches. The nearest train station is Romford which is
roughly a 30 minute walk to Rush Green.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 1-1 LEICESTER CITY – MATCH REPORT
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 24 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 10:29PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
West Ham drew tonight 1-1 to Leicester City in a Friday night premier league
fixture that featured a spirited home crowd and a bit more passion from the
stands of the London Stadium than recent matches have shown. For Claude
Puel , he like David Moyes, is still finding his path with his first team
players. But with proven scorers like Jamie Vardy, the Foxes have shown
they are able to score quickly.
In the early going on Leicester's first real counter attack, Vardy crossed
to a poorly defended Marc Albrighton, who found the corner of the net.
While Vardy showed his usual pace, it was the poor communication from centre
backs that allowed Albrighton the space to open up the scoring.
Following the opening goal, West Ham seemed to regroup and carried a slight
advantage in possession throughout the opening half. Desperately needing an
equaliser , Andy Carroll tried his best to play his role of target man.
Crosses from Cresswell and Arnautovic were close but not quite there for the
tall striker.
Finally, in the final minute of the half, a West Ham corner kick allowed
Cheikhou Kouyate muscle through Wilfred Ndidi and get a header past Kasper
Schmeichel (the header actually rolled off of Danny Simpson's back, and into
the goal). But West Ham went level and found some momentum heading into the
break.
The second half was spirited but neither goalkeeper was under much duress
for most of the half. The fans at the London Stadium really came to life in
the second half to encourage their struggling side on to a sorely needed
victory. The most notable point of the second half was the number of game
stoppages due to injury on both sides of the pitch.
In the final moments of the half and the six minutes of added time, it was
West Ham showing the most ambition in taking all three points, however the
Hammers were unable to find a clean shot and Leicester showed some fortitude
in defending Lanzini's set plays. The closest attempt was a stoppage time
corner kick which featured an Andre Ayew overhead kick in heavy traffic
which sailed over the crossbar.
It wasn't lack of effort towards the end, but Martin Atkinson's whistle
ended West Ham's chances at victory and Moyes had to settle for a single
point for all of the effort. The story to follow after this match is the
medical status of Arnautovic, and Kouyate. Both picked up injuries,
although only Arnautovic left the match.
It is a short week for West Ham as they travel to Goodison Park to face a
struggling Everton side, still without a new manager. Coming off their
1-5 Europa league embarrassment, the Toffees will be seeking some redemption
and both clubs desperately need a victory.
Be sure to stay tuned to TheWestHamWay for all your information on
Wednesday's match.
West Ham: Hart, Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Kouyate, Obiang,
Arnautovic, Lanzini, Masuaku, Carroll
Subs: Adrian, Rice, Noble, Quina, Fernandes, Sakho (93'), Ayew (69')
Leicester: Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs, Mahrez, Ndidi,
Albrighton, Iborra, Gray, Vardy
Subs: Hamer, Chilwell (70'), Dragovic, King, Okazaki, Slimani (92'),
Iheanacho
Referee: Martin Atkinson
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-1 Leicester: David Moyes picks up first point of Hammers tenure
By Lewis Jones at The London Stadium
Last Updated: 25/11/17 8:00am
SSN
West Ham extended their winless run to six games as they were held to a 1-1
draw with Leicester City on Friday Night Football. In David Moyes first home
game in charge, West Ham fell behind inside eight minutes when Marc
Albrighton took advantage of some sloppy Hammers defending. That early goal
could have triggered a toxic atmosphere inside The London Stadium but - as
Moyes had called for all week - the club and fans stuck together and got a
deserved equaliser through Cheikhou Kouyate right on half-time. A point was
not enough to lift West Ham out of the drop zone, who have put together
their worst start to a season since 2010 when they were relegated under
Avram Grant.
Player ratings
West Ham: Hart (6), Zabaleta (6), Reid (6), Ogbonna (5), Cresswell (6),
Kouyate (7), Obiang (6), Arnautovic (7), Lanzini (6), Masuaku (7), Carroll
(5).
Subs: Ayew (6), Sakho (6)
Leicester: Schmeichel (6), Simpson, (6) Morgan (6), Maguire (6), Fuchs (6),
Mahrez (6), Ndidi (7), Albrighton (7), Iborra (6), Gray (6), Vardy (7)
Subs: Chilwell (6),
Man of the match: Marko Arnautovic
Moyes would have been hoping to build on the positive signs on show in the
defeat at Watford, but his team wilted inside eight minutes. Jamie Vardy was
allowed to run free down the left and his cross was missed completely by
Angelo Ogbonna, which allowed Albrighton the opportunity to poke home from
close range.
The Hammers was quite lucky to get away with a penalty appeal on 22 minutes
when Albrighton was bundled into by Arthur Masuaku and Vardy curled inches
wide seven minutes later. However, West Ham always looked a threat from
set-pieces and they forced home the equaliser just before the break when
Kouyate bundled in a left-wing corner. David Moyes dropped Mark Noble for
winger Arthur Masuaku in the only change from the 2-0 defeat at Watford.
Claude Puel named the same players that started the 2-0 home defeat against
Manchester City last Saturday. Despite the best efforts of the home fans,
who tried to roar their team forward, West Ham failed to really lay siege to
the Leicester goal in a disjointed second period that was lacking in
quality. The stop-start nature to proceedings resulted in six minutes of
injury time and substitute Andre Ayew nearly nicked it with an acrobatic
attempt following a goalmouth scramble but his effort flew inches over.
Man of the match: Marko Arnautovic
It looked at times as though West Ham had signed a new right winger. The
home fans had yet to see their big money signing really produce a high level
of work-rate but he produced the goods here in a solid all-round display.
The pick of his key moments came midway through the first-half where he
sprinted back 50 yards to make a vital last-ditch tackle on Jamie Vardy.
Moyes commented: "He was very good - people told me on Sunday that was one
of his better games. He showed the other side to his game that he knows he
has to do."
Opta stats
Moyes has failed to win any of his 11 Premier League home games in 2017 (D4
L7), equalling the record set by Mick McCarthy in 2005 (P11 W0 D3 L8).
Kouyate has been involved in more goals against Leicester (3, two goals and
one assist) than any other opponent in the Premier League.
No side has conceded more goals from corners in the Premier League this
season than Leicester (6, level with Watford).
West Ham are yet to win a Premier League match at the London Stadium in
which they conceded first (D3 L10).
Manager reaction: David Moyes
"The second half was much more like us, it was more like the crowd, it was
more like Upton Park. There was 10 minutes when the crowd was right behind
the team - they need it, we need it."
David Moyes was encouraged by West Ham's performance in their 1-1 draw with
Leicester at the London Stadium and felt the display merited more.
Claude Puel
"We had to kill the game after the first half. With the goal before
half-time West Ham took confidence."
What's next?
West Ham face fellow strugglers Everton on Wednesday before facing
Manchester City (a), Chelsea (h) and Arsenal (a). Meanwhile, Leicester have
a home clash with Tottenham on Tuesday evening.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes praises West Ham fans for making 'atmosphere like Upton Park'
Last Updated: 25/11/17 7:44am
SSN
David Moyes praised the home fans for sticking with his West Ham team and
likened the atmosphere to Upton Park in the 1-1 draw with Leicester. The
Hammers extended their winless run to six games with the result but there
were plenty of positives to take from the performance. After falling behind
early, the atmosphere could have turned toxic inside The London Stadium but
- as Moyes had called for all week - the club and fans stuck together and
got a deserved equaliser through Cheikhou Kouyate right on half-time.
Moyes acknowledged the crowd's backing. He said: "We were a little bit
unlucky to go behind - we showed character. We could've gone under but they
kept digging in. "We didn't play as well as we should have in first half
but we warranted going in level at half-time. The second half was much more
like us, it was more like the crowd, it was more like Upton Park. There was
10 minutes when the crowd was right behind the team - they need it, we need
it. "The players worked hard and deserved the applause. When we went 1-0
down, the supporters didn't boo - they understood we didn't deserve to be
behind. The players stuck at it. "I thought the second half was terrific in
the way the supporters got behind the team. They got behind them as they saw
the effort from the players. It goes hand-in-hand."
Marko Arnautovic, who has flattered to deceive since joining from Stoke City
in the summer, put in a much-improved showing on the right wing. His
willingness to work back and help out his defence was duly noted by Moyes.
"He was very good - people told me on Sunday that was one of his better
games," he said. "He showed the other side to his game that he knows he has
to do. "He needs to make sure he does that week-in, week-out. They've all
got to do it, they all tried to the best of their ability."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"It's difficult to get a back-four that disorganised, it's shocking!" Gary
Neville tears into West Ham's defence
The Sky Sports pundit couldn't believe what he was watching in the first
half of West Ham's game with Leicester City
The Mirror
ByJake Polden
21:39, 24 NOV 2017
Gary Neville ripped apart West Ham's back-four following a shocking
defensive display in the first half of their Premier League clash with
Leicester City. The Manchester United legend said he couldn't believe what
he had just witnessed, and claimed it actually takes work for a defence to
be that disorganised. The Hammers fell behind in just eight minutes of the
clash at the London Stadium when Jamie Vardy picked out Marc Albrighton in
the box and he fired past Joe Hart.
Angelo Ogbonna was all over the place when the ball came into the box, and
the Italian struggled to recover as the first half wore on. Criticising his
performance, as well as the rest of the West Ham defence, Neville told Spy
Sports: "That is very difficult to coach to get a back-four that
disorganised, it's shocking, and it leaves Vardy one-on-one. "Ogbonna has
had a nightmare, he really has at centre-back." "Look at them, walking. You
have got to show some level of liveliness and alertness, be on your toes.
"But you look at them, that gap there, and you look at Ogbonna. I have no
idea what he is doing. Just watch him here, he doesn't even move. "Against a
throw-in, it's absolutely scandalous to be found in that position, and it's
just a penalty, he's tackling from the wrong side, it's definitely a
penalty."
He concluded: "And at that point of the game it could have been away from
David Moyes, it could have been away from West Ham, and you could have seen
this crowd getting toxic."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
