RIP Glenn Roeder

Very sad to hear of the death of former Hammers manager Glenn Roeder who was just 65-years-old. I interviewed Glenn for my book Irons in the Soul. He gave me a lot of time and it was clear he was utterly dedicated to his job. It's often forgotten that he finished seventh in his first season at West Ham in 2001-02, a feat only matched since by Slaven Bilic in 2014-15. It all went wrong in his second season after the Hammers didn't win at home until January, but it has to be said Roeder suffered from injuries to strikers Di Canio and Kouyate and was very unlucky to see West Ham relegated on 42 points. He collapsed with a brain tumour just before the end of that season, but thankfully recovered to have successful spells managing Newcastle and Norwich. But sadly his brain tumour eventually resulted in his premature demise. Glenn, who was a cultured defender with QPR and Newcastle, was a decent man and a fine coach. He will be missed.

Unlucky to lose at City

Manchester City 2 West Ham 1

Another good performance at City and despite defeat a definite sign of progress. West Ham's organisation largely contains City for half an hour and stand-in keeper Randolph (Fabianski has had his arm trodden on in training, possibly by Julian Dicks, suggests Matt) doesn't have a shot to save. Ben Johnson looks a little overawed and loses the ball a few times, but it's a sound team performance. At the other end Antonio causes panic in the box jumping with Ederson and Lingard's shot is blocked by Stones. 

City take the lead as De Bruyne plays in a superb left foot diagonal cross and Diop has lost Dias for a second. Randolph gets a hand to it but can't keep the defender's header out. West Ham respond in heartening fashion. After good work from Coufal and Lingard on the right, Fornals misses Jesse's cross but Antonio swivels to strike the outside of the post. He's slightly scuffed it and on another day that would have been in the net.

Grizzled Czech Vladimir Coufal is having another great game. Fornals plays in the rampaging wing-back who crosses for Lingard to fire across goal and Antonio to poke home. A deserved equaliser just before the interval.

The Hammers again give a good account of the themselves in the second half, though Ranoplph pulls a thigh muscle taking a goal kick, which is worrying. City's second arrives as a corner is repulsed only for the ball to be recycled to Mahrez who takes on Johnson and pulls back for Stones to fire home. 

De Bruyne breaks past an exposed Diop to fire across the Hammers' box. But the Irons are threatening too. In the fourth minute of added time Lingard plays in a fine cross ands Diop gets his angles wrong and heads a great chance across goal rather than in. 

We've actually played better than in the match against Spurs. City might be tired after Europe but they can still bring on players like Foden and Jesus. They have the Son of God on the bench and we have the son of Alvin Martin. Against the Champions-elect, a team that has now won 20 in a row, this has to go down as a very decent performance.

Band on the run

Great twitter picture from Declan Rice of the West Ham 'band' celebrating the second goal against Spurs. It's a group of lads having a laugh, but at a deeper level, argues The Athletic, it symbolises the togetherness of the squad. Though as Declan says, he needs to do a bit of work on his drumming...

It's happened again as Hammers go Top Four!

West Ham 2 Spurs 1 

An early trip to my laptop at high noon for this one. It's the perfect start to the game as Bowen slings in a cross, Antonio gets between the centre backs to prod the ball at Lloris, who saves only for Michail to gobble up the rebound. One-nil to the Cockney Boys.

Kane fires wide and then has a half chance parried by Fabianski and Moura miscues when well-placed as Mourinho's men come at the Irons. But the team spirit is epitomised by Soucek who goes down after a clash of heads only to bounce back up again with a bloody head would, rather like The Terminator (Arnie not Julian).  After treatment he returns with a plaster on his wound. 

Dawson has a header well-saved by Lloris and at the break it remains 1-0. The second half begins with another Hammers goal that owes everything to the energy of Lingard. After winning the ball and exchanging passes with Fornals he rifles home a fine finish into the corner. The ref disallows it for offside but VAR eventually and correctly rules him onside. Cue a mock band celebration from the lads.

But with Bale on Spurs mount heavy pressure as West Ham fail to keep the ball. Lucas Moura pulls one back with a header in off the post from a corner, having got above Cresswell, and it looks ominous. Rice has to make a fantastic block and then Bale smacks the loose ball against the bar. Hammers have several heroes, notably Rice, Coufal, Soucek, Dawson and Diop as they defend their lead.  

The second half seems to go on forever. In added time Cofual's clearance rebounds off Son and on to the post. It really is going to be our day. We've ridden our luck to go an incredible fourth and Mourinho is presumably getting sacked in the morning. Poor old Spurs, the small north London team who have raised their game at a big club but gone away pointless.

As Moyes says, this team can play a lot better but these players just don't want to be beaten. Come on You Irons!

PLAYER RATINGS: Fabianski 7; Coufal 7, Dawson 8, Diop 7, Cresswell 6; Fornals 7 (Johnson 6), Rice 9, Lingard 8 (Noble n/a), Soucek 8; Bowen 7 (Benrahma 6), Antonio 8.

Squad players all doing their bit

The impressive thing about the new West Ham is that when needed all the squad players come in and do a job for the team. Moyes seems to have got rid of a lot of the egos. It would have been easy for Ryan Fredericks to have sulked since being replaced by Coufal, but he's come in and played really well at Aston Villa and then scored against Sheffield United as a late sub. That goal was made by Said Benrahma, another player who might have been annoyed at being left out of the starting line-up.

Similarly Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals don't seem to be complaining to their agents every time they don't start, while Crag Dawson has had to wait an age to get a game. Issa Diop is another big-name signing who has awaited his chance and returned to score against the Blades.

The man management certainly seems to have improved at West Ham, and perhaps with Moyes and four senior coaches in Kevin Nolan, Paul Nevin, Alan Irvine and Stuart Pearce there's time for every player not in the side to be spoken to and made to feel valued. For once the sum of a West Ham team seems to be greater than its parts.

Lingard stars as Hammers move up to fifth

West Ham 3 Sheffield United 0

Antonio has failed a fitness test so it's a West Ham side without any strikers. With Bowen nominally up front it works surprisingly well as Bowen, Lingard and Lanzini interchange and generally confuse Sheffield's big defenders who are left with no-one to mark. There's early controversy as a Rice free kick is saved by Ramsdale and Dawson is felled trying to get the rebound. A penalty is given and then taken away by VAR because Dawson was marginally offside.

Much of the first half is even in possession terms, though Lingard looks fit and speedy on the break, twice testing Ramsdale. The breakthrough comes just before half-time as Lingard pounces on a United error and breaks. He plays a give and go with Bowen before Basham lives up to his name and takes Jesse out in the box. Despite Lingard's plea to take it Rice sensibly points out that he is the designated penalty taker and scores with a cool shot into the bottom corner.

There's a scare at the start of the second half as Fabianski has to produce a brilliant save from McGoldrick's header, which has been deflected off Johnson. But the game is effectively put to bed after 55 minutes when Issa Diop gets his head on Cresswell's corner. A good moment for the returning big man.

Sheffield are not pretty in pink and West Ham threaten to get a third when Coufal seizes on a mistake and races through only to hesitate and give Ramsdale the chance to parry. Noble is brought on to shore up the midfield as the Blades remain largely toothless up front. 

The third arrives in the 96th minutes as two subs combine. Benrahma bamboozles the United defence with some nifty footwork. The defence stands off Fredericks and the late sub fires home unchallenged. One goal from four minutes' on the pitch. Three unlikely scorers round off a good night's work and credit to Ben Johnson too, who has played well as a left wing-back. Moyes is so happy he forgets to sub Jarrod Bowen, who remains on the field for 96 minutes.

Sheffield are surely doomed but this was a game we could easily have slipped up in. The Hammers are fifth and Antonio should be back for Spurs. And barring a Roeder-esque season we're unlikely to go down on 42 points! The next few games should decide if this season really turns into something special but this was another good moment for Moyes and his men. Irons!

PLAYER RATINGS: Fabianski 7; Coufal 6, Diop 7, Dawson 6, Cresswell 6, Johnson 7 (Fredericks 7); Rice 7, Soucek 6, Lanzini 6 (Noble 6), Lingard 8 (Benrahma 6); Bowen 6.

Oggy out and Antonio back?

Losing Angelo Ogbonna for an unspecified period is undoubtedly a blow as he's been magnificent this season. But our new defensive leader appears to be Craig Dawson who had a great game after Oggy went off at Old Trafford. Judging by Moyes' substitutions Issa Diop will come in now he's recovered from a bump on the head. 

Diop's big problem has been concentration but he's undoubtedly good in the air when he's on his game and a threat at set-pieces. Got to feel a bit sorry for Fabian Balbuena though, who was playing really well and a big part of the side's revival until Dawson came in away to Southampton. According to The Athletic Stuart Pearce has done a lot of work with Oggy and the defence, so he deserves some credit for West Ham's new solidity.

Meanwhile it's looking hopeful that Michail Antonio will be fit for Sheffield United tonight. Moyes says Antonio's been training "on the grass", which sounds a bit unusual, but we'll try anything to preserve his hamstrings. Michail's certainly feeling quite chipper to judge by the almost Shakespearean romantic banter of his Valentine's Day tweet (best not repeated on a family blog). Let's hope he saves some of his energy for blunting the Blades tonight.

Meanwhile David Moyes is talking about having a go at qualifying for Europe now West Ham are only playing once a week. What could possibly go wrong?

Concentrating on the League

Man United 1 West Ham 0 (FA Cup, after extra time)

At least this was on BBC1 so no logging on to Sky or BT, though a tedious match probably had millions switching over to ITV. It was a great defensive performance from the Hammers marred by any lack of penetration going forward. Selecting Mark Noble, who did ok, seemed massively over-cautious when Benrahma was on the bench and without Antonio few fans held out much hope.

Ogbonna was crocked making a goal-saving tackle on Martial, so Diop came on who was then felled after a clash of heads with Martial. Issa then had to go off at half-time to be replaced by the first concussion substitute. The only big chance of the first half came when Fabianski made a great save to turn away Lindelof's deflected header. 

With Ben Johnson and Fredericks on as subs the Irons at least improved a bit and got in a few crosses. But the second half was nearly all United pressure even if they looked out-of-sorts. Fabianski made one good block from Rashford. Yarmolenko, who had little change from Maguire, ended up getting injured and being replaced by Odubeko. It was a big ask for the youngster to take on Lindelof and Maguire and he made little impact.

The efficient West Ham defence held on for 0-0 at full-time and in the absence of Ogbonna and Diop, Craig Dawson had a magnificent game at centre back and almost connected with a late corner. Sign him up quick. But we were always likely to lose it in extra-time and so it proved. Rice mis-controlled on the edge of United's area and the Reds broke. After a goalmouth melee Rashford touched the ball back to sub McTominay who drove home first-time.

The game ended with sub Odubeko subbed by Lanzini and Benrahma at least having a header saved by De Gea, though he was probably offside. And so the Cup Final breakfast at Nigel's gaff in Kew Gardens has to wait — again. We'll all be as old as Captain Tom by the time it happens. 

It's still mystifying why Moyes didn't bring in a loan striker in the window. It's right he doesn't want to waste millions on a keep-the-fans-happy stopgap, but a loan signing would have been no risk. That decision effectively sabotaged the FA Cup run and he now has to buy the right long-term striker in the summer. 

Perhaps Lingard returning will make a difference and Antonio is just 'fatigued' and will survive the rest of the season. West Ham can certainly defend these days but the end of the season is very much depending on one man's hamstrings.

Official: Tomas Soucek is Innocent OK?

Sense has prevailed and Tomas Soucek's red card has been rescinded and Mike Dean been put on the naughty step. As Soucek says, he's played 200 games and never had a red card before. It didn't help the way Mitrovic went down holding his face either. And we'll never know if Soucek had been on the pitch whether he might have got his head on that last minute free kick. Still, potato salad all round, at least justice has been swiftly dispensed.

Disappointing draw and a ridiculous red

"The Force is not strong in Michail's hamstrings"

Fulham 0 West Ham 0

This match was played in atrocious conditions and appeared to be a game too far for West Ham's players. So bright against Villa, this was a tired performance. Lingard and Antonio looked jaded from the start, though the Hammers did have a couple of decent first half chances as Bowen just missed an inviting cross and Soucek headed over when well-placed.

Fulham competed fiercely, as you'd expect from a team fighting to survive. The Irons almost broke the deadlock in the second half as Coufal headed Rice's cross on to the top of the bar. Fresh legs were needed though it's debatable whether Noble and Yarmolenko were the right subs and with Lingard not being fully match fit it was strange to keep him on all game. Antonio's hamstrings needed a rest but having no specialist striker to replace him bar Yarmolenko emphasised the fact that we're unlikely to make the top four.

Fulham had chances to win it with Mitrovic and Loftus-Cheek both hitting efforts wide. To be positive the Hammers' defence did stand up well again and in other seasons we might have lost this.

Just when it's seeming that Mike Dean is having a quiet game VAR intervenes. In the 97th minute Mitrovic has gone down in the box after an elbow from Soucek, though the replays show that it is clearly accidental with Tomas trying to move his arm out of the way. Soucek seems just about the nicest man in football. He wouldn't retaliate even if you stole his potato salad. But Mike Dean watches the replay a million times and then opts for a red, which Ian Wright on Match of the Day later brands, "the worst decision I've ever seen". Surely WHU will win any appeal.

At least Moyes livens up the rainy post-match press conference by appearing in a black hood, channelling the Emperor from Star Wars, a bit of Obi-Wan Kenobe and perhaps The Master from the Doctor Who story The Deadly Assassin. The Force was not strong in West Ham here, let's hope we get it back before The Empire Strikes Back and crocks Antonio. 

Haller is forgotten man of Ajax

The Guardian reports that Ajax have forgotten to register new striker Sebastien Haller for their Europa League games. The Dutch giants blame this on an "administrative error" and a glitch on their computer system. Or as we call it, a cock-up reminiscent of West Ham's Manny Omoyinmi saga. Ajax are appealing to Uefa but this is all likely to leave Seb scowling as if he's just scored a goal for West Ham. I thought it was only West Ham that did this sort of thing. It's also proof that David Moyes's policy is right — if you have too many strikers you might forget to register them...

Perfect start for Lingard as Hammers smash Villa

Aston Villa 1 West Ham 3

Another night on BT Sport. From the kick off it's apparent that the lively Lingard is looking really pleased to be playing football again and already seems to have a good understanding with Benrahma and Antonio — even if it is tough on Fornals to be dropped.  

The Hammers have the better of the first half, creating a few chances with Antonio scuffing a volley and Lingard testing Martinez from distance. Watkins does hit the outside of the post with a curling shot after a mistake by Dawson, but Soucek also goes close before the interval.

Moyes has got it right tactically, unlike against Liverpool. Playing Fredericks as a wingback helps nullify the threat of Grealish and Coufal relishes winding up the Villa talisman with some crunching tackles.

Antonio shoots wide after a quickfire break early in the second half. But the Hammers take the lead as Antonio holds up the ball for Benrahma, whose great first time pass releases Soucek to rifle it into the far corner.

The Hammers are two up after another swift counterattack. Watkins is dispossessed by Rice, Benrahma breaks at speed to find Antonio, whose pass is chested down by Lingard. He shoots past Martinez and is mobbed his teammates round the corner flag. 

It's almost three when a fine dribble and cross from Fredericks sees Antonio's shot deflected over. Then a great Cresswell pass releases Antonio only for his lob to be cleared off the line by Mings.

It gets a little worrying with eight minutes left as Grealish finds Watkins to score as he gets between Ogbonna and Dawson. A couple of minutes later Dawson has to make a fine block to deny Watkins again.

The game is finally put to bed when Soucek wins a tackle to release Antonio who finds Lingard in space on the right. Lingard's shot goes straight through the hapless Martinez and Jesse even gets to do his silly dance in celebration. For a bloke who's not played since September it's been a fantastic performance.

It's a shame Benrahma can't round off a great Hammers move in added time, but this has been another impressive away win at a good side. Coufal, Fredericks, Soucek, Benrahma, Lingard and Antonio, who helped create three goals, have all been standout performers. This is WHU's best points total since the Boys of '86. Where is it going to take us? COYI!

Still striker light

So West Ham have ended the transfer window without a second striker. It's odd we didn't go for Josh King who has gone on loan to Everton. With 17 games left that's a big burden on Michail Antonio's dodgy hamstrings. The alternatives appear to be playing loan signing Jesse Lingard or Said Benrahma as a false nine, sticking Yarmolenko up top (he has played as a striker in Ukraine) or giving young Mipo Odubeko a full debut. 

What is clear is that Moyes clearly thought Haller was an unhappy player who didn't fit his system and wanted him out. While it also seems he doesn't rate King — and after Brexit it's much more difficult to sign a top class player from Europe. Moyes has always been methodical and analytical with transfers and is thinking long-term rather than short. He has earned our trust after a great first half of the season so we have to assume he knows what he is doing. 

The board maintain that Moyes was given £20m plus to spend on a striker during the window but couldn't find the right player. The test will come in the summer to see if he really does sign that top striker. If Moyes has resisted some suggested deals from David Sullivan and his agent friends that aren't right for the team then all well and good; but it's still a massive gamble to end the season with just one recognised striker.

Hammers undone by quality of Mersey

West Ham 1 Liverpool 3

Wasn't able to watch this as the Virgin Media users' link to Sky Sports had a server problem — though it was probably for the best. Listening on the radio the first half seems a tepid affair, though the best chance came when Fornals' deflected shot is headed off the line. What is disappointing is that West Ham don't really test Liverpool's makeshift centre back pairing of Henderson and Nat Phillips (who looked decent when he was up against Haller at Anfield). 

West Ham have a good chance to score in the second half as a great tackle from Dawson releases Bowen whose cross allows Antonio to spin and fire just wide of the post. Liverpool take the lead soon after. Sub Jones finds Salah who turns inside Cresswell onto his left foot and curls a typically classy effort into the corner. 

A corner seems to offer West Ham hope of an equaliser but it's headed clear and the Reds break to score in three passes. Alexander-Arnold finds Shaqiri on the left and his first-time long ball is expertly cushioned and swept past Fabianski by Mo Salah. A world class finish, though it's obviously poor to concede from our own corner. Some credit to poor old Yarmolenko though, who was the last man back trying to catch Salah.

West Ham heads drop and a burst of short passing sees Wijnaldum stroke home a third. At least the Irons keep going and Dawson is in the right place in the box to score from a late corner. 

Yes it was a weakened Liverpool side without Van Dijk and Mane, but the anger on some social media was strange as we'd been beaten by two world-class finishes. Still, it's progress to be annoyed at not beating the Champions even if the side could have gone at Liverpool more in the first half. It's a reality check as the cliche goes, but if we finish in the top eight it will be solid progress. 

As Moyes said, the side didn't play well, which will happen. The same Liverpool side won at Spurs a few days earlier and beat Palace 7-0 so it's no disgrace to lose to the Scousers. A better measure of progress will be next three games, all away, against Villa, Man United and Fulham.