bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 14, 2023 23:03:54 GMT
Thursday 14th December 2023 - Europa League - Group A
West Ham United 2 (Kudas 14, Alvarez 42) SC Freiburg 0
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Edson Alvarez scored his first goal for West Ham since arriving from Ajax in August
GOAL - West Ham 1-0 Freiburg - Mohammed Kudus (14 mins)
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GOAL - West Ham 2-0 Freiburg - Edson Álvarez (42 mins)ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/14/4d390c36-8d92-48a1-9350-6157194c91ad.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/14/72857374-e9f0-4b19-8eb1-881e6f5d5c92.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/14/7de373f1-51fb-42da-a823-8ef933b892a0.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/14/8604d6ff-bc37-48de-9ed7-f583100022cd.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/14/21abda37-2745-43a4-b396-84c299174927.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/14/abb6a5a1-d98e-42a1-9117-5d00e7c5bf37.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/14/3b2d3dc8-ee39-4349-94e8-da3c3f944f3d.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/14/712f27b0-19de-4795-a8b3-7f886ac66fb4.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/14/a99a5ec2-31cd-4cea-92f0-4903ff4f1d23.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/14/8a80cc00-4433-41be-92ad-0c10160a878c.jpgWest Ham sealed their place in the Europa League last 16 - avoiding a play-off against a side dropping down from the Champions League - with a confident win over Freiburg. Knowing a draw would be enough to clinch top spot in Group A, the Hammers led when Mohammed Kudus controlled Edson Alvarez's pinpoint pass on his chest before coolly slotting in. A solid start was further rewarded when Mexico midfielder Alvarez doubled the lead three minutes before half-time with a smart finish after a driving run. It was his first West Ham goal since his summer move from Ajax. From that point on the Premier League side remained in total command and maintained their intensity in an assured performance. Freiburg, who are eighth in the German Bundesliga, offered little threat in response. The visitors slightly improved in the final half hour, with Hammers keeper Lukasz Fabianski saving a curling shot from Ritsu Doan, but the defeat meant they finished second in the group behind the Hammers. While West Ham and Freiburg were both already assured of playing European football in the New Year, the prospect of bypassing a play-off meant there was still a lot on the line at the London Stadium. Finishing top of the group meant the Europa League could be parked until early March and reduced the impact of two further games added to an already-packed fixture list. The eight group winners go straight into the last-16 draw, which will be made on Monday. But the eight runners-up must negotiate a two-legged tie against one of the sides who finished third in their Champions League group. Seven-time European champions AC Milan are a dangerous draw lurking in the pot, while Galatasaray, Benfica and Shakhtar Donetsk - all champions of their respective national leagues and well-versed in continental competition - would also be teams to avoid. "We are top of the group and don't have to play two more games so this was very important for us," midfielder Alvarez told TNT Sports.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 14, 2023 23:07:27 GMT
Thursday 14th December 2023 - Europa League - Group A
West Ham United 2 (Kudas 14, Alvarez 42) SC Freiburg 0
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West Ham manager David Moyes, speaking to TNT Sports, on how he feels about topping the group: "We're thrilled thought we palyed well for long periods. We got a couple of goals up and then missed a couple of good chances which would have wrape dit up and kept us hanging on. But we did a really good job. "It was a lot more like it, we've done very well in Europe over the last few years and this season as well. It was good win over a good German side. I thought we played even better than we did in Germany. "We've only lost to Olympiakos, I think that's the only loss we've had in maybe 19/20 games which is a great record because were not a well-known European club at the moment. Overall tonight, and in the group, we deserve it." West Ham manager David Moyes, speaking to TNT Sports, on the performance of goalscoring midfielder Edson Alvarez: "He had a bit of illness and has not been quite on it fully, so we were always going to take him off. "He also got a dead leg tonight and need to see how that is. But he scored a really good goal, a well-worked move and a good combination with Jarrod Bowen." On the impact of his newer players: "It has started well and the longer we will be together it will work much better. "We're still introducing players who are new to the league and new to playing with us. I think they've done well. "We're not halfway through the season and they've made massive contributions." On the importance of avoiding the two-legged play-off round: "It is really massive at the moment because of the amount of games we've got and the scheduling - it's so important for the players and the staff. "We're going into a really busy period and our culture means we play a lot of games at Christmas. "But it seems they are squeezing in other games where they can and which seems a bit ridiculous to be honest."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 17, 2023 18:53:33 GMT
SUNDAY 17th DECEMBER 2023 - PREMIER LEAGUE
West Ham United 3 (Kudus 22, 32, Bowen 74) Wolverhampton Wanderers 0
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Kudus has now scored five Premier League goals since joining West Ham from Ajax in Augustichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/17/1b50fcb8-5691-4c47-bee5-50705f743bf9.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/17/954801a9-420e-476d-b9d5-17bc249cd1be.pngMohammed Kudus scored twice to help West Ham get back on track in the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over Wolves at London Stadium. A dominant West Ham looked a different side to the one that suffered a 5-0 thrashing by Fulham at Craven Cottage seven days previously. Kudus' superb strike from the edge of the box was followed by a calm close-range effort less than 10 minutes later as the Ghanaian attacker put the Hammers firmly in control at the break. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/17/2cad262b-0d18-4ed6-b505-b02b3b76869e.jpgWolves applied pressure after the break but Jarrod Bowen made the points safe in the 74th minute with his 10th Premier League goal of the season. David Moyes' home side showed little sign of fatigue from the 2-0 victory against Freiburg on Thursday that sealed their place in the last 16 of the Europa League. This win moves West Ham to eighth in the Premier League, while Wolves stay 13th, 10 points clear of the relegation zone. Keen to avoid a second successive league defeat after last week's embarrassing afternoon at Craven Cottage, West Ham started brightly with Kurt Zouma, Bowen and Lucas Paqueta going close before Kudus' low and left-footed strike found the right corner. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/131B1/production/_132075287_gettyimages-1862311969.jpgPaqueta led the counter-attack from a Wolves corner, feeding a delightful pass to Kudus who charged towards goal before cutting inside and firing past Dan Bentley. The pair linked up again for West Ham's second as Kudus slotted home after he was put through on goal by the Brazilian. Wolves looked more threatening after the break, with Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan, the club's top two scorers this season, going closest. The visitors thought they were back in the game when Pablo Sarabia slid in Nelson Semedo's ball across the face of goal, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review. Wolves' efforts came to nothing as Paqueta claimed a hat-trick of assists with a clever return pass to feed Bowen, who beat former Hammers defender Craig Dawson for pace and found the bottom left corner of the net. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/17/d222d1d3-0323-4522-9a9f-a21388b7ad14.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/17/6cfe331d-ee46-40b2-9aea-27fa4b3c1869.jpgKudus' celebration sees him sit on the advertising boards and is becoming a regular, and welcome, sight for West Ham fans. The 23-year-old, who arrived at West Ham from Ajax in a deal worth at least £38m in August, has scored in his last three games at London Stadium. His second goal on Sunday showed how clinical he can be in one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper and he appears to have created an important connection with Paqueta, who was at the centre of all of West Ham's attacking play. Manager Moyes will hope both players take this form into a tricky festive period, with an EFL Cup quarter-final meeting with Liverpool on Wednesday followed by league games against Manchester United and Arsenal. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/17/556ffa35-8f55-42b4-95f4-40ac77716936.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 17, 2023 19:00:15 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/8/14/13b95a62-44ed-45b0-9487-8d8d20cc3ca6.jpgWest Ham boss David Moyes speaking to BBC Match of the Day after his side's 3-0 win over Wolves: "We played really well against Freiburg in midweek, we just won the group and another really good performance today. It was a hard game, the Premier League is really difficult, every game is very hard. Today was no different. "When you are playing on Thursday night, I was surprised how well we started the game, how positive we were, how aggressive. The start of the second half we didn’t come out as strongly, a tight VAR call went our way. The margins in the Premier League are so tight, it could have swung either way. Wolves were playing very well at the time. On Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus: "They were both fantastic. Paqueta gets three assists and Mo’s finishes were brilliant, they weren’t easy. He finishes them off well as does Jarrod. On getting through to the Europa League last 16: "We’ve got to keep hanging in there and go a bit unnoticed. The players are doing a brilliant job. We’ve got a [League Cup] quarter-final to look forward to, the Europa League to look forward to, we’re in a good position in the Premier League. "I still think we’ve got more to come. I think we can play better and find that towards the second half of the season."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 20, 2023 23:01:30 GMT
WEDNESDAY 20th DECEMBER 2023 - EFL CUP - QUARTER-FINALS
Liverpool 5 (Szoboszlai 28, Jones 56, 84, Gakpo 71, Salah 82) West Ham United 1 (Bowen 77)
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West Ham manager David Moyes speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "That is the disappointing thing - we had a brilliant support up here but I have got to say we are playing against a top team tonight and whatever you say about us tonight, their performance was very good and they were fast and quick and all over us, right from the first minute. We never got a chance to breathe. On questions around resting regular starters: "You just can't play them every game. What the scheduling is like. I think only us and Liverpool and Man City and then we have had the shortest recovery period of all the teams in the Premier League. All of those things play their part. That's not an excuse, you've asked me the question and I've answered it. Also, I have got to give players a chance. We have been questions a bit about not rotating enough and we tried to give a few a game tonight and it's not because of them, it's because of how well Liverpool played. Did you think you were getting back in it when Bowen scored? "The worst part of the game was when we conceded the second goal. The most positive thing was that we went in at half-time 1-0 down. We kept ourselves in a cup tie and we gave away a bad second goal. We were just about to bring Paqueta on, who made a big difference when he came on the pitch as well and then we got the goal back at 3-1. It was going to need us to get a goal from a free-kick or something and we didn't have it and we gave away some poor goals. Credit to Liverpool, they played well tonight." On questions about West Ham's form: "We are just on the back of winning seven out of nine and drawn one of the other two." West Ham boss David Moyes, speaking to Sky Sports: "Liverpool played very well. Obviously we didn’t play well enough. The second goal was a killer. I thought we were just beginning to grow a little bit back into the game. Not enough. But we gave them a really poor second goal which made it really hard for us to get back and get any further result. "We didn’t do particularly well in some areas for some of the goals, we could have done much better. "We beat Arsenal before we got to this game and we probably had the hardest draw of all, coming to Anfield. We made a few changes tonight to give people opportunities, chances to show what they can do, also because of the schedule. We were up against a really strong opponent tonight, tough place to come and that’s the way it proved. "We’re involved in a few trophies at the moment. We got to the quarter-final, we’ve got a European one we’re looking forward to. We’ve had some really good results in the league, especially at home. Tonight was disappointing but overall we played against a really strong team. They were fast, competitive, positive. We found it hard at the start of the game to get a foothold in it. "We’ve been in good form and that tells you how well Liverpool played today. But we had to give some players a rest somewhere."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 22, 2023 8:52:48 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/172c/live/fac41220-68bf-11ee-a305-894244efd71e.jpgWest Ham and Fulham are keen on Nigerian forward Akor Adams, 23, who could leave Montpellier in January for a fee of around £15-20m. West Ham are yet to hold talks with manager David Moyes, 60, about renewing his contract, which runs out at the end of the season. West Ham and Everton are interested in a January deal for Peterborough and England Under-21 defender Ronnie Edwards, 20.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 22, 2023 20:17:07 GMT
David Moyes: West Ham's fans divided over man who delivered Europa Conference League title..By Simon Stone, BBC Sport.
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In June, David Moyes guided West Ham to the Europa Conference League, their first major European trophy since 1965David Moyes prepares to take charge of West Ham against his old club Manchester United at the London Stadium on Saturday with the polarised attitudes around his stint as manager hardening in the wake of the EFL Cup hammering at Liverpool. The Scot divides opinion in a rather strange way in east London. After keeping the club up, then being brutally disposed of in favour of Manuel Pellegrini in 2018, Moyes returned 'home' in 2019, with the club 17th in the table, one point above the relegation zone, and kept the Hammers in the Premier League again. On 30 December, he will celebrate four years in charge. His current contract expires at the end of the season. During that time, he has registered successive top seven finishes for the first time in West Ham's history. He secured European football for a third consecutive season, something that had never happened before either. In each campaign, including the current one, they finished top of their group and went straight through to the last-16. In June, Moyes was in charge for one of the most famous nights in West Ham's entire history when they beat Fiorentina to win the Europa Conference League in Prague, their first major trophy since the 1980 FA Cup. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/AD4A/production/_132126344_david_moyes_reuters2.pngIf West Ham were to beat Manchester United, they would move above their opponents and into sixth. West Ham last had the majority of possession in a domestic match on 12 November, when they beat Nottingham Forest 3-2. They have beaten Arsenal and Tottenham over the past two months with less than 30% possession. The Forest game - since when West Ham have played eight times, winning five - was the last time they had 10 shots or more in a game. At Anfield, Moyes bristled when he was asked if his decision to leave out so many players, including Lucas Paqueta, James Ward-Prowse and Nayef Aguerd, who was ill, opened him up to criticism. "It's a pretty cheap question to ask when the only teams who've played more games than us over three years are Liverpool and Manchester City," he said. "We've had the quickest turnaround of any team in the Premier League, only two days, we've played more games, and we have a match on Saturday lunchtime." A sizeable number of the 6,000-strong travelling support at Anfield are sympathetic to that. Others, evidently, less so. When he assesses what West Ham are now to what they were when he arrived, nearly four years ago, Moyes feels he has nothing to apologise for. "You have to earn respect and I'm no different from everyone else," he said. "If people want to give it that's down to them but the facts are we've been doing pretty well. "What would West Ham's expectations be? Would you expect us to win a European trophy? Would you expect us to be challenging for the Champions League? Not many nodding their head in here (news conference) so that's the facts. "We've had an unbelievable run. We'll keep trying to win as many games as we can, we'll keep trying to challenge top teams and challenge in cup competitions when we get the opportunity to do so." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/850E/production/_132126043_david_moyes_reuters.png
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 23, 2023 16:03:36 GMT
SATURDAY 23rd DECEMBER 2023 - PREMIER LEAGUE
West Ham United 2 (Bowen 72, Kudus 78) Manchester United 0
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Jarrod Bowen is West Ham's top goal scorer this season with 11 goalsichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/23/09651ecb-8ca8-4b21-bbea-8434561b5c58.pngWest Ham scored twice in six minutes to condemn Manchester United to an eighth Premier League defeat of the season at the London Stadium. It took 72 minutes of a drab encounter for West Ham to find the opener when Lucas Paqueta lifted the ball into Jarrod Bowen's path and the Hammers' top scorer this season bundled past Andre Onana. Mohammed Kudus, who has scored in his last three home games for West Ham, latched onto Kobbie Mainoo's defensive error to drill into the bottom corner and double the home side's lead. Manchester United have won just one match out of their last five in the top flight and Erik ten Hag's side have lost more games than they have won this season across all competitions. As a result West Ham leapfrog them into sixth place in the table as United drop to eighth. Bowen said that the Irons want to be in the "top six, minimum", while manager David Moyes said it was "amazing" to be in the top six going into Christmas. "We want to be [in the top six]," Bowen told Match of the Day. "But I think you look at the top 10 and it's probably the most open it's ever been with teams coming in - Aston Villa, even they're in the top four, Brighton and Chelsea are top sides. "All we can do is win our games but we want to be in that top six minimum, for sure." Manchester United host unexpected title-challengers Aston Villa on Boxing Day while West Ham travel to Arsenal on Thursday 28 December.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 23, 2023 16:20:42 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 23, 2023 16:42:25 GMT
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West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It was never going to be a walk in the park. Manchester United are a really top side in this league. Second half we kept at it, kept plugging away, and got the goal. Then more importantly we got the second goal quite soon after and then made it more comfortable for us going into the last 10 minutes. "Lucas Paqueta: We knew it would be a difficult game, first half we caused them a few problems but they had a few chances as well. The game was just needed a first goal whether it was us or them, thankfully for us we got it. Held on for a really good clean sheet and a really good 2-0 victory." On whether playing through the middle has helped him to score more goals like he did today: "People might say it was luck. When I scored that goal I was playing off the right and I think that's the flexibility that me, Mo and Lucas have got, interchanging positions. I received it, played it to Lucas, then it was a lovely ball over the top and just up to me to keep my nerve and it fell to me put away. If it's us three, we're really interchangeable and not predictable for the opposition to mark us out of the game." On needing to improve after Wednesday's loss to Liverpool: "We want to forget that as soon as possible. We have to face up to it, we went out there and put out a poor performance. We knew going into Christmas what it would do for us in the league going into the next two really big games as well. We knew we wanted to win this game, we've won this game, and it's pushed us back up the table again." On whether West Ham are a 'top six' side; "I think it's hard to say, we want to be, but I think you look at the top 10 and it's probably the most open it's ever been with teams coming in. Aston Villa, even they're in the top four, Brighton and Chelsea are top sides. All we can do is win our games but we want to be in that top six minimum, for sure." West Ham's leading goal scorer Jarrod Bowen speaking to TNT Sports: "Today's game is probably where the first goal is most important, they're a really good side that caused us problems. "We had our chances and one thing about us is that we keep chipping and plugging away to get the goal and we got the first goal and then did really well to get the second one as well and not put the game to bed but give us more comfort going into the last 20 minutes. "Last few weeks Lucas [Paqueta] had five assists. All of us want to score goals and be the creative spark. We're enjoying our football and one we knew how important today was to go into Christmas in the top six-seven and all we can do is keep winning games. "Scoring goals comes with confidence, if you score a few goals and feel like you're playing well. That helps for me. What I wanted to do this season was play at a good level and try and churn out those performances week in week out. "There's been ups and downs and games we've been disappointed with. It's been a good start to the season, there's always room to improve and the quality in the league this season especially in that top 10 it's probably the best I've played in for a long time. We know it's difficult but all we can do is win our games. If you want to talk about finishing in the top six then these are the games you have to win." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/159D5/production/_132133588_gettyimages-1877187809.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 23, 2023 16:48:36 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/9/21/99bb95fe-53b8-4e62-b02a-aa10bb30a2fb.jpgWest Ham manager David Moyes speaking to BBC Match of the Day:"I thought we got much better in the second half, I said at half-time we never got in behind enough we never threatened them enough. Some good bits of play in front but didn't get anywhere, second half we looked much better. When you need someone to find a perfect pass, [Lucas] Paqueta comes up with a brilliant pass for [Jarrod] Bowen. "He's fearless, he's willing to take passes on and try them and make things happen. When you've got people running in behind and Jarrod gets another goal off him." On Bowen: "He's someone who's acting like he wants to be a goal scorer, once you get the smell for it you want to keep it going and he's been doing that. He showed today he's ready. "We've had a tough week, three game sin six days. We had to juggle it around. We were disappointed with the result against Liverpool." On being sixth before Christmas: "It's amazing for us to be in and around that at the moment. We sold the best player in England [Declan Rice] last season and I want to keep building the team and making them better. You always have a chance of losing good players and you have to find ways round that."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 25, 2023 23:33:59 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/f598/live/7d8bb080-9a72-11ee-8df3-1d2983d8814f.jpgWe asked you for your thoughts after West Ham United's match against Manchester United.
Here are some of the top comments:
West Ham fans
Michael: If we can keep playing like this, Moyes can stay. It still concerns me that we can ship five goals against Fulham and Liverpool, and play so abysmally in both games. But, overall, this season has been so much better than last. If we can sign a striker and another left-back, ship out Benrahma, Ings, Fornals and Cresswell, then it’s a much stronger squad. Herts: Paqueta just gets better and better. If you exclude penalties then Bowen is currently the Premier League top goalscorer. The players seem to believe in Moyes, even if some of the fans don’t. We need to be more adventurous away from home, but we are a good enough team when all the 11 play well. David: Hot and cold. The West Ham way. After years of following the Irons, I've learnt to expect brilliance and dismal all in the same week. What's new? Mark: Top six at Christmas, top of our European group plus into last 16, out of EFL Cup. We're not losing out on any potential European places there, plus that will be less games to play now. What’s not to like? What other manager that we have had has come this close?
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 27, 2023 14:58:12 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/c170/live/a626c190-9c18-11ee-8df3-1d2983d8814f.jpgWe asked you for your best memories of the festive football period as a West Ham United fan.
Here's what you had to say:
Terry: My most remarkable Christmas memory has to be Boxing Day 1963. We lost 8-2 at home to Blackburn. Ron Greenwood made one change for the return fixture two days later and we won 3-1. The team that played that day went on to win the FA Cup that season. Stephen: My best memory of West Ham at Christmas time? It has to be dancing on the North Bank in the snow at half-time against Cambridge United. Mike Oldfield was on the decks. Rich: New Year’s Eve 1984. I remember going back to Kent on the Greenwich Ferry. It was a very bleak day and we had lost, but I can’t remember who to. That’s just West Ham though. Character building, triumph and disaster, impostors, fortune always hiding. I will always remember that. Dave: Boxing Day 1967, it was West Ham against Leicester City with an 11am kick-off. In the first half, West Ham went 2-0 down after a poor start (what's new). We eventually won the game 4-2 with a Brian Dear hat-trick. Delightful! upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c2/West_Ham_United_FC_logo.svg/175px-West_Ham_United_FC_logo.svg.png
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,900
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 28, 2023 19:26:45 GMT
THURSDAY 28th DECEMBER 2023 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Arsenal v West Ham United - 8.15pm
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1440/cpsprodpb/1528A/production/_132166668_arsenal.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/28/4c7671a2-85eb-4740-a590-d74827cba209.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/28/9d5efd90-f066-4088-a2f7-6011fe3fc7c7.pngA year to remember, This is West Ham's 40th and final Premier League game of 2023 - And what a year it has been. The Hammers started 2023 17th in the table but they will climb up to sixth if they avoid defeat at Arsenal. 2023 will be remembered as the year they landed a European trophy, while they have a last-16 tie in the Europa League to look forward to in March. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/28/c53274cf-50ef-4c14-885b-77e34994c338.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/28/2b733be2-26b6-4929-a881-7b41c3063bc0.pngJarrod Bowen has 11 Premier League goals this season - more than Bukayo Saka (five) and Eddie Nketiah (five) have managed together. Will West Ham's former Hereford forward be heading to Germany as part of England's Euro 2024 squad? Bowen has two more league goals than Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. 'I love him a lot' - Arteta on Moyes..ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/28/7342412e-4439-46bc-8c81-3ec148ca9681.pngArsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is "so grateful" to West Ham boss David Moyes. Moyes signed the Spaniard when manager of Everton in 2005. They are also currently the fourth and fifth longest-serving managers in the Premier League respectively and have both had transformative effects on their clubs. "It's not easy," Arteta said on Moyes' longevity. "You look how long he's done it and the teams he's done it with as well in this league. "I know him and I love him a lot. I am so grateful for everything he has done for me. I think he is an outstanding manager. In my opinion he's very, very special." In his own pre-match news conference, Moyes commented on his Spanish counterpart: "I've been so impressed with Mikel Arteta since he went into Arsenal. "He won the FA Cup and the Community Shield, and there was some down comments but he hasn't half proved them wrong. "I think most Arsenal supporters will be very happy with Mikel." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/28/22c16f9b-4369-4649-beb4-f9a2da8690b3.pngMohammed Kudus is in great form for West Ham after scoring five times in his past seven appearances. But how will the Hammers cope without him in the New Year? The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) starts on 13 January and Kudus is set to appear in the tournament for Ghana. Issahaku Abdul-Mumen, president of Ghanaian Hammers, a West Ham fan club, feels "overwhelmed and sad" by the conflict of emotions surrounding Kudus. "Without Kudus, Ghana may not go far. But Kudus plays in every West Ham game now," Abdul told BBC Sport Africa. "Kudus joining West Ham was one of the best days of my life. He is one of the best exports from Africa. Kudus leaving [West Ham] will be a very, very, very bad time for us. "But I'm trying to see that we can cope and we will try as much as possible to see life without Kudus. It's a sad time for me as a West Ham fan but as a Ghana fan I'll be happy." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/28/19284d68-472c-462f-80e7-29bce35e2d2f.pngWest Ham's Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen - that trio up-front is just outstanding. The movement, they all know what they're doing. They have a way of playing that suits all of them. "Whether it's Kudus going out wide, Paqueta going into that ten role and Bowen running in behind, they just get it. "Bowen has scored 11 league goals. They're just having a great time at the moment." Team news - Arsenal v West Ham - 20:15pmMikel Arteta makes just one change to the Arsenal side who drew with Liverpool on Saturday. It's an enforced one as Kai Havertz misses out through suspension, meaning Leandro Trossard comes into the side. Arsenal XI: Raya, Saliba, White, Gabriel, Saka, Odegaard, Jesus, Martinelli, Trossard, Zinchenko, Rice. Subs: Ramsdale, Nwaneri, Elneny, Nelson, Jorginho, Soares, Kiwior, Nketiah, Smith Rowe. West Ham boss David Moyes also makes one change to the side who beat Manchester United in their last match. Kurt Zouma is not in the squad so Angelo Ogbonna returns to captain the side. Michail Antonio is not yet fit enough following a knee injury, while Nayef Aguerd, who missed the United game through illness, is still not involved. West Ham XI: Areola, Coufal, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Kudus, Mavropanos, Alvarez, Bowen, Ogbonna, Soucek, Emerson. Subs: Fabianski, Cresswell, Johnson, Cornet, Fornals, Ings, Benrahma, Kehrer, Mubama.
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,900
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 28, 2023 21:23:41 GMT
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,900
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 29, 2023 1:07:02 GMT
THURSDAY 28th DECEMBER 2023 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Arsenal 0 West Ham United 2 (Tomas Soucek 13, Mavropanos 55)ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1440/cpsprodpb/119F0/production/_132167127_arsenal2.jpgWest Ham stunned Arsenal to record a third successive Premier League victory, denting the Gunners' title challenge in the process. It was a ruthless display by West Ham, who converted two of their three shots on target, while Arsenal squandered a host of opportunities as they missed the chance to move top of the league. Tomas Soucek fired in Jarrod Bowen's cutback and, while the ball had potentially gone out of play in the build-up, there was not enough evidence for the video assistant referee to overturn the goal. That gave West Ham a first-half lead which was doubled when former Arsenal centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos expertly headed in a corner in the 55th minute. Despite plenty of possession and pressure, Arsenal could not find a response. And their woeful night was nearly made worse when Declan Rice gave away a penalty in the final minute of injury time, but Said Benrahma's effort was saved by David Raya. The result leaves Mikel Arteta's Gunners second in the table, two points behind league leaders Liverpool, while West Ham end the year with 33 points - their highest total at the halfway stage in a Premier League campaign. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/28/44ceff33-f5c0-40ca-b227-a50105bd101d.jpgGOAL - Arsenal 0-2 West Ham - Konstantinos Mavropanos - 55mins
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A reminder Konstantinos Mavropanos used to play for Arsenal. Totally lost in all the Declan Rice talk.
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FULL-TIME
Arsenal 0-2 West HamA magnificent performance by West Ham and a huge twist at the top of the table. Arsenal's unbeaten home run is in tatters.
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,900
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 29, 2023 4:24:23 GMT
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West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, speaking to Amazon Prime: "I haven't seen it [whether the ball was in or out before West Ham scored their first goal]. It's difficult because the ball was in the air. It was hard to tell. It would have been easier to tell if it had been on the ground. "It was really important to get the first goal. We've won tonight. We need to take one game at a time. It sounds boring but we have to keep getting results." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/28/52ad6d9a-933e-4f8c-b0a6-43f3a059426c.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/28/5f582012-df27-4e1d-a9eb-dd07848b6b5f.pngWest Ham manager David Moyes speaking to Amazon Prime Video:
"Football is played in many ways and tonight we did the part that maybe isn't talked about as much. Brilliant defending. We did a good job on Arsenal tonight. They had lots of the ball, too much for my liking, but we did a great job. "We have had an unbelievable year at West Ham. After the World Cup, we got better and we sold one of our best players to Arsenal. We've continued it., and we got a trophy too." On the impact of his summer signings: "Probably all managers live or die by recruitment. If you don't get recruitment right you struggle. I think the new players have been so great. Great credit to the players for what they have done in a year. Great job really." On his future: "We are getting ready to talk. I don't think any of us are getting it done too quickly. I don't see any problems with that." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/12/28/99fe3d69-96e1-46b7-a226-5d9207681ff4.jpgMore from West Ham manager David Moyes, speaking to Amazon Prime Video:
On Lucas Paqueta's injury:"He got it in the warm-up and when he came in we had a decision to make. He just felt something at the back of his knee. I didn't know how long he was going to last. He is such a talented player and he makes us such a better team. "It was difficult because we could have probably said in the dressing room 'we'll make the change now'. Thankfully he came off." On Jarrod Bowen as a striker: "Jarrod is learning his trade and there are parts that he doesn't do that an out-and-out number nine does. But whenever we go to buy a striker they are too expensive or we can't get one and there aren't many around. "He played a bit at centre-forward for Hull. I can tell, I can see it in his eyes, he has that smell of the goal. I think he is probably disappointed to not get his goal. he is starting to get that look in his eye that he wants to score. He is a great finisher and he is a lot braver than people give him credit for." On the January transfer window: "The injuries will always play a part. I don't think we have a great lot of cash. January is never an easy window. We need to see how the window is. It will be a loss for us with Mohammed Kudus going to the Africa Cup of Nations. He has been brilliant for us." 2024 aspirations: "We are not one of the top teams. We are trying to get up and grow the team. For West Ham to be in Europe is a great period." West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse ,speaking to Amazon Prime Video: " It's great to be part of a historic win for us. "Before I joined the club I saw it as a hardworking club and that marries with what I believe as a footballer. That was key today too." On assisting Mavropanos' header: "It's nice for me because throughout the week I have players coming up to me telling me 'I want it here, I want it there' [for corners] We put a lot of work into it, and it's good it came off. "When I was a kid, I wanted to be the Beckham coming through. Now it's about making sure my practice is specific." On the start to life at West Ham: "It's been fantastic. I have worked under a lot of managers now and gained experience. Working under the gaffer is brilliant for me and I've learned new things. It's fantastic to be part of this team. "I think we have given ourselves a good start. We don't want to get carried away. "I think the club has had that taste of success and you want to build on that. I would love to get back into Europe and prolong our European journey. We have had a really good start to the season and we don't want to get carried away with it. "We will enjoy the New Year's celebrations in the right way and get ready to go again."
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,900
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 29, 2023 8:37:11 GMT
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,900
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 29, 2023 8:39:27 GMT
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,900
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 29, 2023 9:13:04 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/f598/live/7d8bb080-9a72-11ee-8df3-1d2983d8814f.jpgIt was a case of the Gunners against the Hammers on Thursday, and after the match, we asked fans to give their opinions on how the fixture played out.
Here are some of the top comments:
West Ham fans
Faith: Perfect away performance and shows the direction we're going in. It might not be pretty at times, and we do have bad days, but we showed all our best traits against Arsenal. Every player put it all on the line and you could see they've listened in training. It's hard to complain about negative tactics when you're sitting sixth and in Europe. Barry: Superb performance across the whole eleven. Defended superbly, broke well and scored two great goals. Hopefully we won't lose Paqueta for too long, Alvarez and Kudus were immense. Well done Mr Moyes on a great result, the team are clearly playing for you. Don: Wasn't expecting that! That's 'Moyesball' when it works. Alvarez, Mavarapanos and Ogbonna were superb, as was Bowen. Rob: Fellow West Ham fans, criticise Moyes if you wish but you have to acknowledge his defensive organisation and simply a brilliant display against Arsenal. Every attack was snuffed out by a great defensive formation. Be grateful for the last four years - we are being successful.
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