tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37049062221063741332024-03-19T10:25:49.520+01:00Hammers in the HeartWest Ham musings by Pete May, author of Hammers in the Heart, Irons in the Soul and Goodbye to BoleynPete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.comBlogger2698125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-16731515579451551882024-03-18T16:34:00.024+01:002024-03-18T17:02:58.267+01:00Victory denied by record-breaking VAR check<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9jm2WTOdLAEcyz22eO_DnwvlDeDCHThvVxUjuM_Fc-xSh5WTllmRgRm3qv79QbtRUltCYdovljhgVHR-woZOHs84p689PZplLdRqCbOeO4RDOQXX6pWz15OURih1H8xfyHzV04NAM7xAsX13KuFOcNVMaOVoYZFbEylVrGbyLendkx3lBsKzTN-G1YQ/s5184/DSC09643.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9jm2WTOdLAEcyz22eO_DnwvlDeDCHThvVxUjuM_Fc-xSh5WTllmRgRm3qv79QbtRUltCYdovljhgVHR-woZOHs84p689PZplLdRqCbOeO4RDOQXX6pWz15OURih1H8xfyHzV04NAM7xAsX13KuFOcNVMaOVoYZFbEylVrGbyLendkx3lBsKzTN-G1YQ/s320/DSC09643.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>West Ham 1 Aston Villa 1</i></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's the third home game in a week at the London Stadium, with a positive crowd after Thursday's 5-0 win. I'm joined by Matt, Lisa, Nigel and Michael's pal Nick, with Michael and Fraser sitting in the stand opposite us. Steve the Cornish Postie makes another cameo appearance having missed the Chopin piano recital in favour of <i>The Play That Goes Wrong</i> during his London sojourn. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Bailey sets up the in-form Ollie Watkins for a low shot early on that Areola does well to block with his foot and Vila have a hopeful penalty appeal denied after the ball is scooped from close range on to Emerson's hand.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But West Ham set about their task well as Antonio again causes problems. Coufal almost scores, blasting Bowen's cross at Martinez. Villa's love of playing it out from the back is causing them problems and good closing down by Antonio sees West Ham win a throw in. Soucek feeds Coufal out wide and Vlad gets in an excellent cross which Antonio converts with a diving header for his third goal of the season.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">West Ham play well against the fourth-placed side and are unlucky when ref Jarred Gillet blows for an infringement just before Kudus puts the ball in the net.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It seems to be two after the break when Martinez misses Bowen's cross and Antonio bundles home. But VAR intervenes as the ball has inadvertently struck Antonio's arm, so it's unlucky but probably the correct decision to disallow it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Emery has bought on Cash and Zaniolo, who make a difference as the Brummies start to threaten. Meanwhile the sun emerges as we squint to see the play, while there must be the possibility that the dressed-as-a vampire Unai Emery might turn to dust with too much sunlight. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Johnson comes on for Antonio, who is still not fit enough to last 90 minutes. The Moyes Out set will see this as a defensive move, though Ben does pretty well in a right-sided role and we know Bowen and Kudus can still threaten as a pair up front. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Paqueta has a free kick parried by Martinez while Areola has to make a fine stop from Konsa to keep the Hammers in it. But an equaliser has been coming and when Tielemans brushes past Paqueta and gets to the byline to pull back, Zaniolo strokes home the equaliser in the 79th minute.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the second minute of added time Bowen and Kudus do well to break on the left, Kudus gets in a great pull back and Ward-Prowse's goal-bound shot is denied by a fine block from Cash. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>ALWAYS CRASHING IN THE SAME VAR</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the fifth minute of added time West Ham seem to have won it. Kudus wins a free kick and sub Ward-Prowse delivers a great ball in to the box. Mavropanos gets his head to it and Soucek and Bowen manage to bundle the ball over the line. But VAR again kills the celebrations. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The VAR check takes a record-breaking five minutes 37 seconds, probably enough time for Michael to read through the folios of his entire body of work and the complete works of Shakespeare. The ref is sent to the monitor and rules it's a handball by Soucek, though even after watching it on TV it still doesn't seem clear. If it takes that long to check then surely it's not a clear and obvious error? That's the fourth handball VAR decision to go against West Ham in the last couple of weeks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Still, a point against a flying Villa side is not a bad result. We head off to meet Fraser and Michael in the Eagle where </span><span style="font-family: arial;">St Patrick's Day is in full swing, with Guinness flowing, Sinead and the staff clad in green and <i>When Irish Eyes Are Smiling </i>playing at loud volume. We discuss the sad passing of Steve Harley. Nigel's schoolfriend's dad was once the Cockney Rebel's bank manager in Chelmsford. He suggests the ref today was </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Mr Soft</i> while VAR certainly </span><span style="font-family: arial;">failed to make us smile. Though to be positive, on 44 points we could finally be safe. Irons!</span></p><p><b>PLAYER RATINGS: Areola 7; Coufal 8, Mavropanos 7, Zouma 6, Emerson 6 (Cresswell 6); Alvarez 6, Soucek 6, Paqueta 7 (Ward-Prowse 6); Bowen 6, Antonio 8 (Johnson 6), Kudus 7.</b></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-3864146491776567442024-03-15T15:16:00.009+01:002024-03-16T18:41:57.636+01:00More Kudus for Hammers in Europe<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-xZ1sfMTWJrmzJu8mJktTGLR-j5VOwDkvfVcG00DZ_Yygd9JNAm3QIMklJnhoLnV3iKEJyi80Cyqkvv9i3nD9e93LWGlsTxbx_uA7uBr3pXyFah_oAHBtbT1ogzCvBM1hpFGC3xAJQK-pyESwvDIUSfzovNEG1OTnf6HkrTgrpQHNpCGKvsEL6esYbk/s640/IMG_0323.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-xZ1sfMTWJrmzJu8mJktTGLR-j5VOwDkvfVcG00DZ_Yygd9JNAm3QIMklJnhoLnV3iKEJyi80Cyqkvv9i3nD9e93LWGlsTxbx_uA7uBr3pXyFah_oAHBtbT1ogzCvBM1hpFGC3xAJQK-pyESwvDIUSfzovNEG1OTnf6HkrTgrpQHNpCGKvsEL6esYbk/s320/IMG_0323.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>West Ham 5 Freiburg 0 (Europa League)</i></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There's something special about these European, erm, afternoons. The fans have done well to get off work early and it's very nearly a full house at the London Stadium for the bizarre 5.45pm kick-off. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The big team news is Alison and Scott (braving an ACL injury to spectate through the pain barrier) have left retirement in Clacton to join us in their old seats, while Steve the Cornish Postie is up taking in London culture and hopefully delivering my Christmas cards. Making up our party are Nigel, Michael, carrying a mysterious hard-backed envelope, Lisa and Big Sam, who has travelled up from Pontypridd. Fraser and Matt are in the West Stand.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The pre-match build-up sees the usual pyrotechnics with Alison wondering why the flame throwers are in wheelie-bins. West Ham set off with some intent and Antonio is a mobile and quick target man taking the pressure off Kudus and Bowen. The crowd is also up for it, regaling us with "West Ham are Massive".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's the perfect start after nine minutes. Aaron Cresswell's corner is headed across goal by a diving Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta prods home at the back post. Tie level. Antonio makes a great run into the box and pulls back for Kudus to shoot wide of an inviting goal. After half an hour it's two when Bowen does really well to outmuscle a defender, beat another and fire a low shot past Atubolu.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Freiburg have a spell of possession without really testing Fabianski and it's 2-0 at the break. Things are going so well that Nigel doesn't even need to eat his half-time lucky banana.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The tie is settled when the ball falls to Cresswell on the edge of the box, he takes a touch, and fire a powerful left-foot shot onto the corner. It's a hugely popular goal and Cressy is mobbed by team-mates in the corner as he celebrates his first goal in two years. He's done really well while Emerson is injured and looks rejuvenated after a spell on the bench. "We know what we are! Champions of Europe!" sing the crowd. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Alvarez heads just wide from Coufal's cross but the Hammers aren't to be denied. Mohammed Kudus picks up the ball halfway inside his own half, glides past three defenders and scores a brilliant solo goal from the edge of the area. He then picks up a plastic stool and has a deserved sit-down. What an effort and Mo's first goal since returning from Africa. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's five when Bowen's short ball finds Kudus who fires another thumping effort into the corner. We've made the team that is sixth in the Bundesliga look pretty ordinary. 'Moyes In' anyone?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There's still time for sub Danny Ings to play in Coufal, whose effort is deflected just wide by Atubolo and George Earthy to make his debut as a late sub. It's rare to have experienced such a comfortable evening in European football and it's also West Ham record win in Europe.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We head off to the Eagle to meet Matt and Fraser. Nigel is looking forward to going to the local derby that is Hornchurch versus Billericay, while Matt reveals that Hornchurch's nickname is the Dickensian sounding, "The Urchins". In fact Matt is on fire with trivia, revealing that Truro have had to play a home game at Gloucester City, just in case we were interested. Big Sam also tells us that Pontypridd FC have been deducted a record number of points in the Welsh league. In other news West Ham have won 5-0.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So it's Bayer Lerverkusen next as the Hammers reach a quarter final for the third successive season in Europe. Irons!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>PLAYER RATINGS: Fabianski 6; Coufal 7, Zouma 6, Mavropanos 6, Cresswell 7; Alvarez 7 (Phillips n/a), Soucek 7, Paqueta 7 (Ward-Prowse 6); Kudus 9 (Ings n/a), Antonio 8 (Johnson n/a), Bowen 8 (Earthy n/a).</b></span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-39119061761001982842024-03-11T18:24:00.016+01:002024-03-15T11:28:27.224+01:00Ings can only get better!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH99BEqceTPFR-R9Cq6ezykitzrRUi5ebtkrmbuWqPilhDaLWXO8GQ0qExA2RI-y7ciA8X4qjPZvGfMb29mOaUH6pJc4QUHq_w-KTecY6TQqgt_yLUoOdCC_XcB49jTj7pfasLgAVPJ8O6eo0mfVyfaJOTK7ZjOTTAQ_7FUwlwRRYCejgmz1ADuAdTLI/s640/IMG_0315.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH99BEqceTPFR-R9Cq6ezykitzrRUi5ebtkrmbuWqPilhDaLWXO8GQ0qExA2RI-y7ciA8X4qjPZvGfMb29mOaUH6pJc4QUHq_w-KTecY6TQqgt_yLUoOdCC_XcB49jTj7pfasLgAVPJ8O6eo0mfVyfaJOTK7ZjOTTAQ_7FUwlwRRYCejgmz1ADuAdTLI/s320/IMG_0315.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>West Ham 2 Burnley 2</i></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"The rain it falleth every day," as the Great Bard of Stratford might say, but that's enough about Michael the Playwright. Hackney Wick is very wet indeed and it's poor conditions for football as West Ham play a sodden bad first half against struggling Burnley. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm joined in the stadium by Nigel, CQ, Michael and Lisa, while Matt and Fraser are under the scoreboard near the away fans ready to launch a pitch invasion should we lose 3-0 at home to Burnley.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Clarets take the lead after 11 minutes. The lively Fofana gets a ricochet off Aguerd, glides past Phillips and fires home a stunning long-range effort into the top corner. West Ham look strangely jaded after their European trip and toil without much intensity. We don't test Trafford at all and in added time Josh Cullen's cross is prodded over his own line by a stretching Mavropanos. "How shit must you be we're winning away?" chant the small contingent of away fans as the home side are booed off. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At half time we're joined by The Gav and his joint Hammers and Orient season-ticket holding pal Mike. After some debate we elect to unleash the power of Nigel's lucky banana by getting him to eat it in the concourse.</span> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Moyes also takes decisive action, taking off the toiling Phillips and Ward-Prowse and bringing on Antonio and Alvarez. The improvement is immediate. Thirty seconds into the half Paqueta gets past a challenge from Assignon and ruins at goal to calmly slot past Trafford. Game on and the crowd at last get going. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Suddenly West Ham play with passion and Antonio provides a focal point in attack. From Cresswell's corner Bowen's goalbound shot is blocked by Paqueta's body. Kudus does well to cut inside only to slip and fire over a gaping goal. Coufal's cross is deflected on to the Burnley bar. We predict that it's going to be one of those games where we'll do everything but score. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Michael sagely suggests that when we're dominating possession it might be an idea to bring on a predator like Danny Ings. Moyes then decides to throw the metaphorical kitchen sink at Burnley, bringing on Ings in the 82nd minute. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"Ings can only get wetter," suggests Nigel as the rain continues to fall. Antonio wins a header and Ings prods home, only to be denied by VAR. The lines are ridiculously tight and it seems to be guesswork that Antonio is offside by a shoulder.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's a cracking half of football with four strikers on the pitch, surely providing the chaotic entertainment the Moyes Out fans have been demanding. Trafford winds up the crowd by time wasting at every goal kick and Lisa pleads "No, Pacqsy!" as Lucas is booked for retaliation after another heavy tackle from Burnley. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>OH DANNY BOY</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We move into eight minutes of added time. West Ham have played like a different team in the second half. Just as I'm wondering w</span><span style="font-family: arial;">hy do we put ourselves through this,</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Ings controls with his back to goal and spins to score a fine poacher's goal and his first of the season. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Berge then fires just over for Burnley. Antonio rolls the ball across the box but no-one can prod it home. Blimey. Danny Ings, who looks rejuvenated, fires another great effort against the bar.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With a minute or so left Berge's arms are raised and he heads the ball against his hands. Bizarrely neither the ref or VAR give a penalty for the second time in three days. There's still time for Burnley to almost snatch the points as Areola parries Fofana's cross and then has to dive to deny Brownhill, before the whistle finally goes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hard to know what to make of this, a poor first half followed by a great second half. On another day WHU could have won this 5-3 and Danny Ings could have scored a hat-trick.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Gavin heads off to buy a West Ham T Rex for Lizzie from the club shop, as she wasn't happy with the last game's triceratops. We march through the downpour to the Eagle, where we're joined by Fraser and Matt. Nigel and CQ have a Cuban cigar for Fraser and we learn that Nigel and Gavin are soon to see Judas Priest. While Michael has been hanging out with Bananarama at HMV, which is really saying something. Sinead keeps us stocked with East London Pale Ale as Liverpool and Man City draw on the box. A disappointing result for the Irons, but you can't argue with the entertainment value. Now we need the side that played in the second half to turn up against Freiburg.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>PLAYER RATINGS: Areola 7; Coufal 6, Mavropanos 5, Aguerd 5, Cresswell 6; Phillips 4 (Alvarez 6) (Ings 9), Soucek 6, Ward-Prowse 5 (Antonio 7), Paqueta 7; Bowen 6, Kudus 7.</b></span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-36589542458279681852024-03-08T15:20:00.007+01:002024-03-08T15:25:21.175+01:00Reffing hell: Hammers lose out in Germany<p><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Freiburg 1 West Ham 0 (Europa League)</span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sat this one out at home with TNT, Michael Owen and Steve Sidwell (where are the Cole brothers?). The Hammers looked to have the game under reasonable control in the first half. Freiburg sent a one-on-one chance straight at Fabianski and then Bowen mistimed his volley after a fine cross from Kudus.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">West Ham showed more intensity in the second half with Kudus getting a shot off straight away. A series of chances follow. Bowen forces a fine fingertip save from Atubolu, Paqueta misses a great headed chance from an inviting Kudus cross and Mavropanos heads against the outside of the post from a corner.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But missed chances came back to haunt the Hammers with nine minutes left. Alvarez plays a loose ball and Freiburg break quickly. A miscued shot from Sallai comes across the box, Zouma has lost his man, and Gregoritsch taps home.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Irons look to have salvaged something in the last minute of added time when Weisshaupt handles in the box under pressure from Soucek. After four minute of VAR deliberation the ref is sent to the monitor which always means he'll give a penalty. Except this ref doesn't, even though the defender's arm is up high in an unnatural position. And he doesn't give a free kick so can't think Soucek has fouled his man. Infamy, infamy...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's been a half-decent performance </span><span style="font-family: arial;">apart from the missed chances </span><span style="font-family: arial;">at an intimidating venue and Freiburg don't show a lot to scare us. A one-goal defeat in the first leg isn't a disaster even though we should have at least drawn, though the Hammers' finishing will have to improve next week. </span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-10373999469054700312024-03-03T14:56:00.006+01:002024-03-03T15:10:48.622+01:00Soucek stunner earns smash and grab win for Hammers<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Everton 1 West Ham 3</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's rather a nervous two hours in front of BBC Sport's live text for this one. In a bid to provide blog colour Matt is at a Faroese theatre production, Nigel is at Wrexham versus Accrington where Reg is completing his 92 League grounds, Michael is promoting his play in deepest Worthing and Fraser is watching on his Moyesian fluid link.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Areola produces a good save from Beto in the first half, but it all seems to be going wrong before the break when Zouma rather unluckily concedes a penalty for a point blank handball. Beto opts to take it, but Areola makes a smart save to his left to defy the Everton striker.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We go in level at the break but a familiar away defeat seems to beckon when Garner plays in a great curling cross and Beto gets beyond Dinos to head home. After Mavropanos loses possession Areola then has to make a fantastic save from McNeil, somehow holding the winger's close-range effort.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But the Hammers are suddenly level on 62 minutes. Kudus' shot is deflected for a corner. James Ward-Prowse curls in his usual pinpoint delivery and King Kurt rises to head home. Zouma declines to celebrate against his former club.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Desperate Everton still press. Areola has to make his best save of the day, tipping over a deflected effort from Beto. Soucek has to clear Doucoure's effort off the line. This is gritty stuff from the Hammers and Areola next defies Calvert-Lewin's low effort. Phillips comes on for Ward-Prowse and manages not to give anything away.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The game is a minute into added time when Kudus crosses from the left. Tomas Soucek chests it down and then sends a sensational effort into the top corner with the outside of his boot. What a goal. Tomas whips off his shirt, does a twirl, and looks like he's going to celebrate with double potato salad. It was also pleasing to see Kalvin Phillips involved in the initial move to feed Kudus. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"West Ham are Massive!" sing the away fans as West Ham break from an Everton corner in the 95th minutes. Bowen runs the length of the pitch and feeds Alvarez, who chips expertly over Pickford. Wow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This never looked like being a 3-1 away win, but it's a great resilient performance from West Ham, inspired by Areola. And It's pleasing to see Moyes silence with doubters with two wins and seven goals in a week. This result will be a real boost for the trip to Freiburg. Irons!</span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-90390797044201258262024-02-29T15:40:00.005+01:002024-02-29T15:42:57.073+01:00Oh, Said Benrahma<p><span style="font-family: arial;">My pal Matt points out that Said Benrahma scored the winner for Lyon against Metz last week, which is one more goal than he's scored for WHU this season. Said is still only out on loan, but will surely move on in the summer. He's been a frustrating player at West Ham overall, always on the verge of greatness but never quite getting there. He actually had a decent season last time round and had he not hit the post several times could have ended up with a lot more goals. Though he did score 12 times, six of them penalties in 2022-23.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When he first arrived he seemed to pass when he should shoot and shoot when he should pass. He improved after scoring a cracking first goal against Brighton, though at times seemed to have perfected the art of shooting just</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> wide. Still, he left us some good memories, such as his penalty in the Europa Conference Final and embarrassing David De Gea when we beat Man United, plus a lot of assists. This season he seemed way off form, not helped by Moyes never really trusting him. That sending off at Bristol City was a sad final act as a West Ham player. At 28 Benrahma still has a lot to prove, but there's definitely a player in there and the French Ligue 1 may suit him.</span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-53159292418443985792024-02-27T16:27:00.021+01:002024-02-27T16:41:51.767+01:00Hat-trick hero Bowen blasts Bees<p><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QejWP3fewriDE3v6cka5kYXDYtFV4kMEvAkGuul4ljQ9IYMfOv67aymCDD-NB11k2G1TZYAjqWg_zp2efM3exNAZIC9sesaLV8WuRiSkKNbDwUGvJw_qnX9c7dhreY58KUNS8NAGwWZikE3e-qdN4-mfuGdwa45lShr10Wc2zmNPIEeFS4oQUqCeXXQ/s640/IMG_0296.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QejWP3fewriDE3v6cka5kYXDYtFV4kMEvAkGuul4ljQ9IYMfOv67aymCDD-NB11k2G1TZYAjqWg_zp2efM3exNAZIC9sesaLV8WuRiSkKNbDwUGvJw_qnX9c7dhreY58KUNS8NAGwWZikE3e-qdN4-mfuGdwa45lShr10Wc2zmNPIEeFS4oQUqCeXXQ/s320/IMG_0296.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></i></b></div><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">West Ham United 4 (four) Brentford 2</span></i></b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's off to the Best Meze Cafe where Matt is possibly having himself in a yellow hoodie drinking red wine and eating halloumi mushrooms. After my hasty falafel and chips, purchased for the price of a small house, we head to the London Stadium. We're joined by Nigel and CQ ba</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ck from watching Havana Clue FC in Cuba, newly-Welsh-resident Big Sam and Charlton Iron Gavin.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">West Ham start with intensity, which is a shock, and the crowd are getting behind the side, suggesting the reported anti-Moyes sentiment might have been a little exaggerated. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The return of Paqueta gives the whole side a boost and his partnership with Emerson and ability to keep the ball soon has the crowd purring. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Ward-Prowse nods on Coufal's cross and Soucek fires a great chance over the bar.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's the perfect start after five minutes. Ward-Prowse finds the overlapping Emerson who plays the ball inside to Bowen. Jarrod takes a touch to control and fires home a left-foot shot with the outside of his boot. A great finish. The relief is palpable after three goalless games and it's Jarrod's first goal since returning from injury.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Two minutes later Soucek picks up a loose ball to feed Bowen. He finds Kudus, who plays in Coufal on the right. Vlad's low cross is turned in by Bowen for a lovely team goal. What sort of thing is happening here?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Though this being West Ham the Irons lose the ball in midfield, Lewis-Potter gets between Zouma and Enerson to play in Maupay. Mavropanos isn't close enough to the striker and the man who always scores against us chips home. Three goals in thirteen minutes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">West Ham have a good half, with Paqueta having a couple of chances, Kudus testing Flekken and then firing wide after a storming run. Mo looks in the mood and Reguilon is booked for a cynical foul. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At half-time I dispen</span><span style="font-family: arial;">se ny five copies of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Massive-Miracle-Prague-Conference-winning/dp/1785908529">Massive</a></i> smuggled past security, three for Gavin, one for Nigel and one for Fraser's mate Keith. The consensus is it's too delicately poised for Nigel to eat his lucky banana. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>FOREVER BOWEN'S BUBBLES</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Brentford have a lot of possession at the start of the second half, but Mavropanos, in for Aguerd, impresses with some fine crunching tackles and interceptions, while Zouma wins a lot in the air. The Hammers' best outlet is Kudus. On 63 minutes Mo gets away on the left, bamboozles Reguilon, and dinks a cross in for Bowen to head home. That's Jarrod's first ever hat-trick after 16 career doubles. He runs to the Bobby Moore Stand brandishing three fingers. That's 17 goals this season for the ignited Bowen, and 14 in the league.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"Champions of Europe we know what we are!" rings around the stadium after a dismal start to 2024. Areola has to make a fine low stop to deny Onyeka. But Kudus gets another cross in which is headed out to Emerson on the edge ofd the box. The progressive left-back fires home a fantastic shot into the top corner. Best goal of the night.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"West Ham are massive!" sings the crowd. Paqueueta gets an ovation when he is sensibly replaced by Antonio. Though on 82 minutes poor concentration allows Wissa to fire home a fine finish from the edge of the area. Areola has to make two excellent saves, including a brilliant one-handed parry from Toney's header. But West Ham hold on for a deserved three points. Moyes does tend to win these must-win games and we go back up to eighth.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After the match Gavin has to dash off to the shop to buy a WHU stegosaurus for Lizzie (please insert your own Moyes dinosaur jokes here). The rest of us head off to the Eagle to meet the crocked Fraser who has been in the wheelchair section with Sinead and rather enjoyed this feast of Moyesball in a six-goal thriller. It's Tayto crisps and East London Pale Ale before a late night dash to Maryland and the Elizabeth line. This was a very welcome result and a much better performance taking WHU to 39 points. One more point and we're safe. Irons!</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">PLAYER RATINGS: Areola 8; Coufal 7, Mavropanos 7, Zouma 7, Emerson 8; Soucek 7, Alvarez 6, Ward-Prowse 7, Paqueta 7 (Antonio 6); Bowen 9, Kudus 8 (Johnson n/a). </span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFUs6jnKOof7UJw_jpY6V5ch6NZtketd9LjZqUVzLC_hpLMxT_2G6rPP5AFEjJ_ghu_ZjMQa4pFJ_ElwDFvwVLCLvVNAelmjt5MnOKhqq_ZdHZcuQUFQAXU5BlrJqLBJI-IFbxUoiRK88dTsu3_0WwlCRVXuex8yHR01kO3tBg1QWfQend0urPeN-xEo/s640/IMG_0302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFUs6jnKOof7UJw_jpY6V5ch6NZtketd9LjZqUVzLC_hpLMxT_2G6rPP5AFEjJ_ghu_ZjMQa4pFJ_ElwDFvwVLCLvVNAelmjt5MnOKhqq_ZdHZcuQUFQAXU5BlrJqLBJI-IFbxUoiRK88dTsu3_0WwlCRVXuex8yHR01kO3tBg1QWfQend0urPeN-xEo/s320/IMG_0302.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-82557094481727563492024-02-19T15:23:00.011+01:002024-02-21T13:26:30.102+01:00Moyes' achievements deserve respect<p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's quite weird the way the David Moyes issue has become some kind of culture war. Social media encourages binary positions but whatever your view, the achievements of Moyes are fact rather than conjecture: two relegation battles survived, sixth place; seventh place and a Europa League semi-final; winning the Europa Conference League. He's a decent man who has put everything into the job and deserves some respect for that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Personally I don't mind counter-attacking football when it works, though it all depends on sound defence and swift counter-attacking as at Brighton and Arsenal away. When it doesn't work it can be really poor, as at Forest. But when Paqueta, Bowen and Kudus have been on form this season there has certainly been entertainment, as there was when Lingard and co were winning away at Villa and Wolves back in lockdown. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes, if we played as we did against Arsenal at home every week, then Moyes would have to go. But he's experienced and has a history of success in his must-win matches. And those who want Moyes out should ask themselves if they would exchange the current regime for more attacking football with a series of relegation struggles. And if Graham Potter came in how long would it be before the "Potter Out" campaign began if things went badly and we lost three in a row?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'd rather judge Moyes on the evidence at the end of the season. Both pro and anti Moyes fans are all on the same side and we should be fighting the real enemy - the Judean People's Front, obviously, and also Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea and Brentford on Monday.</span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-33343864234019813512024-02-18T13:42:00.002+01:002024-02-18T13:43:55.371+01:00Another defeat sparks Forest ire<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Nottingham Forest 2 West Ham 0</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At least I'm at the British Museum looking at the Legion exhibition while the Barbarians storm West Ham's defensive structure. Antonio returns, which is good news, though he looks rusty when he gets a run at goal allowing the defender to make a recovery tackle. Forest have the better of the first half with Areola having to make good stops. Just when it looks like being goalless at the break Awoniyi outmuscles Aguerd to turn and slot home.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking at the highlights Forest, fighting to survive, are the deserved winners. Areola has to make a couple more good saves from long-range volleys from Elanga and Danilo. What chance the Hammers have of salvaging the game disappears when Kalvin Phillips is booked for a silly retaliatory push, and a few minutes later picks up a second yellow for a foul on Gibbs-White, perhaps a little unluckily, though there was no excuse for the first booking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In added time Hudson-Odoi adds a second to make it game over. A "Moyes Out" banner is unfurled in the away end. We've been here before at the Fulham game last season. Moyes managed to win three must-win El Sackico games that season and now has to try again against Brentford. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Recent form has been terrible, though we must also remember that Moyes is the same manager who has overseen a good first half to the season and beaten Chelsea, Brighton, Spurs, Man United and Arsenal. Though q<span>uestions do have to be asked of Moyes and also Tim Steidten, who has allowed Benrahma and Fornals to leave without replacing them. </span>Much of the problem seems to be that Bowen and Kudus have stopped scoring and they desperately need any sort of tap-in to boost their confidence. We have to hope that Paqueta returns against Brentford and our season can turn once more.</span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-34232985912151032692024-02-14T11:45:00.003+01:002024-02-14T11:47:03.883+01:00How to get a result at Forest?<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Something better change, as the Stranglers once sang. After the Arsenal match West Ham have to get a reaction at Forest. I'd bring in Mavropanos for Zouma, who appears only half-fit and consider recalling Ogbonna too. A big problem is that without Paqueta we don't have anyone who can play on the left of midfield. Ben Johnson looked lost there so Moyes could either stick Ward-Prowse out wide with a brief to get crosses in or give Cornet a chance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Phillips has played three games now so must be getting fitter, so we could play Phillips and Alvarez as twin defensive midfielders to shield the defence. Perhaps Soucek should be rested and used as an impact sub. While there could also be a case for playing Kudus wide on the right and bringing in Danny Ings in a number ten role behind Bowen. The options are limited with such a small squad, but Moyes has to try something different. </span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-75522357569072082492024-02-12T13:17:00.010+01:002024-02-21T13:24:00.827+01:00Six-nil! Six bloody nil!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfytPYNvUBmRtEniCQcu4rZ7Cle_KDfBpJUmKTJr2oCoGhdGttA2Ens2F3lXijZUFwpk-6MfbJmruMvzPJVzIVAlaFatxNGnIrGCN5Q3XKJfHOxv26JpB-F8KrjU8F_4Sk0bzKB7x2F57aVDYGQ1XxEIjuinxBonm3_7rE_M6QVVZVNuwWx6mDOFQ5NlU/s680/GGEqnlPWQAAk3so.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="680" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfytPYNvUBmRtEniCQcu4rZ7Cle_KDfBpJUmKTJr2oCoGhdGttA2Ens2F3lXijZUFwpk-6MfbJmruMvzPJVzIVAlaFatxNGnIrGCN5Q3XKJfHOxv26JpB-F8KrjU8F_4Sk0bzKB7x2F57aVDYGQ1XxEIjuinxBonm3_7rE_M6QVVZVNuwWx6mDOFQ5NlU/s320/GGEqnlPWQAAk3so.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>West Ham 0 Arsenal 6</i></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Move along. Nothing to see here. Just a routine joint record home defeat. The Overground and Elizabeth lines being down suggests it's going to be a bad day. Matt has left his bag at the Best Meze cafe but unfortunately manages to retrieve it and make the kick-off. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're joined by Lisa and Michael plus a ticket exchange punter replacing Nigel, who is returning from a scouting mission in Cuba checking out Havana Clue FC, according to Matt.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">West Ham keep it goalless for 32 minutes, though Areola makes a brilliant save to keep out Trossard's volley. Ben Johnson is playing alongside Emerson on the left but neither player is getting really close to the flying Arsenal winger. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Declan Rice swings over a corner and Saliba outmuscles Alvarez and Emerson at the back post to head in. Nine minutes later a simple ball over the top sees Saka free and Areola brings him down for a penalty. Saka looks offside, but VAR deems him onside and he duly scores, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The West Ham defence appears to be having Joe Biden-style memory lapses. Next Rice's free kick sees Ben Johnson drift back and play a line of attackers onside. West Ham's line is too deep, Areola is stuck on his line, and Gabriel heads home. In the second minute of added time Arsenal ping some passes around and Trossard in front of a minimal challenge from Zouma, curls home a great shot into the top corner.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Four-nil down at the break and thousands of West Ham fans leave. "There's nobody here!" chant the gleeful Arsenal fans. The lack of fight and leadership has been deeply worrying. While we're not getting anything forward to the isolated Bowen and Kudus.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Zouma is hooked at the break, which suggests he has been playing while not fully fit, while Phillips comes in for Alvarez and at least gets 45 minutes of football to aid his match fitness. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mavropanos improves things slightly at the back though Areola is soon saving from Saka. The home fans who haven't flounced out sing some defiant choruses of "We are West Ham's claret and blue army!".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Saka then cuts inside Emerson and Areola far too easily and fires home the fifth. On 65 minutes Declan Rice fires home a long range screamer. At least he doesn't celebrate and then gets applause from the home fans after he's subbed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>HOME ALONE</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thankfully the Gunners ease up and it stays at six. Kudus even has a shot saved by Raya's legs. Arsenal have played like prospective champions and West Ham have been terrible. For the Hammers i</span><span style="font-family: arial;">t's the sort of bad day at the office where the photo-copier catches on fire, you get made redundant, the Inland Revenue presents a huge tax demand and there's a heavily-armed ex-employee with a grudge at reception.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Declan Rice comes over to applaud the diehard West Ham fans at the end and gets a good reception. We trudge like shell-shocked WW1 veterans to the Eagle. Nigel is soon to be home re-enacting Michael Palin's Ripping Yarns' "Eight bloody one!" sketch. At least he's been paid £61 not to go to the game, which is the best result of the day. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Matt suggests we've moved from a low block to a no block. He's on the whisky, though it's tempting to ask for absinthe. Michael muses on his <i>Tainted Love</i> for West Ham over a pint of Guinness. Our collective line is that we have won the series of three games against Arsenal and this was a dead rubber.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hard to believe the same side beat Arsenal six weeks ago. The sales of Fornals and Benrahma look even stranger with the squad so stretched. It's been a good season up to January, but now is the time to show some character. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">We need a massive reaction at Nottingham Forest.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>PLAYER RATINGS: Areola 6: Coufal 5, Zouma 3 (Mavropanos 5), Aguerd 4, Emerson 3 (Cresswell 4); Johnson 3, Soucek 3, Alvarez 3 (Phillips 4), Ward-Prowse 3; Bowen 4, Kudus 4.</b></span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-29268318765378980522024-02-09T11:41:00.004+01:002024-02-09T11:44:34.900+01:00Out to launch<p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNW8mWHNc5fZumbK_tsiDwvVji9VjvcEzqHdI0BX0Ltp337Cu-hCLVpPoWPJRAU8lDhUT8kiuEIxM6z6DdnBwQgIS-4FQclOERtRiVquk7EofUf6Wwd4xZgAE8Cm3foEkJDOVpY4TDPrKQFDT1MoNBra0aYdYgk92YA80oSlDjuKWjtEVEUr-HFFW0bc/s2048/PHOTO-2024-02-07-22-35-58%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNW8mWHNc5fZumbK_tsiDwvVji9VjvcEzqHdI0BX0Ltp337Cu-hCLVpPoWPJRAU8lDhUT8kiuEIxM6z6DdnBwQgIS-4FQclOERtRiVquk7EofUf6Wwd4xZgAE8Cm3foEkJDOVpY4TDPrKQFDT1MoNBra0aYdYgk92YA80oSlDjuKWjtEVEUr-HFFW0bc/s320/PHOTO-2024-02-07-22-35-58%202.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>Thanks to everyone who came along to the launch of <i><a href="https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/massive">Massive: The Miracle of Prague</a></i> at Daunts bookshop in Holland Park. Great to see so many old Hammers friends and the odd supporter of other teams offering solidarity. No sign of the Chelsea Headhunters even though we took their bookshop. Look out for the sequel to <i>Massive i</i>n 43 years' time. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPr17JVapcdDQ-SOJ_y3D-mOs7zuznqG4RzouPaCMAjPxaDQ67qCtBo1_O5dsfLSqJiUGYbdiGV4MCVHWrd6BHmfuJSI7GLbrdMWKKxQZNqo4xmV97TlvgESgIHoRripo-R5_1zllZYVB7wPGzUPLAOZwtY8-RHw1wI7AcLEQsS4w3NTGamPJVln2WnaI/s2048/PHOTO-2024-02-07-22-35-58%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPr17JVapcdDQ-SOJ_y3D-mOs7zuznqG4RzouPaCMAjPxaDQ67qCtBo1_O5dsfLSqJiUGYbdiGV4MCVHWrd6BHmfuJSI7GLbrdMWKKxQZNqo4xmV97TlvgESgIHoRripo-R5_1zllZYVB7wPGzUPLAOZwtY8-RHw1wI7AcLEQsS4w3NTGamPJVln2WnaI/s320/PHOTO-2024-02-07-22-35-58%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-15771861948716459562024-02-04T22:40:00.010+01:002024-02-05T18:17:38.413+01:00Hammers pay for missed chances<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Manchester United 3 West Ham 0 </i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The formation looks better for this one with Phillips dropped, Aguerd back and Emerson and Coufal/Johnson playing as wing backs. The Irons start pretty well with Onana making a fine save to deny Alvarez's header from a corner that Soucek has headed across goal. Areola has to make a flying save to deny Bruno Fernandes from distance and a JWP free-kick hits the wall from a promising position.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But we're behind after 23 minutes.Casemiro wins a tackle in midfield and Hojlund twists inside Aguerd to fire a powerful shot into the corner. There's a decent response from West Ham but without the killer touch. Soucek has an effort deflected wide. Ben Johnson, who is seeing a lot of the ball and having a good game, has a low short saved by Onana. While Avarez's header flashes across goal from a late corner. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Areola goes off at half time having been caught by Zouma, and on comes Fabianski. The key moment sees Emerson get through after a mistake by Maguire and blaze wide when he could have shot on target or crossed. United go straight down the other end and score, Garnacho's shot taking a wicked deflection off Aguerd. Emerson could certainly have been tighter. Garnacho then makes it worse by nicking Mo Kudus' celebration and sitting on the hoardings.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Rashford fires wide then two more chances arrive for the Irons, Emerson gets through again but fires straight at the keeper. Alvarez has played well and sends a great ball through to Bowen, who hesitates a second too long in front of goal and allows Dalot to make a great block.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kalvin Phillips comes on for Soucek and is caught in possession, allowing Garnacho to be set up for number three and it's all over. Phillips will get sharper but again a mistake has been punished with a goal. United have played well, but this wasn't a 3-0 game. With better finishing WHU could have got something from this. Improvement is needed in both boxes but for long periods we actually played quite well.</span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-60431848180485998972024-02-04T19:26:00.005+01:002024-02-04T19:36:33.763+01:00Booked in Newham<p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38o2OQLP1U77dsnKX0jHh7wCAeXjb_kIfi9qDv1Ds8VHscFBPHoAwg-Yj4OceD9zJZibD56aUDYa3BOzoEWhFHJ74lgGbaXkWACdgbKK-_xreWm4W8PZg1ADjVo64-Gvd0ZSGyxmhltBDiyuMWuhVONvHjcG7N5DNX1_4oaG7RyhWHdYlYLHL5AwshyphenhyphenQ/s600/425540203_10163421506843378_4662765374137520113_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38o2OQLP1U77dsnKX0jHh7wCAeXjb_kIfi9qDv1Ds8VHscFBPHoAwg-Yj4OceD9zJZibD56aUDYa3BOzoEWhFHJ74lgGbaXkWACdgbKK-_xreWm4W8PZg1ADjVo64-Gvd0ZSGyxmhltBDiyuMWuhVONvHjcG7N5DNX1_4oaG7RyhWHdYlYLHL5AwshyphenhyphenQ/s320/425540203_10163421506843378_4662765374137520113_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><a href="https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/massive">Massive </a></i>book signing at the <a href="https://www.newhambooks.co.uk/">Newham Bookshop</a> yesterday. Some punters came from as far afield as Southend and Herts so thanks to all who attended and to Vivian, Tom and Finn. And a fine pint in the refurbished Boleyn Tavern afterwards. Here I am with fellow Hammers author Robert Banks, who has an irrational love of trophies.</span><p></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-75801707797283961562024-02-02T18:12:00.012+01:002024-02-02T18:55:47.476+01:00Computer says no: peak West Ham on deadline day<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, Said Benrahma's move to Lyon seemed to have fallen through because West Ham didn't send the right papers to Uefa by 11pm. Lyon accused West Ham of a "profound lack of respect" as it all got rather heated, but it's finally been announced that the loan has gone through. Though looking at the lack of width last night Benrahma staying would have been no bad thing for the stretched squad. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For a long time we didn't know if the club had sold Pablo Fornals due to a "computer problem" but now the move has finally gone through for £6.8 million. Pablo's form had declined but he'll forever be remembered for his winner at Alkmaar and his part in the seasons where we finished sixth and seventh, as well as singing "West Ham is massive!" Adios Pablo. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Meanwhile the club has missed out on rumoured targets Osman and Jota. Tim Steidten was meant to have professionalised WHU's recruitment, but the glitches on deadline day hardly suggest that. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Maybe the club fax just run out of paper. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It's one in and three out this window which leaves a too small squad, though Kalvin Phillips should eventually prove a good signing. Hopefully the dealings will be smoother in the summer.</span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-80512593474341513892024-02-02T17:43:00.010+01:002024-02-03T12:51:58.121+01:00Ward-Prowse earns point for lacklustre Hammers<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6Z3Qrf9arMCtvHo0t7XskobuFZVSZnf4W503XKrpmo_Gi4CAEq9c__VvGHUcl0p9XfqeaqcchR164Dnbe0tgzP2wv9dj7QOLzkWQxvBfW29ntnRsflrfszi98llLeVJXNgDpGUMMYJH4Eq-WgS8Oy3irMyb9ULe-PG-PMiKE-EN5Mw_oVYrrvDAAib8/s640/IMG_0270.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6Z3Qrf9arMCtvHo0t7XskobuFZVSZnf4W503XKrpmo_Gi4CAEq9c__VvGHUcl0p9XfqeaqcchR164Dnbe0tgzP2wv9dj7QOLzkWQxvBfW29ntnRsflrfszi98llLeVJXNgDpGUMMYJH4Eq-WgS8Oy3irMyb9ULe-PG-PMiKE-EN5Mw_oVYrrvDAAib8/s320/IMG_0270.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>West Ham 1 Bournemouth 1</i></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's down to just Michael and myself in the Billy Bonds stand as the game kicks off, with Matt and Lisa delayed at work, Gavin fighting a battle with the West Ham ticket office over a mislaid email with Nigel's ticket, Nigel away on a scouting mission and Fraser watching at home.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Within three minutes West Ham are behind. Zouma plays a poor backwards pass to Kalvin Phillips in a dangerous area. Phillips, lacking match fitness, is indecisive under a challenge from Christie and toe-pokes it straight to Solanke, who scores the easiest goal of his career. Ref Tim Robinson disallows it for offside, only for VAR to show that Phillips got the final touch and the goal stands.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">West Ham look way off the pace and playing four central midfielders in Alvarez, Phillips, Soucek and Ward-Prowse just isn't working, while poor Zouma runs with a limp looking increasingly like a centre back held together with gaffer tape. At least Matt, Lisa and eventually Gavin join us. The Irons can't cope with Bournemouth's pressing game and soon Cook is shooting narrowly wide.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It should be two for the Cherries when Areola makes a brilliant save to foil Semenyo. Towards the end of the half the Hammers improve a bit. Ward-Prowse has struggled on the left but gets in a great cross for Bowen to head against Neto. But in another dangerous break, Semenyo has a shot deflected just over.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At half-time we're joined by Garry the son of Ken and Carol of Ken's Cafe fame, plus his daughter Millie. They collect a couple of copies of <i>Massive: The Miracle of Prague</i> and Millie even has a photo taken with the author. The best moment of the game so far.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>JUST SOLD MY HOUSE TO JAMES WARD-PROWSE</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The crowd do their best to get West Ham going in the second half, with the returning Mo Kudus our best hope. He makes a surging run into the box and is brought down by Kelly. The ref doesn't give it, but VAR intervenes. The ref appears to be time-wasting as he slowly walks to the monitor, but eventually gives the penalty. Ward-Prowse puts it straight down the middle and scores. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Ings comes on for Phillips but it's still a struggle as the Cherries threaten. Bowen heads wide from a Ward-Prowse free-kick but chances are few. Zouma has shown character to play through his dodgy knee problem, as he makes a lumbering charge forwards inspiring some literary comparisons from Michael. Dinos has a pretty good game at the back. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Vicar's Son becomes increasingly exasperated by the ref giving us very little, the play-acting of the Bournemouth players going down with cramp and a late flag, at which point he accuses the lino of being an anchor, or something like that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Late on Areola has to make another fine save to deny Kelly. Christie is booked for a cynical foul on Kudus, while Bowen plays like he's not yet fully fit. "What is the point of that!" howls Matt in a fit of existential despair when Cornet comes on the the 96th minute. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We head off down the walkways to the Eagle, past the flats that Matt says are used as the setting for the film <i>All Of Us Strangers</i>. At least the East London Pale Ale is refreshing. I'm grateful for a point in a game where we played badly. West Ham haven't won this year in five games, though to be fair we're unbeaten in the league with three draws. Things might get better with Coufal and Aguerd to return to the side, plus maybe even Antonio and eventually Paqueta, though currently we really struggle without Lucas. Phillips will get match fit and Bowen will get sharper after his injury. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Then comes the deadline day news on the TV and it seems we can't even sell players effectively, though that might help our small squad. Time for another drink. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>PLAYER RAINGS: Areola 8; Johnson 6, Zouma 5, Mavropanos 7, Emerson 6; Phillips 5 (Ings 5) , Alvarez 6, Soucek 5, Ward-Prowse 6; Kudus 7 (Cornet n/a), Bowen 5.</b></span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-76030809155294919872024-02-01T15:47:00.002+01:002024-02-01T15:47:31.385+01:00Massive signing at the Newham Bookshop<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1O8UrsUJMvN6wVu0DrwsRZR66RbX3s-B9fYNKqKAXl9KVcqR9daHV3WztNdG0nCFLQRonFoqxmbfnuMbnIfRBhawXCSpkgCg9TfC0MlWO1ql0uCEGLbLX7zRqIXqeHyUpB3DpVcnMJftHLkTCViB8ID0Eox-OAMPNjq3yr_L_w3AQ6f7ck3jIt-88eb4/s680/GEn6Yf2WMAAWVGw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="680" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1O8UrsUJMvN6wVu0DrwsRZR66RbX3s-B9fYNKqKAXl9KVcqR9daHV3WztNdG0nCFLQRonFoqxmbfnuMbnIfRBhawXCSpkgCg9TfC0MlWO1ql0uCEGLbLX7zRqIXqeHyUpB3DpVcnMJftHLkTCViB8ID0Eox-OAMPNjq3yr_L_w3AQ6f7ck3jIt-88eb4/s320/GEn6Yf2WMAAWVGw.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking forward to signing copies of <i>Massive: The Miracle of Pragu</i>e at the <a href="https://www.newhambooks.co.uk/displaybook.php?ref=A437&within=signing">Newham Bookshop</a> on Saturday. It's also a chance for fans to relive a few memories of the Boleyn Ground. Ken's Cafe might have gone, the stadium is no more but at least the Boleyn is now a rather classy gastro pub with some great Victorian fixtures and fittings. While the Newham Bookshop remains a great community asset and purveyor of all that's best in the book world.</span><p></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-9228837962501386512024-01-31T14:32:00.005+01:002024-01-31T14:39:29.788+01:00Massive: The Miracle of Prague is now out<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pYYoki8fjrsHCHGyKNhY2QKN4j4gF62RmcgIZxKovT3dgYnzcJYuQrIvyUbCwVj7prSgqYHLvyxLopToLOzRryKi01QsOb3ar8RhjL6bAIcJLHP5CCECBdFvVkvsOOLHS8vsktV1b5FCn9LOe-o1nTvDHV-uy0r3PZ7StQPjb_tiYoGQe38MfYlhlho/s2339/Massive.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2339" data-original-width="1524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pYYoki8fjrsHCHGyKNhY2QKN4j4gF62RmcgIZxKovT3dgYnzcJYuQrIvyUbCwVj7prSgqYHLvyxLopToLOzRryKi01QsOb3ar8RhjL6bAIcJLHP5CCECBdFvVkvsOOLHS8vsktV1b5FCn9LOe-o1nTvDHV-uy0r3PZ7StQPjb_tiYoGQe38MfYlhlho/s320/Massive.jpg" width="208" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">My new book <i><a href="https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/massive">Massive:The Miracle of Prague</a></i> is now officially published. It's the story of the 2022-23 season and the basis of the book was the match reports from this very blog. It was certainly a strange season with David Moyes three times said to be one game from the sack, with the El Sackico games against Everton, Notts Forest and Fulham. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Yet a bit like <i>Withnail and I,</i> West Ham went to a cup final by mistake and the season ended with the club's first trophy in 43 years, in what just might have been the biggest triumph of the human spirit since the Moon landings and the discovery of DNA. Jarrod Bowen was on fire and dating Dani Dyer and we all just sold our cars to Lucas Paqueta. Hope you enjoy it. Trigger warning: this book may contain trophies.</span><p></p></div>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-35433970736521577202024-01-29T18:45:00.001+01:002024-01-29T18:45:23.174+01:00Stop! Hammer Time: Mr Moyes vs the PGMOB<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's a bit more WHU podscasting with myself rambling on with Phil, Jim and Pete on the latest <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/toby-jones-to-star-in-mr-moyes-vs-the-pgmob/id269841981?i=1000642905221">Stop! Hammer Time</a> podcast. Click on the link to play. Great idea of Phil's for Toby Jones to play David Moyes in the latest miscarriage of justice series after the Sheffield United game.</span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-38608641468429170252024-01-26T18:26:00.007+01:002024-01-26T18:32:21.628+01:00Massive on the Talking Sports Books podcast<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq9RvYI1zbS4fZrFDeKaCHHVmOEH4_SJGYwx0rUCbYcNYiDnIP1xfLd9A3uiT8c-MLOgsEZs5Kc-XyVh5CPeD5xAnw44UQyzJsVi6W632FUeAE3K8XsgiIdsGHVd6MlQ6tLPvwTjTv8VBeoqIMcBHQWKHwDlZUykrTPWXG64z4tElhoyTjyzVx7yj6Xg/s915/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-26%20at%2017.18.25.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="915" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq9RvYI1zbS4fZrFDeKaCHHVmOEH4_SJGYwx0rUCbYcNYiDnIP1xfLd9A3uiT8c-MLOgsEZs5Kc-XyVh5CPeD5xAnw44UQyzJsVi6W632FUeAE3K8XsgiIdsGHVd6MlQ6tLPvwTjTv8VBeoqIMcBHQWKHwDlZUykrTPWXG64z4tElhoyTjyzVx7yj6Xg/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-26%20at%2017.18.25.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Good fun speaking to Tim Caple about<i> <a href="https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/massive">Massive: The Miracle of Pragu</a></i><a href="https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/massive"><i>e</i></a> on the <a href="https://www.talkingsportsbooks.com/">Talking Sports Books</a> podcast. We seemed to spend a lot of the time discussing favoured pubs around the London Stadium and my pal Nigel's taste in classic rock as well as redemption for David Moyes and winning a trophy, if that doesn't spoil the ending. Click on the link to play. </span><p></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-27109615415991956412024-01-23T18:39:00.002+01:002024-01-23T18:40:11.479+01:00Loan arranger brings Phillips to the Irons<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, a big boost to the Hammers' squad with the arrival of Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips on loan for the rest of the season. A couple of years ago he was the mainstay of the England midfield with Declan Rice. He's been frozen out by Guardiola at City, but once he's match fit Phillips should be a real asset. Yesterday's <i>Evening Standard</i> pointed out that all the club's recent defeats, against Brentford, Fulham, Liverpool and Bristol City, were when Edson Alvarez was absent. Phillips gives WHU a ready-made alternative to Alvarez as a defensive midfield shield. And if Moyes plays Phillips and Alvarez together then Ward-Prowse can play in a wider role and get forward more, as can Tomas Soucek. Hopefully we'll be getting a hungry player desperate to get back in the England squad. This seems like a good move for both parties.</span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-41209234441810016252024-01-21T19:58:00.021+01:002024-01-22T11:24:48.876+01:00Penalty chaos sees Hammers drop points<p><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Sheffield United 2 West Ham 2</span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Matt and Lisa visit Mayhem Corner for this one to watch the game onTNT, before setting off for Dagenham to watch the WHU women's side at 6.45pm. We're joined by lucky dog Vulcan on the sofa, though much of the first half sends him to sleep. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At least Bowen is fit, if isolated up top. Both sides misplace passes on the windy Sheffield pitch with Ings hesitating in front of goal and then Cornet crossing to no-one in the box. But the Hammers take an unexpected lead when Ings' shot falls nicely to Cornet on the left, who volleys home with a crisp finish for his first Hammers goal. Matt has absolutely never doubted him. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">That goal should give Maxi some confidence.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We look to be holding out until just before the break when a big header across the box sees Sousa's header well saved by Areola. But Brereton Diaz is quicker than Ward-Prowse to react and power home the rebound.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sheffield put the Irons under pressure early in the second half as </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Brereton Diaz scuffs a one-on-one chance wide, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">but the Hammers stay solid even with a limping Zouma. Ings twists to fire a shot on target and is having a better game than of late. Moyes gets an undeserved chorus of "You don't know what you're doing!" from some away fans when he brings on Johnson for Cornet, but actually Ben does quite well in an unfamiliar midfield role.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Fornals has been poor, but finds Ings who turns well to move past Robinson into the box and is bought down. Ward-Prowse dispatches the penalty with 11 minutes left. Ings then has two goalbound shots blacked by defenders in a good chance to make it 3-1.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But it all kicks off in 14 minutes of chaotic added time. Sheffield's Brewster is sent off for a two-footed lunge at Emerson, but Coufal is booked for telling the ref to send him off, which is a stupid booking. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Johnson dawdles on the ball, Sheffield break on the left and Coufal gets a second yellow for a foul. From the free kick the ball gets recycled and Areola and McBurnie collide going up for a cross. The ref gives a penalty even though McBurnie's arm is across Areola's face and the keeper needs treatment. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Hammers bring on Fabianski for the penalty, but after an age of delay he can't keep out McBurnle's calm finish. It's the latest goal ever scored in the Premier League at 103 minutes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>But there's still a minute left and Ben Johnson does really well to get in a cross from the right. Jarrod Bowen is pulled down by </span><span face="ReithSans, Arial, Helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #121212;">Ahmedhodzic in a tackle straight from Twickenham. It's the most blatant penalty in the history of football, but while being hauled to the floor Jarrod's hand has touched the ball and ref Michael Salisbury gives a free kick to United. Where was sodding VAR? Moyes gives the ref his Glasgow death stare and is too angry afterwards to comment. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="ReithSans, Arial, Helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #121212;">West Ham haven't played well and have dropped two points, though credit to Sheffield for their resilience. The Irons really have to be much more professional in closing out games, though in fairne</span><span face="ReithSans, Arial, Helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #121212;">ss an away point isn't a complete disaster without Alvarez, Aguerd, Kudus, Paqueta and Antonio. On 35 points we might be safe. And but for a VAR clanger it should have been a late penalty winner after 104 minutes.</span></span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-67024397536160493382024-01-17T11:43:00.004+01:002024-01-17T12:01:51.836+01:00Concentrating on the leagues...<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Bristol City 1 West Ham 0 (FA Cup)</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's a night in front of the BBC coverage for this one. With Paqueta, Bowen, Kudus and Aguerd all out this was always going to be difficult, while Alvarez and Fornals are also absent, plus long-term casualty Antonio.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's the worst possible start after three minutes when after the City keeper clears from Cornet's pass to Ings, Mavropanos plays a no-look backpass and Conway nips in to round Fabianski and score. That's the second goal Dinos has given away from a poor back pass and for all his promise he needs to work on his concentration.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">West Ham come back into it and force a few corners, even though the front three of Cornet, Ings and Benrahma haven't scored a goal between them all season. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Cornet under pressure sends a volley past the post. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Ings has a decent turn and snapshot just wide, but then fluffs another chance when he tries to square it rather than shoot. That's the sign of a striker completely lacking in confidence.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The game is effectively over just after the break when Benrahma is sent off for kicking out after being fouled. It was a bad challenge by Williams but a stupid piece of indiscipline from Beni, and sums up the way his season has gone. Though City are also lucky to still have 11 men after a raised arm from Gardner-Hickman on Cresswell goes unpunished.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Emerson moves into midfield and tries his best to get some progressive play going, but Bristol are really fired up and want it more on a cold Tuesday night in the west country. West Ham's best chance comes when Cornet gets in a good cross from the left and Soucek's effort is brilliantly tipped over by O'Leary. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mubama comes on late and it's pleasing to see young Callum Marshall get ten minutes, but that's about the only positive. Wells goes close with a couple of late efforts and the outcome is never really in doubt. So the Cup Final breakfast at Nigel's gaff in Kew Gardens is off once more, as we concentrate in on the Premier and Europa Leagues and getting some bodies back in action.</span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-14354789987441381682024-01-15T15:49:00.003+01:002024-01-15T15:51:49.629+01:00Massive: The Miracle of Prague<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9X4vUPikBNLgc_2Iqmj8v4Muq4nP0A_0m4So0hrEdlMfF_zTmnZ-GNAINExjSSCptvjS2N4mdPIhhc7IknnAIKWCPs_U6JUlr7c9W5thM97Jm1Nex_SGBTmehbQf7fwYhSVBgeUIIWMBy6hFt7vvSrFqtM72C1dgP2TL2lOXzvP7E4HFmvQBsT9TtGwA/s1639/Massive%20cover%20201223%20copy%20JPEG.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1639" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9X4vUPikBNLgc_2Iqmj8v4Muq4nP0A_0m4So0hrEdlMfF_zTmnZ-GNAINExjSSCptvjS2N4mdPIhhc7IknnAIKWCPs_U6JUlr7c9W5thM97Jm1Nex_SGBTmehbQf7fwYhSVBgeUIIWMBy6hFt7vvSrFqtM72C1dgP2TL2lOXzvP7E4HFmvQBsT9TtGwA/s320/Massive%20cover%20201223%20copy%20JPEG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">You can now pre-order my new book <a href="https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/massive"><i>Massive: the Miracle of Prague</i></a>, the story of the 2022-23 season. It's taken 43 years to write and (spoiler alert) just might contain a happy ending. Published by Biteback, <i>Massive</i> is out on Jan 30. Click on the link to order.</span><p></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704906222106374133.post-78025658674180036842024-01-10T13:06:00.005+01:002024-01-10T13:13:17.710+01:00Injuries galore<p><span style="font-family: arial;">More bad news on the injury front with the news that Lucas Paqueta will be out for maybe eight weeks with a calf injury and Jarrod Bowen will probably miss the Sheffield United match with his ankle injury. Meanwhile Antonio has had a setback in training, though slightly better news is that Mavropanos is nursing bruises but should be fit soon. But with Kudus likely to be in Africa until mid-February if Ghana go all the way our entire attack is now absent. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">West Ham can't rely on Ings and Mubama as a strike force so signings are required. Steven Bergwijn might help and West Ham now have a good relationship with Ajax. He scored seven times in 60 games for Spurs, but a lot of those appearances came as a late sub and he was never going to get far as Harry Kane's deputy. Bergwijn did score a cracking winner against Man City and his figures with Ajax of 19 goals in 45 appearances are more promising. But it seems the club will have to sell first, with Lyon interested in Benrahma and Fornals, Cornet, and Ings up for sale. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Though it would be a mistake to let Nayef Aguerd go to Saudi Arabia; he's made some mistakes but is generally a cultured defender and is going to get better, while securing a replacement in January would be very difficult. We're down to Harry Redknapp's bare bones. It's going to be an interesting and nerve-wracking window.</span></p>Pete Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12492414093187007414noreply@blogger.com0