A Christmas message from the Club Chaplain
WHUFC.com
Merry Christmas everyone!
We look like we're finishing the season on a real high and have got back to winning ways and are moving up the Premier League table. Christmas is the time of year when we celebrate God coming to the world as the baby Jesus, but why did God do it? It reminds me of a story of a man walking in the park and seeing some pigeons feeding on the grass, picking up seeds and insects, and becoming intrigued as he stood there watching them. The man got even more interested and took a few steps forward. The pigeons did not stop feeding, but merely turned their heads slightly and kept one eye on him. The man got even more interested and took a few more steps forward, but then the pigeons flew away. The man thought 'I'm not going to harm them. I just wanted to be near them', but then he realised that to be near them, to be one of them, to fly with them, he had to become a pigeon himself. If God had revealed himself as God into the world, we would have all been frightened and run away, so instead he became the human baby Jesus. To see the baby Jesus, the shepherds came down from the hillside, the wise men travelled hundreds of miles, but today we do not have to travel at all, because Jesus comes to us, if you want him to. While Christmas is a time of joy and giving for many, I know Christmas can be a difficult time for some people, and I pray everyone is surrounded by God's love and He gives you His peace and His joy. I wish you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Come on you Irons!
Rev Alan Bolding
Club Chaplain
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AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will travel down to Bournemouth for a Boxing Day clash as the festive fixtures continue to arrive.
Read on for everything you need to know about this Christmas time contest!
Where and when?
Tuesday's match between Bournemouth and West Ham will be played at the Vitality Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
The postcode is: BH7 7AF
How to follow:
Unfortunately, due to being a 3pm kick-off the match is not available for viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click here.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat channels.
Meet the opposition:
What they say:
"We just need to be positive as a group and hopefully things will change. We now have to go and try and win the next game, on Tuesday, against Bournemouth."
Arthur Masuaku
Match Officials:
Referee: Bobby Madley
Assistant Referees: Marc Perry & Simon Long
Fourth Official: Mike Jones
Last five meetings:
0:39
How to get there:
Supporters are advised that trains will not be running on Boxing Day.
By Train
Follow the M3 down to Junction 13 and join the M27 and the A31, before moving on to the A338. Take the Littledown Ave exit and head onto King's Park Drive.
By Car
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Bournemouth
WHUFC.com
West Ham fans will be understandably disappointed to have had their recent renaissance interrupted by Newcastle on Saturday. But the good thing about the festive football calendar is that you don't need to wait very long for an opportunity to put things right. And the Hammers' visit to Bournemouth on Saturday looks a perfect chance to start another positive run of results. No team has amassed fewer points at home than the Cherries this season, whose only two wins at the Vitality Stadium so far this term have come against promoted clubs in Brighton and Huddersfield. So, having romped to a 3-0 win against Stoke on their most recent travels – and pushed runaway leaders Manchester City all the way the time before that – David Moyes' side should feel confident of taking something from the game. Particularly considering that their opponents have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches in all competitions.
It should be pointed out, however, that Bournemouth have also only failed to score against Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City during the same period – so a bet on both teams to find the back of the net would make sense. West Ham, of course, shared five with Newcastle in their last outing, and history would suggest they may well be involved in another goal fest on Tuesday. The four Premier League meetings between these two sides over the last couple of seasons have seen a total of 17 scored, with at least four in three of them.
Given West Ham have scored five and Bournemouth have conceded eight in their last two matches, over 3.5 shouldn't be too much to ask for once again. And when it comes to pinpointing who might find the net for the Hammers, it's hard to look beyond Marko Arnautovic once again, who is revelling in a more advanced role with three goals in his last four league games The majority of his Premier League career goals have come against lower-half sides, so he could well prove the key to West Ham pulling away from their hosts in the bottom three.
Recommended bets:
West Ham double chance and both teams to score – 6/4
Over 3.5 goals – 12/5
Marko Arnautovic to score at any time
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Moyes: Boxing Day team selection and transfer update
WHUFC.com
David Moyes has challenged his West Ham United team to rediscover their resilience when they head to AFC Bournemouth on Boxing Day. The Hammers travel to the Vitality Stadium seeking to bounce back from a surprise 3-2 Premier League defeat by Newcastle United at London Stadium on Saturday. And on Tuesday, he wants his players to show the same organisation, discipline and creativity they demonstrated in recent wins over Chelsea and Stoke City when they take on a Cherries side without a win in seven top-flight matches. "I thought Saturday was a big game for us, because a win would have propelled us into a really strong position, but obviously we didn't win and remain in amongst it where we are at the moment," said Moyes. "I think the team has handled most things well. We've come through a difficult period of games and probably taken more points than was expected. Saturday was the first real disappointment, so we'll have to see how we'll handle it. "I have to say, we've been down the bottom for most of the season, so Bournemouth becomes really important as it's the next game we have to try and win."
Chicharito and Adrian
Against Newcastle, Moyes played Marko Arnautovic and Michail Antonio in the two forward positions but, with another game to play just 72 hours later, the Scot may be tempted to hand starts to either Andy Carroll or Chicharito on the south coast. "Up until Saturday, the players who had been playing had been performing well, and when that happens you reward them and keep playing them. I don't think anybody could question that "I do know what Andy Carroll and Chicharito's qualities are, but the way the team has been set up has been better suited to the two quicker boys playing up front. "There will be occasions when we have to change the team and it will better suit Andy or Chicharito at different times. "Chicharito can start, but we'd like to be giving him service and good balls into the box as he's a good goalscorer who can get on the end of things." There will be occasions when we have to change the team and it will better suit Andy or Chicharito at different times
Moyes also admitted he would again consider who to start in goal in the Premier League, with Joe Hart pushing hard for a recall at the expense of Adrian. "I'll need to look at it, as there were things on Saturday I'll need to look at again to see how it was. I've got two really good goalkeepers and good competition and I'll need to see what I think once I've had a review of the video." Moyes also gave an update on the Club's plans for the January transfer window. "We talk quite regularly and we've come up with the same sort of stuff that we'd like to add to the squad if we can. "Obviously if we're in this position then we need to, but finding the right players and getting them are different things. Sometimes the ones you want, you won't get or are maybe unavailable at this time. "The Club knows the positions we'd like to go for. What changes is when you go for your target and can't get him, then you have to go for another target. I would hope we will have two or three people who will be in consideration."
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MATCH PREVIEW: BOURNEMOUTH V WEST HAM
By Dan Coker 25 Dec 2017 at 08:00 154 comments
WTID
Firstly, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all West Ham Till I Die readers a very Merry Christmas!
Blast from the past
In today's preview, we travel back the very short distance to 12th January 2016: Justin Bieber's 'Love Yourself' topped the charts; Star Wars: The Force Awakens was in UK cinemas; David Bowie had died two days previously with Alan Rickman to pass away two days later; and West Ham United beat Bournemouth away from home for the first (and currently only) time ever.
Super Slav's Hammers picked up a 3-1 win in front of 11,071 spectators for a Tuesday night encounter at the Vitality Stadium. Andy Carroll was forced off through injury after just 15 minutes, with Nikica Jelavic entering the fray in his stead. Within two minutes of the switch, the Irons were behind when Cherries midfielder Harry Arter, former Hammer Scott Parker's brother-in-law, fired home from 25 yards to give his side their first goal in four league games. The hosts' new signing, striker Benik Afobe, squandered two glorious chances to extend Bournemouth's lead, heading over from six yards and being denied by Adrian after hesitating when clean through on goal.
West Ham were much improved after the break and the equaliser arrived with 23 minutes left to play, a sublime free-kick from Frenchman Dimitri Payet, making his first start in over two months after recovering from an ankle injury. Just seven minutes later, the visitors were in front – substitute Carl Jenkinson's quick throw-in found Payet who squirmed between two defenders before cutting back for Enner Valencia to slam the ball home. The Ecuadorian (pictured above) claimed his second in the 84th minute, cracking a stunning free-kick over the wall and beating Artur Boruc at his near post to claim his first Hammers brace.
The victory equalled a club-record eighth match unbeaten in the Premier League and took West Ham above Manchester United and into fifth, within a point of Tottenham in the final Champions League position. The Hammers would end the 2015/16 campaign in seventh place in the Premier League, while Bournemouth would finish 16th. Leicester won the Premier League, Manchester United won the FA Cup and Payet was named Hammer of the Year, with Michail Antonio runner-up.
Bournemouth: Artur Boruc, Adam Smith, Simon Francis, Steve Cook, Charlie Daniels, Dan Gosling, Andrew Surman, Harry Arter (Glenn Murray), Matt Ritchie (Juan Iturbe), Junior Stanislas, Benik Afobe (Lewis Grabban).
West Ham United: Adrian, James Tomkins (Carl Jenkinson), James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna, Aaron Cresswell, Pedro Obiang, Mark Noble, Michail Antonio, Dimitri Payet (Alex Song), Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll (Nikica Jelavic).
Club Connections
A decent number of players have turned out for both West Ham United and Bournemouth. Jermain Defoe and Hammers Academy product Junior Stanislas are currently on Bournemouth's books while Carl Fletcher played for both clubs and is currently youth team manager with the Cherries. Ex-Bournemouth midfielder Paul Mitchell, who made one league appearance for the Hammers in 1994, is back with the Cherries as a correspondent for Opta Sports. Other players to have appeared for both clubs include:
Goalkeepers: David James, Stephen Henderson and Marek Stech.
Defenders: Everald La Ronde, Bill Kitchener, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Brignull, Reg Parker, Keith Miller, Keith Rowland, Elliott Ward, Bobby Howe and Horace Glover.
Midfielders: Ian Bishop, Trevor Hartley, Bobby Barnes, Tommy Southren, Jimmy Neighbour, Emmanuel Omoyinmi, Tony Scott, Anthony Edgar, Scott Mean, Matty Holmes, Dale Gordon, Jack Collison and Patsy Holland.
Strikers: Nicky Morgan, John Arnott, Mark Watson, Zavon Hines, Steve Jones and Ted MacDougall.
Former Hammers player John Bond went on to manage Bournemouth, while Jimmy Quinn played for both clubs and also managed the Cherries.
Today's preview focuses on a player who played for, and managed, both clubs. Harry Redknapp was born in Poplar on 2nd March 1947 and grew up as an Arsenal supporter. He played youth football for Tottenham though, before signing for West Ham and making his full debut at the age of 18 on 23rd August 1965 in a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Upton Park. He made seven appearances in 1965/66, scoring his first goal for the club in a 4-1 win at Tottenham on 8th April 1966. He had to wait eight months for his next appearance, but scored again in a 3-0 home win over West Brom on 3rd December 1966. A right winger, he was often serenaded by the Chicken Run – 'we've got 'Arry 'Arry 'Arry 'Arry Redknapp on the wing, on the wing…'
Redknapp seemed to enjoy the starts of seasons and scored twice in the opening month of 1967/68, in a 4-2 home win over Burnley on 21st August 1967 and a 5-1 win at Sunderland on 9th September 1967. A similar feat occurred a year later when he scored in a 4-0 home win over West Brom on 31st August 1968 and again in a 7-2 League Cup second round win over Bolton on 4th September 1968. Redknapp was sent off in a 2-0 defeat at Leeds on 12th October 1968 when he was booked for an incident involving Billy Bremner before being dismissed for dissent. His third goal of the season was the winner in a 4-3 victory over QPR on 2nd November 1968 – this goal can be viewed in my video below.
Redknapp's final goal for the club came in a 3-0 home win over Sheffield Wednesday on 20th September 1969. His last appearance for the Hammers was in a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Upton Park on 15th April 1972. Having made 175 appearances for West Ham United, scoring eight goals, Redknapp moved to Third Division Bournemouth. He spent four seasons with the south coast side between 1972 and 1976. In the 1972/73 season, Redknapp made 37 appearances, scoring once as Bournemouth finished seventh. He made a further 46 appearances, scoring five times, during the 1973/74 season. Redknapp made 19 appearances during the 1974/75 season as Bournemouth were relegated to the Fourth Division. In 1975/76, he only managed nine appearances. Having scored six goals in 114 appearances for Bournemouth, he moved to then Fourth Division side Brentford, where he made one appearance during the 1976/77 season.
Redknapp spent most of the late 1970s playing for and coaching Seattle Sounders before returning to England to assist Bobby Moore at Oxford City. He became assistant manager to David Webb at Bournemouth at the beginning of the 1982/83 campaign and was named manager of the club just over a year later in October 1983. He helped the club avoid relegation to the Fourth Division and defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup third round. The Cherries won the Third Division title in 1987 but were relegated from the second tier in 1989.
Redknapp was involved in a serious car crash in Italy during the World Cup of 1990, which killed his friend Brian Tiler. Redknapp returned to his post at Bournemouth but had lost his sense of smell and gained a facial tic – he left his job as manager at the end of the 1991/92 season to become Billy Bonds' assistant at West Ham. Redknapp was Bonds' best friend and the pair had been best man at each other's weddings. He helped the Hammers gain promotion to the Premier League and consolidated their position in 1994. Redknapp was linked to a return to the South Coast with Southampton and Bournemouth, with West Ham chairman Terence Brown offering him the role of manager at Upton Park while Bonds was still in post. Bonds resigned, with Redknapp assuming the role of Hammers manager. The pair have not spoken since.
Redknapp brought former heroes Tony Cottee and Julian Dicks back to the club from Everton and Liverpool respectively as the Hammers found their second season in the top flight a struggle. Victories over champions-elect Blackburn and Liverpool secured the Irons' survival though and a final day draw with Manchester United denied the visitors a third successive title. The 1995 summer signing of Marco Boogers transpired to be a disaster but the returning Iain Dowie and the signing of Croatian centre-back Slaven Bilic would play a key role in the Hammers securing a top ten place for the first time since 1985/86. Redknapp created West Ham United Nations over the following months with the signings of Ilie Dumitrescu, Florin Raducioiu and Paulo Futre proving to be ineffectual. With the Hammers in deep relegation trouble and having been knocked out of the cup competitions by lowly Stockport and Wrexham, Redknapp recruited John Hartson, Paul Kitson and Steve Lomas to inspire a survival charge. Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard Junior were also promoted from the youth team to play their part.
1997/98 saw the Hammers finish eighth and reach the quarter-finals of both cup competitions. The likes of Ian Pearce, Eyal Berkovic and Trevor Sinclair made immediate impacts in east London, while the addition of Shaka Hislop the following season helped the Hammers finish fifth, their highest position to date in the Premier League. By this time Redknapp had sold Hartson and brought in Paolo Di Canio and Marc-Vivien Foe, with Stuart Pearce following soon after and Joe Cole and Michael Carrick being brought into the first-team fold. A successful InterToto Cup campaign, culminating in victory in Metz, saw the Irons qualify for the UEFA Cup where they would defeat Osijek but be knocked out by Steaua Bucharest. The Hammers dropped to ninth in the league and Rio Ferdinand was sold in November 2000, with Redknapp spending the money on Christian Dailly, Rigobert Song, Titi Camara, Svetoslav Todorov and Ragnvald Soma. The Irons progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals, defeating Manchester United at Old Trafford on the way, but would drop to 15th in the league.
Redknapp left the club with one match remaining of the 2000/01 season after a disagreement over summer funds and an ill-advised interview with the Over Land and Sea fanzine. His replacement, Glenn Roeder, led the Hammers to relegation within two seasons. Redknapp, now 70, has since managed Portsmouth (twice), Southampton, Tottenham, QPR, Jordan and Birmingham.
Referee
The referee on Boxing Day will be Bobby Madley. The Yorkshire-based official will take charge of a West Ham game for the ninth time in the Premier League, having also refereed our 2-1 victory at Manchester City in September 2015 and our 2-0 home win over Liverpool in January 2016. Madley's most controversial appointment with the Irons saw him award Chelsea a last-minute penalty at Stamford Bridge in March 2016 which saw the Blues salvage a 2-2 draw – replays showed that Michail Antonio's foul on Reuben Loftus-Cheek had occurred outside the penalty area. His most recent Hammers appointment saw him add an extra minute to the initially-allocated six which saw Crystal Palace score a last-ditch equaliser in our 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park in October.
The 32-year-old refereed four Hammers matches last season, those being the 1-0 home wins against Sunderland in October and Burnley in December as well as, ironically, the 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth in March, when he awarded the home side two penalties which were both missed, and the final day 2-1 win at Burnley. Madley was also the man in the middle on a previous occasion when the Hammers travelled to Burnley – Matt Taylor and Jack Collison converted one spot-kick each in a 2-0 League Cup fourth round win at Turf Moor in October 2013, while Keith Treacy was sent off for the hosts for his involvement in the second penalty incident.
Possible line-ups
Bournemouth will be without the injured Adam Federici, Tyrone Mings, Charlie Daniels, Brad Smith, Harry Arter, Junior Stanislas, Josh King and Jermain Defoe. Bournemouth's 3-2 win over the Hammers in March was only their second win in the nine games they have played against West Ham in all competitions. The Cherries are on a seven-match winless run in the Premier League, drawing three and losing four – an eighth game without a win would equal their previous worst run.
This weekend's match will be only the fourth time Bournemouth and West Ham United have met on the south coast for a league fixture – the Hammers' only win away to the Cherries, in 2016, is detailed above. David Moyes continues to be without Sam Byram, Jose Fonte and Edimilson Fernandes while Mark Noble remains a doubt. Manuel Lanzini returns from suspension. The Hammers have not won consecutive Premier League away games since February.
Possible Bournemouth XI: Begovic; Simpson, Ake, Cook; Smith, Surman, Gosling, Fraser; Ibe, Pugh; Wilson.
Possible West Ham United XI: Adrian; Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku; Kouyate, Obiang, Lanzini; Antonio, Arnautovic.
Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!
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David Moyes hesitant on Boxing Day goalkeeper decision
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
David Moyes says he'll take his time when deciding who is named in goal when West Ham take on Bournemouth on Boxing Day. Just one point separates the Cherries (18th) and the Hammers (18th) after both fell to humbling defeats at the hands of Manchester City and Newcastle, respectively, before Christmas. Having concede two goals in four Premier League starts, and keeping three clean sheets, after replacing Joe Hart at Manchester City, Adrian shipped three against struggling Newcastle at London Stadium, and Moyes says he'll have to take a look at the situation. "I think Adrian, there was things I looked at that I'll need to look at today to see how it was, but I've got two goalkeepers, two really good goalkeepers, good competition and I'll need to see what I think once I have a wee review of the video." Hart had started every league game of this season until being ineligible against City, his parent club, and was back in starting lineup for the EFL Cup defeat to Arsenal prior to the Newcastle clash.
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David Moyes keen on January move for Steven Nzonzi as West Ham look to bolster squad
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
David Moyes says he and the West Ham owners are on the same page approaching the January transfer window, and would be interested in a move for Sevilla's Steven Nzonzi should the chance arise. The board had previously said there would be funds available to spend in the winter window when the Scotsman was appointed following the sacking of Slaven Bilic. Having had to deal with a string of injury problems, Moyes is in need of a few additions to keep a squad capable of lasting the distance as they battle relegation. And Moyes says, after discussions with the owners, they are pointing in the same direction. "Yeah I speak to them quite regularly, and we've sort of come up with the same stuff," Moyes said ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Bournemouth. "It looks like we'd like to add to the squad if we can and obviously we're in this position then we'll need to, but finding the right players and looking for them is a bit different. "Sometimes the ones you might want are not gettable, maybe not available at this time."
Nzonzi is a target for both West Ham and Everton next month, but has not been playing for Sevilla after a falling out with manager, Eduardo Berizzo. Berizzo has since been dismissed in Spain, however, Moyes admits that if the opportunity arises, there would be interest from their side. "I wouldn't say he's one we're looking at because he's not playing, we can't watch him if he's not playing," Moyes said. "I think he's somebody if he came on the market and was available to us there would be an interest, but you know, and I'm only saying that - I wouldn't say that about others - because he's not playing for some reason at Sevilla. "Overall it's not something I can say I've met with or done anything with that's for sure."
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West Ham's five point plan for the January transfer window; featuring Lanzini and Carvalho
HITC
Olly Dawes
The January transfer window is drawing ever closer, and West Ham United may be busy under David Moyes. West Ham United have enjoyed an upturn in results under David Moyes of late, but they are still in need of reinforcements during the upcoming January transfer window. The Hammers chose to sack manager Slaven Bilic last month, and Moyes is now looking to guide West Ham away from the relegation zone and towards midtable. However, with some issues to resolve in the West Ham squad, Moyes may be eager to get to work in the January transfer window, though it's unclear just how much money he will have at his disposal. With that in mind, here is a five-point plan for West Ham United's January transfer window...
Sign a new midfielder
With Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate inconsistent at best, and Mark Noble not quite the heartbeat he once was, manager Moyes may well be looking for a new midfielder in January. The Sun note that long-term target William Carvalho could be back on the radar, whilst The Mirror claim that they hope to hijack Everton's interest in Steven N'Zonzi. It seems that the Hammers are eyeing up an imposing central midfielder to dominate the middle of the park, and landing one of those two players would be a huge boost for Moyes.
Keep Lanzini out of Tottenham's clutches
Last month, ESPN reported that Tottenham Hotspur were lining up a shock raid on their London rivals, as manager Mauricio Pochettino wanted to bring West Ham ace Manuel Lanzini to Spurs. Lanzini missed the early stages of the season through injury, but has notched one goal and six assists in his last 10 outings in all competitions. The Argentinian, 24, is West Ham's main creative outlet, and if the Hammers are to stay away from the bottom three and progress up the table, they must keep Lanzini at the club – and especially keep him out of a local rivals' clutches.
Don't cash in on the kids
A report from The Mirror last month suggested that West Ham were ready to cash in on three of their most talented young players – Declan Rice, Domingos Quina and Reece Oxford – in order to fund moves for players who could help the club this season. However, West Ham went down that route over the summer, bringing in Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez, with little success. Rather than cash in on the young talent for more players 28 or older, West Ham need to keep their prospects and look to build for the future as well as stay in the top flight this term.
Resolve Diafra Sakho's future
One player who has been disgruntled at West Ham is striker Diafra Sakho, who had a bust-up with manager David Moyes earlier this week according to the Daily Mail. Having attempted to force through a summer move away from the club, the time may finally be right for Sakho to move on in January if the Hammers can find a buyer. The Senegal international, 27, has scored twice this season but hasn't started a single game in the Premier League, and if West Ham can recoup around £10million to £15million on their unhappy forward, then they should look to sell next month.
Loan out Antonio Martinez
Even if Sakho leaves, Moyes still has the likes of Hernandez, Andy Carroll, Michail Antonio, Marko Arnautovic and Andre Ayew in attack, meaning young Spaniard Antonio Martinez may not be boosted at all. The former Valencia talent has been prolific for West Ham's development squad, with many fans calling for him to play in the first team – but that opportunity has not arisen. A January loan move may help Martinez, after joining Oxford in January of last term, with a Championship move maybe best for his progression and development.
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West Ham leading the way for €30million signing to keep Javier Hernandez happy at London Stadium
The Mexican could provide a boost to the Hammers on and off the pitch
Football London
ByGreg JohnsonEditor
08:30, 25 DEC 2017
West Ham have emerged as the favourites to sign Benfica forward Raul Jimenez after a deal to take the striker to China failed to grab the player's interest. The Mexico international, who played for Atletico Madrid prior to his switch to Portugal in 2015, wants to make a success of his career in one of Europe's top leagues.
His hunger and desire is exactly what fans of the Irons are looking for from the club's next acquisitions in the transfer market following a shift in character on the pitch following the appointment of David Moyes as manager. Since taking over from Slaven Bilic in November, the Scot has guided the club out of the relegation zone and secured notable results against Arsenal and Chelsea. Individuals such as Marko Arnautovic has discovered a newfound intensity to their games, much to the delight of fans at the London Stadium.
According to reports in Portugal, translated by Sport Witness, West Ham are the leading candidates to sign Jimenez after deciding against lodging a €30million bid for the forward in the summer. He is said to be "open to any situation" due to his situation in Lisbon where regular game time has become a problem of late. If the Hammers were to make an offer it is likely that it would be accepted, and given his ties to Javier Hernandez as an international teammate of "Chicharito", a move could make sense as a ploy to keep their summer signing happy and focused on doing his best for his new club. Benfica had previously hoped to sell their back up striker to China for big money but his reluctance to move to the Super League saw a deal fall flat.
Moyes has previously hinted that he sees other positions as a prioritiy in January. However, given the fitness issues of Andy Carroll, Hernandez and Michail Antonio, plus the inconsistency of Andre Ayew and Arnautovic throughout their Premier League careers so far, West Ham could do worse than add another forward to their ranks, especially if Diafra Sakho finally succeeds in forcing a move away in 2018.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 26
Monday, December 25
Daily WHUFC News - 25th December 2017
Merry Christmas everyone - have a brilliant day and a Happy New Year -
PeterR
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Christmas with the Hammers
WHUFC.com
Festive tales from the West Ham United history books...
THE LAST CHRISTMAS DAY MATCH
It is 59 years since West Ham United last played a competitive match on
Christmas Day. Tottenham Hotspur were the final visitors to the Boleyn
Ground on 25 December 1958, when the newly-promoted Hammers ran out 2-1
winners in a First Division fixture. Goalkeeper Ernie Gregory, then 36 and
in the twilight of his long and illustrious career between the sticks, was
West Ham's first-half hero, keeping the game goalless with a fine save from
Bobby Smith. Into the second period and it took just two minutes for Phil
Woosnam (pictured) to create the hosts' opening goal, beating three Spurs
defenders before firing in a shot which Johnny Hollowbread could not handle,
allowing John Dick to slam home the loose ball. With winger Woosnam in
irresistible form on the left, West Ham doubled their lead when the Welshman
found Dick, who supplied a through ball for strike partner Vic Keeble to
score. Woosnam was then injured by a challenge from Tottenham defender
Maurice Norman and the home side were effectively reduced to ten men, as
these were the days before substitutes. Spurs pulled one back when Smith got
away from Ken Brown and netted with 17 minutes remaining, but Ted Fenton's
team held on for a deserved victory.
THE GOALLESS WONDER
He would not have known it at the time, but Alfred Earl (pictured) embarked
on an unwanted record run when he made his debut for West Ham United on
Christmas Day 1925. The south London-born right-back played a total of 206
first-team matches without scoring a single goal for the Hammers. No player
has featured in so many senior games without hitting the back of the net!
Earl did enjoy plenty of highlights in a Claret and Blue shirt, though. His
debut ended in a 5-2 First Division win over Aston Villa at the Boleyn
Ground - a game in which his near-namesake Stan Earle (pictured) netted a
hat-trick. The defender also started 38 of the Hammers' 42 top-flight
matches as they finished seventh in the top flight in 1929/30 and was in the
teams which beat Leeds United 8-2 in February 1929 and Liverpool 7-0 in
September 1930.
WOODGATE AT THE TREBLE
The last player to net a Christmas Day hat-trick for West Ham was the late
Terry Woodgate, who scored all his team's goals in a 3-1 First Division
victory over Leeds United at the Boleyn Ground in 1950. A left winger,
Woodgate (pictured) was born in East Ham and played amateur football for
Beckton before joining the Hammers at the age of 19 in 1939. The outbreak of
World War Two curtailed Woodgate's Football League career after just four
Second Division matches, before serving in the Essex Regiment and Royal
Artillery. After guesting for a number of clubs during the war, including
West Ham, Woodgate returned to full-time football in 1946, and went on to
score 52 goals in 275 competitive appearances - including his only
competitive hat-trick on 25 December 67 years ago!
CHRISTMAS BABIES
Of the 929 players to have featured in a first-team match for West Ham
United, amazingly not one was born on Christmas Day! Three Hammers,
including current striker Diafra Sakho (pictured), came into the world on
Christmas Eve. Sakho turns 28 tomorrow, while the other two former West Ham
stars born on 24 December in years gone by, Billy Bridgeman (1903-06) and
George Irvine (1912-14), both passed away many decades ago. For the record,
Sam Jennings (1924-25) and Sofiane Feghouli (2016-17) were both born on
Boxing Day, in 1898 and 1989 respectively.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
West Ham United clearly enjoyed playing football on Christmas Day. Before
the tradition ended in 1958, the Hammers would play at home almost every
year on Christmas morning, with matches kicking-off at 11am to enable fans
to support their team before heading home to spend the afternoon and evening
with their families. With the vast majority of Christmas Day fixtures being
played at the Boleyn Ground, it is not surprising that West Ham had an
enviable record when it came to playing on 25 December. Of the 45 matches
the Club contested between 1899 and 1958, including Southern League,
War-Time and Football League games, the Hammers won 25, drew 12 and lost
just eight, with just five of those defeats coming on home turf. After World
War Two, West Ham hosted ten Second Division matches over 13 seasons,
winning eight, drawing two and losing none. The Club's all-time leading
scorer Vic Watson (pictured) also enjoyed Christmas Day football, scoring on
25 December in 1924, 1925, 1929, 1931 and 1933!
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Reid: We can't make the same mistakes at Bournemouth
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid says West Ham United need to get over Saturday's 'terrible'
performance against Newcastle United as quickly as possible. The Hammers
squandered an early lead, missed a penalty and committed a series of
defensive errors in falling to a 3-2 Premier League defeat by the Magpies at
London Stadium. Now, Reid and company have two days to prepare for the
Boxing Day trip to another of the teams around them in the table, AFC
Bournemouth, and the defender says they cannot afford to make the same
mistakes again at the Vitality Stadium. "It was terrible, from our point of
view, conceding three goals, giving goals away, and they could have had
another two in the first half," said Reid, with brutal honesty. "We didn't
do the things that we'd been doing the last couple of weeks and we didn't
take our chances as well, the chances that we had, so it wasn't good at one
end and it wasn't fantastic at the other. "Fortunately enough, we have
another game on Tuesday, so we'll go again then. The games are coming thick
and fast now and we need to go to Bournemouth and make sure we pick up some
points."
West Ham looked to be on their way to a third win in four games when Marko
Arnautovic capitalised on Henri Saivet's error to put the hosts into a
sixth-minute lead. But Saivet's free-kick four minutes later and second half
goals from Mohamed Diame and Christian Atsu, both of which came after the
Hammers failed to clear the ball properly, ultimately put the game beyond
them. "I thought we started well with the goal, but we let ourselves down by
not capitalising on that. Newcastle were there for the taking at 1-0 down
and we didn't take advantage. "We moved the ball too slowly and we got
caught out. We put ourselves in bad positions by giving the ball to one
another in the wrong positions and if you do that to a team in the Premier
League, you're going to get punished. I think that was the most
disappointing thing."
Reid warned that West Ham simply cannot afford to gift Bournemouth the same
Christmas presents on Tuesday afternoon if they want to pick up a positive
result on the south coast. "It would have been a different ball game if we
had levelled it at 2-2 [from the penalty or open play], one hundred per
cent, but you have to take your chances and we didn't, so we have to move
forward and get some points away at Bournemouth. "It's tough and tight down
at Bournemouth, so we have to go down there and pick up some points. It's
not going to be easy, but we have to go there and do what we had done in
recent weeks, minus Saturday's game.
"We'll be in on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to work on our shape and
tactics and we'll be ready to go."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bournemouth v West Ham United
TUE 26 DEC 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: Vitality Stadium
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
Bournemouth's Jermain Defoe faces a couple of months on the sidelines with a
fractured ankle. Junior Stanislas is likely to miss out after injuring his
hamstring in the defeat at Man City, while Joshua King and Charlie Daniels
are also doubts.
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini is set to return after a two-match ban.
Captain Mark Noble could miss out again with a tight hamstring and defender
Jose Fonte remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
John Roder: "With exactly half the season having now been played,
Bournemouth are in the bottom three and West Ham one place above the
relegation zone coming into this Boxing Day fixture. "Bournemouth, without a
win now in eight in all competitions, weren't expected to get anything from
their trip to runaway leaders Manchester City, and so it proved. "David
Moyes' comments after the home defeat by Newcastle suggest it's reasonable
to assume Manuel Lanzini will come straight back into the West Ham team
after a two-match ban. "It's likely to be a tense afternoon, ahead of an
anxious second half of the season for both clubs."
Twitter: @johnrodercomm
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe: "What a run of fixtures we've had - but
we're through that now. "Playing four top sides consecutively is tough, but
we now have to focus on the games we have coming up. It's a key period for
us."
West Ham manager David Moyes on moving on after Saturday's home defeat by
Newcastle: "We've shown good improvement at times. Saturday was always going
to be different because we had to show what we could do and I don't think we
did that. "Whatever the result is at this time of year, though, you just
have to roll on to the next game."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Neither side are great defensively, so I am going to go for a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Bournemouth's 3-2 Premier League victory against West Ham in March was only
their second in the nine meetings between the clubs (D2, L5).
The four Premier League meetings have produced 17 goals, including two
Bournemouth hat-tricks (from Callum Wilson and Joshua King).
Bournemouth
Bournemouth are on a seven-match winless run in the Premier League (D3, L4)
- an eighth would equal their worst previous run.
The Cherries have claimed just eight Premier League points at home this
season - no team has won fewer.
They have won just one of their last six home games (D2, L3).
Bournemouth have failed to score in their past two Premier League matches on
Boxing Day.
West Ham United
Their 3-0 victory at Stoke on 16 December was the first in 10 away league
games this season (D3, L6).
The Hammers have not won consecutive Premier League away games since
February.
Marko Arnautovic has scored three goals in his last four league appearances
for West Ham, the same as he had managed in his previous 26 games.
Michail Antonio scored in both fixtures against Bournemouth last season.
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The (ex) Rev's Christmas message 2017
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 24th December 2017
By: Elwin Cockett
"Peace on Earth and goodwill to all" was the angels' message of hope, but
there have been times this year when, for many of us, things have felt more
apocalyptic than angelic. Whether it's Donald Trump who worries us or Kim
Jong-un (or both), and whether we think Brexit is a disaster-in-waiting or
the liberation that our country needs, the fortunes of our beloved Irons
have certainly contributed to the worries of a lot of KUMB readers this
year. A potent blend of sadness at leaving the Boleyn and disappointment
with some of what has followed has left some feeling like it's the end of
the world. It isn't, of course. A few years of following West Ham United
should teach anyone that things are never really as bad as we think they are
at times, just as we have an enormous capacity for over-optimism when things
are just starting to go well.
And, while a lot of us put a lot of time, money and love into supporting our
team, that should not stop us also having a sense of perspective about the
wider world.
To lose a few football matches is disappointing; to lose your home or your
job, to face discrimination or abuse, or to have to rely on foodbanks and
handouts to survive, all rank much higher in the great scheme of things.
Being passionate about West Ham doesn't stop us caring about the world we
all live in. One of the great things about football is that there is always
hope for the future. David Moyes isn't the Messiah (or a naughty boy, for
that matter), but he is certainly a good man and a more than competent
manager with a point to prove, and all the early signs are positive.
Likewise, the London Stadium isn't the Boleyn and still isn't as good as it
should be, but there are many worse grounds and it's a great place when
50,000+ of us are singing our hearts out. There is hope, therefore. Hope is,
of course, at the heart of what Christmas is about. Whether you believe it
to be true or not, the Bible's account of Jesus's birth is all about hope -
hope for a poor, young Middle-Eastern girl, hope for her occupied and
beleaguered nation and, through her and her baby son, hope for you, for me
and for the whole world. Of course, hope is no good if it makes no
difference to the way we live our lives. So, it makes me proud when I hear
of West Ham fans making a difference around the world, being agents of hope.
I'm proud of fellow supporters I know who have been working this year for
civil rights in the US, funding children's literacy in Ghana and Kenya, and
- closer to home - raising funds for the Newham churches' night shelter for
homeless people and for Richard House.
There are many of you doing all kinds of wonderful things, of course, and
what you have in common is that you are agents of hope in a world that, for
some, can seem pretty hopeless otherwise. So, wherever you are this
Christmas, and whoever you're with, my prayer for West Ham fans reading this
is that you may know the peace and goodwill that the angels announced to the
shepherds on Bethlehem's hills, and that you may be so full of hope for the
future that you inspire those around you - including our team, maybe - to
greater and greater things in 2018.
God bless you all.
- The Venerable Elwin Cockett, Archdeacon of West Ham
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Winston Reid urges West Ham to respond from Newcastle defeat at Bournemouth
Last Updated: 24/12/17 4:33pm
SSN
Winston Reid has urged West Ham to bounce back from their defeat at
Newcastle when they travel to Bournemouth on Boxing Day. The Hammers' recent
mini-revival under new manager David Moyes was halted by a 3-2 home defeat
by Newcastle at the London Stadium on Saturday. Marko Arnautovic had given
West Ham a sixth-minute lead but Newcastle raced ahead through goals from
Henri Saivet, Mohamed Diame and Christian Atsu. Andre Ayew, who had earlier
missed a penalty, pulled one back but Newcastle held on for victory to leave
West Ham 17th, a point and a place ahead of Bournemouth. However, West Ham
had previously taken seven points from matches with Chelsea, Arsenal and
Stoke, and defender Reid wants to draw on those performances on the south
coast. "You have to take your chances and we didn't, so we have to move
forward and get some points away at Bournemouth," he said. "It's tough and
tight down at Bournemouth, so we have to go down there and pick up some
points. "It's not going to be easy, but we have to go there and do what we
had done in recent weeks, minus Saturday's game."
Manuel Lanzini is back in the West Ham squad for the trip to the Vitality
Stadium. The Argentine midfielder has completed a two-match ban after he was
retrospectively charged for diving to win a penalty at Stoke. Skipper Mark
Noble could miss out again with a tight hamstring and defender Jose Fonte
remains sidelined due to an ankle injury.
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Bournemouth v West Ham preview: Hosts without Jermain Defoe
Last Updated: 24/12/17 1:55pm
SSN
Bournemouth and West Ham will both look to return to winning ways when they
meet on Boxing Day at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries were the latest
team to succumb to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, losing 4-0 at the Etihad
on Saturday - which proved to be their third defeat in a row. West Ham
meanwhile fell to a 3-2 defeat at home to Newcastle, halting their progress
under David Moyes after taking seven points from their previous three games.
It leaves West Ham sitting precariously in 17th in the Premier League table,
just one place and one point above Bournemouth, who have slipped into the
relegation zone after no wins in seven league matches.
Junior Stanislas has joined Bournemouth's growing injury list after limping
out of the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City with a sore hamstring. Cherries
boss Eddie Howe is hoping for good news from the treatment room, with
Jermain Defoe (ankle), Harry Arter (calf), Charlie Daniels (groin), Joshua
King (hamstring), Brad Smith (hip), Adam Federici and Tyrone Mings (both
back) all struggling. Manuel Lanzini is back in the West Ham squad for the
trip to the south coast. The Argentine midfielder has completed a two-match
ban after he was retrospectively charged for diving at Stoke last weekend.
Skipper Mark Noble could miss out again with a tight hamstring and defender
Jose Fonte remains sidelined due to an ankle injury.
A Bournemouth player has scored a hat-trick in both of their Premier League
victories against West Ham United (Callum Wilson in August 2015 and Josh
King in March 2017).
The away side won both fixtures between these sides in the 2015-16 campaign,
while the home side were victors in both matches last season.
The Cherries have failed to score in either of their Premier League Boxing
Day games, drawing 0-0 against Crystal Palace in 2015, before losing 0-3 at
Chelsea last season.
West Ham won their first away league game of the season in their last outing
against Stoke (3-0) - they've not won consecutive Premier League games away
from home since February.
Merson's prediction
It is six games without a win now for Bournemouth, and Newcastle go to West
Ham and win, and yet they had kept clean sheets against three top teams.
They have played Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke, who scored three goals on
Saturday, and kept clean sheets. And then they go and let in three goals
against Newcastle, who cannot win for toffee, and that was a poor result for
West Ham. So it is so hard to predict. This is a big game for Bournemouth. I
think they are in major, major trouble because I did not think they would go
down. I thought they would have too much.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
PeterR
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Christmas with the Hammers
WHUFC.com
Festive tales from the West Ham United history books...
THE LAST CHRISTMAS DAY MATCH
It is 59 years since West Ham United last played a competitive match on
Christmas Day. Tottenham Hotspur were the final visitors to the Boleyn
Ground on 25 December 1958, when the newly-promoted Hammers ran out 2-1
winners in a First Division fixture. Goalkeeper Ernie Gregory, then 36 and
in the twilight of his long and illustrious career between the sticks, was
West Ham's first-half hero, keeping the game goalless with a fine save from
Bobby Smith. Into the second period and it took just two minutes for Phil
Woosnam (pictured) to create the hosts' opening goal, beating three Spurs
defenders before firing in a shot which Johnny Hollowbread could not handle,
allowing John Dick to slam home the loose ball. With winger Woosnam in
irresistible form on the left, West Ham doubled their lead when the Welshman
found Dick, who supplied a through ball for strike partner Vic Keeble to
score. Woosnam was then injured by a challenge from Tottenham defender
Maurice Norman and the home side were effectively reduced to ten men, as
these were the days before substitutes. Spurs pulled one back when Smith got
away from Ken Brown and netted with 17 minutes remaining, but Ted Fenton's
team held on for a deserved victory.
THE GOALLESS WONDER
He would not have known it at the time, but Alfred Earl (pictured) embarked
on an unwanted record run when he made his debut for West Ham United on
Christmas Day 1925. The south London-born right-back played a total of 206
first-team matches without scoring a single goal for the Hammers. No player
has featured in so many senior games without hitting the back of the net!
Earl did enjoy plenty of highlights in a Claret and Blue shirt, though. His
debut ended in a 5-2 First Division win over Aston Villa at the Boleyn
Ground - a game in which his near-namesake Stan Earle (pictured) netted a
hat-trick. The defender also started 38 of the Hammers' 42 top-flight
matches as they finished seventh in the top flight in 1929/30 and was in the
teams which beat Leeds United 8-2 in February 1929 and Liverpool 7-0 in
September 1930.
WOODGATE AT THE TREBLE
The last player to net a Christmas Day hat-trick for West Ham was the late
Terry Woodgate, who scored all his team's goals in a 3-1 First Division
victory over Leeds United at the Boleyn Ground in 1950. A left winger,
Woodgate (pictured) was born in East Ham and played amateur football for
Beckton before joining the Hammers at the age of 19 in 1939. The outbreak of
World War Two curtailed Woodgate's Football League career after just four
Second Division matches, before serving in the Essex Regiment and Royal
Artillery. After guesting for a number of clubs during the war, including
West Ham, Woodgate returned to full-time football in 1946, and went on to
score 52 goals in 275 competitive appearances - including his only
competitive hat-trick on 25 December 67 years ago!
CHRISTMAS BABIES
Of the 929 players to have featured in a first-team match for West Ham
United, amazingly not one was born on Christmas Day! Three Hammers,
including current striker Diafra Sakho (pictured), came into the world on
Christmas Eve. Sakho turns 28 tomorrow, while the other two former West Ham
stars born on 24 December in years gone by, Billy Bridgeman (1903-06) and
George Irvine (1912-14), both passed away many decades ago. For the record,
Sam Jennings (1924-25) and Sofiane Feghouli (2016-17) were both born on
Boxing Day, in 1898 and 1989 respectively.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
West Ham United clearly enjoyed playing football on Christmas Day. Before
the tradition ended in 1958, the Hammers would play at home almost every
year on Christmas morning, with matches kicking-off at 11am to enable fans
to support their team before heading home to spend the afternoon and evening
with their families. With the vast majority of Christmas Day fixtures being
played at the Boleyn Ground, it is not surprising that West Ham had an
enviable record when it came to playing on 25 December. Of the 45 matches
the Club contested between 1899 and 1958, including Southern League,
War-Time and Football League games, the Hammers won 25, drew 12 and lost
just eight, with just five of those defeats coming on home turf. After World
War Two, West Ham hosted ten Second Division matches over 13 seasons,
winning eight, drawing two and losing none. The Club's all-time leading
scorer Vic Watson (pictured) also enjoyed Christmas Day football, scoring on
25 December in 1924, 1925, 1929, 1931 and 1933!
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Reid: We can't make the same mistakes at Bournemouth
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid says West Ham United need to get over Saturday's 'terrible'
performance against Newcastle United as quickly as possible. The Hammers
squandered an early lead, missed a penalty and committed a series of
defensive errors in falling to a 3-2 Premier League defeat by the Magpies at
London Stadium. Now, Reid and company have two days to prepare for the
Boxing Day trip to another of the teams around them in the table, AFC
Bournemouth, and the defender says they cannot afford to make the same
mistakes again at the Vitality Stadium. "It was terrible, from our point of
view, conceding three goals, giving goals away, and they could have had
another two in the first half," said Reid, with brutal honesty. "We didn't
do the things that we'd been doing the last couple of weeks and we didn't
take our chances as well, the chances that we had, so it wasn't good at one
end and it wasn't fantastic at the other. "Fortunately enough, we have
another game on Tuesday, so we'll go again then. The games are coming thick
and fast now and we need to go to Bournemouth and make sure we pick up some
points."
West Ham looked to be on their way to a third win in four games when Marko
Arnautovic capitalised on Henri Saivet's error to put the hosts into a
sixth-minute lead. But Saivet's free-kick four minutes later and second half
goals from Mohamed Diame and Christian Atsu, both of which came after the
Hammers failed to clear the ball properly, ultimately put the game beyond
them. "I thought we started well with the goal, but we let ourselves down by
not capitalising on that. Newcastle were there for the taking at 1-0 down
and we didn't take advantage. "We moved the ball too slowly and we got
caught out. We put ourselves in bad positions by giving the ball to one
another in the wrong positions and if you do that to a team in the Premier
League, you're going to get punished. I think that was the most
disappointing thing."
Reid warned that West Ham simply cannot afford to gift Bournemouth the same
Christmas presents on Tuesday afternoon if they want to pick up a positive
result on the south coast. "It would have been a different ball game if we
had levelled it at 2-2 [from the penalty or open play], one hundred per
cent, but you have to take your chances and we didn't, so we have to move
forward and get some points away at Bournemouth. "It's tough and tight down
at Bournemouth, so we have to go down there and pick up some points. It's
not going to be easy, but we have to go there and do what we had done in
recent weeks, minus Saturday's game.
"We'll be in on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to work on our shape and
tactics and we'll be ready to go."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bournemouth v West Ham United
TUE 26 DEC 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: Vitality Stadium
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
Bournemouth's Jermain Defoe faces a couple of months on the sidelines with a
fractured ankle. Junior Stanislas is likely to miss out after injuring his
hamstring in the defeat at Man City, while Joshua King and Charlie Daniels
are also doubts.
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini is set to return after a two-match ban.
Captain Mark Noble could miss out again with a tight hamstring and defender
Jose Fonte remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
John Roder: "With exactly half the season having now been played,
Bournemouth are in the bottom three and West Ham one place above the
relegation zone coming into this Boxing Day fixture. "Bournemouth, without a
win now in eight in all competitions, weren't expected to get anything from
their trip to runaway leaders Manchester City, and so it proved. "David
Moyes' comments after the home defeat by Newcastle suggest it's reasonable
to assume Manuel Lanzini will come straight back into the West Ham team
after a two-match ban. "It's likely to be a tense afternoon, ahead of an
anxious second half of the season for both clubs."
Twitter: @johnrodercomm
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe: "What a run of fixtures we've had - but
we're through that now. "Playing four top sides consecutively is tough, but
we now have to focus on the games we have coming up. It's a key period for
us."
West Ham manager David Moyes on moving on after Saturday's home defeat by
Newcastle: "We've shown good improvement at times. Saturday was always going
to be different because we had to show what we could do and I don't think we
did that. "Whatever the result is at this time of year, though, you just
have to roll on to the next game."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Neither side are great defensively, so I am going to go for a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Bournemouth's 3-2 Premier League victory against West Ham in March was only
their second in the nine meetings between the clubs (D2, L5).
The four Premier League meetings have produced 17 goals, including two
Bournemouth hat-tricks (from Callum Wilson and Joshua King).
Bournemouth
Bournemouth are on a seven-match winless run in the Premier League (D3, L4)
- an eighth would equal their worst previous run.
The Cherries have claimed just eight Premier League points at home this
season - no team has won fewer.
They have won just one of their last six home games (D2, L3).
Bournemouth have failed to score in their past two Premier League matches on
Boxing Day.
West Ham United
Their 3-0 victory at Stoke on 16 December was the first in 10 away league
games this season (D3, L6).
The Hammers have not won consecutive Premier League away games since
February.
Marko Arnautovic has scored three goals in his last four league appearances
for West Ham, the same as he had managed in his previous 26 games.
Michail Antonio scored in both fixtures against Bournemouth last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The (ex) Rev's Christmas message 2017
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 24th December 2017
By: Elwin Cockett
"Peace on Earth and goodwill to all" was the angels' message of hope, but
there have been times this year when, for many of us, things have felt more
apocalyptic than angelic. Whether it's Donald Trump who worries us or Kim
Jong-un (or both), and whether we think Brexit is a disaster-in-waiting or
the liberation that our country needs, the fortunes of our beloved Irons
have certainly contributed to the worries of a lot of KUMB readers this
year. A potent blend of sadness at leaving the Boleyn and disappointment
with some of what has followed has left some feeling like it's the end of
the world. It isn't, of course. A few years of following West Ham United
should teach anyone that things are never really as bad as we think they are
at times, just as we have an enormous capacity for over-optimism when things
are just starting to go well.
And, while a lot of us put a lot of time, money and love into supporting our
team, that should not stop us also having a sense of perspective about the
wider world.
To lose a few football matches is disappointing; to lose your home or your
job, to face discrimination or abuse, or to have to rely on foodbanks and
handouts to survive, all rank much higher in the great scheme of things.
Being passionate about West Ham doesn't stop us caring about the world we
all live in. One of the great things about football is that there is always
hope for the future. David Moyes isn't the Messiah (or a naughty boy, for
that matter), but he is certainly a good man and a more than competent
manager with a point to prove, and all the early signs are positive.
Likewise, the London Stadium isn't the Boleyn and still isn't as good as it
should be, but there are many worse grounds and it's a great place when
50,000+ of us are singing our hearts out. There is hope, therefore. Hope is,
of course, at the heart of what Christmas is about. Whether you believe it
to be true or not, the Bible's account of Jesus's birth is all about hope -
hope for a poor, young Middle-Eastern girl, hope for her occupied and
beleaguered nation and, through her and her baby son, hope for you, for me
and for the whole world. Of course, hope is no good if it makes no
difference to the way we live our lives. So, it makes me proud when I hear
of West Ham fans making a difference around the world, being agents of hope.
I'm proud of fellow supporters I know who have been working this year for
civil rights in the US, funding children's literacy in Ghana and Kenya, and
- closer to home - raising funds for the Newham churches' night shelter for
homeless people and for Richard House.
There are many of you doing all kinds of wonderful things, of course, and
what you have in common is that you are agents of hope in a world that, for
some, can seem pretty hopeless otherwise. So, wherever you are this
Christmas, and whoever you're with, my prayer for West Ham fans reading this
is that you may know the peace and goodwill that the angels announced to the
shepherds on Bethlehem's hills, and that you may be so full of hope for the
future that you inspire those around you - including our team, maybe - to
greater and greater things in 2018.
God bless you all.
- The Venerable Elwin Cockett, Archdeacon of West Ham
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Winston Reid urges West Ham to respond from Newcastle defeat at Bournemouth
Last Updated: 24/12/17 4:33pm
SSN
Winston Reid has urged West Ham to bounce back from their defeat at
Newcastle when they travel to Bournemouth on Boxing Day. The Hammers' recent
mini-revival under new manager David Moyes was halted by a 3-2 home defeat
by Newcastle at the London Stadium on Saturday. Marko Arnautovic had given
West Ham a sixth-minute lead but Newcastle raced ahead through goals from
Henri Saivet, Mohamed Diame and Christian Atsu. Andre Ayew, who had earlier
missed a penalty, pulled one back but Newcastle held on for victory to leave
West Ham 17th, a point and a place ahead of Bournemouth. However, West Ham
had previously taken seven points from matches with Chelsea, Arsenal and
Stoke, and defender Reid wants to draw on those performances on the south
coast. "You have to take your chances and we didn't, so we have to move
forward and get some points away at Bournemouth," he said. "It's tough and
tight down at Bournemouth, so we have to go down there and pick up some
points. "It's not going to be easy, but we have to go there and do what we
had done in recent weeks, minus Saturday's game."
Manuel Lanzini is back in the West Ham squad for the trip to the Vitality
Stadium. The Argentine midfielder has completed a two-match ban after he was
retrospectively charged for diving to win a penalty at Stoke. Skipper Mark
Noble could miss out again with a tight hamstring and defender Jose Fonte
remains sidelined due to an ankle injury.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bournemouth v West Ham preview: Hosts without Jermain Defoe
Last Updated: 24/12/17 1:55pm
SSN
Bournemouth and West Ham will both look to return to winning ways when they
meet on Boxing Day at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries were the latest
team to succumb to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, losing 4-0 at the Etihad
on Saturday - which proved to be their third defeat in a row. West Ham
meanwhile fell to a 3-2 defeat at home to Newcastle, halting their progress
under David Moyes after taking seven points from their previous three games.
It leaves West Ham sitting precariously in 17th in the Premier League table,
just one place and one point above Bournemouth, who have slipped into the
relegation zone after no wins in seven league matches.
Junior Stanislas has joined Bournemouth's growing injury list after limping
out of the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City with a sore hamstring. Cherries
boss Eddie Howe is hoping for good news from the treatment room, with
Jermain Defoe (ankle), Harry Arter (calf), Charlie Daniels (groin), Joshua
King (hamstring), Brad Smith (hip), Adam Federici and Tyrone Mings (both
back) all struggling. Manuel Lanzini is back in the West Ham squad for the
trip to the south coast. The Argentine midfielder has completed a two-match
ban after he was retrospectively charged for diving at Stoke last weekend.
Skipper Mark Noble could miss out again with a tight hamstring and defender
Jose Fonte remains sidelined due to an ankle injury.
A Bournemouth player has scored a hat-trick in both of their Premier League
victories against West Ham United (Callum Wilson in August 2015 and Josh
King in March 2017).
The away side won both fixtures between these sides in the 2015-16 campaign,
while the home side were victors in both matches last season.
The Cherries have failed to score in either of their Premier League Boxing
Day games, drawing 0-0 against Crystal Palace in 2015, before losing 0-3 at
Chelsea last season.
West Ham won their first away league game of the season in their last outing
against Stoke (3-0) - they've not won consecutive Premier League games away
from home since February.
Merson's prediction
It is six games without a win now for Bournemouth, and Newcastle go to West
Ham and win, and yet they had kept clean sheets against three top teams.
They have played Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke, who scored three goals on
Saturday, and kept clean sheets. And then they go and let in three goals
against Newcastle, who cannot win for toffee, and that was a poor result for
West Ham. So it is so hard to predict. This is a big game for Bournemouth. I
think they are in major, major trouble because I did not think they would go
down. I thought they would have too much.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 23
Daily WHUFC News - 24th December 2017
Hammers edged out by Newcastle at London Stadium
WHUFC.com
West Ham United 2 - 3 Newcastle United
Premier League
West Ham United saw a lead slip away as Newcastle United took all three
points from London Stadium on Saturday. Marko Arnautovic opened the scoring
early on as the home side made the perfect start, but Newcastle soon struck
back through Henri Saivet before moving in front after the interval thanks
to close range goals from Mo Diame and Christian Atsu. Between those strikes
Andre Ayew had a penalty saved by Rob Elliot, and although Ayew later gave
the Hammers hope with a close range finish, there was no third goal for the
hosts as Newcastle held out for victory. The afternoon started so well for
the hosts as they hit the front with just six minutes on the clock. Saivet
wore a guilty look on his face as he passed the ball straight to Arnautovic,
who accepted the gift clinically, running at Ciaran Clark before slotting
past Elliot, However, the joy only lasted four minutes as Saivet atoned for
his error at the first possible opportunity, arcing a free-kick into the
bottom left hand corner of Adrian's net after Winson Reid was penalised for
a high foot. With 17 minutes on the clock the Magpies so nearly added a
second as DeAndre Yedlin was released by Matt Ritchie down the right. He cut
back to Dwight Gayle and the Newcastle striker slammed an effort against the
bar. Arthur Masuaku forced Elliot into a save from range, but Newcastle were
looking threatening down the right hand side through Yedlin and Ritchie's
link-up, and it was the latter who curled a beautiful left-footed effort
against the upright on 34 minutes. The game had an open feel to it and there
was still time for the sides to exchange chances before the break, Michail
Antonio glancing a header wide when well placed, and Gayle wasting a
similarly promising opening following another Yedlin-Ritchie combination.
Another goal was coming, and it fell Newcastle's way eight minutes after the
restart through former Hammer Diame, who finished assuredly after Astu
knocked the ball through Pablo Zabaleta's legs and crossed low. Three
minutes later the Hammers were handed the opportunity to hit back from the
spot when Clark felled Antonio as he burst into the box, but Ayew could not
convert, seeing Elliot dive to the right to turn his penalty aside. The
breathless nature of the contest continued and Newcastle soon found
themselves 3-1 up. West Ham were the architects of their own downfall as
Zabaleta and Masuaku failed to deal with a Newcastle clearance from Aaron
Cresswell's corner, allowing Joselu the space on the left to square for Atsu
to knock home. Attack looked to be the best form of defence and the Hammers
were back in the contest 21 minutes from the end, Ayew finishing high into
the net after Elliot blocked Andy Carroll's header on the line.
Chicharito came on from the bench as the Hammers searched for a leveller,
and Pedro Obiang fizzed a long-range effort over the bar, but the visitors
stood firm to send the Hammers to a frustrating defeat.
West Ham United: Adrian, Zabaleta, Reid (c), Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku,
Kouyate, Obiang, Ayew (Chicharito 79), Arnautovic, Antonio (Carroll 59)
Substitutes: Hart, Collins, Rice, Quina, Sakho
Goals: Arnautovic 6, Ayew 69
Booked: Kouyate
Newcastle United: Elliot, Clark, Lascelles (c), Gayle (Perez 76), Diame,
Ritchie, Manquillo, Joselu, Yedlin, Saivet (Mbemba 83), Atsu (Murphy 90+1)
Substitutes: Darlow, Dummett, Aarons, Haidara
Goals: Saivet 10, Diame 53, Atsu 61
Booked: Atsu
Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 56,955
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers 'did enough to win' against Newcastle - Masuaku
WHUFC.com
Arthur Masuaku believes he and his West Ham United teammates did enough to
beat Newcastle, despite falling to a 3-2 defeat to the Magpies. An early
finish from Marko Arnautovic had put the Hammers in control but a free-kick
from Henri Saivet levelled the match after ten minutes, before Newcastle
went 3-1 ahead through Mohamed Diame and Christian Atsu. The Irons pulled a
goal back thanks to Andre Ayew, who also saw a penalty saved, but couldn't
do enough to grab another finish and take something from an entertaining
encounter at London Stadium. Masukau was once again one of West Ham's
stand-out performers and the pacey left-back feel the Hammers did not
deserve to lose the match. "We're disappointed because this was a massive
day and we could have taken all three points today," Masuaku said: "I think,
in my opinion, we did enough to win. We now have to go and try and win the
next game, on Tuesday, against Bournemouth. "It's a shame because we scored
early in the game, which is good. We couldn't keep playing the way we did at
the beginning though, which was a shame. We have to change that."
The loss to Newcastle spells an end to a decent run of form in the league
for David Moyes's team, having collected seven points from nine available in
the last three matches. Results elsewhere mean that West Ham will spend
Christmas Day outside the relegation zone but Masuaku has acknowledged that
the side's confidence could take a hit because of the defeat. However, the
23-year-old believes he and his teammates can recover quickly and right the
wrongs when the Irons take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Boxing
Day, in less than 72 hours. "We're all confident but to lose this kind of
game, the confidence will go down. We just need to be positive as a group
and hopefully things will change."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: We paid for our errors in Newcastle defeat
WHUFC.com
David Moyes said West Ham United paid the price for a succession of errors
as Newcastle United scored a surprise 3-2 victory at London Stadium. The
Hammers began the day full of festive cheer, but their Christmas was ruined
as the Magpies came from a goal down to secure their first win in ten
Premier League matches.
Marko Arnautovic gave West Ham the perfect start, only for the visitors to
equalise within four minutes through Henri Saivet's free-kick. Dwight Gayle
and Matt Ritchie then hit the woodwork before Mohamed Diame and Christian
Atsu fired Newcastle two goals clear with half-an-hour to play. Andre Ayew
then missed a penalty before slamming a loose ball high into the net to set
up a dramatic finish, but Moyes' side could not fashion a late leveller.
"It was just a game full of errors. It was an error from them for the first
goal, but certainly from us it was error after error all game and we just
couldn't pull it together," said the manager. "We kept at it, huffing and
puffing, but never really produced anything of any note in the whole game.
"Individually, we have to take responsibility for some of the things we've
done. We'll look at things and see what we could have done better as a team,
but we just really messed up for the third goal, we missed a penalty on the
day and just didn't do the jobs well enough. "For their first goal, we gave
away two free-kicks in the lead up to it, we didn't pass it well enough out
from the back or use it well enough and it was just one of those days when
we made error after error and it ended up with them scoring goals."
While his team undoubtedly gave everything, Moyes admitted his players had
ultimately not played well enough at either end of the pitch to deserve a
share of the spoils. Even when they were handed a golden opportunity to
level from the penalty spot when 2-1 down, Ayew's effort was saved by
Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot. "Probably, we hadn't deserved to get back
into the game because in the first half they had two good chances where they
hit the post and the bar, but we needed to get back into it. "The crowd had
been good to us and stayed behind us and if we'd got the penalty I think it
would have changed things. "We've already missed two penalty kicks since
I've been here and, when you're in the position we're in, you've just can't
afford to do that and you've got to take your chances."
Moyes said his players have to get Saturday's performance out of their
systems quickly and they now have two important training sessions to prepare
for the Boxing Day trip to AFC Bournemouth. "We've shown good improvement at
times. Saturday was always going to be different because we had to show what
we could do and I don't think we did that. "We stuck at it and tried to get
back in it, but ultimately we didn't do enough, especially when we were in
front, which was the biggest disappointment. "Whatever the result is at this
time of year, though, you just have to roll on to the next game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes rues West Ham's 'terrible' and 'farcical' errors in defeat to
Newcastle
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 23/12/17 6:39pm
SSN
David Moyes was left bitterly disappointed with the manner of the goals West
Ham conceded in the 3-2 defeat to Newcastle at the London Stadium. West Ham
had taken the lead through Marko Arnautovic, but fell behind after goals
from Henri Saivet and Mo Diame. Andre Ayew then missed the chance to level
from the penalty spot, with Rob Elliot saving his spot-kick before Christian
Atsu slid home Newcastle's third. And though Ayew made amends with 20
minutes to go, the comeback stopped there as Newcastle held on for a first
win in 10 Premier League games. Asked to summarise West Ham's performance,
Moyes responded: "Not a good one that's for sure. It was a game full of
errors, I just keep looking at the goals we've conceded and the mistakes
we've made. "It was near enough right from the start. We got the goal - I
think from a Newcastle mistake - but after we made two or three terrible
mistakes which led to them scoring from a free-kick.
"All in all, it just seemed like that on the touchline. Mistake after
mistake. We then missed a penalty at 2-1 which makes it even more
difficult." West Ham changed tactics when introducing Andy Carroll in the
second half, and though it was his header which Ayew smashed in the rebound
from, the forward not find a leveller for the hosts. Moyes said Carroll's
danger in the air is well-known, but could not help move back to commenting
on Newcastle's third goal, which came from a swift counter after a West Ham
corner. "Everyone knows how good Andy is. But we gave ourselves too much to
do after conceding a farcical third goal," Moyes added.
"We have to try and get rid of the individual errors. We missed him at home.
He's the one player who can do more on the ball and it was glaringly obvious
we missed him here. "It was going to be a test with expectations changing
towards us winning, but it showed today that we could not do that. "It was
the manner of losing the goals. The third was a catastrophe, the way it came
about. We don't score the penalty, and those things can make a big
difference."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United 2 - 3 Newcastle United
Premier League
West Ham United saw a lead slip away as Newcastle United took all three
points from London Stadium on Saturday. Marko Arnautovic opened the scoring
early on as the home side made the perfect start, but Newcastle soon struck
back through Henri Saivet before moving in front after the interval thanks
to close range goals from Mo Diame and Christian Atsu. Between those strikes
Andre Ayew had a penalty saved by Rob Elliot, and although Ayew later gave
the Hammers hope with a close range finish, there was no third goal for the
hosts as Newcastle held out for victory. The afternoon started so well for
the hosts as they hit the front with just six minutes on the clock. Saivet
wore a guilty look on his face as he passed the ball straight to Arnautovic,
who accepted the gift clinically, running at Ciaran Clark before slotting
past Elliot, However, the joy only lasted four minutes as Saivet atoned for
his error at the first possible opportunity, arcing a free-kick into the
bottom left hand corner of Adrian's net after Winson Reid was penalised for
a high foot. With 17 minutes on the clock the Magpies so nearly added a
second as DeAndre Yedlin was released by Matt Ritchie down the right. He cut
back to Dwight Gayle and the Newcastle striker slammed an effort against the
bar. Arthur Masuaku forced Elliot into a save from range, but Newcastle were
looking threatening down the right hand side through Yedlin and Ritchie's
link-up, and it was the latter who curled a beautiful left-footed effort
against the upright on 34 minutes. The game had an open feel to it and there
was still time for the sides to exchange chances before the break, Michail
Antonio glancing a header wide when well placed, and Gayle wasting a
similarly promising opening following another Yedlin-Ritchie combination.
Another goal was coming, and it fell Newcastle's way eight minutes after the
restart through former Hammer Diame, who finished assuredly after Astu
knocked the ball through Pablo Zabaleta's legs and crossed low. Three
minutes later the Hammers were handed the opportunity to hit back from the
spot when Clark felled Antonio as he burst into the box, but Ayew could not
convert, seeing Elliot dive to the right to turn his penalty aside. The
breathless nature of the contest continued and Newcastle soon found
themselves 3-1 up. West Ham were the architects of their own downfall as
Zabaleta and Masuaku failed to deal with a Newcastle clearance from Aaron
Cresswell's corner, allowing Joselu the space on the left to square for Atsu
to knock home. Attack looked to be the best form of defence and the Hammers
were back in the contest 21 minutes from the end, Ayew finishing high into
the net after Elliot blocked Andy Carroll's header on the line.
Chicharito came on from the bench as the Hammers searched for a leveller,
and Pedro Obiang fizzed a long-range effort over the bar, but the visitors
stood firm to send the Hammers to a frustrating defeat.
West Ham United: Adrian, Zabaleta, Reid (c), Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku,
Kouyate, Obiang, Ayew (Chicharito 79), Arnautovic, Antonio (Carroll 59)
Substitutes: Hart, Collins, Rice, Quina, Sakho
Goals: Arnautovic 6, Ayew 69
Booked: Kouyate
Newcastle United: Elliot, Clark, Lascelles (c), Gayle (Perez 76), Diame,
Ritchie, Manquillo, Joselu, Yedlin, Saivet (Mbemba 83), Atsu (Murphy 90+1)
Substitutes: Darlow, Dummett, Aarons, Haidara
Goals: Saivet 10, Diame 53, Atsu 61
Booked: Atsu
Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 56,955
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers 'did enough to win' against Newcastle - Masuaku
WHUFC.com
Arthur Masuaku believes he and his West Ham United teammates did enough to
beat Newcastle, despite falling to a 3-2 defeat to the Magpies. An early
finish from Marko Arnautovic had put the Hammers in control but a free-kick
from Henri Saivet levelled the match after ten minutes, before Newcastle
went 3-1 ahead through Mohamed Diame and Christian Atsu. The Irons pulled a
goal back thanks to Andre Ayew, who also saw a penalty saved, but couldn't
do enough to grab another finish and take something from an entertaining
encounter at London Stadium. Masukau was once again one of West Ham's
stand-out performers and the pacey left-back feel the Hammers did not
deserve to lose the match. "We're disappointed because this was a massive
day and we could have taken all three points today," Masuaku said: "I think,
in my opinion, we did enough to win. We now have to go and try and win the
next game, on Tuesday, against Bournemouth. "It's a shame because we scored
early in the game, which is good. We couldn't keep playing the way we did at
the beginning though, which was a shame. We have to change that."
The loss to Newcastle spells an end to a decent run of form in the league
for David Moyes's team, having collected seven points from nine available in
the last three matches. Results elsewhere mean that West Ham will spend
Christmas Day outside the relegation zone but Masuaku has acknowledged that
the side's confidence could take a hit because of the defeat. However, the
23-year-old believes he and his teammates can recover quickly and right the
wrongs when the Irons take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Boxing
Day, in less than 72 hours. "We're all confident but to lose this kind of
game, the confidence will go down. We just need to be positive as a group
and hopefully things will change."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: We paid for our errors in Newcastle defeat
WHUFC.com
David Moyes said West Ham United paid the price for a succession of errors
as Newcastle United scored a surprise 3-2 victory at London Stadium. The
Hammers began the day full of festive cheer, but their Christmas was ruined
as the Magpies came from a goal down to secure their first win in ten
Premier League matches.
Marko Arnautovic gave West Ham the perfect start, only for the visitors to
equalise within four minutes through Henri Saivet's free-kick. Dwight Gayle
and Matt Ritchie then hit the woodwork before Mohamed Diame and Christian
Atsu fired Newcastle two goals clear with half-an-hour to play. Andre Ayew
then missed a penalty before slamming a loose ball high into the net to set
up a dramatic finish, but Moyes' side could not fashion a late leveller.
"It was just a game full of errors. It was an error from them for the first
goal, but certainly from us it was error after error all game and we just
couldn't pull it together," said the manager. "We kept at it, huffing and
puffing, but never really produced anything of any note in the whole game.
"Individually, we have to take responsibility for some of the things we've
done. We'll look at things and see what we could have done better as a team,
but we just really messed up for the third goal, we missed a penalty on the
day and just didn't do the jobs well enough. "For their first goal, we gave
away two free-kicks in the lead up to it, we didn't pass it well enough out
from the back or use it well enough and it was just one of those days when
we made error after error and it ended up with them scoring goals."
While his team undoubtedly gave everything, Moyes admitted his players had
ultimately not played well enough at either end of the pitch to deserve a
share of the spoils. Even when they were handed a golden opportunity to
level from the penalty spot when 2-1 down, Ayew's effort was saved by
Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot. "Probably, we hadn't deserved to get back
into the game because in the first half they had two good chances where they
hit the post and the bar, but we needed to get back into it. "The crowd had
been good to us and stayed behind us and if we'd got the penalty I think it
would have changed things. "We've already missed two penalty kicks since
I've been here and, when you're in the position we're in, you've just can't
afford to do that and you've got to take your chances."
Moyes said his players have to get Saturday's performance out of their
systems quickly and they now have two important training sessions to prepare
for the Boxing Day trip to AFC Bournemouth. "We've shown good improvement at
times. Saturday was always going to be different because we had to show what
we could do and I don't think we did that. "We stuck at it and tried to get
back in it, but ultimately we didn't do enough, especially when we were in
front, which was the biggest disappointment. "Whatever the result is at this
time of year, though, you just have to roll on to the next game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes rues West Ham's 'terrible' and 'farcical' errors in defeat to
Newcastle
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 23/12/17 6:39pm
SSN
David Moyes was left bitterly disappointed with the manner of the goals West
Ham conceded in the 3-2 defeat to Newcastle at the London Stadium. West Ham
had taken the lead through Marko Arnautovic, but fell behind after goals
from Henri Saivet and Mo Diame. Andre Ayew then missed the chance to level
from the penalty spot, with Rob Elliot saving his spot-kick before Christian
Atsu slid home Newcastle's third. And though Ayew made amends with 20
minutes to go, the comeback stopped there as Newcastle held on for a first
win in 10 Premier League games. Asked to summarise West Ham's performance,
Moyes responded: "Not a good one that's for sure. It was a game full of
errors, I just keep looking at the goals we've conceded and the mistakes
we've made. "It was near enough right from the start. We got the goal - I
think from a Newcastle mistake - but after we made two or three terrible
mistakes which led to them scoring from a free-kick.
"All in all, it just seemed like that on the touchline. Mistake after
mistake. We then missed a penalty at 2-1 which makes it even more
difficult." West Ham changed tactics when introducing Andy Carroll in the
second half, and though it was his header which Ayew smashed in the rebound
from, the forward not find a leveller for the hosts. Moyes said Carroll's
danger in the air is well-known, but could not help move back to commenting
on Newcastle's third goal, which came from a swift counter after a West Ham
corner. "Everyone knows how good Andy is. But we gave ourselves too much to
do after conceding a farcical third goal," Moyes added.
"We have to try and get rid of the individual errors. We missed him at home.
He's the one player who can do more on the ball and it was glaringly obvious
we missed him here. "It was going to be a test with expectations changing
towards us winning, but it showed today that we could not do that. "It was
the manner of losing the goals. The third was a catastrophe, the way it came
about. We don't score the penalty, and those things can make a big
difference."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd December 2017
West Ham United v Newcastle: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome to Newcastle United to London Stadium for a festive fixture this weekend.
Read on for everything you need to know ahead of this contest!
Where and when?
West Ham United and Newcastle United will play at 3pm on Saturday 23 December.
The match will be played at London Stadium in Stratford.
How to follow:
Unfortunately, due to being a Saturday 3pm kick-off the match is not available for viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click here.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat channels.
Meet the opposition:
0:24
Team news:
David Moyes will offer an update on his available team and squad ahead of Newcastle's visit to London Stadium during his press conference on Friday.
The West Ham United manager will meet with representatives of the media at Rush Green with the press conference scheduled for Friday afternoon.
What they say:
"Newcastle is a very important game in front of our own fans. It's going to be a big game for us. We want to get the points at home. We're going to have a game plan, we're going to follow it, and hopefully we can get the win."
Andre Ayew
Match Officials:
Referee: Lee Mason
Assistant Referees: Harry Lennard & Constantine Hatzidakis
Fourth Official: Stuart Attwell
How to get there:
By train:
There are four Underground stations that supporters should utilise to reach London Stadium: Stratford Station, Stratford International, Hackney Wick and Pudding Mill Lane.
Supporters are advised that:
Southend Victoria services will terminate at Billericay with a Rail
Replacement Bus service to Newbury Park connecting into the Central line toward London.
Ipswich, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester and Norwich services will terminate at Ingatestone with a Rail Replacement Bus service to Newbury Park connecting into the Central line toward London.
Bishops Stortford to Stratford services will not run and fans are advised to travel via Liverpool Street then use the Central line to Stratford.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian eager to repay manager Moyes' confidence
WHUFC.com
Adrian wants to draw another blank when West Ham United host Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. The Hammers have kept clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League matches, all of which the Spaniard has started, to rise out of the bottom three. Adrian, who has been superbly protected by his outfield teammates in victories over Chelsea and Stoke City and the home draw with Arsenal, is aiming to make it four in a row at London Stadium. Should he do so, he hopes it will further firm-up his place as West Ham's first-choice goalkeeper. "Personally, it was really important for me to come back to the starting eleven for the Manchester City game, when Joe couldn't play because of his contract," the No13 told the Official Programme, reflecting on the opportunity he got to replace Joe Hart at the start of December. "I produced a good performance and after this the manager has had confidence in me to keep playing, so I have to give him the same confidence on the pitch every time I have the opportunity. I am in a positive way now and feel in good form."
For the popular gloveman, returning to the team was reward for his positive attitude and approach to training, despite the disappointment of losing his place at the beginning of the current campaign. "To be honest, the start of this season was the hardest three or four months I have had at West Ham. At the end of last season, I got my position in the starting eleven again and I played well and we finished well so to be out of the team at the start of this season was hard for me.
"I knew that, if I worked hard, this opportunity would come, initially in the cup games, and possibly in the Premier League, to show my level."
Adrian's next test comes on Saturday afternoon against a Newcastle team managed by his fellow countryman Rafael Benitez. The Sevilla-born stopper has long admired the work of his compatriot, who led the Magpies to the Championship title last season, having previously won La Liga twice with Valencia and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with Liverpool. "I have known Rafa for a long time. He is a very good manager and did a very good job at Newcastle when they were in the second tier. "They started the season very well but they have not got good results in their last few games, so it's a good time for us to give our maximum in our own stadium and get the three points. "I wish him the best, but not on Saturday!"
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Team news: Kouyate returns to squad, but Noble ruled out
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate should return to the West Ham United squad for Saturday's Premier League fixture with Newcastle United at London Stadium. The Senegal midfielder is set to be available again after missing the Hammers' last three top-flight matches with a hamstring injury suffered at Manchester City on 3 December.
The return of Kouyate, who has scored twice in 13 Premier League appearances this season, would be welcome, as captain Mark Noble will miss the meeting with the Magpies with his own hamstring problem. Noble was hurt initially in the goalless draw with Arsenal on 13 December and aggravated the injury after scoring in the 3-0 win at Stoke City last weekend. Meanwhile, Michail Antonio is facing a race against time to be fit after returning to training on Friday after overcoming a minor calf problem. "We have a doubt with Michail Antonio, who couldn't play in the Carabao Cup tie at Arsenal in midweek as he had a bit of a calf injury," manager David Moyes confirmed in his pre-match press conference. "That gives us a question mark about him. "Cheik Kouyate has trained this week, so we're hopeful that he'll be available again. "After that, I think the big one is that Mark Noble won't be available for the weekend as he has a bit of a hamstring injury."
Moyes will have other selection decisions to make, with Winston Reid, James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell fighting for places at the back, should he opt for a five-man defence again. In goal, Adrian could return after ceding his place to Joe Hart for Tuesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Arsenal. In midfield, youngsters Declan Rice and Domingos Quina impressed at the Emirates while, up front, Diafra Sakho scored at Stoke last weekend after coming on as a substitute, while Chicharito, Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll could also come into consideration if Antonio is not fit enough to start. Sam Byram, Jose Fonte and Edimilson Fernandes are all out injured, with the latter undergoing surgery on an ankle problem earlier this week.
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Newcastle
WHUFC.com
In their final match before Christmas, West Ham have the perfect opportunity to deliver their supporters with the best possible Christmas present: three points.
Today's visitors to the London Stadium, Newcastle United, are without a win in their last nine matches in the Premier League. Indeed, the only time the Magpies have avoided defeat during that period was last month's trip to West Bromwich Albion, who are winless since August themselves. David Moyes' side, then, should be confident of not just extending their unbeaten run in the top flight to four matches, but achieving back-to-back league victories for the first time this season.
The Irons, of course, beat Stoke 3-0 last weekend, keeping their third successive clean sheet in the process. A similarly steadfast performance in defence today would almost guarantee a positive result, as Newcastle have failed to score in both of their last two outings. The chances of the visitors getting anything whatsoever from the match appear slim, given that they haven't kept a clean sheet since these two sides met in August. West Ham are much-improved since then, however, especially going forward. Marko Arnautovic was tipped in this column to net against his former club, and he duly delivered. Arnautovic demonstrated all of the characteristics that could make him a Hammers hero in that match, and he is their likeliest scorer today. Moyes' men could well make an early breakthrough, too. Newcastle have trailed at half time in six of their previous seven matches, while West Ham were in front at the interval in their previous two wins.
Recommended bets
West Ham to win to nil - 23/10
West Ham to win the first half - 13/8
Marko Arnautovic to score - 21/10
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Moyes: Christmas challenges, Benitez battles and window shopping
WHUFC.com
David Moyes gave a wide-ranging press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium. The manager was asked about the challenge of managing during the busy Christmas period, his side's recent upturn in form, facing old foe Rafael Benitez and how preparations are going for the January transfer window.
Here is what the gaffer had to say…
Christmas is always a busy time
I've been involved in football since I was 16 and Christmas has always been a busy period, and this season is no different. It's different from the rest of the season, because you would normally have more preparation time and time to feed information back to the players, as well. In this period, you're moving on very quickly from one game to the next and you're concentrating on getting the players recovered and ready for the next game. I've never known it any different, so it's something you manage and get on with. As a player, you play twice in two or three days and it wasn't that nice, but if you're a professional footballer you understand that, if you want to come here and play in this country, you have to play over Christmas and New Year.
We still have a big job on our hands
I'm happy with the points we took last week and with our performances, but we are still a long way from where I want to go with the team. We're at the rung on the ladder. We've got a big job to do to make sure we stay away from the wrong end of the table, first and foremost, and we will take it a game at a time and try to improve our performances game by game. We've had about a month and we've been able to get some work into the players and give them a bit of feedback on how we want them to work. The players understand that it's not possible to get in all the training and preparation work required at this time of year because there just isn't the time.
Managers' lives will be difficult from now on
Paul Clement became the sixth Premier League manager to lose his job earlier this week. I know Paul well and he's a really good coach and is experienced now. He did great job at Swansea last season when he came in and took them up the table. I've experienced it as well. When you're at a club which has been regularly around the bottom of the table, it's very different to come in and completely change things around. Something has to change or one year you fall over. Unfortunately, the game we're in now means the manager's job is very short and we all understand it now and that's the way it's going to be. It's got worse. I remember when I was young manager coming in and used to look to Italy and think how terrible it was how they treated the coaches and managers there, getting rid of them so quickly, but we're up there now with how quickly we change managers around. We've got lots of foreign owners, which has changed the dynamics, the money which is in the Premier League now has made things greater, and it's getting much harder to play young players because of the profile of every game.
Virtually every game you're involved in now is a cup final, but we love the game and like to be involved in it. It won't change, but it changes if you're a manager who doesn't win enough games.
Ready for Rafa
I'm looking forward to facing Rafael Benitez and his Newcastle United team on Saturday. When I was at Everton, Rafa had some really good Liverpool teams. In fact, I look back and I think it would be harder to come up against a better Liverpool team than one which contained Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard, Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt – I could go on and on. They were really difficult to beat, but we had a few battles over the years. I missed Rafa in Spain as he arrived at Real Madrid just after I'd left Sociedad, but obviously we've come across each other over the years.
Let's put on a show for the home fans
We're at home and our crowd have done a brilliant job in helping us and nothing would please me more than giving them a great Christmas present of three points. We had a really good win against Stoke, who are one of our competitors, and we need to do it again against Newcastle as well. We're at home and we hope everyone is behind us, so hopefully we can get the win and we can all enjoy our Christmas period. We go into the game with big confidence, hoping to show our home supporters how we played at Stoke City. We've had a good week in the Premier League. There are a lot of things we're doing right, but I want us to be doing much better to get to where my vision is. At the moment, the small things of being hard to beat and picking up points are the things we can do.
January preparation is well under way
I would hope that once the window closed last summer, the work on identifying targets for the January transfer window started then. That's what has happened at other clubs I've been at, where you look at what might be available and what you might need come the next window. As managers, we do need a couple of windows to get players in or change things around, but you don't always get that period to do so. I'm hoping we can add to the squad but, as always, there's no guarantee that will happen. We've got areas we want to strengthen in and we have areas where we have a lot of players. I would really like players who I think could go into the team. The most important players at this period are the ones who are at West Ham and it's important they keep performing at the level they're at. They're the ones I'm really interested in.
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Collins: I'm sure we can get another three points
WHUFC.com
West Ham United complete their calendar year at London Stadium with the visit of Newcastle United this weekend. While the Hammers are unbeaten in their last three home Premier League matches, the Magpies arrive having lost nine and won just one of their last 13 top-flight fixtures. Those records might be irrelevant come 3pm on Saturday, but James Collins says there will be plenty of belief in the Claret and Blue camp as kick-off approaches. "We're full of confidence, as you might expect," said the No19. "A few weeks back, the confidence was low and people were probably fearing the worst with the games that we had, but it shows the character of the lads to come through and get seven points from the last three games. "We've got a big game against Newcastle, but our confidence is high and I'm sure we can get another three points. "We were happy we played Stoke last week after the power cut threatened to have the game postponed, because we thought it was a good time to play them, and hopefully that's the case again on Saturday."
He may be 34, but the veteran is still doing what he does best whenever he is called upon, most-recently in last Saturday's victory at Stoke. There, on his return after three months out with a calf injury, Collins pulled out his full defensive repertoire He made 18 trademark clearances, blocked three shots and made one vital interception to lead his team to another deserved clean sheet – his 73rd shutout in 270 top-flight appearances. "I enjoyed the game at Stoke! It was nice to be back in the team, a team that's been playing well, and to get the three points. "As usual, I used every bit of my body to get the ball away or stop it going in the net. You're always going to get that at Stoke, though, as they are that sort of team. It played into my hands a little bit, I thought I played well and thoroughly enjoyed it. "As a team, the boys have defended well in the last few Premier League games and we've got three clean sheets, which has really bred confidence. We got three goals last week, which was even better."
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Moyes hails old rival Benitez ahead of Newcastle clash
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager David Moyes is looking forward to reigniting his rivalry with Rafa Benitez when his side take on Newcastle United. Moyes, in charge of Everton, would regularly play Benitez's Liverpool in the Merseyside derby a number of years ago, sparking a healthy competition between the two managers.
The two met 14 times while in charge of Everton and Liverpool respectively – between 2004 and 2010 – with Moyes's Toffees on the winning side on just three occasions in those contests. And the West Ham boss is ready to welcome his former Merseyside rival – and hopefully get one over on him – when Newcastle visit the London Stadium on Saturday. Moyes revealed his respect for Benitez, saying: "I think Rafa is a very good manager. I think you don't manage Liverpool, Inter Milan and Real Madrid if you're not a good manager. You don't get the big job unless you're a top manager. That's my opinion. Rafa is a very good manager. I think you don't manage Liverpool, Inter Milan and Real Madrid if you're not a good manager. "I will welcome him for a glass of wine after the game if he wants one."
The Newcastle test is West Ham's third match in a week, at the start of a busy festive period, after the Hammers played Arsenal in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday. Moyes admits he would have loved to have guided West Ham into the last four but is eager to continue his side's recent good form in the Premier League, having collected seven points from the last nine games. He added: "We put out a really strong team in the Carabao Cup. We've prepared ourselves to win the Premier League games, although I would have loved to have got to the semi-finals of the Cup. "I think my job, when I came here, was to make sure West Ham was a Premier League club. If you asked any West Ham supporter, being in the Premier League is where you want to be."
An aspect of recent good form has been the energy Michail Antonio and Marko Arnautovic have provided up front, something Moyes was only too happy to praise.
The manager indicated that he is looking to use all of his available striking options in the coming games however, hailing what Chicharito, Andy Carroll and DIafra Sakho bring to the team. "The way we're playing right now, I don't think anybody would have thought Michail Antonio and Marko Arnautovic would end up being the two forward players here. At the moment though it's given us pace, power and speed. "There's other games where I want to try other things, and we might need another formation in weeks to come. If I want to get more balls into the box for more opportunities I would say Chichartio would be ideal for that. For good crosses into the box, Andy Carroll is good for that. Diafra Sakho offers energy down the sides and a bit of unpredictability in his play, which is a little similar to the two boys in the team at the moment."
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West Ham United v Newcastle United
SAT 23 DEC 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: London Stadium
TEAM NEWS
West Ham's Manuel Lanzini must serve a two-game ban after being found guilty of diving to win a penalty against Stoke last weekend. Mark Noble and Michail Antonio are injured but Cheikhou Kouyate is fit and Winston Reid returned from a ban to play in the League Cup exit at Arsenal.
Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic remains out with a back injury, and Jesus Gamez has had ankle surgery. Manager Rafael Benitez will assess several players with minor injuries. Jonjo Shelvey is still serving a suspension.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Simon Brotherton: "Sunderland fans may have been surprised by David Moyes' bullish claim this week that he could manage any club in the world. "Relegation under his guidance is still fresh in the memory on Wearside, but he has certainly raised hope at West Ham. Seven points from the last nine, with three clean sheets, wasn't the expected outcome from games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke. "This match provides a decent chance of keeping their recent run of success going, with Newcastle on such a wretched run. "Last week's defeat at Arsenal saw them slip into the bottom three and led to the players cancelling their own Christmas party, which seems a wise move in the circumstances."
Twitter: @SimonBrotherton
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: My ambition is to be at the top, it always is, but doing that is small steps. It's a long journey. "Quite often supporters don't like that. We're not necessarily a club who will spend hundreds of millions to get there in the short term. "So we need to rely on our youth policy and trying to develop the club will get you there. It takes time."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Ham have turned the corner but they have to be a bit careful here because Newcastle are on such a bad run - the Hammers cannot afford to think they can just turn up.
Prediction: 2-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
This is the 100th top-flight match between the clubs. Newcastle lead by 41 wins to West Ham's 33, with 25 draws.
West Ham have won their last two Premier League home games against Newcastle, having only beaten them once in the previous eight attempts in East London (W1, D3, L4).
West Ham United
Their tally of seven points from three games is as many as they managed in the previous 11 fixtures.
The Hammers have kept clean sheets in each of those three matches. They have only once gone four Premier League matches without conceding a goal, under Sam Allardyce in February 2014.
David Moyes is unbeaten in three successive Premier League fixtures for the first time since a four-match run in March 2014, when he was at Manchester United.
West Ham could win consecutive league matches for the first time since January.
Andy Carroll has gone 10 league games without a goal. He has failed to score in all eight Premier League appearances against his former club Newcastle.
Newcastle United
Newcastle are without a win in nine Premier League games (D1, L8) and could lose five in a row for the first time since an eight-match streak in May 2015.
They are in danger of spending Christmas Day in the Premier League relegation zone for the first time.
If Newcastle lose, they will equal the club record of 12 defeats after 19 matches of a top-flight season, set in 1977-78. They went on to be relegated in that campaign.
The Magpies have lost 71 Premier League games in London, more than any other side from outside the capital.
Rafael Benitez is unbeaten in his last nine Premier League games against David Moyes (W7, D2). He also won 10 of his 13 Premier League matches against West Ham, with his two defeats both coming in away fixtures.
Marko Arnautovic has scored two goals in his last three league games - double the amount he had scored in his previous 20.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 27%
Probability of home win: 48% Probability of away win: 25%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
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Moyes without trio for Newcastle test
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd December 2017
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes says that he will be without three key players when Newcastle visit the Olympic Stadium tomorrow afternoon. West Ham go into the game having taken seven points from their last three Premier League outings, a hugely positive spell that was interrupted by Tuesday night's equally disappointing performance at Arsenal in which they failed to create a single shot on target. And Moyes will have to do without captain Mark Noble plus influential duo Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini, who sits out his final game of a two-match suspension. "Apart from Manu, we have a couple of other issues," he revealed in conversation with the Standard. "Michail Antonio has a calf strain, wasn't available for Tuesday and is touch and go for tomorrow. I don't think Mark Noble will be fit in time either - he has been suffering from a tight hamstring for a week or so and we can't take chances with that."
However there was some good news for Moyes with the impending return of a midfielder - an area in which the Hammers have looked woefully short in recent weeks and one in which Moyes had promised to strengthen in next month's transfer window. "The good news is that Cheikhou Kouyate is back in full training so we hope he will be available for tomorrow," confirmed Moyes. "We are short of numbers in midfield and that has to be a priority in January."
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Moyes 'dumbfounded' by Sakho rumours
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd December 2017
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes has denied reports of a public spat between him and Diafra Sakho, insisting that the Senegal international was benched against Arsenal "purely for football reasons". It was reported after the match had finished (1-0 in Arsenal's favour) that Sakho had threatened to walk out of The Emirates after learning that was starting on the bench against the Gunners. However Moyes has denied reports of a bust-up with Sakho - who had previously fallen out with Moyes' predecessor Slaven Bilic - whilst insisting that there had been no row, despite several reports to the contrary. "I was dumbfounded when I heard there had been reports of a row between Diafra Sakho and myself before the Arsenal match," Moyes wrote in his weekly column for the Standard. "I can say categorically there have never been any cross words with Diafra since I've been at the club and I have been pleased with his performances when he has come off the bench in games. "He has never been in to see me about anything since I've been at the club so I was amazed when I was told about the allegations. I don't know where these allegations originated but certainly I wasn't aware of any of it until it was brought to my attention."
And the manager also refrained from commenting on suggestions that the wantaway Sakho's contract contains a £50,000 bonus should he be included in the starting XI and half that should he come on as a substitute. "I understand that details about bonus payments have also been in the public domain," he added. "I'm certainly not going to comment on that - financial details of a player's contract are between him and the club. "The boys up front have done well up to now and Diafra has played his part in that. We like his mobility and he weighed in with an important goal at Stoke last Saturday. "The decision to start with Chicharito and Andre Ayew, rather than Diafra, on Tuesday, was based purely on football considerations and nothing else."
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I miss Italy, says Ogbonna
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd December 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's in-form central defender Angelo Ogbonna had admitted that he misses home - but believes he's a better player as a result of playing in the Premier League. Ogbonna, speaking ahead of tomorrow's vitally-important clash with Newcastle United was talking to Italian media in the wake of Italy's failure to qualify for next summer's World Cup Finals in Russia. And despite missing the creature comforts one associates with being close to home, the 29-year-old former Juventus star admitted that he has blossomed as a player since moving to West Ham. "Of course I miss Cassino, where I grew up and Turin, where I spent my adolescence," he said. "These places made me what I am, but I don't regret leaving Italy. "I think I have changed a lot in England, especially from the point of view of character. Going abroad has made me stronger - and the Premier League is the most difficult championship in the world now."
Ogbonna also revealed that he was hugely disappointed to be part of the first Italian squad to fail to qualify for the World Cup since a 17-year-old wowed crowds in Sweden back in 1958 - and vowed to win a regular place back in the team. "To tell the truth, I don't know if my absence is political or technical," he mused. "It may have been political, but I hope not. It's strange not being considered - like Mario Balotelli, with whom I started the Blue path. "West Ham are improving now, but you need more than to simply play in an important league. My goal is to return to the national team since I've not been called up lately and I don't understood why. "It was assumed that we had to go to the World Cup just because we're Italy. It was taken for granted. If we want to start again and not waste the opportunity, we must realise that we cannot live in the past".
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Not fit for purpose
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd December 2017
By: Paul Walker
So Manuel Lanzini will be watching with us tomorrow, no doubt shuffling about on the bench clutching professional footballers' latest accessory of choice, a hot water bottle.
Demarai Gray will, of course, be playing against Manchester United while Alvaro Morata is equally under-employed for Chelsea's trip to Everton. Those three decisions by the FA's so-called disciplinary system underline why the whole thing is just not fit for purpose.
A system based on guess work, opinion, knee jerk reaction, who shouts the loudest or just wholly inadequate process that makes the whole thing a shambles.
If a player can get a yellow card (admittedly his fifth of the season) and be banned for a bit of light-hearted 'celebration' after scoring a last seconds Cup semi-final winner - that's Morata - while two Spurs players can also get just a yellow card for horrendous career-threatening tackles and still not be banned, is beyond me. It's a disgrace.
Of course I am a little biased when it comes to the Lanzini saga, it happened right in front of me. But I don't want this to be a tirade about us and our misfortunes, all rival clubs think Lanzini is a nasty little cheat while we feel there is some reasonable doubt about the decision. That's the way of the world.
What concerns me is the arbitrary way the FA operate. No transparency, no logic or consistency. They have invented their own new vanity rule about diving, they have to be seen to be doing something. Manu was never going to win an appeal, that would have laid the FA wide open for even more abuse, their disciplinary system already considered a joke following the rumpus over the womens' national team.
My view, for what it is worth, on Lanzini is that it was borderline. On his long run from his own half he had been blatantly kicked by Kevin Wimmer, given a dig by Joe Allen and then gone down when Erik Pieters planted his thigh in the Argie's path and waited for the impact. Which Manu was looking for.
But there was contact, Pieters made no attempt to play the ball and admitted that contact was made. His manager Mark Hughes spent the whole weekend insisting there had been no contact. The referee's view as crucial, ten yards behind and a clear sight. He saw the contact and then blew for the penalty.
Regardless, it's over now. The FA acted presumably after a host of media called the FA's duty press officer on Sunday wanting a quote. He will have said, "we'll look in the morning", which gave everyone the 'FA to probe Lanzini dive' headline they wanted.
Various pundits, ex-players, managers, ex-officials had all had their say on MotD and Goals on Sunday, and the view was split, but with most accepting there had been contact.
By Monday, the FA cobbled together one of their early-morning trios of ex-manager, ex-player, ex-referee and that threesome had no doubt, 100 per cent dive. Ok, we appeal, and another trio, same vintage but independent this time (and the first panel wasn't?) and all three said, a dive. So we live with it, although surely there is some doubt with so many conflicting views.
No more than four hours after the decision is announced, Leicester's Gray wins a penalty against Manchester City (now stop laughing you lot, I can see the irony there). Kyle Walker clearly prodded the ball out of play, there was minimal contact if none at all, but Gray has perfected the art of diving forward while looking back over his shoulder to appeal to referee Bob Madley. That, in itself, is a technique worthy of a RADA card.
This time the FA find another faceless threesome for an offence equally, if not worse that Lanzini's, and this time they cannot agree. So there we have it, guesswork, opinion, back of a fag packet justice. Gray plays when he should be banned, Lanzini doesn't play. As I said, the debate over Manu's offence is not the point of this piece. You would expect me to be biased, but it is the FA I am gunning for.
If they are going to have their new pet ruling, it must be openly honest, transparent, the panel should always be the same three people so there is consistency. I don't believe they cannot find the same likely suspects for each hearing. The Pools Panel used to have the same old hands week after week, so you can find experienced people to administer a consistent level of decision making.
And then, of course, there is the long-held belief by many that the FA are scared of the top six. If they want, I can point them in the direction of serial offenders there who should be in the frame weekly.
And that's another thing. The FA should not pick and chose which offence to investigate. Every penalty decision in the Premier League, at least, each weekend should be reviewed as a matter of course. The view that they pick on soft targets continues to grow. Some virtual unknown from Everton, Oumar Niasse, was the only previous player banned for simulation this season.
We can all point the FA in the general direction of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Sergio Aguero, Jesus, David Silva, Fabian Delph, to name most of City's divers, along with Eden Hazard, Carlos Sanchez, Ashley Young, Philippe Coutinho, Dele Alli, and of course Wilfried Zaha, the only one there not playing - just yet - for a top six club.
I mention Delph because he produced a shocking dive against us recently that produced the free-kick that Man City scored their winner from. I assume the FA cannot be bothered to look at spots of elevation that don't happen in the penalty area.
Start sorting that lot out, and the rest of us will hold our hands up and accept more readily any of our own players who are trying to qualify for their nation's Olympic diving team.
Of course, the FA can always hide behind their ruling that incidents cannot be investigated if the official has seen them, and acted upon them. Thus, Kane and Alli can get away with those horror tackles from last weekend because they were punished with a yellow.
If you can tell a referee he was wrong over not punishing a diver, you can surely tell them they are wrong for just dishing out a yellow when red was needed.
So, to sum up. The FA has to be open and even-handed. It must take on the big six as well as the rest. This time, we have suffered the loss of our most creative player. Next time it could be anyone. Justice should be consistent.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Bournemouth's Harry Arter a transfer target for West Ham
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 23/12/17 8:01am
SSN
West Ham want to sign Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter during the January transfer window, Sky sources understand. Hammers boss David Moyes wants to sign a central midfielder next month and is also interested in Steven N'Zonzi of Sevilla and Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho. Carvalho came close to joining West Ham last summer but the clubs could not agree a fee. Republic of Ireland international Arter, who has won six caps for his country, has made over 200 appearances for Bournemouth since joining the club in 2010. The 27-year-old signed a new four-year contract with the Cherries last July but has struggled to hold down a starting place this season. West Ham could come up against Arter on Boxing Day when they travel to the Vitality Stadium to play Bournemouth. Moyes is also interested in signing a centre-back and a striker in January as he attempts to preserve West Ham's Premier League status.
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West Ham boss David Moyes says Manuel Lanzini has been harshly treated by the FA
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 22/12/17 5:13pm
SSN
West Ham manager David Moyes has slammed the decision to hand Manuel Lanzini a two-match ban for simulation. Lanzini became the second Premier League player to be suspended under the new rules regarding 'successful deception of a match official' following last weekend's win at Stoke. The Hammers took the lead through a Mark Noble penalty, awarded by referee Graham Scott after Lanzini went down under pressure from Eric Pieters. Stoke manager Mark Hughes said after the match he felt Lanzini had dived and the Argentine was subsequently hit with an FA charge, which was upheld on appeal by an independent regulatory commission. Lanzini will serve the second match of the ban when the Hammers entertain Newcastle on Saturday and Moyes says that, while he supports the new rule, his player has been harshly treated on this occasion, due to the debatable nature of the incident. Moyes said: "Referees do a great job in trying to keep the game moving and I think they do a great job in trying to give the right decisions. "Our referee was 10 yards from it, the defender stuck his leg out, and the player went over. I think he gave the referee a decision, and the referee took the decision. "The FA and the committee have gone against the referee, not against us, they have gone against their own people. "If they don't support them on decisions which are splitting the country, I think it is very difficult. "I think the rule brought in is a really good rule, but I am disappointed with the decision, because I think that similar situations have not been dealt with in the same way ours has.
"I feel that is a bit unfair - it is more than unfair."
Moyes has lifted the Londoners out of the relegation zone since taking charge, and they have a chance to claim more points when fellow strugglers Newcastle visit this weekend. But Moyes has asked supporters to be patient as he attempts to guide the Hammers up the Premier League table. "My ambition is to be at the top, it always is, but doing that is small steps," he said. "It's a long journey. "Quite often, supporters don't like that. We're not necessarily a club who will spend hundreds of millions to get there in the short term. "So, we need to rely on our youth policy, and trying to develop the club will get you there. It takes time." West Ham captain Mark Noble will miss Saturday's match, while winger Michail Antonio is a doubt with a calf problem. Moyes said: "I think the big one is that Mark Noble won't be available for the weekend, as he has a bit of a hamstring injury. "We have a doubt with Michail Antonio, who couldn't play in the Carabao Cup tie at Arsenal in midweek as he had a bit of a calf injury. That gives us a question mark about him."
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West Ham boss David Moyes postpones contact talks until the summer
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 22/12/17 10:55pm
SSN
West Ham boss David Moyes insists he has no intention of discussing a new contract at the London Stadium until the end of the season. Moyes is currently five weeks into a six-month deal with the Hammers after replacing Slaven Bilic at the start of November. After an underwhelming start to his tenure, Moyes guided West Ham out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 3-0 win over Stoke last Saturday. However, the former Everton and Manchester United manager insists now is not the right time to be discussing his long-term future as he prepares his side to face relegation rivals Newcastle on Saturday. "I won't be talking about it with the club, or anybody, until the end of the season, when we're up, or down, or wherever," he said. "That's me saying it, not the club. I won't have any discussion until the end of the season. "I want to prove what I can do, to show what I can do, I want to see if I'm a fit for the club and if the club think I'm a fit for them as well. "The way football is now, I'm not interested in having a three or four-year contract any more. "I think it would be good for football clubs and maybe West Ham to have managers for three or four years, and in the main the owners have tried to do that. "But for me, personally, it tends to be a shorter brief now for managers. What did I sign at Manchester United, four years? And it ended up being 10 months."
Hammers striker Andy Carroll has been linked with a move away from the club in the January window but Moyes says the 28-year-old striker still has a future at the London Stadium. "I'll tell you what, I think Andy Carroll would be linked because he's one of a type, a wee bit of a dying breed, a Duncan Ferguson type," said Moyes. "But I think Andy Carroll will be a big value to us as the season goes on, and I would hopefully see Andy being here."
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West Ham v Newcastle preview: Upwardly mobile Hammers take on plummeting Magpies
Last Updated: 23/12/17 8:24am
SSN
West Ham will look to cash in on Newcastle's alarming run of form and continue to pull away from the relegation zone when they host the Magpies on Saturday afternoon. David Moyes has enjoyed an immediate impact in east London - victories over Chelsea and Stoke sandwiched a goalless draw with Arsenal - and those results have helped lift the Hammers out of the drop zone for the first time this season. Newcastle's slump has seen them lose eight out of nine Premier League games since beating Crystal Palace on October 21. They have already lost four times in December and have now replaced Saturday's opponents in the bottom three; the memory of them beating the Hammers 3-0 at the end of August must feel a very long time ago. But Rafa Benitez insists his side are working hard and just need some luck, saying after the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last week: "Sometimes you need a little bit of luck, sometimes it's the final decision. "We've had these situations in the last two or three games, losing to one goal, but at the same time you can see the reaction of the players and the effort they put on the pitch - that's the positive thing."
Team news
Andy Carroll faces a late fitness test having been absent recently due to a back problem. Cheikhou Kouyate could miss out due to a hamstring injury. Joe Fonte, Edimilson Fernandes (both ankle) and Sam Byram (thigh) are all absent.
In contrast, Benitez has a fully-fit squad to choose from with Jonjo Shelvey the only absentee from the Newcastle squad as he serves the second of a two-game suspension.
Opta stats
West Ham have won their last two home Premier League games against Newcastle - one more than they managed in their previous eight (W1 D3 L4).
After doing the double over West Ham in their first two Premier League seasons in 1993-94 and 1994-95, Newcastle have managed it just once since (in 2010-11).
West Ham have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three Premier League games - they've only kept four in a row in the competition once before, back in February 2014 under Sam Allardyce.
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez says he can take positives from his side's effort in defeat at Arsenal and is confident they will get better results in weeks to come.
Newcastle haven't lost five consecutive Premier League games since May 2015, a run of eight under John Carver.
Rafael Benitez has won 10 of his 13 Premier League matches against West Ham (D1 L2), although his two defeats were away from home in January 2008 and December 2012.
The Spaniard has also won seven and lost none of his last nine Premier League encounters with David Moyes - his most recent meeting was a 2-1 win as Chelsea boss in Moyes' final match as Everton boss in May 2013.
Since Adrian came into the West Ham team against Man City, the Hammers have conceded just two goals in four games, keeping three clean sheets. With Joe Hart in goal, they kept three clean sheets in 14 games and conceded 30 goals.
Marko Arnautovic has scored two goals in his last three Premier League games - more than he'd scored in his previous 20 combined with West Ham and Stoke (1).
Merson's prediction
Newcastle put in a good performance against Arsenal and were unlucky. You look at games like that and think 'if you can play like that against Arsenal, why not against clubs lower down the league?' You have to do it week-in-week-out, against teams around you.
West Ham are playing really well. They were outstanding against Stoke. I am not sure Newcastle will be able to handle Marko Arnautovic. David Moyes is doing a great job.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
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West Ham EXCLUSIVE: Hammers have bid for Bournemouth star Harry Arter rejected
WEST HAM have had an opening £8million bid for Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter rejected by the South Coast club.
By TONY BANKS
PUBLISHED: 01:00, Sat, Dec 23, 2017 | UPDATED: 01:24, Sat, Dec 23, 2017
Express.co.uk
New Hammers manager David Moyes is a huge fan of the hard-working Cherries midfielder and has made him a key target for January. The West Ham manager believes the squad he inherited from Slaven Bilic is weak in central midfield, and is looking to bring reinforcements. Republic of Ireland star Arter has been in and out of Eddie Howe's struggling side this season, starting only 10 League games so far. The energetic midfielder only signed a new four-year contract in July, but Bournemouth could be ready to sell as they need to recoup funds. West Ham made an initial inquiry for Arter this week but were rebuffed. However Moyes, determined to get his man, is set to go back in when the window opens. Moyes wants to bring in three or four new players, with Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho another target.
New defenders are also on his shopping list, with West Ham ready to bid £20m fpr Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Rebel striker Diafra Sakho, who rowed with Moyes over lack of games before the Carabao Cup defeat at Arsenal in midweek, wants to quit, but the Scot will not let the forward, rated at £15m, go until he has secured a replacement. West Ham could climb as high as 12th with a win over Newcastle today and the club's owners have been hugely impressed with the job Moyes has done so far. But he insists any talks over a new contract are on hold until the summer – and hinted if he does stay he would only sign another short-term deal anyway. He said: "I'm happy. I'm telling you now I won't be talking about it with the club or anybody until the end of the season when we're up or down or wherever. "I want to prove what I can do, I want to see if I'm a fit for the club and if the club think I'm a fit for them as well. That's what I'm trying to do."
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Mark Hughes has suggested a unique punishment for West Ham star Manuel Lanzini
ES Football Newsletter
Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has suggested Manuel Lanzini's ban for diving should apply for West Ham's next match against the Potters. Hughes was left fuming over referee Graham Scott's decision last Saturday to award a penalty when Hammers midfielder Lanzini went down in the Stoke box as he was challenged by Erik Pieters. The Football Association subsequently announced Lanzini had been charged with diving, and then, following his denial of the charge, that it had been upheld, with the Argentinian having to serve a two-game suspension. That ruled him out of Tuesday's EFL Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, and he will also miss the Premier League clash on Saturday with Newcastle, who are 18th, a point worse off than 17th-placed Stoke and two behind the 15th-spotted Hammers. The penalty Lanzini won last weekend was converted by Mark Noble to make it 1-0 in what finished as a 3-0 defeat for Hughes' men. Speaking about Lanzini on Friday, Hughes said: "The lad's been sanctioned, rightly in my view, for diving. "He missed the League Cup game and at the weekend they play Newcastle. So he misses one Premier League game when it could have been two. Newcastle get the benefit because he is not playing against them. "The only team who don't get any benefit is ourselves. So that needs to change. The referee needs to step up and get these key moments right."
Hughes was then asked if there was a case for the manager of the team a player dived against choosing the games the suspension applied for over the next 10.
And he said: "It doesn't seem that it is correct really. "In terms of what you suggest, I don't know if that would be possible. I don't think it would be viewed as the correct solution. "But maybe because the offence was against us he shouldn't be allowed to play against us in the return game. That is unlikely to happen but maybe that is a better option."
West Ham are scheduled to host Stoke on April 14.
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West Ham goalkeeper Adrian reveals early season snub was his hardest time in east London
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian has revealed that the early months of this season were the hardest he's had to face at the club. The Spaniard, who exchanged the top spot with Darren Randolph (now at Middlesbrough) last season, was bumped back down to the understudy with the arrival of Joe Hart on loan over the summer. Having joined from Manchester City, England's first choice 'keeper started every Premier League game under Slaven Bilic, and also in the early weeks of David Moyes' reign. However, facing his parent club Hart was ineligible to play, giving Adrian a chance and the 30-year-old did not pass it up. Three clean sheets in four Premier League starts has put the pressure on Hart once more and, while admitting the start of this term was his lowest ebb in east London, Adrian thanked Moyes for the confidence he's shown him. "Personally, it was really important for me to come back to the starting eleven for the Manchester City game, when Joe couldn't play because of his contract," Adrian told the West Ham matchday programme ahead of their clash with Newcastle on Saturday. "I produced a good performance and after this the manager has had confidence in me to keep playing, so I have to give him the same confidence on the pitch every time I have the opportunity. I am in a positive way now and feel in good form. "To be honest, the start of this season was the hardest three or four months I have had at West Ham. At the end of last season, I got my position in the starting eleven again and I played well and we finished well so to be out of the team at the start of this season was hard for me. "I knew that, if I worked hard, this opportunity would come, initially in the cup games, and possibly in the Premier League, to show my level."
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David Moyes: I put Diafra Sakho on the West Ham bench purely for football reasons
The fee for this column is going to Crisis at Christmas. For information on the charity which helps the homeless go to crisis.org.uk
ES Sport
I was dumbfounded when I heard there had been reports of a row between Diafra Sakho and myself before the Arsenal match. I can say categorically there has never been any cross words with Diafra since I've been at the club and I have been pleased with his performances when he has come off the bench in games. He has never been in to see me about anything since I've been at the club so I was amazed when I was told about the allegations. I understand that details about bonus payments have also been in the public domain. I'm certainly not going to comment on that — financial details of a player's contract are between him and the club. I don't know where these allegations originated but certainly I wasn't aware of any of it until it was brought to my attention.
My sole focus is on the team and helping them to continually improve their performances and results. The boys up front have done well up to now and Diafra has played his part in that. We like his mobility and he weighed in with an important goal at Stoke last Saturday. The decision to start with Chicharito and Andre Ayew, rather than Diafra, on Tuesday, was based purely on football considerations and nothing else. We have at least six offensive players who can play up front for us and we need to give them all game time and match practice.
With regard to tomorrow's match against Newcastle, I am very disappointed that Manuel Lanzini is suspended. I thought he had his best game since I joined West Ham at Stoke and we will miss him badly. I don't like diving in the game and I applaud the FA for trying to do something about it. I'm 100 per cent behind eradicating simulation but what will be difficult is to find consistency. I believe, in Manu's case, there was enough doubt for the charge to be over-turned or actually not brought in the first place. There was a real split, for example, with the opinions of people in the football world. It wasn't a straightforward case in my eyes.
When I managed Real Sociedad, I saw an incredible number of players going down too easily, screaming their heads off. It seemed like, almost whenever that happened, the referees would blow their whistles for freekicks. I had an opportunity there to see how good players are at simulation. In Spain it wasn't seen as cheating but rather as doing the right thing for the team but over here it is not like that. We have a responsibility of trying to make the referee's life as easy as we can and in the case of Manu, the official was very close to the incident and had a clear view. The Stoke defender, with his challenge, gave the referee a decision to make as well as Manu, who had to decide the best way to avoid him. I don't think we have a major problem with it here. Undeniably it happens but I don't think we should make too big a deal out of it. The FA don't use the same three-man panel for every incident they decide to consider which might make consistency more difficult. On this occasion we can't do any more about it. We've tried but now we have to move on.
For tomorrow, apart from Manu, we have a couple of other issues. Michail Antonio has a calf strain and wasn't available for Tuesday and is touch and go for tomorrow. I don't think Mark Noble will be fit in time. He has been suffering from a tight hamstring for a week or so and we can't take chances with that. The good news is that Cheikhou Kouyate is back in full training so we hope he will be available for tomorrow. We are short of numbers in midfield and that has to be a priority in January. We've hardly had time to draw breath in the past couple of weeks and it's not about to calm down any time soon. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to the Christmas schedule. I enjoy it although, for the players, it is certainly a demanding time. We're in on Christmas Eve and then Christmas Day late afternoon before we head down to Bournemouth. The way the fixtures have panned out means we can then give the players a little bit of time off after the Boxing Day match and before our next game, against West Brom at home on 2 January. I know it's not a great time for the players because they have families. It's perhaps even harder for the foreign players because often their family network is not here with them.
In Spain, the clubs had a break starting around now. The players would return at the end of December and have another week's preparation before the next game. I do think we ought to have a week's break early in January in this country, although the fixture calendar doesn't make that straightforward unless maybe, we shorten the summer break.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United welcome to Newcastle United to London Stadium for a festive fixture this weekend.
Read on for everything you need to know ahead of this contest!
Where and when?
West Ham United and Newcastle United will play at 3pm on Saturday 23 December.
The match will be played at London Stadium in Stratford.
How to follow:
Unfortunately, due to being a Saturday 3pm kick-off the match is not available for viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click here.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat channels.
Meet the opposition:
0:24
Team news:
David Moyes will offer an update on his available team and squad ahead of Newcastle's visit to London Stadium during his press conference on Friday.
The West Ham United manager will meet with representatives of the media at Rush Green with the press conference scheduled for Friday afternoon.
What they say:
"Newcastle is a very important game in front of our own fans. It's going to be a big game for us. We want to get the points at home. We're going to have a game plan, we're going to follow it, and hopefully we can get the win."
Andre Ayew
Match Officials:
Referee: Lee Mason
Assistant Referees: Harry Lennard & Constantine Hatzidakis
Fourth Official: Stuart Attwell
How to get there:
By train:
There are four Underground stations that supporters should utilise to reach London Stadium: Stratford Station, Stratford International, Hackney Wick and Pudding Mill Lane.
Supporters are advised that:
Southend Victoria services will terminate at Billericay with a Rail
Replacement Bus service to Newbury Park connecting into the Central line toward London.
Ipswich, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester and Norwich services will terminate at Ingatestone with a Rail Replacement Bus service to Newbury Park connecting into the Central line toward London.
Bishops Stortford to Stratford services will not run and fans are advised to travel via Liverpool Street then use the Central line to Stratford.
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Adrian eager to repay manager Moyes' confidence
WHUFC.com
Adrian wants to draw another blank when West Ham United host Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. The Hammers have kept clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League matches, all of which the Spaniard has started, to rise out of the bottom three. Adrian, who has been superbly protected by his outfield teammates in victories over Chelsea and Stoke City and the home draw with Arsenal, is aiming to make it four in a row at London Stadium. Should he do so, he hopes it will further firm-up his place as West Ham's first-choice goalkeeper. "Personally, it was really important for me to come back to the starting eleven for the Manchester City game, when Joe couldn't play because of his contract," the No13 told the Official Programme, reflecting on the opportunity he got to replace Joe Hart at the start of December. "I produced a good performance and after this the manager has had confidence in me to keep playing, so I have to give him the same confidence on the pitch every time I have the opportunity. I am in a positive way now and feel in good form."
For the popular gloveman, returning to the team was reward for his positive attitude and approach to training, despite the disappointment of losing his place at the beginning of the current campaign. "To be honest, the start of this season was the hardest three or four months I have had at West Ham. At the end of last season, I got my position in the starting eleven again and I played well and we finished well so to be out of the team at the start of this season was hard for me.
"I knew that, if I worked hard, this opportunity would come, initially in the cup games, and possibly in the Premier League, to show my level."
Adrian's next test comes on Saturday afternoon against a Newcastle team managed by his fellow countryman Rafael Benitez. The Sevilla-born stopper has long admired the work of his compatriot, who led the Magpies to the Championship title last season, having previously won La Liga twice with Valencia and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with Liverpool. "I have known Rafa for a long time. He is a very good manager and did a very good job at Newcastle when they were in the second tier. "They started the season very well but they have not got good results in their last few games, so it's a good time for us to give our maximum in our own stadium and get the three points. "I wish him the best, but not on Saturday!"
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Team news: Kouyate returns to squad, but Noble ruled out
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate should return to the West Ham United squad for Saturday's Premier League fixture with Newcastle United at London Stadium. The Senegal midfielder is set to be available again after missing the Hammers' last three top-flight matches with a hamstring injury suffered at Manchester City on 3 December.
The return of Kouyate, who has scored twice in 13 Premier League appearances this season, would be welcome, as captain Mark Noble will miss the meeting with the Magpies with his own hamstring problem. Noble was hurt initially in the goalless draw with Arsenal on 13 December and aggravated the injury after scoring in the 3-0 win at Stoke City last weekend. Meanwhile, Michail Antonio is facing a race against time to be fit after returning to training on Friday after overcoming a minor calf problem. "We have a doubt with Michail Antonio, who couldn't play in the Carabao Cup tie at Arsenal in midweek as he had a bit of a calf injury," manager David Moyes confirmed in his pre-match press conference. "That gives us a question mark about him. "Cheik Kouyate has trained this week, so we're hopeful that he'll be available again. "After that, I think the big one is that Mark Noble won't be available for the weekend as he has a bit of a hamstring injury."
Moyes will have other selection decisions to make, with Winston Reid, James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell fighting for places at the back, should he opt for a five-man defence again. In goal, Adrian could return after ceding his place to Joe Hart for Tuesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Arsenal. In midfield, youngsters Declan Rice and Domingos Quina impressed at the Emirates while, up front, Diafra Sakho scored at Stoke last weekend after coming on as a substitute, while Chicharito, Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll could also come into consideration if Antonio is not fit enough to start. Sam Byram, Jose Fonte and Edimilson Fernandes are all out injured, with the latter undergoing surgery on an ankle problem earlier this week.
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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: Newcastle
WHUFC.com
In their final match before Christmas, West Ham have the perfect opportunity to deliver their supporters with the best possible Christmas present: three points.
Today's visitors to the London Stadium, Newcastle United, are without a win in their last nine matches in the Premier League. Indeed, the only time the Magpies have avoided defeat during that period was last month's trip to West Bromwich Albion, who are winless since August themselves. David Moyes' side, then, should be confident of not just extending their unbeaten run in the top flight to four matches, but achieving back-to-back league victories for the first time this season.
The Irons, of course, beat Stoke 3-0 last weekend, keeping their third successive clean sheet in the process. A similarly steadfast performance in defence today would almost guarantee a positive result, as Newcastle have failed to score in both of their last two outings. The chances of the visitors getting anything whatsoever from the match appear slim, given that they haven't kept a clean sheet since these two sides met in August. West Ham are much-improved since then, however, especially going forward. Marko Arnautovic was tipped in this column to net against his former club, and he duly delivered. Arnautovic demonstrated all of the characteristics that could make him a Hammers hero in that match, and he is their likeliest scorer today. Moyes' men could well make an early breakthrough, too. Newcastle have trailed at half time in six of their previous seven matches, while West Ham were in front at the interval in their previous two wins.
Recommended bets
West Ham to win to nil - 23/10
West Ham to win the first half - 13/8
Marko Arnautovic to score - 21/10
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Moyes: Christmas challenges, Benitez battles and window shopping
WHUFC.com
David Moyes gave a wide-ranging press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium. The manager was asked about the challenge of managing during the busy Christmas period, his side's recent upturn in form, facing old foe Rafael Benitez and how preparations are going for the January transfer window.
Here is what the gaffer had to say…
Christmas is always a busy time
I've been involved in football since I was 16 and Christmas has always been a busy period, and this season is no different. It's different from the rest of the season, because you would normally have more preparation time and time to feed information back to the players, as well. In this period, you're moving on very quickly from one game to the next and you're concentrating on getting the players recovered and ready for the next game. I've never known it any different, so it's something you manage and get on with. As a player, you play twice in two or three days and it wasn't that nice, but if you're a professional footballer you understand that, if you want to come here and play in this country, you have to play over Christmas and New Year.
We still have a big job on our hands
I'm happy with the points we took last week and with our performances, but we are still a long way from where I want to go with the team. We're at the rung on the ladder. We've got a big job to do to make sure we stay away from the wrong end of the table, first and foremost, and we will take it a game at a time and try to improve our performances game by game. We've had about a month and we've been able to get some work into the players and give them a bit of feedback on how we want them to work. The players understand that it's not possible to get in all the training and preparation work required at this time of year because there just isn't the time.
Managers' lives will be difficult from now on
Paul Clement became the sixth Premier League manager to lose his job earlier this week. I know Paul well and he's a really good coach and is experienced now. He did great job at Swansea last season when he came in and took them up the table. I've experienced it as well. When you're at a club which has been regularly around the bottom of the table, it's very different to come in and completely change things around. Something has to change or one year you fall over. Unfortunately, the game we're in now means the manager's job is very short and we all understand it now and that's the way it's going to be. It's got worse. I remember when I was young manager coming in and used to look to Italy and think how terrible it was how they treated the coaches and managers there, getting rid of them so quickly, but we're up there now with how quickly we change managers around. We've got lots of foreign owners, which has changed the dynamics, the money which is in the Premier League now has made things greater, and it's getting much harder to play young players because of the profile of every game.
Virtually every game you're involved in now is a cup final, but we love the game and like to be involved in it. It won't change, but it changes if you're a manager who doesn't win enough games.
Ready for Rafa
I'm looking forward to facing Rafael Benitez and his Newcastle United team on Saturday. When I was at Everton, Rafa had some really good Liverpool teams. In fact, I look back and I think it would be harder to come up against a better Liverpool team than one which contained Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard, Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt – I could go on and on. They were really difficult to beat, but we had a few battles over the years. I missed Rafa in Spain as he arrived at Real Madrid just after I'd left Sociedad, but obviously we've come across each other over the years.
Let's put on a show for the home fans
We're at home and our crowd have done a brilliant job in helping us and nothing would please me more than giving them a great Christmas present of three points. We had a really good win against Stoke, who are one of our competitors, and we need to do it again against Newcastle as well. We're at home and we hope everyone is behind us, so hopefully we can get the win and we can all enjoy our Christmas period. We go into the game with big confidence, hoping to show our home supporters how we played at Stoke City. We've had a good week in the Premier League. There are a lot of things we're doing right, but I want us to be doing much better to get to where my vision is. At the moment, the small things of being hard to beat and picking up points are the things we can do.
January preparation is well under way
I would hope that once the window closed last summer, the work on identifying targets for the January transfer window started then. That's what has happened at other clubs I've been at, where you look at what might be available and what you might need come the next window. As managers, we do need a couple of windows to get players in or change things around, but you don't always get that period to do so. I'm hoping we can add to the squad but, as always, there's no guarantee that will happen. We've got areas we want to strengthen in and we have areas where we have a lot of players. I would really like players who I think could go into the team. The most important players at this period are the ones who are at West Ham and it's important they keep performing at the level they're at. They're the ones I'm really interested in.
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Collins: I'm sure we can get another three points
WHUFC.com
West Ham United complete their calendar year at London Stadium with the visit of Newcastle United this weekend. While the Hammers are unbeaten in their last three home Premier League matches, the Magpies arrive having lost nine and won just one of their last 13 top-flight fixtures. Those records might be irrelevant come 3pm on Saturday, but James Collins says there will be plenty of belief in the Claret and Blue camp as kick-off approaches. "We're full of confidence, as you might expect," said the No19. "A few weeks back, the confidence was low and people were probably fearing the worst with the games that we had, but it shows the character of the lads to come through and get seven points from the last three games. "We've got a big game against Newcastle, but our confidence is high and I'm sure we can get another three points. "We were happy we played Stoke last week after the power cut threatened to have the game postponed, because we thought it was a good time to play them, and hopefully that's the case again on Saturday."
He may be 34, but the veteran is still doing what he does best whenever he is called upon, most-recently in last Saturday's victory at Stoke. There, on his return after three months out with a calf injury, Collins pulled out his full defensive repertoire He made 18 trademark clearances, blocked three shots and made one vital interception to lead his team to another deserved clean sheet – his 73rd shutout in 270 top-flight appearances. "I enjoyed the game at Stoke! It was nice to be back in the team, a team that's been playing well, and to get the three points. "As usual, I used every bit of my body to get the ball away or stop it going in the net. You're always going to get that at Stoke, though, as they are that sort of team. It played into my hands a little bit, I thought I played well and thoroughly enjoyed it. "As a team, the boys have defended well in the last few Premier League games and we've got three clean sheets, which has really bred confidence. We got three goals last week, which was even better."
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Moyes hails old rival Benitez ahead of Newcastle clash
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager David Moyes is looking forward to reigniting his rivalry with Rafa Benitez when his side take on Newcastle United. Moyes, in charge of Everton, would regularly play Benitez's Liverpool in the Merseyside derby a number of years ago, sparking a healthy competition between the two managers.
The two met 14 times while in charge of Everton and Liverpool respectively – between 2004 and 2010 – with Moyes's Toffees on the winning side on just three occasions in those contests. And the West Ham boss is ready to welcome his former Merseyside rival – and hopefully get one over on him – when Newcastle visit the London Stadium on Saturday. Moyes revealed his respect for Benitez, saying: "I think Rafa is a very good manager. I think you don't manage Liverpool, Inter Milan and Real Madrid if you're not a good manager. You don't get the big job unless you're a top manager. That's my opinion. Rafa is a very good manager. I think you don't manage Liverpool, Inter Milan and Real Madrid if you're not a good manager. "I will welcome him for a glass of wine after the game if he wants one."
The Newcastle test is West Ham's third match in a week, at the start of a busy festive period, after the Hammers played Arsenal in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday. Moyes admits he would have loved to have guided West Ham into the last four but is eager to continue his side's recent good form in the Premier League, having collected seven points from the last nine games. He added: "We put out a really strong team in the Carabao Cup. We've prepared ourselves to win the Premier League games, although I would have loved to have got to the semi-finals of the Cup. "I think my job, when I came here, was to make sure West Ham was a Premier League club. If you asked any West Ham supporter, being in the Premier League is where you want to be."
An aspect of recent good form has been the energy Michail Antonio and Marko Arnautovic have provided up front, something Moyes was only too happy to praise.
The manager indicated that he is looking to use all of his available striking options in the coming games however, hailing what Chicharito, Andy Carroll and DIafra Sakho bring to the team. "The way we're playing right now, I don't think anybody would have thought Michail Antonio and Marko Arnautovic would end up being the two forward players here. At the moment though it's given us pace, power and speed. "There's other games where I want to try other things, and we might need another formation in weeks to come. If I want to get more balls into the box for more opportunities I would say Chichartio would be ideal for that. For good crosses into the box, Andy Carroll is good for that. Diafra Sakho offers energy down the sides and a bit of unpredictability in his play, which is a little similar to the two boys in the team at the moment."
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West Ham United v Newcastle United
SAT 23 DEC 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: London Stadium
TEAM NEWS
West Ham's Manuel Lanzini must serve a two-game ban after being found guilty of diving to win a penalty against Stoke last weekend. Mark Noble and Michail Antonio are injured but Cheikhou Kouyate is fit and Winston Reid returned from a ban to play in the League Cup exit at Arsenal.
Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic remains out with a back injury, and Jesus Gamez has had ankle surgery. Manager Rafael Benitez will assess several players with minor injuries. Jonjo Shelvey is still serving a suspension.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Simon Brotherton: "Sunderland fans may have been surprised by David Moyes' bullish claim this week that he could manage any club in the world. "Relegation under his guidance is still fresh in the memory on Wearside, but he has certainly raised hope at West Ham. Seven points from the last nine, with three clean sheets, wasn't the expected outcome from games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Stoke. "This match provides a decent chance of keeping their recent run of success going, with Newcastle on such a wretched run. "Last week's defeat at Arsenal saw them slip into the bottom three and led to the players cancelling their own Christmas party, which seems a wise move in the circumstances."
Twitter: @SimonBrotherton
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: My ambition is to be at the top, it always is, but doing that is small steps. It's a long journey. "Quite often supporters don't like that. We're not necessarily a club who will spend hundreds of millions to get there in the short term. "So we need to rely on our youth policy and trying to develop the club will get you there. It takes time."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Ham have turned the corner but they have to be a bit careful here because Newcastle are on such a bad run - the Hammers cannot afford to think they can just turn up.
Prediction: 2-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
This is the 100th top-flight match between the clubs. Newcastle lead by 41 wins to West Ham's 33, with 25 draws.
West Ham have won their last two Premier League home games against Newcastle, having only beaten them once in the previous eight attempts in East London (W1, D3, L4).
West Ham United
Their tally of seven points from three games is as many as they managed in the previous 11 fixtures.
The Hammers have kept clean sheets in each of those three matches. They have only once gone four Premier League matches without conceding a goal, under Sam Allardyce in February 2014.
David Moyes is unbeaten in three successive Premier League fixtures for the first time since a four-match run in March 2014, when he was at Manchester United.
West Ham could win consecutive league matches for the first time since January.
Andy Carroll has gone 10 league games without a goal. He has failed to score in all eight Premier League appearances against his former club Newcastle.
Newcastle United
Newcastle are without a win in nine Premier League games (D1, L8) and could lose five in a row for the first time since an eight-match streak in May 2015.
They are in danger of spending Christmas Day in the Premier League relegation zone for the first time.
If Newcastle lose, they will equal the club record of 12 defeats after 19 matches of a top-flight season, set in 1977-78. They went on to be relegated in that campaign.
The Magpies have lost 71 Premier League games in London, more than any other side from outside the capital.
Rafael Benitez is unbeaten in his last nine Premier League games against David Moyes (W7, D2). He also won 10 of his 13 Premier League matches against West Ham, with his two defeats both coming in away fixtures.
Marko Arnautovic has scored two goals in his last three league games - double the amount he had scored in his previous 20.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 27%
Probability of home win: 48% Probability of away win: 25%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
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Moyes without trio for Newcastle test
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd December 2017
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes says that he will be without three key players when Newcastle visit the Olympic Stadium tomorrow afternoon. West Ham go into the game having taken seven points from their last three Premier League outings, a hugely positive spell that was interrupted by Tuesday night's equally disappointing performance at Arsenal in which they failed to create a single shot on target. And Moyes will have to do without captain Mark Noble plus influential duo Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini, who sits out his final game of a two-match suspension. "Apart from Manu, we have a couple of other issues," he revealed in conversation with the Standard. "Michail Antonio has a calf strain, wasn't available for Tuesday and is touch and go for tomorrow. I don't think Mark Noble will be fit in time either - he has been suffering from a tight hamstring for a week or so and we can't take chances with that."
However there was some good news for Moyes with the impending return of a midfielder - an area in which the Hammers have looked woefully short in recent weeks and one in which Moyes had promised to strengthen in next month's transfer window. "The good news is that Cheikhou Kouyate is back in full training so we hope he will be available for tomorrow," confirmed Moyes. "We are short of numbers in midfield and that has to be a priority in January."
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Moyes 'dumbfounded' by Sakho rumours
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd December 2017
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes has denied reports of a public spat between him and Diafra Sakho, insisting that the Senegal international was benched against Arsenal "purely for football reasons". It was reported after the match had finished (1-0 in Arsenal's favour) that Sakho had threatened to walk out of The Emirates after learning that was starting on the bench against the Gunners. However Moyes has denied reports of a bust-up with Sakho - who had previously fallen out with Moyes' predecessor Slaven Bilic - whilst insisting that there had been no row, despite several reports to the contrary. "I was dumbfounded when I heard there had been reports of a row between Diafra Sakho and myself before the Arsenal match," Moyes wrote in his weekly column for the Standard. "I can say categorically there have never been any cross words with Diafra since I've been at the club and I have been pleased with his performances when he has come off the bench in games. "He has never been in to see me about anything since I've been at the club so I was amazed when I was told about the allegations. I don't know where these allegations originated but certainly I wasn't aware of any of it until it was brought to my attention."
And the manager also refrained from commenting on suggestions that the wantaway Sakho's contract contains a £50,000 bonus should he be included in the starting XI and half that should he come on as a substitute. "I understand that details about bonus payments have also been in the public domain," he added. "I'm certainly not going to comment on that - financial details of a player's contract are between him and the club. "The boys up front have done well up to now and Diafra has played his part in that. We like his mobility and he weighed in with an important goal at Stoke last Saturday. "The decision to start with Chicharito and Andre Ayew, rather than Diafra, on Tuesday, was based purely on football considerations and nothing else."
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I miss Italy, says Ogbonna
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd December 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's in-form central defender Angelo Ogbonna had admitted that he misses home - but believes he's a better player as a result of playing in the Premier League. Ogbonna, speaking ahead of tomorrow's vitally-important clash with Newcastle United was talking to Italian media in the wake of Italy's failure to qualify for next summer's World Cup Finals in Russia. And despite missing the creature comforts one associates with being close to home, the 29-year-old former Juventus star admitted that he has blossomed as a player since moving to West Ham. "Of course I miss Cassino, where I grew up and Turin, where I spent my adolescence," he said. "These places made me what I am, but I don't regret leaving Italy. "I think I have changed a lot in England, especially from the point of view of character. Going abroad has made me stronger - and the Premier League is the most difficult championship in the world now."
Ogbonna also revealed that he was hugely disappointed to be part of the first Italian squad to fail to qualify for the World Cup since a 17-year-old wowed crowds in Sweden back in 1958 - and vowed to win a regular place back in the team. "To tell the truth, I don't know if my absence is political or technical," he mused. "It may have been political, but I hope not. It's strange not being considered - like Mario Balotelli, with whom I started the Blue path. "West Ham are improving now, but you need more than to simply play in an important league. My goal is to return to the national team since I've not been called up lately and I don't understood why. "It was assumed that we had to go to the World Cup just because we're Italy. It was taken for granted. If we want to start again and not waste the opportunity, we must realise that we cannot live in the past".
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Not fit for purpose
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd December 2017
By: Paul Walker
So Manuel Lanzini will be watching with us tomorrow, no doubt shuffling about on the bench clutching professional footballers' latest accessory of choice, a hot water bottle.
Demarai Gray will, of course, be playing against Manchester United while Alvaro Morata is equally under-employed for Chelsea's trip to Everton. Those three decisions by the FA's so-called disciplinary system underline why the whole thing is just not fit for purpose.
A system based on guess work, opinion, knee jerk reaction, who shouts the loudest or just wholly inadequate process that makes the whole thing a shambles.
If a player can get a yellow card (admittedly his fifth of the season) and be banned for a bit of light-hearted 'celebration' after scoring a last seconds Cup semi-final winner - that's Morata - while two Spurs players can also get just a yellow card for horrendous career-threatening tackles and still not be banned, is beyond me. It's a disgrace.
Of course I am a little biased when it comes to the Lanzini saga, it happened right in front of me. But I don't want this to be a tirade about us and our misfortunes, all rival clubs think Lanzini is a nasty little cheat while we feel there is some reasonable doubt about the decision. That's the way of the world.
What concerns me is the arbitrary way the FA operate. No transparency, no logic or consistency. They have invented their own new vanity rule about diving, they have to be seen to be doing something. Manu was never going to win an appeal, that would have laid the FA wide open for even more abuse, their disciplinary system already considered a joke following the rumpus over the womens' national team.
My view, for what it is worth, on Lanzini is that it was borderline. On his long run from his own half he had been blatantly kicked by Kevin Wimmer, given a dig by Joe Allen and then gone down when Erik Pieters planted his thigh in the Argie's path and waited for the impact. Which Manu was looking for.
But there was contact, Pieters made no attempt to play the ball and admitted that contact was made. His manager Mark Hughes spent the whole weekend insisting there had been no contact. The referee's view as crucial, ten yards behind and a clear sight. He saw the contact and then blew for the penalty.
Regardless, it's over now. The FA acted presumably after a host of media called the FA's duty press officer on Sunday wanting a quote. He will have said, "we'll look in the morning", which gave everyone the 'FA to probe Lanzini dive' headline they wanted.
Various pundits, ex-players, managers, ex-officials had all had their say on MotD and Goals on Sunday, and the view was split, but with most accepting there had been contact.
By Monday, the FA cobbled together one of their early-morning trios of ex-manager, ex-player, ex-referee and that threesome had no doubt, 100 per cent dive. Ok, we appeal, and another trio, same vintage but independent this time (and the first panel wasn't?) and all three said, a dive. So we live with it, although surely there is some doubt with so many conflicting views.
No more than four hours after the decision is announced, Leicester's Gray wins a penalty against Manchester City (now stop laughing you lot, I can see the irony there). Kyle Walker clearly prodded the ball out of play, there was minimal contact if none at all, but Gray has perfected the art of diving forward while looking back over his shoulder to appeal to referee Bob Madley. That, in itself, is a technique worthy of a RADA card.
This time the FA find another faceless threesome for an offence equally, if not worse that Lanzini's, and this time they cannot agree. So there we have it, guesswork, opinion, back of a fag packet justice. Gray plays when he should be banned, Lanzini doesn't play. As I said, the debate over Manu's offence is not the point of this piece. You would expect me to be biased, but it is the FA I am gunning for.
If they are going to have their new pet ruling, it must be openly honest, transparent, the panel should always be the same three people so there is consistency. I don't believe they cannot find the same likely suspects for each hearing. The Pools Panel used to have the same old hands week after week, so you can find experienced people to administer a consistent level of decision making.
And then, of course, there is the long-held belief by many that the FA are scared of the top six. If they want, I can point them in the direction of serial offenders there who should be in the frame weekly.
And that's another thing. The FA should not pick and chose which offence to investigate. Every penalty decision in the Premier League, at least, each weekend should be reviewed as a matter of course. The view that they pick on soft targets continues to grow. Some virtual unknown from Everton, Oumar Niasse, was the only previous player banned for simulation this season.
We can all point the FA in the general direction of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Sergio Aguero, Jesus, David Silva, Fabian Delph, to name most of City's divers, along with Eden Hazard, Carlos Sanchez, Ashley Young, Philippe Coutinho, Dele Alli, and of course Wilfried Zaha, the only one there not playing - just yet - for a top six club.
I mention Delph because he produced a shocking dive against us recently that produced the free-kick that Man City scored their winner from. I assume the FA cannot be bothered to look at spots of elevation that don't happen in the penalty area.
Start sorting that lot out, and the rest of us will hold our hands up and accept more readily any of our own players who are trying to qualify for their nation's Olympic diving team.
Of course, the FA can always hide behind their ruling that incidents cannot be investigated if the official has seen them, and acted upon them. Thus, Kane and Alli can get away with those horror tackles from last weekend because they were punished with a yellow.
If you can tell a referee he was wrong over not punishing a diver, you can surely tell them they are wrong for just dishing out a yellow when red was needed.
So, to sum up. The FA has to be open and even-handed. It must take on the big six as well as the rest. This time, we have suffered the loss of our most creative player. Next time it could be anyone. Justice should be consistent.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Bournemouth's Harry Arter a transfer target for West Ham
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 23/12/17 8:01am
SSN
West Ham want to sign Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter during the January transfer window, Sky sources understand. Hammers boss David Moyes wants to sign a central midfielder next month and is also interested in Steven N'Zonzi of Sevilla and Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho. Carvalho came close to joining West Ham last summer but the clubs could not agree a fee. Republic of Ireland international Arter, who has won six caps for his country, has made over 200 appearances for Bournemouth since joining the club in 2010. The 27-year-old signed a new four-year contract with the Cherries last July but has struggled to hold down a starting place this season. West Ham could come up against Arter on Boxing Day when they travel to the Vitality Stadium to play Bournemouth. Moyes is also interested in signing a centre-back and a striker in January as he attempts to preserve West Ham's Premier League status.
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West Ham boss David Moyes says Manuel Lanzini has been harshly treated by the FA
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 22/12/17 5:13pm
SSN
West Ham manager David Moyes has slammed the decision to hand Manuel Lanzini a two-match ban for simulation. Lanzini became the second Premier League player to be suspended under the new rules regarding 'successful deception of a match official' following last weekend's win at Stoke. The Hammers took the lead through a Mark Noble penalty, awarded by referee Graham Scott after Lanzini went down under pressure from Eric Pieters. Stoke manager Mark Hughes said after the match he felt Lanzini had dived and the Argentine was subsequently hit with an FA charge, which was upheld on appeal by an independent regulatory commission. Lanzini will serve the second match of the ban when the Hammers entertain Newcastle on Saturday and Moyes says that, while he supports the new rule, his player has been harshly treated on this occasion, due to the debatable nature of the incident. Moyes said: "Referees do a great job in trying to keep the game moving and I think they do a great job in trying to give the right decisions. "Our referee was 10 yards from it, the defender stuck his leg out, and the player went over. I think he gave the referee a decision, and the referee took the decision. "The FA and the committee have gone against the referee, not against us, they have gone against their own people. "If they don't support them on decisions which are splitting the country, I think it is very difficult. "I think the rule brought in is a really good rule, but I am disappointed with the decision, because I think that similar situations have not been dealt with in the same way ours has.
"I feel that is a bit unfair - it is more than unfair."
Moyes has lifted the Londoners out of the relegation zone since taking charge, and they have a chance to claim more points when fellow strugglers Newcastle visit this weekend. But Moyes has asked supporters to be patient as he attempts to guide the Hammers up the Premier League table. "My ambition is to be at the top, it always is, but doing that is small steps," he said. "It's a long journey. "Quite often, supporters don't like that. We're not necessarily a club who will spend hundreds of millions to get there in the short term. "So, we need to rely on our youth policy, and trying to develop the club will get you there. It takes time." West Ham captain Mark Noble will miss Saturday's match, while winger Michail Antonio is a doubt with a calf problem. Moyes said: "I think the big one is that Mark Noble won't be available for the weekend, as he has a bit of a hamstring injury. "We have a doubt with Michail Antonio, who couldn't play in the Carabao Cup tie at Arsenal in midweek as he had a bit of a calf injury. That gives us a question mark about him."
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West Ham boss David Moyes postpones contact talks until the summer
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 22/12/17 10:55pm
SSN
West Ham boss David Moyes insists he has no intention of discussing a new contract at the London Stadium until the end of the season. Moyes is currently five weeks into a six-month deal with the Hammers after replacing Slaven Bilic at the start of November. After an underwhelming start to his tenure, Moyes guided West Ham out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 3-0 win over Stoke last Saturday. However, the former Everton and Manchester United manager insists now is not the right time to be discussing his long-term future as he prepares his side to face relegation rivals Newcastle on Saturday. "I won't be talking about it with the club, or anybody, until the end of the season, when we're up, or down, or wherever," he said. "That's me saying it, not the club. I won't have any discussion until the end of the season. "I want to prove what I can do, to show what I can do, I want to see if I'm a fit for the club and if the club think I'm a fit for them as well. "The way football is now, I'm not interested in having a three or four-year contract any more. "I think it would be good for football clubs and maybe West Ham to have managers for three or four years, and in the main the owners have tried to do that. "But for me, personally, it tends to be a shorter brief now for managers. What did I sign at Manchester United, four years? And it ended up being 10 months."
Hammers striker Andy Carroll has been linked with a move away from the club in the January window but Moyes says the 28-year-old striker still has a future at the London Stadium. "I'll tell you what, I think Andy Carroll would be linked because he's one of a type, a wee bit of a dying breed, a Duncan Ferguson type," said Moyes. "But I think Andy Carroll will be a big value to us as the season goes on, and I would hopefully see Andy being here."
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West Ham v Newcastle preview: Upwardly mobile Hammers take on plummeting Magpies
Last Updated: 23/12/17 8:24am
SSN
West Ham will look to cash in on Newcastle's alarming run of form and continue to pull away from the relegation zone when they host the Magpies on Saturday afternoon. David Moyes has enjoyed an immediate impact in east London - victories over Chelsea and Stoke sandwiched a goalless draw with Arsenal - and those results have helped lift the Hammers out of the drop zone for the first time this season. Newcastle's slump has seen them lose eight out of nine Premier League games since beating Crystal Palace on October 21. They have already lost four times in December and have now replaced Saturday's opponents in the bottom three; the memory of them beating the Hammers 3-0 at the end of August must feel a very long time ago. But Rafa Benitez insists his side are working hard and just need some luck, saying after the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last week: "Sometimes you need a little bit of luck, sometimes it's the final decision. "We've had these situations in the last two or three games, losing to one goal, but at the same time you can see the reaction of the players and the effort they put on the pitch - that's the positive thing."
Team news
Andy Carroll faces a late fitness test having been absent recently due to a back problem. Cheikhou Kouyate could miss out due to a hamstring injury. Joe Fonte, Edimilson Fernandes (both ankle) and Sam Byram (thigh) are all absent.
In contrast, Benitez has a fully-fit squad to choose from with Jonjo Shelvey the only absentee from the Newcastle squad as he serves the second of a two-game suspension.
Opta stats
West Ham have won their last two home Premier League games against Newcastle - one more than they managed in their previous eight (W1 D3 L4).
After doing the double over West Ham in their first two Premier League seasons in 1993-94 and 1994-95, Newcastle have managed it just once since (in 2010-11).
West Ham have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three Premier League games - they've only kept four in a row in the competition once before, back in February 2014 under Sam Allardyce.
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez says he can take positives from his side's effort in defeat at Arsenal and is confident they will get better results in weeks to come.
Newcastle haven't lost five consecutive Premier League games since May 2015, a run of eight under John Carver.
Rafael Benitez has won 10 of his 13 Premier League matches against West Ham (D1 L2), although his two defeats were away from home in January 2008 and December 2012.
The Spaniard has also won seven and lost none of his last nine Premier League encounters with David Moyes - his most recent meeting was a 2-1 win as Chelsea boss in Moyes' final match as Everton boss in May 2013.
Since Adrian came into the West Ham team against Man City, the Hammers have conceded just two goals in four games, keeping three clean sheets. With Joe Hart in goal, they kept three clean sheets in 14 games and conceded 30 goals.
Marko Arnautovic has scored two goals in his last three Premier League games - more than he'd scored in his previous 20 combined with West Ham and Stoke (1).
Merson's prediction
Newcastle put in a good performance against Arsenal and were unlucky. You look at games like that and think 'if you can play like that against Arsenal, why not against clubs lower down the league?' You have to do it week-in-week-out, against teams around you.
West Ham are playing really well. They were outstanding against Stoke. I am not sure Newcastle will be able to handle Marko Arnautovic. David Moyes is doing a great job.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
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West Ham EXCLUSIVE: Hammers have bid for Bournemouth star Harry Arter rejected
WEST HAM have had an opening £8million bid for Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter rejected by the South Coast club.
By TONY BANKS
PUBLISHED: 01:00, Sat, Dec 23, 2017 | UPDATED: 01:24, Sat, Dec 23, 2017
Express.co.uk
New Hammers manager David Moyes is a huge fan of the hard-working Cherries midfielder and has made him a key target for January. The West Ham manager believes the squad he inherited from Slaven Bilic is weak in central midfield, and is looking to bring reinforcements. Republic of Ireland star Arter has been in and out of Eddie Howe's struggling side this season, starting only 10 League games so far. The energetic midfielder only signed a new four-year contract in July, but Bournemouth could be ready to sell as they need to recoup funds. West Ham made an initial inquiry for Arter this week but were rebuffed. However Moyes, determined to get his man, is set to go back in when the window opens. Moyes wants to bring in three or four new players, with Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho another target.
New defenders are also on his shopping list, with West Ham ready to bid £20m fpr Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson. Rebel striker Diafra Sakho, who rowed with Moyes over lack of games before the Carabao Cup defeat at Arsenal in midweek, wants to quit, but the Scot will not let the forward, rated at £15m, go until he has secured a replacement. West Ham could climb as high as 12th with a win over Newcastle today and the club's owners have been hugely impressed with the job Moyes has done so far. But he insists any talks over a new contract are on hold until the summer – and hinted if he does stay he would only sign another short-term deal anyway. He said: "I'm happy. I'm telling you now I won't be talking about it with the club or anybody until the end of the season when we're up or down or wherever. "I want to prove what I can do, I want to see if I'm a fit for the club and if the club think I'm a fit for them as well. That's what I'm trying to do."
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Mark Hughes has suggested a unique punishment for West Ham star Manuel Lanzini
ES Football Newsletter
Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has suggested Manuel Lanzini's ban for diving should apply for West Ham's next match against the Potters. Hughes was left fuming over referee Graham Scott's decision last Saturday to award a penalty when Hammers midfielder Lanzini went down in the Stoke box as he was challenged by Erik Pieters. The Football Association subsequently announced Lanzini had been charged with diving, and then, following his denial of the charge, that it had been upheld, with the Argentinian having to serve a two-game suspension. That ruled him out of Tuesday's EFL Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, and he will also miss the Premier League clash on Saturday with Newcastle, who are 18th, a point worse off than 17th-placed Stoke and two behind the 15th-spotted Hammers. The penalty Lanzini won last weekend was converted by Mark Noble to make it 1-0 in what finished as a 3-0 defeat for Hughes' men. Speaking about Lanzini on Friday, Hughes said: "The lad's been sanctioned, rightly in my view, for diving. "He missed the League Cup game and at the weekend they play Newcastle. So he misses one Premier League game when it could have been two. Newcastle get the benefit because he is not playing against them. "The only team who don't get any benefit is ourselves. So that needs to change. The referee needs to step up and get these key moments right."
Hughes was then asked if there was a case for the manager of the team a player dived against choosing the games the suspension applied for over the next 10.
And he said: "It doesn't seem that it is correct really. "In terms of what you suggest, I don't know if that would be possible. I don't think it would be viewed as the correct solution. "But maybe because the offence was against us he shouldn't be allowed to play against us in the return game. That is unlikely to happen but maybe that is a better option."
West Ham are scheduled to host Stoke on April 14.
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West Ham goalkeeper Adrian reveals early season snub was his hardest time in east London
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian has revealed that the early months of this season were the hardest he's had to face at the club. The Spaniard, who exchanged the top spot with Darren Randolph (now at Middlesbrough) last season, was bumped back down to the understudy with the arrival of Joe Hart on loan over the summer. Having joined from Manchester City, England's first choice 'keeper started every Premier League game under Slaven Bilic, and also in the early weeks of David Moyes' reign. However, facing his parent club Hart was ineligible to play, giving Adrian a chance and the 30-year-old did not pass it up. Three clean sheets in four Premier League starts has put the pressure on Hart once more and, while admitting the start of this term was his lowest ebb in east London, Adrian thanked Moyes for the confidence he's shown him. "Personally, it was really important for me to come back to the starting eleven for the Manchester City game, when Joe couldn't play because of his contract," Adrian told the West Ham matchday programme ahead of their clash with Newcastle on Saturday. "I produced a good performance and after this the manager has had confidence in me to keep playing, so I have to give him the same confidence on the pitch every time I have the opportunity. I am in a positive way now and feel in good form. "To be honest, the start of this season was the hardest three or four months I have had at West Ham. At the end of last season, I got my position in the starting eleven again and I played well and we finished well so to be out of the team at the start of this season was hard for me. "I knew that, if I worked hard, this opportunity would come, initially in the cup games, and possibly in the Premier League, to show my level."
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David Moyes: I put Diafra Sakho on the West Ham bench purely for football reasons
The fee for this column is going to Crisis at Christmas. For information on the charity which helps the homeless go to crisis.org.uk
ES Sport
I was dumbfounded when I heard there had been reports of a row between Diafra Sakho and myself before the Arsenal match. I can say categorically there has never been any cross words with Diafra since I've been at the club and I have been pleased with his performances when he has come off the bench in games. He has never been in to see me about anything since I've been at the club so I was amazed when I was told about the allegations. I understand that details about bonus payments have also been in the public domain. I'm certainly not going to comment on that — financial details of a player's contract are between him and the club. I don't know where these allegations originated but certainly I wasn't aware of any of it until it was brought to my attention.
My sole focus is on the team and helping them to continually improve their performances and results. The boys up front have done well up to now and Diafra has played his part in that. We like his mobility and he weighed in with an important goal at Stoke last Saturday. The decision to start with Chicharito and Andre Ayew, rather than Diafra, on Tuesday, was based purely on football considerations and nothing else. We have at least six offensive players who can play up front for us and we need to give them all game time and match practice.
With regard to tomorrow's match against Newcastle, I am very disappointed that Manuel Lanzini is suspended. I thought he had his best game since I joined West Ham at Stoke and we will miss him badly. I don't like diving in the game and I applaud the FA for trying to do something about it. I'm 100 per cent behind eradicating simulation but what will be difficult is to find consistency. I believe, in Manu's case, there was enough doubt for the charge to be over-turned or actually not brought in the first place. There was a real split, for example, with the opinions of people in the football world. It wasn't a straightforward case in my eyes.
When I managed Real Sociedad, I saw an incredible number of players going down too easily, screaming their heads off. It seemed like, almost whenever that happened, the referees would blow their whistles for freekicks. I had an opportunity there to see how good players are at simulation. In Spain it wasn't seen as cheating but rather as doing the right thing for the team but over here it is not like that. We have a responsibility of trying to make the referee's life as easy as we can and in the case of Manu, the official was very close to the incident and had a clear view. The Stoke defender, with his challenge, gave the referee a decision to make as well as Manu, who had to decide the best way to avoid him. I don't think we have a major problem with it here. Undeniably it happens but I don't think we should make too big a deal out of it. The FA don't use the same three-man panel for every incident they decide to consider which might make consistency more difficult. On this occasion we can't do any more about it. We've tried but now we have to move on.
For tomorrow, apart from Manu, we have a couple of other issues. Michail Antonio has a calf strain and wasn't available for Tuesday and is touch and go for tomorrow. I don't think Mark Noble will be fit in time. He has been suffering from a tight hamstring for a week or so and we can't take chances with that. The good news is that Cheikhou Kouyate is back in full training so we hope he will be available for tomorrow. We are short of numbers in midfield and that has to be a priority in January. We've hardly had time to draw breath in the past couple of weeks and it's not about to calm down any time soon. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to the Christmas schedule. I enjoy it although, for the players, it is certainly a demanding time. We're in on Christmas Eve and then Christmas Day late afternoon before we head down to Bournemouth. The way the fixtures have panned out means we can then give the players a little bit of time off after the Boxing Day match and before our next game, against West Brom at home on 2 January. I know it's not a great time for the players because they have families. It's perhaps even harder for the foreign players because often their family network is not here with them.
In Spain, the clubs had a break starting around now. The players would return at the end of December and have another week's preparation before the next game. I do think we ought to have a week's break early in January in this country, although the fixture calendar doesn't make that straightforward unless maybe, we shorten the summer break.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year.
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