It's Parrot vs Piroe as Hammers head to Burnley for season's opener

 

As the championship season gets underway today, West Ham are still busily trying to build a squad that can fire them back into the premiership at first time of asking. The arrival of Arne Engels from Celtic has significantly boosted their midfield options and at this stage, the biggest issue for Nuno Espirito Santo is whether the combination of Jarrod Bowen and Taty Castellanos can score enough goals to dominate the championship.

The current focus appears to be on trying to bring in either Troy Parrott or Joël Piroe to lead the frontline with AZ Alkmaar holding out for around twenty five million whilst Leeds look willing to release Piroe for around fifteen million or perhaps even on a loan to buy deal.

While it remains unclear whether parrott is truly open to a return to english football , it would be a real coup for the hammers , if they could persuade the prolific irish man to lead their drive back to the premiership. Although Piroe has previously had an impressive scoring record in the championship, last season he struggled for  game time and did not manage a single premiership strike. In contrast, Parrott slotted 16 goals in the Eredivisie with an impressive total of 31 goals in all competitions over the course of the season as he continued his impressive form into international duty.

Perhaps, more importantly, Parrott represents a much better fit as a partner for Jarrod Bowen with his mobility and finishing prowess. Tactically, Piroe is much more static, while Parrott has the ability to create space through his clever running and the combination of Bowen, Parrott and the creative Engels presents an impressive potential to dominate the championship.

Also in the background is the possibility that Jamie Vardy may arrive to add further attacking punch, but in reality at 39 years of age he will probably be used as an impact substitute.

Overall, it is obvious that west ham still have much to do in order to build a squad capable of achieving promotion back to the top tier. Today's clash away to Burnley will be a big test of their credentials after an impressive home win against Portsmouth last week in the league cup.

Kick off today is at 4pm.

COYI!!!

We're gonna win the cup, we're gonna....

It may be all Premiership doom and gloom at West ham right now, but today is a chance to take a break for all the negativity as Chumpionship starlets QPR come visiting the London stadium.

The Hammers may have royally messed up over recent games but always retain the capacity to shine when you least expect it. It would be typical Bubbleology if West ham had a decent cup run this year. 

Today's clash is a great opportunity to blood the incoming strikers and try to get some much-needed rhythm ahead of the Spurs clash next week. Presumably Nuno will see it that way?

At the very least, we can remind ourselves how enjoyable Championship footy is - something we may need to get used to if our league form doesn't change dramatically!

Either way, let's enjoy the romance of the cup and remember that we were in the second tier when Uncle Trev downed the Gooners in 1980!

COYI!!!

Hammers to raid South coast again in search of Brazilian talent?

It's no secret that West Ham are seeking a replacement for want-away centre back Nayef Aguerd. With ex-Leeds youngster Charlie Cresswell apparently on the radar, latest rumours suggest that Graham Potter may be ready to swoop for Brighton’s out of favour Brazilian centre back Igor Julio.

Igor is a left-footed pacey ball-playing centre back who would be well suited to the Potter system. He will be remembered by Hammer's fans as part of the Fiorentina side that lost to west ham in the Europa Conference league final in 2023. On that occasion, his last ditch effort to prevent Jarrod Bowen from scoring the winning goal was unsuccessful.

If, as rumored, Aguerd moves to France today, West Ham will need further back up at centre back, as injuries to any of Kilman, Todibo or Mavropanus would seriously weaken their defence.

We’ll find out as the transfer window comes to a conclusion today.

COYI!!!

The chaos continues as Hammers face a busy 36 hours

After three resounding defeats in a row, having conceded 11 goals, Graham potters West ham are in turmoil. After 12 consecutive seasons in the premiership, West Ham have rarely looked more like relegation fodder.  Mercifully, this disastrous start to season has spurred the board into action with the current level of movement akin to Brick Lane market!

Within the space of 24 hours in midweek the Hammers captured two mobile midfielders to add bite to their misfiring midfield with Mateus Fernandes arriving from Southampton for £38m while Soungoutou Magassa joined from Monaco for £17m. Addition of young, pacey and aggressive talent is much needed as Tomas Soucek’s ability is not based on pace whilst the ageing James Ward Prowse lacks the mobility West ham need in midfield right now.

However, those signings have left the hammers rather cash- strapped and rumours about a possible exit of midfield playmaker Lucas Paqueta to Aston Villa or possibly Spurs have upset the Hammers Apple cart as Paqueta is the one truly creative player in the squad and would surely thrive in a more dynamic midfield. Meanwhile,  Everton maintain a keen interest in bringing Tomas Soucek to Merseyside for a reunion with David Moyes. The Czech star brings an aerial presence  and goalscoring contribution that would be sorely missed.

At the back, Nayef Aguerd looks set to move to France with the possibility that Charlie Cresswell will move in the opposite direction to add some beef to what has been a feeble defence. The former Leeds defender is an impressive young talent who could be the player the Hammers hoped the off-form Max Kilman would be.

On top of all that activity, latest rumours suggest that West Ham are seriously looking at bringing in an attack-minded midfielder with Fabio Vieira of Arsenal in the spotlight. However, his time at Arsenal has been blighted by injuries and the Portuguese star has managed just two goals in thirty three appearances since his arrival at the  Gunners in 2022. With Summerville back soon Vieira would likely struggle to get game time and hardly seems worth an estimated £20m pay out right now.

The summer transfer window closes in England on Monday at 7pm. Buckle up because it's bound to get choppy over the next thirty six hours. In the meantime, the hammers make their way to the city ground.Looking for their first points of the season against Nottingham forest. 

Forest have experienced turmoil of their own at a board level.This season , with continued uncertainty about the future of manager Nuno Espirito Santo and have not kept a clean sheet in their last ten premiership games , but nonetheless have started the season strongly with four points from two games. No doubt , Chris Wood will be licking his lips in anticipation of scoring yet again against a leaky west ham defence. 

You’d take a draw!

KO is 2pm.

C’mon U Irons!!!

What on earth are the FA up to?

 

As the Lucas Paqueta case trundles on and on, ever closer to the start of the new season, you'd have to wonder what on earth the FA are up to. 

The 27-year-old talismanic West Ham midfielder  has seen two years of his life taken up by the FA investigation which still has not reached a conclusion. Given the relatively low burden of proof which for this investigation is of ‘probable likelihood’ rather than ‘beyond reasonable doubt’, it is baffling that the investigation remains unconcluded!

Meanwhile, the financial repercussions of this bungled process have been considerable with West Ham missing out on an £80 million transfer, while the ongoing process has clearly affected Paqueta’s on field performances.

It seems clear at this point that this saga will run and run. The FA really should follow this up with a further investigation into their management of this whole process, while it's hard to think that the powers that be at West Ham would not be unreasonable in considering legal action against the FA

who really haven't handled this well. The very fact that the process has dragged on this long suggests that evidence to back the FA allegations is at best and unlikely to be enough to justify the profound impact this has had upon the club and the player himself. 

Meanwhile, it remains ominously silent on the transfer front despite West Ham's clear need to build upon a squad which is currently not well suited to playing within the Graham Potter system.

In short, the whole business has been a total shambles  and it will be a relief for all concerned when we finally get back to playing football!

Reckoning time for Moyes the Gambler!

There's barely a dull moment at West ham these days as results vary from emrrassing (0-5 vs Fulham, 1-5 vs Liverpool) to impressive (3-0 vs Wolves and a comfortable 2-0 vs Freiberg).

As a result, more temperamental fans have swung from 'he's a genius' to 'please rid us of this outdated management', with barely a pause for any middle ground.

Perhaps Moyes has become infected by the thrill of uncertainty, because in surrendering a semi-final place in a very winnable Carabao cup, he planted all his eggs in the basket labelled 'beat Man united'!

Failure to get a result today will push many observers over the edge and add to the questions around Moyes tactics and overall game management.

But a cold analysis of Hammers recent form must include two key observations; (1) Wolves and Freiberg were home games, while Liverpool and Fulham were both away, and (2) against Fulham we had players out or below par with a squad virus and against Liverpool we omitted the central axis of our side by not starting Zouma, Aguerd, Paqueta and Ward Prowse.

So cheer up Hammers fans, we can expect a committed performance from our best XI today, against a faltering Man Utd.

Anything less will tip a lot of fans towards a new set up.

 COYI!!!

We demand a Greek tragedy!

If you look up the definition of a Greek tragedy you will know that it typically deals with themes of pride, arrogance, love and loss, highlighting the fraught relationship between men and the Gods. 

And so it is that the Greeks of Olympiacos come to London tonight seeking to humiliate David Moyes bedraggled Hammers. Having dumped an out of sorts Hammers to their first European defeat in eons, the Greeks will surely swagger into town believing that further glory awaits their pillaging horde.

However, the arrogance of Olympiacos' provocative supersized banner during West ham's ill-fated visit to Athens a fortnight ago can be the motivation for a traditional East End revenge tonight.

A fortnight ago, it was Moyes' men who succumbed to the evil embrace of arrogance, allowing the energetic Greeks to seize the momentum. Two defensive howlers later and the game had slipped from the Hammers' flimsy grasp!

In fairness, the Greeks deserved their victory and at times played with riotous joy against an understrength West ham. But Olympiacos looked much less confident once Moyes finally unleashed his top talents and the suddenly shaky Greeks barely hung on for a famous 2-1 victory.

And therein lies the key to tonight's would be revenge - attack early and with great ire and Olympiacos will crumble. Anything less would be a crime against the Gods of football!

VERYWESTHAM will be pitchside as the game unfolds.

Our preferred starting XI is: Fabianski, Coufal, Mavropanos, Aguerd, Emerson, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen, Antonio.

COYI!!!

  

Hodor the Hero but questions remain about UEFA and Dutch security

Thursday evening's clash of West Ham and AZ Alkmaar was a tense and exciting affair eventually settled by Pablo Fornal's injury time stunner.

But the tie was marred by truly remarkable scenes in which over a hundred Alkmaar 'Ultras' dressed in black and hooded attacked the family and friends section of the ground. 

It's hard to see how such embarrassing cowardly behaviour could resonate with any wannabe thug and even more embarrassingly the thugs were beaten off by a 58 year old post- hip operation Hammers fan who bravely blocked the stairwell where the thugs attempted to gain entry. 

You'd have to wonder what's next on the agenda for these terrifyingly dumb hoodlums - maybe lay seige to a creche or a nursing home? 

But as the dust settles it is apparent that the Dutch authorities mismanaged the incident - failing to make any arrests at the stadium and now reversing into watching video footage of the heavily hooded thugs. 

The security was so amateurish that Hammers players felt compelled to do the security's job for them! And now, rumours emerge that UEFA are investigating the West ham players for their role in the incident. How bizarre can thus get?

In reality, UEFA have a duty of care to all teams and their supporters who participate in their events. Perhaps its time for West ham to take a considerably more assertive stance on the matter?

Or do we just let the cowardly thugs walk away and lazily blame the victims. It's farcical. 

Will it be Jekyll or Hyde as Hammers chase European glory?

Tonight it's the return leg against KAA-Gent and a Europa Conference semi-final place up for grabs. Last week's game emphasised how there are no mugs left at this stage of any European competition as Gent demonstrated that they are disciplined at the back and could create chances up front. In all fairness, they will have been disappointed not to go into the return leg with an advantage but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

But that wasn't to be as Danny Ings grabbed a crucial goal for the Hammers just before half time to undo a decent first half performance from the Belgians in which Orban and Cuypers both looked lively. 

Despite going ahead, the Hammers continued to stutter through the second half and looked tired after their determined efforts at Craven Cottage a few days earlier. Of note, Gent's keeper looked nervous from set pieces and gifted Aguerd what looked like a comedy second goal until VAR intervened having noticed that Nayef's hand had played a significant part in shuttling the ball over the line! If that goal had stood then tonight would be a lot less interesting.

Gent kept to their task and were deservedly rewarded with s Cuypers' equaliser. They then laid siege upon the Hammers' goal but in all the huffing and puffing left a gap for Paqueta to break free before taking a tumble in the Gent box. The ref awarded a penalty and a red card and then after a review decided to rescind the red card and give a goal kick!!! Errr? Either the defender got the ball and put it out for a corner or didn't in which case it was a penalty??? Bizarre stuff indeed!

And so to tonight - the Hammers put in a cracking performance against Arsenal on Sunday, playing with style and passion. If they reach that level tonight it should be back to business as usual in Europe for Moyes' men but fatigue may be a factor. It's been very Jekyll and Hyde all season, but too often the bad side of the Hammers' persona has turned up. It took two goals to kick start the Irons against Arsenal but equally the team showed good character to not only avoid a hiding but also retrieve a well earned result!

Aguerd is available so Moyes will be less worried anout Ogbonna's absence through suspension. Gent did well from corners last week, so it seems like Zouma will be required to strengthen our aerial ability, both in defence but also from corners against their flappy keeper.

Antonio was back to his bustling best against Arsenal but may be better used as an impact sub tonight, while Ings will surely relish another crack at the Belgians sfter grabbing his first European goal last week.

In central midfield, Moyes will likely go with Rice-Downes-Paqueta as our relegation fears are starting to ease and he will want to optimise the likelihood of progressing while preventing Gent establish the rhythm they managed last week. Perhaps Soucek will come in in view of the importance of aerial superiority illustrated in last week's game.

The rest is hard to call - Moyes may want to stick with Fornals, Lanzini, Johnson and Emerson but this is a high stakes tie and may go Bowen, Benrahma, Coufal and Cresswell. Pace at the back will be important, so maybe Johnson (LB) and Kehrer (RB)? Hmmmm - Maxwell Cornet has looked good in his brief cameos since returning (apart from not scoring of course!).

Last week the Greek referee struggled with the mildly physical nature of the encounter. Tonight we have a similarly trigger-happy Israeli in charge. Let's hope a soft red for either side doesn't ruin what should be an intriguing battle. Both sides have plenty of players already carrying yellow cards so it'll be important to keep the referee happy in order to progress with a decent squad to choose from in the semi-final.

Gent ran riot away from home in Turkey in the previous round, so don't expect them to roll over easily. That said, it's midweek lights at the London Stadium and we are getting our form back. Rory Nostradamus has been swigging the absinthe and has gone for a 4-2 prediction!

Enjoy! 

COYI.

Predicted West Ham Starting XI: Areola; Johnson, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Downes, Rice ©, Paqueta; Bowen, Ings, Benrahma.

Rice Tunnel Incident Suggests He Won't be Heading to the Emirates any time soon

Footage has emerged from after yesterday's clash showing Declan Rice getting an Arsenal shirt signed by Martin Odegaard in the tunnel leading from the pitch to the dressing room. Bizarrely, Gooners fans have interpreted that this means Rice will be switching to the Emirates in the Summer.

But why? It's an absurd conclusion!

If Rice was planning to become a Gooner he would surely just wait a few months and avoid any media speculation?

Rice has many fine qualities - as an exciting defensive midfield energy but also as a decent human being - excellent in interviews and thoughtful about what he says and does. In reality, those latter qualities are important factors underpinning the belief that he is a future England captain.

So rocking up to Odegaard is very unlikely to be in any way related to a desire to move to Arsenal. In fact it suggests that he has other thoughts entirely. 

Unless, of course, he knows something about Odegaard's Arsenal future that he isn't telling?

This tawdry episode merely serves to highlight how foolish the media rumour mill has become.

COYI!!!

 

Moyes ready to finally make the record books

Oooogh! Moyes has picked a strong starting XI to take on Man United with Dawson back and Bowen passing a late fitness test. 

Scamacca gets the nod ahead of Antonio but expect Mikey to appear as and when needed before the end.

Both Benrahma and Downes are rewarded for their decent form of late and start.

Perhaps in recognition of his record of scoring against the Hammers, or that we tend to hang deep away to top sides, Ronaldo starts.

Moyes' men need to press hard to expose Man Utds flexibility. 

With Ericksen and Fernandes in midfield, Soucek, Rice and Downes need to get stuck in and make ot as physical as possible. 

Set pieces could be key as Zouma, Dawson, Soucek, Rice and Scamacca are pretty formidable from corners.

Moyes still awaits an away win against Man Utd but this is definitely possible with today's teams.

COYI!!!

West Ham United: Fabianski; Kehrer, Zouma, Dawson, Cresswell; Rice (c), Soucek; Bowen, Downes, Benrahma; Scamacca.

Subs: Areola, Johnson, Coufal, Fornals, Antonio, Lanzini, Ogbonna, Coventry, Emerson.

Man Utd: De Gea, Dalot, Shaw, Maguire, Martinez, Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes, Elanga, Rashford, Ronaldo.

Subs: Bishop, Dubravka, Fred, McTominay, Malacia, Pellistri, Van de Beek, Garnacho, Sancho.

The Gods of Karma Come aKnockin for Virgil Van Cheat

Aharrrrrrgh. Hammers fans have been seething all week after footage emerged of Liverpool 'ace' Vigil Van Dyck tampering with the penalty spot priot to Jarrod Bowen's penalty at Anfield.

Bowen struck a decent spot kick but his shot lacked height and allowed a well judged leap by Alisson to push it away. A save that ultimately robbed the brave Irons of a deserved point. 

If the ball hadn't been embedded in Virgils manufactured dike it would have likely sailed over Alisson's flailing arms. If this was cricket Virgil would get a few months ban for ball tampering.

Virgil and Co. Thought they had gotten away with it and in usual Scouselogic justified his skullduggery as the behaviour of a winner.

But the Gods of Football were not impressed and have taken decisive action. Liverpool travelled to Notts Forest expecting to continue their recent string of good results but were served a sickening dose of justice as Forest stunned them with a 1-0 win!

Even better, Van Dyck inexplicably fumbled two gilt edge chances to get Liverpool back into the game and even when gifted a third opportunity the Forest keeper pulled off a super save!

We can expect the Hammers to get more than their share of luck against Bournemouth on Monday night as the big wheel of fortune keeps turning.

COYI!!!

Team analysis as Moyes shakes it up for Anfield

It's mixed news for Hammers fans ahead of tonight's visit to Anfield. The defence looks more coherent with Zouma returning to a back four, with Coufal and Emerson on the bench. One wonders with Salah back on form whether this is the very game in which Emerson should start so that he can cover Aaron Cresswell in his efforts to contain the talismanic Egyptian.

The bad news is that Lucas Pacqueta has succumbed to the heavy handling at Southampton and is unavailable for the matchday squad. In comes Flynn Downes for his first taste of the big time - after excellent performances in Europe (albeit against lesser opposition) he comes in to add weight to the Soucek-Rice midfield combo.

How this additional central midfield body will apply tonight remains to be seen. Many fans feel that West ham's poor record against Liverpool (last away win in 2015) reflects the fact that Moyes takes a very cautious approach against top sides and, perhaps, gives them too much respect!

So, our money is on a packed midfield but Moyes may instruct Rice to push up and pressurise Thiago et al, which may be a good ploy.

Up front it's Bowen, Fornals and Scamacca. Antonio and Benrahma are available from the bench. For Scamacca, it will be a real test against Van Dyck who will be brimming with confidence after his good showing against Erling Haaland on Sunday where he reminded us that he is the best physical CB in the league.

That said, Scamacca has the knack of finding opportunities and could surprise the Scousers with his quick thinking. 

No Dawson but we are unlikely to get a ton of corners and in reality Kehrer is probably a better CB fit against the current Liverpool front three. 

Perhaps the best pressure point for West ham to exploit is down the wings. Trent Alexander-AWOL returns at RB while on the keft Scimecas will have his hands full with Jarrod Bowen. 

Similarly, if Scamacca can get himself isolated with Joe Gomez his aerial power could offer opportunity.  Whether West ham can control the game enough zonally without Pacqueta remains to be seen.

There's no Jotta or Diaz for Liverpool with Nunez and Carvalho looking to shine. Henderson and Thiago will be an interesting match up with Rice-Soucek-Downes but Liverpool play a fluid system and will try to bypass that central midfield collision that Moyes is seeking. 

Liverpool are unbeaten at Anfield this season and on the back of a demolition of Rangers and an impressive win over Man City. But, we are an unpredictable circus at the best of times. You'd take a draw tbh!!!

COYI!

West Ham Starting XI: Fabianski; Johnson, Zouma, Kehrer, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek, Downes; Fornals; Bowen, Scamacca. 

Subs: Areola, Emerson, Coventry, Lanzini, Antonio, Ogbonna, Benrahma, Randolph. 

Here We Go: Hammers Take on the Borg!

The new season is upon us already and what better (?worse) way to begin than receiving the League Champions to a full London Stadium?

With 62,500 capacity (soon to be 66,000) we can make Stratford a real fortress this season. 

However, the Hammers will have their work cut out against a frighteningly impressive Man City who have added the World's most wanted striker in Haaland to their ranks and are, apart from LaPorte, at full strength.

Meanwhile the arrival of Aguerd, Scamaccha and Cornet has added to Moyes options but all three are unlikely to be ready to contribute to today's action.

Moreover, the Hammers have looked tepid in preseason, leaky in defence and blunt up front as Moyes has focused upon a heavy conditioning programme over results.

We can expect a similar side to that which chiselled out a draw with City in last season's run in. City looked off the boil in the Charity shield and vulnerable to counterattack which has become the go-to strategy for Moyes against the big guns.

It's more hope than expectation today but in reality this is the best time to take on the ruthless borg thst is Pep's Man City.

You can get 8/1 against a West ham win - probably worth a punt given the unpredictability of opening fixture results?

Kick off is 4pm. 

The truth about Jesse Lingard and West Ham

It's become more than a tad tiresome how the media likes to suggest that West Ham fans are hanging on every little sign that Jesse Lingard might be leaning towards signing for the Hammers when his current Man Utd contract expires in the Summer. In reality, most fans aren't too bothered either way. 

He certainly enjoyed a fantastic spell during his 6 month loan last season but his return to Old Trafford was baffling at the time and as the season has progressed it has looked an increasingly foolish and misguided call. 

In reality, Lingard has never performed as well before or since his six months at West Ham. A simple comparison of his scoring rate (9 goals in 16 games (0.56 per game) at West ham vs 20 in 147 (0.15) at Man Utd) highlights the difference. In effect, almost one third of his Premier league career goals were scored during his West Ham stay!

In addition, Lingard has been awarded the Premiership player of month (once) and Premiership goal of month (once) with both occuring during a Hammers spell that also saw him briefly elevated back into the England squad. 

However, for whatever reason, Jesse couldn't be persuaded to stay and returned to a dysfunctional Manchester United, at that time led by a manager who clearly saw him as surplus to requirements. 

Lingard's return to Man Utd has been befuddling with him in and out of the side and his 27 appearances (15 starts) delivering just two goals (albeit one a super strike vs West Ham!). 

But still the media keep rattling on about how West Ham fans hopes will be raised by snippets of news that he might be thinking about signing for the club again. However, although his loan period at West ham last season was undoubtedly the stuff of fairytales, it is perhaps best left at that. 

For many, it is apparent  that he lacks the commitment to the club and ambition for his career that David Moyes will demand from any new signings this Summer. Add to that the reality that he will be 30 in December, time is not on his side - something that makes the strange decision to return to Old Trafford even harder to fathom!

Frankly, at this stage, most of us who are focused upon West ham's continued rise have moved on from the Lingard saga. 

Moyes Spins the Wheel!

Err? In a bizarre move totally out of character, David Moyes has engaged insome good old fashioned squad rotation!

Usually, Hammers fans find themselves screaming at their super-conservative manager to use his subs bench, but going for three unforced changes is a massive departure!

Meanwhile, managerless Burnley come desperately seeking points as they try to haul themselves aside Everton. They will fight for every ball bit have been damned by Mystic Mark's prediction that they will get a result - making a West ham win almost certain to even the most sceptical of doubters.

West Ham United: Fabiański, Johnson, Dawson, Diop, Cresswell, Rice ©, Souček, Vlašić, Lanzini, Bowen, Antonio

Subs: Areola (GK), Coufal, Fredericks, Masuaku, Noble, Král, Fornals, Benrahma, Yarmolenko

Just How Good are Eintracht Frankfurt?

No German side has ever won the Europa League but with RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt both in the semi finals this year that may change. For Frankfurt, this is their second Europa semi-final in three years, having taken Chelsea to a penalty shootout in 2018-19.

The term 'Eintracht' is equivalent to United in English with the club nicknamed the 'Eagles'. Frankfurt lie in 10th in the Bundesliga after an inconsistent campaign, and are thus well off the pace needed (7 points at present) to qualify for Europe next year and will see the Europa League as their best means of returning to European action next year. But in addition to their gutsy performances in overcoming Barca, they have beaten Bayern Munich this year and drawn in their two games with potential final opponents RB Leipzig.

More recently, Hammers and Frankfurt fans clashed earlier in the competition as the Hammers took on Sevilla and Frankfurt played Real Betiswho also play in Seville. The Eagles have a passionate fan base underlined by the 30,000 who somehow wangled their way into the Nou Camp for Thursday night's famous win over Barcelona - who had been unbeaten in their previous 16 matches!

Central to that victory was the wizardry of Filip Kostic, who scored a brace, and Colombian striker, Rafael Borre, who netted a stunning second goal on the night. In addition, Martin Hinteregger provides the defensive rock from which the team build. While Kostic creates from the left wing, 22 year old Danish star Jesper Lindstrom is a potent force down the right. The Hammers will be hoping that both Cresswell and Coufal are available for the games to suffocate Frankfurt's wide threat.

Frankfurt are a tall side and potent from set pieces where, just like West ham, they have amassed 12 goals this season to date. They have conceded one less from set pieces with 6 to West Ham's 7 goals. The Hammers have a better scoring rate at 1.6 goals per game versus Frankfurt's 1.4. All told, the teams look closely matched. 

Eintracht Frankfurt and West Ham previously met in the 1976 Cup Winners cup semi-final. West ham progressing to the final after a hard fought battle over two legs where a cracking Graham Paddon goal in Frankfurt kept them in the tie with a 2-1 loss before a brace from Trevor Brooking (one a well taken header!) and a Keith Robson thunderbolt gave the Upton Park faithful a night to remember with a 3-1 win in the second leg. 

We can expect a similarly close fought battle when the teams square up in ten days time! 

West Ham 1-1 Lyon Match Review, Player Ratings and Opinion Regarding Second Leg

It was a tough night at the London Stadium, made all the more difficult by a referee who lacked competence and seemed to repeatedly favour visiting Lyon such that David Moyes refused to comment in any way on the referee's performance! That said, it was a gutsy performance from the Hammers having been reduced to ten men by some sly gamesmanship from Dembele that hoodwinked a jumpy referee into a harsh red card decision. Off Cresswell went after the slightest of touches (not even a tug) brought Dembele tumbling outside the box. The referee decided that Dembele was through on goal (more like on his way out to the corner flag!) and still with the formidable Zouma to beat, but the referee saw it differently and Dembele and Co rejoiced, even treating the media to a crafty wink after the incident.

But Moyes boys are hardy troops and out they came for the somecond half and resolutely defended against a buoyant Lyon. Then, against the run of play, Jarrod Bowen conjured a goal! The place erupted!!! Sadly, the Hammers couldn't quite hold on as Spurs loanee NDombele grabbed an equaliser with 20 minutes to go. The Hammers almost scored a second as Antonio somehow missed the ball (and the keepers head!) With the goal at his mercy after more good work from Bowen. Lyon huffed and puffed but it stayed at 1-1 to set up an intriguing second leg next Thursday.

Hammers may appeal the red card.

Special mention to the pitch invaders - if you are going to run onto the pitch at least get your togs off as without nakedness it's dull and uninspiring idiocy. Proper streakers condemn your paltry efforts. Also, DO NOT do it ( and stop the game) when West ham look like they are about to score - that deserves life ban you bozo :-(

Here's Bobby Bubbles player ratings for last night:

Areola: looked sharp and had to stay focused as Lyon pushed us hard in the second half. Might have done better for the goal but decent stuff. 7/10

Fredericks: Had a good game defensively but he lacks the precision needed to add to the attack and does not create a big platform for Bowen to exploit down the right. 7/10

Cresswell: Harsh sending off for which you cant really blame him. Quiet night before that as the teams spent most of the first half feeling eachother out. 6/10

Zouma: Superb stuff in defence. He really is a rock and dug in with Dawson to kill Lyon's efforts in the second half. Always in the way! 8/10.

Dawson: Tremendous performance defensively snd his long passing is at times sensational - with the ball to Benrahma in the first half Pirlo-esque in precision. 8.5/10.

Rice: Not quite his usual massive presence as Lyon were adept in midfield and we were on the back foot in the second half. Avoided getting a second yellow so he can horse into the Lyon players next week - and you know that he will! 7/10

Soucek: As always, he glides around breaking things up and keeping the opposition at arms length. He is missing Coufal with whom he has a telepathic understanding. 7.5/10

Benrahma: So much potential but he is still struggling for end product - which is the reason he was subbed when we went down to ten men to allow a new left back to come on. That said, he almost changed the game when he was unlucky to see a shot come back off the inside of the post midway through the first half. I can see him getting us a penalty in Lyon! 6/10

Bowen: What a player! He has evolved from the keen kid who frequently lost possession, to a crafty customer who mskes the opposition tremble whenever he gets the ball. More of it last night  including a morale boosting goal from almost nothing just when we needed it. Almost set up Antonio for a second as well with a precise pass. 9/10

Fornals: He has been in good form of late and was again intelligent in both defensive and attacking duties, contributing importantly to Bowen's precious strike! 8/10

Antonio: Led the line well and kept us in the game as an attacking threat when we could have been overwhelmed by Lyon with their extra man (or even two given the refs performance). Maybe should have walloped a winner when put through by Bowen in the last quarter but once again he worked his socks off. 8/10

Subs: Once again Moyes was very conservative with subs - surprisingly so given the importance of fresh legs when a team down to ten men has to chase the ball. Johnson performed well at left back in the second half. 

They say football evens out over games - if so, the Hammers have every chance of succeeding next week in what will be a massive challenge. Playing a counter attacking style may suit Moyes as the pressure will be on Lyon to make things happen…and hopefully without an extra man next week. Cresswell's absence will be a sore loss but this team has guts!

P.S. For anyone following VWH's transport woes getting to the game, YES we made it just on time!

COYI!!!

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.

Hilarious Hammers Nail Top Comedy Award!

For those of a certain vintage there is a scene from the end of the original Star Trek that sits in the memory, appearing in night terrors as the face of torment that transcends the galaxies.

And so it was for David Moyes yesterday as the Happy Hammers made the long trip up to St James' Park for a potential banana skin against the toon, with Steve Bruce's relegation-threatened troops buoyed by a recent win and the return of Alain Saint-Maximin and Hammers-tormentor, Callum Wilson.

Who knows what happy gas was circulating in the team bus but for no apparent reason Moyes men decided to don the circus masks and put on a stunning display of acrobatic self destruction picking up a needless sending off for Craig Dawson followed by two hilarious own goal stunts.

Technically, Newcastle's second goal was not an OG but in all fairness if Joelinton hadn't poked the ball home from two feet no doubt one of our defenders would have obliged instead!

And then, just when logical fans (err, do they actually exist?) were writing the game off as a lost cause - two goals behind, down to ten men and playing with a depleted side, the Hammers kicked into gear, made it to half time and regrouped. 

Oggy looked more comfortable back in his standard CB position while Coufal just kept haggling away and Bowen was like a wasp buzzing about. Diop made amends for his earlier blunder and then the error-prone Ciaran Clarke gave away a needless penalty with a bizarre hand ball. Lingardinho slotted the penalty and with ten minutes left we looked the more likely to push on.

Then disaster struck as Oggy got muscled off the ball and Newcastle sub Willock headed home for the winner.

No point for Moyes men, but lots to ponder as we are leaking goals like never before this season. Next week's game against Chelsea is even more crucial now. 

It's the younger Hammers fans i feel sorry for, as us veterans are long-since hardened to this sort of circus behaviour. 

It's never boring!

COYI!!!