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Pellegrini Says No Player Is 'Safe' As He Looks To Regroup

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Mon, 20/08/2018 - 15:07

Manuel Pellegrini was an angry man during his post match press conference following West Ham United's 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth at The London Stadium, he blamed the players for 'feeling the fear' and the fans for deserting the ground in their droves well before the match was due to end. However the 64year old Chilean reserved his most scathing criticism of his players for the spanish speaking media, he declared that apart from showing fear some of the players believed that the match was won by half time, and that his warnings were ignored by 'some players who should have known better'.

Pellegrini, whilst not naming names, went on to say that no player's position is 'safe' and that irrespective of who they are and what they have done in the past they will have to earn their place in the starting line up! This mini outburst was aimed at those players who should have done better, the midfield was woefully exposed on numerous occasions, the warning signs were there in the opening minutes as Bournemouth cut through Hammers defence twice. The problem with such a weak midfield is in the collateral effect it has on defenders who end up being constantly under pressure without a breathing space, Jack Wilshere and Mark Noble were in each other's pockets so much that they were in danger of tackling each other! Both players have a similar game and realistically there is only room in the starting line up for one of them, sooner or later Noble will have to be benched!

We know it seems like open season for 'Noble bashing', but Mr West Ham himself will admit his last two performances have been woefully short of the high standards that he has set himself over the many years of service he has given the club, and time does move on. Given the fact that Wilshere is only one tackle away from a lengthy lay off, Noble shouldn't be too disappointed at being dropped, because his services will undoubtedly be required during the season to cover injuries and suspensions.

Perhaps Pellegrini intends to have Felipe Anderson play a more central role in the pocket behing the front players with Wilshere playing a deeper, sweeper position in front of the defenders. Anderson's pace and ball control would scare the hell out of most Premier League defenders, he would also be able to draw free kicks in dangerous areas in a similar way to that of the injured Manuel Lanzini, however Anderson moving to the middle would definitely close the door for Noble, it is perhaps inevitable this would happen especially as El Pel finished his spanish language media talk by repeating that 'no player, no matter what he has done in the past, is assured of his place in the staring line up.

The writing is on the wall for at least one Hammers' stalwart, more to follow? - Ed

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Were You There? TV Viewers Dig Out Wrong Player In Irons Defeat

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Sun, 19/08/2018 - 22:33

The London Stadium, packed house, the dawning of a new era, after an initial early flurry from the visitors which include Fabianski having to make a very good save Hammers eased in to the match and were playing 'expansive' attractive football, unfortunately there were some worrying signs of defensive naivety showing early on.

None of this seemed to matter as 'Chich' newly installed in the starting line up drew a Penalty decision from what had been an incredibly ungenerous referee, a 'homer' he definitely wasn't. Up stepped 'Arnie', instead of captain Mark Noble, and the Hammers were one up and rightly so, the atmosphere at the London Stadium was excellent and everyone was buzzing. The opposition players had obviously been on a trip to R.A.D.A. before their visit as they exhibited incredible acting powers every time they were breathed on by a player in claret and blue, something their coach can be proud of when he picks up his Emmy!

What could possibly go wrong? The sun just started to shine and briefly, all too briefly, all was well in the world. The Org team were even thinking of a multiple 'happy' purchase from the floating barbequeue moored on the strangely green canal, however Hammers capitulated early in the second half as Callum Wilson managed to go on a Marradona run through the entire defence before scoring, shortly after Steve Cook compounded the misery by landing the winner for the Cherries from a poorly conceided free kick.

Fans of a certain age will have looked at the build up to Wilson's goal and thought, why didn't they chop him down? Back in the day Bonzo, or more recently the Ginger Pele that is James Collins, would have taken a card or even a sending off to preserve their goal, how times have changed?

Here is an example of the sort of rubbish the media have been reporting "It's now two defeats in two for West Ham after that defeat at Anfield, and fans are understandably unhappy – and took to Twitter to criticise individuals for their performances against Bournemouth. Worryingly for West Ham, club-record signing Felipe Anderson really struggled to make any sort of impact against Bournemouth, all too similar to his poor display against Liverpool last weekend.

Fortunatley we don't cut and paste people's twitter comments in order to create free space in our articles, concentrating on content not copy!

The only thing wrong with Anderson's performance was that he tried to be a team player too much and consequently did not go on the solo runs he is capable of, this is something Manuel Pellegrini and his coaches have to redress, a player of his ability needs to be given a truly 'libero' role in order to best utilise his undoubted qualities. During the match Anderson played as left winger, right winger, left back, central midfield and just about every other position except goalkeeper!

Fans who want to chasten Anderson's performance might be better off looking to those of Mr West Ham himself Mark Noble, and aspiring Mr Hammer Jack (John) Wilshere, both of whose performances were woeful in the extreme!
It was always going to take time for the 'new order' to kick in at the London Stadium, why on earth are people, who in their normal lives so pragmatic so unrealistic when it comes to judging their football team after a fortnight?

It must be fantasia! - Ed

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Phillipe Anderson Attacking midfield

cast iron's picture
Submitted by cast iron on Sun, 19/08/2018 - 22:29

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I am wondering if Anderson might be better as an attacking midfield player, he seemed absolutely lost out on the wing on Saturday run up and down the line and would not cut in and get in the box he has played in midfield before and he certainly didn't look comfortable out on the left wing. A few of us are saying that we have are slow in the midfield if he went attacking midfield he might be a Lanzini type player as he has very quick feet and certainly doesn't lack pace.

El Pel... Fans favourite?

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Submitted by Dartford Bhoy on Sun, 19/08/2018 - 10:23

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I think Pellegrini is showing some naivety not just on the pitch but also with his comments, which will do nothing for his relationship with the fans. He was never the number choice and now the comments about leaving too early when we were just 2-1 down and still in the game, that we have also to play out part I think is outrageous! I left early for the first time ever albeit with 89 mins on the clock. Those who left early could not see any signs of us getting back in the game. Testament being that Motd highlights finished after the second Bournemouth goal leaving 24 minutes with not a single highlight. That says to me we never threaten the goal or ever looked likely to score and change the complexion. I think Pellegrini needs all the friends he can get and having a pop at your own supporters will do him no good at all. My message to him is to keep an eye on my seat in the TB end, it will empty for the Chelsea Man U games…. Im not wasting my precious time watching over paid over rated over valued mediocrity that shows zero stomach for the relegation fight.... yes we are in that fight!

Too Early to Panic?

asheshammer's picture
Submitted by asheshammer on Sat, 18/08/2018 - 22:43

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People will slate me for this, but dare I say it: Relegation Beckons. Looking at our fixture list I would say we might have 3 points by the end of October. But then again we might only have 1. Or 0? The only match for the next 2 months that we have a chance of winning is Wolves at home, and I don't think we should bet on that. After that, when we are rooted at the bottom of the league, nothing will look easy. Brighton will be begging for a chance to play against us, Huddersfield will have no fear, etc. etc. A LONG HARD SEASON awaits now, due to this horrible start. I was hoping for no less than 3 points now. A mid-table, honest team that you can expect to be in the match against almost anyone. Now: easybeats. I'm trying to remain positive, but it's very difficult under the circumstances. Maybe we should have sold Arnautovic and kept Hugill if you know what I'm getting at? OK, you can fire away now.

Funny football club names

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Submitted by mcbikeman on Sat, 18/08/2018 - 13:29

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Browsing through fixtures today I came across a football club with a brilliant name..they play in Germany anyone beat this? clubs name is....Wormatia Worms....classy and they play in worms apparently lol...I suspect in german its probably pronounced more like warms but still its a great name for a club...anyone got others lets hear them.

Team Line Ups West Ham United v Bournemouth AFC

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Sat, 18/08/2018 - 12:57

West Ham: Fabianski, Masuaku, Ogbonna, Balbuena , Zabaleta , Noble, Wilshere, Anderson, Snodgrass, Hernandez Arnoutovic.
Subs: Adrian, Fredericks , Yarmolenko, Diop, Antonio ,Obiang...

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50 greatest Hammers

Submitted by Red Neck Iron on Sat, 18/08/2018 - 11:20

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The official site has been running a series of the 50 greatest hammers. They included little video clips of interviews and the odd bit of play. Anyone been following it? Anyway the top man was obviously the man himself with a good little video. I was quite shocked sir trev wasn't second but only third. Billy bonds coming up second another good video. A critisism for the club would be although it was a decent idea why was there only just one or 2 clips of these players in the vid. There must be loads about! Very disappointing. Billy bonds was saying how he only used shin pads against Leeds. I remember at school playing without shin pads socks rolled down. The shirts were so thick when it rained the absorbed all the water, along with the heavier boots and half the school fields mud on your legs you weighed twice as much as when you started. Having to literally peel thick layers of mud off you when you got in. Pah footballers today don't even get mud on them.

Dons Away For Hammers In Elk Cup Draw

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Thu, 16/08/2018 - 20:15

West Ham United have been drawn an away fixture against Wimbledon, or The New Dons as they are now called, for the second round of the Carabao Cup, or League Cup as most fans refer to it, with the fixture to be played during the week commencing Monday the 27 of August, TV schedules permitting.

Wimbledon have risen phoenix like from the ashes of the MK Dons debacle and fully deserve their inexorable climb through the leagues, they are a testimony to real fan power and represent a template for 'troubled' clubs to emulate, all it needs is years of endeavour and incredible support, we at the Org take our hats off to the club and their fans, however we hope we trounce them on the night.

That's football! - Ed

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Samuelsen's Dutch Courage Determination

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Thu, 16/08/2018 - 15:01

Part of Manuel Pellegrini's brief on arrival as the new manager of West Ham United was to run the rule over the club's youth and academy players as well as the senior squad. Youth players, with the exception of Declan Rice, hardly got a look in last season due to the constant battle against relegation, Slaven Billic and then his replacement David Moyes were totally reluctant to throw the youngsters in to desperately fought matches. Fast forward to the present and the 'youth' have been carefully scrutinised with several being sent out on a season's loan, one such player is Norwegian born Martin Samuelsen who was signed from Manchester City.

Now that Manuel Pellegrini and Mario Husillos have made their appraisals players like Samuelsen have been sent out on loan as they were last season, the difference is the loan destinations, in Samuelsen's case VVV-Venlo in Holland's Eredivisie. There will be increasing media coverage of the Dutch leagues and their fans and infrastructures ahead of EURO 2020 in Holland. The Hammers powers that be have decided that only loans that will benefit the youngsters by guaranteeing them a certain amount of playing time and placing them with clubs that will nurture their talents, the choice of mainly European clubs chosen as their destination is a clear indication of the direction that Pellegrini and Husillos want to go in.

Samuelsen was in the starting line up for VVV-Venlo at the Seacon De Koel stadium for the initial fixture of the Eredivisie season, a game they won 1 - 0. You can check out the odds on who will be champoins and who will be relegated by visiting this Dutch football betting site. There are were once really high expectations regarding Samuelsen, perhaps too high, but his move to ply his trade in Holland is a direct result of meetings he had with Pellegrini and Husillos who defintely see Samuelsen as 'one for the future'.
In case you need reminding of just how good Samuelsen is take a look at the video below!

Of all the players sent out on loan Samuelsen represents a real opportunity for the future, many Hammers fans have bemoaned the lack of quality players emerging from the once famous West Ham academy because like any other supporters they love to see 'one of their own' break through to the senior squad, Samuelsen has all the attributes needed to succeed and he also has a good attitude unlike some of the other youth players on Hammers' books who have had their heads turned by unscrupulous agents who promise them the earth and get them to believe in their own 'myth' before they have even earned a sniff of acceptance.

Unfortunately agents are all powerful and like them or loathe them clubs have to deal with them for fear of missing out on that rare gemof a player that does get unearthed without an eye watering premium! There are a good few youngsters coming through the ranks, and fans may well have the feeling that these players will be nurtured far more efficiently than has been the case previously.

Bit by bit the average age of the first team is coming down, soon there will be an ongoing project for the future as opposed to the 'band aid' patch and mend mentality of the past! - Ed

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