Adrian To Advise De Gea on Penalty Technique

There was major drama in the Europa League final last night as Villareal took the trophy after extra-time and a prolonged penalty shoot out. After all 10 outfield players successfully converted their spot kicks, it cam down to pistols at dawn between the goalkeepers with Man Utd's David De Gea fluffing his kick to hand the trophy to Villareal!

All of which brought back fond memories for Hammers fans of the night in January 2015 when under similar circumstances Adrian thumped home the winning penalty in a shoot out that ended 9-8 as the Hammers overcame the sticky Toffees of Everton. 

Comparing techniques, it is immediately evident that De Gea made a crucial error in takibg his kick - while Adrian took a long run up during which he jettisoned his gloves in a symbolic gesture of transition from netminder to outfield player, in contrast De Gea kept his gloves firmly on as he took the kick!!!

The message is clear - don't think like a keeper when you are the penalty taker. 

Meanwhile, hearty congratulations to 'little' Villareal who have shown that a club from a town of just 50,000 inhabitants can seize Europe's second most coveted trophy - should be easy for the East London giants next year!

Bobby Bubbles Rates West Ham Heroes on day to Remember!

It's been an amazing season and today saw us rack up our 19th win and nail down a European place with a 3-0 victory in front of 10,000 ecstatic fans. Once again, the standard of performance across the team was consistently excellent. Here's Bobby Bubbles ratings:

Fabianski: Had to be sharp as Southampton enjoyed a decent first quarter but Fab was alert and made it hard for Minamato when faced with a one on one and then pulled off an acrobatic save to keep it level until the Fornals goals settled our nerves. 8.5/10

Coufal: Topped off a tremendous season with another cracking performance both defensively and getting forward with an assist for Fornals second. Unusually, got roasted by Redmond towards the end which by my calculations brings his error count to a mere three all season! The most coolheaded right back in the league? 8.5/10.

Dawson: Has snapped back to top form in the final two games after a few middling performances in the 3-4 games before that. 8/10. 

Ogbonna: So much talk about the absence of Rice contributing to our stumble in the run in but Oggy's return has been quietly crucial. 33 today but surely has another two years in him? 8/10.

Cresswell: Can feel hard done by not to be going to the Euros as he has had his best season ever for the club and was quietly brilliant again today. 8/10.

Rice: Massive presence and back to full sharpness today. So composed nowadays and took his goal with aplomb. 9/10.

Soucek: Simply everywhere. Enjoyed having Rice back as it allowed him to push forwards more and so nearly scored again. A real team player 8.5/10.

Fornals: He has really come into his own in the back half of the season. He gets into so many good positions and at times his link play is breathtaking. MOTM and two crucial goals.  9.5/10.

Lingard: Looks so happy in the team, loves linking with Fornals et al. Looked sharp and almost scored. We reckon he'll stay as long as Rice doesn't leave. 8/10.

Bowen: Physically he has finally adjusted to the Premier league and has gotten so much smarter at knowing when to hit the deck and take a free. We suspect Noble has been givibg him tips! 8/10

Antonio: Looked tired but still gave it his all as always. Incredible to think he was (ab) used in a right back role only a few seasons ago but his transformation to a striker reflects his innate intelligence and dedication. 7.5/10. 

Substitutes:

Benrahma: A fantastic option to shake things up and he looks more confident having opened his scoring account. Went very close with one effort. Next year will be a massive one for him - he needs to get more crafty at pulling penalties! 8/10

Noble: Ah stop! Amusingly, He was playing up top for the final few minutes but sadly a break on goal didn't come his way which would have been hilarious. Future club manager without question! 7/10.

Diop: errr, not sure if he touched the ball. Great to see him back though and let's not forget that he is still only 24 years old. Not rated. 

Moyes: There can be no doubting that he knows how to get the best out of his players and now that he has nailed down his style and team formation you get the sense that he will be able to bring in the right type of players to push forwards over the coming years. It should also be noted that despite his headmaster-like demeanour, he has transformed an unsettled club into a happy band of warriors. Simply outsmarted Southampton today. 10/10. 

Tears Flow as Rice Waves Farewell

There were emotional scenes at the London stadium this afternoon as West ham concluded their season with a 3-0 win over Southampton.

Club captain Declan Rice waved goodbye to Hammers fans as he completed his final appearance for the club. 

Speaking after the game, the talismanic star was almost in tears and revealed "It's always hard, but ultimately you have to move on, and for me now seems the right time".

After a record breaking 537 appearances for the club, spanning 17 years, he has finally called time on a glittering career with 4 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cup wins and, of course the unforgettable Champions League win in 2029!

Club manager, Mark Noble, now thought to be probably 145 years old, presented Rice with a key to the new stand that has been named after him and welcomed him to his new role as chief coach. 

It seems unbelievable to think that clubs like Manchester Buffaloes and Chelsea Pirates, both now languishing in the championship, once thought that they might prise Rice from the London Stadium!

:-)

Hope you enjoyed the season - Enjoy the Summer ahead and let's savour our European adventures next year.

Thanks to Faceapp for the aged images!

Best wishes from the VERYWESTHAM team!

COYI!!!

Great news for Hammers fans as Starting XI released.

The day has started well for David Moyes with news that Fabianski is fit to start. Otherwise, its a predictable team with Jarrod Bowen starting ahead of Said Benrahma. 

A draw will suffice but this side likes to attack so we can expect a lively encounter in front of 10,000 lucky fans.

Noble is on the bench in case his cool head is needed to see things out over the final minutes.

Let's do this!

West Ham United: Fabiański, Coufal, Ogbonna, Dawson, Cresswell, Rice (c), Souček, Bowen, Lingard, Fornals, Antonio

Subs: Randolph, Fredericks, Johnson, Balbuena, Diop, Noble, Benrahma, Yarmolenko, Odubeko

West Ham Set Final Asking Price For Rice

Whatever happens this afternoon at the London Stadium all eyes will be on Declan Rice when the final whistle blows. With many fans worried that today could be his final game before exiting to Chelsea or Man Utd, in reality the club captain is more likely to stay put and lead the Hammers into Europe next season.

None of which will stop the press pushing stories throughout the Summer of his imminent departure as 'little' West ham succumb to an offer they cant refuse.

Already the price tag has risen from £70million in January's Chelsea rumours to a whopping £90million for a Summer switch to Man Utd!

But with a strong squad, London base, massive stadium and European football next season its hard to see why Rice would leave. In simple terms, West ham are the fastest growing club in the World's top league!

As a result, West ham have set a final asking price for Rice at Infinity+1 to be paid in an as yet to be invented cryptocurrency. 

So instead of watching Rice at the conclusion of today's game, keep your eyes on Soucek and Coufal, two players that we really need to hold on to as Europe's more discerning clubs come calling.

COYI!!!

Whimpering Hammers Fall To Low Flying Duds

In shock news, ex-Inspiral Carpets roadie Noel Gallagher has predicted that the Hammers will end their triumphant Premiership campaign with a 'whimper' against Southampton tomorrow.

In a blatant manoevre to boost his failing musical career, the frontman with the Low Flying Duds has questioned the spirit of David Moyes troops revealing that in his expert opinion "West ham will go out with a whimper".

Still angry after being ditched by his more talented younger brother, Gallagher has resorted to insults in an effort to gain attention for his latest Beatles tribute act.

Bizarrely, he has also predicted a 7-0 defeat for his local team, Manchester United!

But in better news for the amp-carrying has been, plans for a puppet-free film of Thunderbirds has been announced with Noel a shoe-in for the role of 'Parker'.

Meanwhile, the Hammers are plotting a final day extravaganza for returning fans as they can nail down a much deserved top-six finish!

'Mystic' Mark's Blind Spot With West Ham Finally Exposed

It's a running joke amongst West Ham fans that Mark Lawrenson nearly always gets it wrong with his predictions regarding the Hammers. At this stage most fans heave a sigh of relief when he predicts a West Ham defeat as he clearly does not wear Claret-tinted glasses!

And so as we face the final game of the season a table has emerged detailing the table as predicted by Not Nostradamus Lawro. And guess what - the club where he is least accurate just happens to be the Hammers!

In fairness, he has placed most clubs within a few places of their actual league position, but with the Hammers he is a whopping 19 points and six places out as he has persisted with negative predictions week in and week out despite the scintillating form of what is a well balanced side!

Strangely, the other two clubs that he has struggled to predict accurately are also in Claret n Blue - Burnley and Villa! 

Worryingly, Lawro thinks the Hammers will win on Sunday!

Julien's Faux Pas #19: Europe Here We Come!

After last night's win away to the Baggies, coupled with Spurs losing at home to Villa, it's looking very very good for a Europa League spot for the mighty Hammers! Barring an unlikely series of final day results, the Hammers are all set to break into Europe!

The competition has been revamped and made smaller with 7th place in the Premiership qualifying for the new 'Europa Conference'.

The Europa League will thus have a group stage with 32 teams (rather than the 48 of last season) who compete as eight groups of four. The eight group winners progress automatically to the round of 16. There will be knockout round play-offs prior to the round of 16; these will be between the eight UEFA Europa League group runners-up and the eight third-ranked teams of the UEFA Champions League groups.

Important dates to keep in mind are:

Group stage matches will be played on 16 September; 30 September ; 21 October ; 4 November; 25 November and finish on the 9 December 2021.

The Knockout stages will be played on 17 & 24 February 2022 (Knockout round play-offs) and then 10 & 17 March 2022 (Round of 16); 7 & 14 April 2022 (Quarter-finals); 28 May & 5 May 2022 (Semi-finals) with the final in Seville on the 18 May 2022.

Strong Starting XI as Hammers Look to Kick Start Run in

Congratulations to Leicester in winning the FA cup. They have demonstrated how smaller clubs can compete in multiple competitions and in fairness it was a game full of excitement, drama and romance. 

But its back to business for the Hammers and the good news is that David Moyes is starting with a very strong line up with Rice, Cresswell and Ogbonna all available.

Mystic Mark Lawrenson has predicted a draw but with Brighton now safe and hit by injuries and suspensions, its a big chance to get our top six campaign back on track. 

COYI!

West Ham United:  Fabianski, Coufal, Ogbonna, Dawson, Cresswell, Rice (c), Souček, Bowen, Lingard, Fornals, Antonio

Subs: Randolph (GK), Fredericks, Johnson, Balbuena, Diop, Noble, Benrahma, Yarmolenko, Odubeko

Moyes Keeps Faith With Winners

No Rice, Noble or Masuaku for West ham as they face one of the most important games of recent years. It's a case of going with the same starting XI who comprehensively outplayed Burnley on Monday night. Everton, however, will be a tougher proposition with Calvert-Lewin et al and an impressive bench. 

This won't be one for the faint hearted as both sides need a win to maintain their European aspirations. Let's hope Issa Diop plays like he did second half on Monday rather than his shaky first half performance. Oggy is on the bench if needed.

It's an aggressive attacking starting XI, in part due to necessity. Despite the injury issues, the Hammers still have Bowen and Yarmolenko to pep things up in the latter stages but if we get over-run in midfield its hard to see what Moyes can do. Don't you wish that he had given young Conor Coventry more game time over recent weeks?

It's a hard one to call but this side has a steely determination and a capacity to score goals. Fasten your seat belts folks.....

COYI!!!

West Ham XI: Fabianski, Coufal, Diop, Dawson, Cresswell, Soucek, Fornals, Lanzini, Benrahma, Lingard, Antonio.

Subs: Randolph, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Johnson, Fredericks, Coventry, Yarmolenko, Bowen, Odubeko.

It's Passport Time but today's clash is crucial to determining which competition?

 

It's been a mixed weekend of results for West Ham as after the unexpected joys of Leicester and Spurs bottling their chances, a markedly under-strength Man City handed Chelsea three points and Liverpool maintained their steady creep by beating Southampton. 

But all of that pales in significance in comparison to the Everton game today. Although the Hammers are now 5 points off the pace for fourth, they have a game in hand and on the face of it a relatively gentler run in. 

Chelsea are probably home at this stage but have three tough games in the run in against Arsenal, Leicester and Villa. They are on a tremendous run but should they stumble it could get very tight - a loss to Leicester in particular would be a major blow, while their final game could well see Villa pushing for a Europa spot.  The distractions of the FA Cup and Champions League final will add to the pressure. 

Leicester's defeat to Newcastle was a massive blow that will trigger all sorts of anxieties about a repeat of last year's implosion in the final run in. With their remaining games away to Man Utd, Chelsea and then home to Spurs, they could struggle to stay ahead of the chasing pack as both Liverpool and West Ham have a run of very winnable games.

Speaking of Liverpool, they have won 4 of their last 6 games and suddenly look like they could sneak into fourth spot. With Palace, Burnley and West Brom to come, and the rescheduled trip to Old Trafford, their experience at the business end of things could prove crucial.

But enough of the competition, the Hammers have four games that will be among the most important in years. On paper, today's game against Everton is the toughest and with 5 games left the Toffees are still very much in the mix. A win or draw today for West Ham would make it most unlikely that Everton might finish above the Hammers and barring an implosion would in effect guarantee at least Europa League qualification. 

However, the Europa League would be a booby prize for the Hammers after such a fine season and in reality although qualifying for it should be a stepping stone towards the Champions League, it tends to impede clubs that do not have big squads as they face the vagaries of fixture congestion and midweek travel etc.

Making the Champions League really would be a game changer for West Ham as it would undoubtedly enhance the likelihood of keeping our top players at the club and attract that much needed top striker!

Any likelihood of an implosion over the run in seems less likely with Antonio, Rice and Ogbonna back in the mix. It's still unclear which of the three will start today but David Moyes has not ruled anything out. 

In short, a win today keeps the fourth spot VERY attainable as it seems likely that three wins and a draw should be enough.

Let's hope Moyes' men can avoid becoming distracted by the bigger picture.

Either way, European football is getting closer and closer - maybe it's time to invest in a suitable passport holder? Check out the link below for the coolest we have come across so far!

COYI!!!

https://www.retroclasico.co.uk/product/west-ham-united-1976-retro-football-passport-case/

Threadbare Hammers prepare for must-win clash

It's a must win game for the Hammers after a series of positive results for our European-place challengers over the weekend. David Moyes has been tight lipped in the run up to the game and you can see why as, in addition to all our previous injury issues, both Noble and Ogbonna are out. 

In better news Antonio starts and Cresswell is available for LB, but there's no Rice even on the bench and Masuaku remains unavailable. 

It's a big night for Lanzini and Benrahma, who get rare starts, while (strangely) Jarrod Bowen is relegated to the bench. 

Anthony Taylor is in the middle. West ham need some luck and to get a rhythm as we look light in midfield. 

Kick off is at 20.15.

West Ham: Fabianski, Diop, Dawson, Soucek, Coufal, Lanzini, Fornals, Cresswell, Benrahma, Antonio, Lingard

Subs: Balbuena, Alves, Bowen, Fredericks, Johnson, Trott, Randolph, Odubeko, Coventry