Forum | General Discussion

West Ham: Randolph, Kouyaté, Reid, Ogbonna, Antonio, Noble, Obiang, Cresswell, Lanzini, Payet, Carroll Substitutes: Nordtveit, Adrián, Ayew, Fletcher, Fernandes, Quina, Feghouli
Hull City: Marshall, Elmohamady, Dawson. Davies, Robertson, Snodgrass, Livermore, Clucas, Mason, Henriksen, Diomande. Substitutes: Maguire, Meyler, Huddlestone, Jakupovic, Weir, Tymon, Bowen

When West Ham United signed the Norwegian International former Arsenal youth player Håvard Nordtveit from Borussia Mönchengladbach it was seen as a bit of a coup, so why has this player been vilified to the extent of being booed as he came on as a substitute against Burnley at Hammer's London Stadium on Wednesday night? Nordtveit has become the target of angry fans much like Jonathan Spector and Christain Dailly were in the past, what are the similarities between this set of players? Essentially each one played in a variety of positions, rarely actually playing in a position where they were best suited, therefore they became 'filler men!'Utility players that do a job when asked of them without moaning and groaning, they just get on with it despite knowing how their performances are viewed and perceived by the masses. Glamorous not, relatively well paid yes, but what is the point of fans booing their own player BEFORE he even kicks a ball? Those who booed Håvard have short memories, didn't he put a shift in as one of a back three/four against Liverpool at Anfield yet again playing in an unfamiliar position? In fact those fans might ask them selves when has Nordtveit ever actually started a Barclays Premier League match, or even come on as a substitute in his favoured midfield position?
We would suggest that although Nordtveit hasn't exactly set the world on fire with his performances, the reason for all the negativity being hurled in his direction is because fans are angry with their team's performances and Nordtveit is an easy target.
But come on, West Ham fans are bigger and better than this, save the boos for the refs who don't give decisions or for the away support, but not one of your own! - Ed

We know it is pantomime season, but a document we received from a member of staff at West Ham's London Stadium surely takes the biscuit! Essentially stewards are being warned that Burnley and West Ham supporters may well be wearing the same colours, and that there may be some confusion with regards to crowd separation....it's indeed fortunate that Aston Villa are currently languishing in the Championship otherwise there could be confusion twice per season!
The fact that Burnley sent back a large part of their ticket allowance, coupled with the fixture being a mid-week evening kick off means that there will be very few opposition fans to worry about, perhaps the evening could be used to help prep the staff for future matches, a kind of inset day. The main reason, as has already been mentioned by members of this site, for the 'Claret Confusion' notification ahead of the Burnley match is, that most of the staff actually seem to be Arsenal supporters and have no affinity with or knowledge about West Ham or the club's opponents.
The match itself represents a chance for Slaven Billic to urge his team forward against a Burnley side that have not enjoyed much success on their travels, the return from injury of both Aaron Cresswell and Mikael Antonio was very noticeable during the hard earned draw at Anfield and Slaven has the added bonus of having Checkou Kouyate available to help firm up the back three which look decidedly shaky without his height, speed and presence.
Hull are next up after Burnley, and if Hammers are to progress up the Barclays Premier League instead of being mired in a relegation scrap, then points need to be picked up. The next four days are super critical and will have a big say in West Ham's future, for those who believe in these things the Liverpool match was only the second game of the season where the team have not picked up a fresh injury. - Ed