West Ham United News

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West Ham boss David Moyes, speaking to Sky Sports:
"We needed to get three points. We played in a much more aggressive fashion tonight. Played well in the first half, not so well in the second half but we got the goals we needed.
"The difference Paqueta makes and Kudus played well too. Bowen was back to his best tonight. That front three is huge for us when you see what they can do."

On Paqueta risk: "It paid off greatly because we were really nervous about bringing him back in the week. We didn't want to reinjure him. We got him off after 70 minutes and hopefully he'll be ready for the next game as well."

On building momentum: "We have to win more games but we've been in a good position must of the season. Being in the top half of the league for West Ham is good. Our European success has been good, we've got more to come for tat. Some more reality has to come into too. We've had a bad month."

On Bowen: "If we can get Lucas [Paqueta] playing well and Jarrod [Bowen] playing as well as we can then they can make a difference. Jarrod started the season really well and he got injured with England. If he keeps scoring the goals then he'll be in that England squad to go to the Euros."

On contract: "Me and the chairman have a great relationship. We've been pushed by the media more. We were happy to wait until the end of the season. The big thing for me is to see what happens until the end of the season. I've enjoyed it here, the club have been good to me. We were a relegation team before but now we're around Europe."


West Ham boss David Moyes speaking to BBC Sport:
"I'd hoped it was coming. It was needed. Our form in six weeks has been poor. It's good to score four goals and get a win at home.
"Lucas [Paqueta] made a huge difference to us. He was running out of steam after 60 mintues. He's a huge influence on the team. He's an excellent player."

On Jarrod Bowen's first hat-trick: "I thought maybe he might have got one at Hull. It gets him back in the goals. I'm sure if he scores like that he'll keep in Gareth [Southgate]'s mind.
"Jarrod Bowen at times has looked that way but hasn't quite got the goals. Some of his performances recently have gone unnoticed because we haven't won.
"He was Johnny On the Spot and got the goals. He was a threat in other ways too."

On sitting eighth: "Not bad at this time of the season. We're always getting a level of criticism but we're up there challenging. There's a lot of teams with a lot of money and experience. It was only three years ago we were battling to avoid relegation most seasons."

On his contract situation: "I want to get more performances and wins and challenge the best we can. When you get to my age you can sign contracts whenver you feel ready to do so. It's probably getting pushed more by the media than anyone else. We're all happy to wait until closer to the end of the season."

West Ham 4-2 Brentford: 'Unplayable' Jarrod Bowen stars in Hammers win..

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Jarrod Bowen took the match ball for the first time in his career after his hat-trick against Brentford

West Ham boss David Moyes has received a lot of criticism this season but even the most disgruntled Hammers fan cannot argue against his impact on Jarrod Bowen.

The England international has spent his career playing in wide positions but earlier in the campaign Moyes opted to deploy him as an out-and-out striker.

The outcome has been Bowen hitting 14 goals - his best return in the Premier League - and a first career hat-trick in the 4-2 win against Brentford on Monday.

It was the perfect time for Bowen to repay his manager's faith in him in that central role, with the pressure having been mounting on Moyes following a humiliating 6-0 home loss to Arsenal on 11 February and then a 2-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest six days later.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank described Bowen as "unplayable" on Monday and for the player himself he could hardly have timed it better, with England boss Gareth Southgate no doubt getting into the business end of determining who makes his squad for this summer's European Championship in Germany.

"It gets him back in the goals," said Moyes. "I'm sure if he scores like that he'll keep in Gareth [Southgate]'s mind.

"If you can play wide and you're a goalscorer you will be of interest to the international manager.

"Jarrod Bowen at times has looked that way but hasn't quite got the goals. Some of his performances recently have gone unnoticed because we haven't won.

"He was Johnny on the Spot and got the goals. He was a threat in other ways too."

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Bowen's hat-trick takes him to 17 goals this season and provides a boost to his England hopes

Bowen's 14 goals puts him firmly among the top scorers in the Premier League. He is level with Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth, one behind Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and three behind lead striker Erling Haaland of Manchester City.

That tally for Bowen is even more impressive when you consider he has just emerged from a seven-game scoring drought in the Premier League, stretching back to 23 December.

This was also the first time this season he has scored more than once in game - but against Brentford it seemed like almost every opportunity that came his way he converted into a goal, even scoring a rare header.

"I'd never got the hat-trick [before]. It was on my mind," Bowen told Sky Sports. "I don't score many headers but they all count.

"It's a really proud moment for me. You're always waiting for that third one and it never comes. I got the little glance on the header and it went in. I was so buzzing to get it."

Bowen said he still feels there is more to come from him as a striker as he continues to learn how best to play in the position.

"I'm always learning," he added.

"With my energy, I'm always trying to press. It's difficult. I'm 5ft 9in and up against big centre-halves. I've got to know what I'm good at and what I'm not good at. I'm trying to learn a new position in one of the best leagues."

Now that he is back among the goals, Bowen will be determined to increase his tally further and really give Southgate food for thought approaching the summer.

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'Great memories at Everton' - Everton v West Ham - Saturday 1.03.24 - 3pm

West Ham manager David Moyes on Lucas Paqueta, who returned from injury to play 75 minutes in the win against Brentford on Monday:
"I was a bit concerned about him coming back from injury, but he was great.
"We've got a busy period coming up, and players like him are going to be very important.
"I think we saw his value against Brentford. With him, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen firing, we're in a good place."

West Ham manager David Moyes on going back to former club Everton:
"They gave me a start and the chance to make mistakes. We grew the club, and I hope people will look back and think we did well.
"The biggest thing I took from my time there was the players. We had brilliant players, who were brilliant to work with.
I have great memories of that place, and I'm looking forward to going back tomorrow.
"Losing the points must have been a huge disappointment, but I couldn't tell you what that's like because I haven't experienced it.
I'm sure they'll be well up for the game tomorrow."

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We asked you for your views on Monday's Premier League game between West Ham United and Brentford. Here are some of your comments...

West Ham fans

Chris: A much-needed win and a much-improved performance, which only goes to underline how wrong Moyes has been to sit back and remain passive every game, even when playing at home in front of a full house. If we played like this (even if we lose) every week I wouldn't resent him the way I do. He still needs to go so we can move forward!

Rob: Paqueta's return inspired a performance with passion - despite missing chances, Jarrod Bowen showed his goalscoring prowess, capped off with Emerson's belter. 2024 has started!

Faith: A deserved victory and shows what kind of performance we can put in with a bit of belief. That belief seems to be in the shape of Paqueta, whose return lifted the whole team and fans up a level. It's clear we'll need to keep him fit for the rest of the season. I hope the pressure starts to lift from David Moyes as well so he can turn results around.

Affwell: A great game overall from West Ham who, in the space of 90 mins, showed us everything we’re good and bad at. From fast-paced, attacking football that delights the fans, to an inability to hold the ball, with a sprinkling of nervy defending thrown in. A couple of times I saw David Moyes urging his players forward up the pitch, which was nice to see.

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We asked you for your thoughts on Saturday's Premier League match between Everton and West Ham.

Here are some of your comments:

West Ham fans

David: Despite all the negativity about David Moyes this season (I'm not one of them), every sleight against him - no entertainment, negative style, no goals - has been completely undermined in the last two games. With Burnley at home next and the European campaign under way again, fans should celebrate where we are, and stop the carping.

Ali: The Hammers rediscovered their grit and determination. It was missing for a few matches but back today. Away at teams like Everton, you need to have your defenders right on it and the boys were. The dinosaurs will again go on about the old West Ham way but an item for the statistics guys: what was the win/loss and league positions pre-Moyes and then under Moyes?

Joe: A huge result against a team battling relegation. But once again, such a difficult watch for West Ham fans (other than the final five minutes). Moyes has been such a great manager for us, creating memories for life, but watching his football is laborious.

Kevin: Rode our luck yet again. Uncomfortable performance while Alphonse Areola was superb. We could have been three down easily. We have to tighten up all around as our tactics are always questionable.

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West Ham goal-scorer Tomas Soucek, speaking to BBC Match of the Day:
"Before the game I said it would be tough and it was..."After that we concede nearly from the penalty, Alphonse [Areola] great performance.
Last 10 minutes was crazy and I'm so happy to help the team."

On his goal: "One of the best of my career, a special one. Another winning goal for West Ham especially special after this tough game.
"Hopefully that goal will help us, we have two wins in a row now and we look forward to the Europa League."

On Areola's saves: "Brilliant game from him, especially the penalty save that's so difficult to do. I had one or two clearances on the line too and he came to me and thanked me. Great game for both of us.
"Tough game today but another three points, two games two wins."

Europe 'going to take its toll - but we're used to it'..

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West Ham striker Michail Antonio wants his side to make sure they "don't let Europe affect our Premier League run" as they return to the competition this week.

The Hammers face Bundesliga team Freiburg in Germany on Thursday, in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

Impressive wins over Brentford and Everton have revitalised the Hammers after a difficult spell and David Moyes will hope to carry that recent run of improved form into Europe, as well as their next Premier League game against Burnley on Sunday.

"We're playing [Burnley] at home - we're on a good run of form right now," Antonio told the Footballer's Football Podcast. "Obviously we have got a game midweek so it's just making sure we don't let Europe affect our Premier League run.

"The squad isn't massively more [since their previous meeting]. We lost a couple of players in January, so it is going to take its toll on the boys but we're used to it.

"This is the third year running [in Europe] now so we just have to keep building on it and keep going."

'I'm ready for these sorts of games'..James Ward-Prowse - Freiburg v West Ham - 8pm

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West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse says he has "thoroughly enjoyed" working under David Moyes and is "ready" to play in the Europa League knockout stages.

The Hammers face German side Freiburg in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, a game that will be the England international's first experience beyond the group stages in European competition.

"It's always a good experience, and as a player you want to play in the best competitions," Ward-Prowse said.

"For me, it's good to get to this stage, but as a club we're aiming higher and hopefully we can keep going on this run.

"That's one of the reasons I joined West Ham - to play in these sorts of games.

"I feel I have good experience, and I'm ready."

Moyes has faced recent criticism from some West Ham fans for his perceived conservative style of football, but Ward-Prowse is backing the man who delivered the club's first trophy in 43 years last season.

"The job he's done has been superb, and while I've been here I've thoroughly enjoyed working under him," he added.

"We have to focus on going back to London Stadium with a good result.

"I've really enjoyed the start of my career at West Ham. I think it helped joining with the momentum of the Europa Conference League win, and it's been an honour so far."

Sunday 10th March 2024 - Premier League..

West Ham United 2 (Lucas Paquetá 46, Ings 90+1) Burnley 2 (Fofana 11, Mavropanos 45+1 og)

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GOAL - West Ham 0-1 Burnley - David Datro Fofana (11 mins)
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GOAL - West Ham 0-2 Burnley - Konstantinos Mavropanos og (45+1)
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HALF-TIME - West Ham 0-2 Burnley

GOAL - West Ham 1-2 Burnley - Lucas Paqueta (46 mins)
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GOAL - West Ham 2-2 Burnley - Danny Ings (90+1)
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FULL-TIME - West Ham 2-2 Burnley

Report By Jonathan Jurejko, BBC Sport.
West Ham substitute Danny Ings stopped his former club Burnley earning a rare win as the home side fought back from 2-0 down in a pulsating Premier League game.
Ings, who had an effort ruled out by VAR moments before the equaliser, almost nicked a winner but saw his shot cannon off the crossbar even deeper into injury-time.
Burnley still moved off the bottom of the Premier League with the draw, but were left to rue dropping more points from a winning position.
The Clarets were on course to earn just their fourth win of the top-flight season - and first victory in 10 attempts - through David Datro Fofana and Konstantinos Mavropanos's own goal before half-time.
West Ham were lifeless in a poor first half where they did not manage a shot on target.
However, the Hammers reappeared after the break looking like a different side and pulled a goal back within 30 seconds of the restart.
Midfielder Lucas Paqueta showed the desire which had been previously missing to press Burnley high, winning back possession to go clean through and calmly stroke past Clarets keeper James Trafford.
David Moyes' side continued to press for a leveller and Burnley looked set to hang on for victory until Ings' dramatic late intervention.
The draw moves Vincent Kompany's team back above Sheffield United into 19th place on goal difference, with both teams remaining 10 points adrift of safety with 10 games remaining.
West Ham, who were aiming for a third straight league win, stay in 7th place.