westhamfans.org

Sometimes you have to chuckle at 'transfer coup' articles, whether it is at those who wrote them or those who are stupid enough to believe them. The latest click bait Rashford to West Ham stories are more than stories, much more they are indeed works of fine fiction.

Let us examine the essential elements of a 'good read', bearing in mind most Journo's would sell their Grandmothers at the drop of a hat and are genetically born as compulsive liars who would most definitely NOT let the truth get in the way of a 'good story'.

One of the negative aspects of a "I told you so situation" is that eventually no one emerges victoriously, the point can only be made a few times before it becomes boring itself. So with that in mind analysing the choices available to David Moyes for Thursday evening's crucial game in Spain is more a case of what can he do, as opposed to what will he do?

In 2001 Frank Lampard moved across London from West Ham to Chelsea for megabucks at the beginning of the Roman Abramovich era, many were pleased to see him go due to constant claims of nepotism with regards to his ream selection by his Uncle 'arry Redknapp.

Lampard went on to be a huge success for club and country, becoming one of the Premier League's most successful midfielders for nearly a decade at the very top level, before retiring as a player having also played for Man City as well as Chelsea and West Ham.

Recently Hammers fans have got used to players picking up very 'LOTUS' injuries, lots of time, usually serious, but for once there is a bit of good news as Jarrod Bowen's injury that he received courtesy of his ex-team mate Andy Robertson is nowhere near as bad as it looked and as it was first feared.

Jurgen Klopp is a past master at tapping up other team's players, his relentless and ultimately successful pursuit of Virgyl Van Dyke bears testimony to it. His process has already begun with regards to 'acquiring' Jarrod Bowen from West Ham, the Liverpool media machine has been swift to 'filter' comments from Klopp indirectly, as is the way for professional tapper uppers, regarding his opinion of the hammers front man.

If ANY West Ham player had stopped a Liverpool player with a clear run on goal by fouling them they would have received a red card, somehow Diego Jota got away with a yellow. Andy Robertson 'took out' Jarrod Bowen and may have effectively ended Hammers pursuit for a trophy this season and received nothing at all.

John Moss had an appallingly biased game roared on by the chattering masses that ate up ALL his leanings towards their team and had a thoroughly wonderful day, the fact that they cheered when Bowen was injured showed just how little style they have.

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Keita, Henderson (c), Fabinho, Salah, Mane, Diaz. Subs: Kelleher, Milner, Gomez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Elliott, Jones, Minamino, Jota, Origi.
West Ham: Fabianski, Johnson, Dawson, Zouma, Cresswell (c), Soucek, Fornals, Bowen, Lanzini, Vlasic, Antonio. Subs: Areola, Diop, Fredericks, Masuaku, Okoflex, Chesters, Noble, Kral, Benrahma.

“I am just trying to enjoy my career. It is going quick already. I think of three years ago, when I won Young Player of the Year, it has flown by since. There have been so many good moments. Hopefully, my career can keep progressing and WE can start adding some big trophies as well.”

The absolute glee with which Hammers FA Cup exit away to Southampton has been reported does go to show how envious many are of what David Moyes and his West Ham team have achieved in the last two years. The transformation from regular relegation fighters to genuine top six contenders has been nothing short of miraculous, especially so given the limited resources Moyes has had at his disposal.

Southampton: Caballero, Walker-Peters, Valery, Stephens, Perraud, Diallo, Smallbone, Ward-Prowse ©, Djenepo, A.Armstrong, Long Subs: Lewis (GK), Livramento, Bednarek, Romeu, Walcott, Redmond, S.Armstrong, Adams, Broja
West Ham: Areola, Johnson, Dawson, Zouma, Diop, Fornals, Rice ©, Souček, Lanzini, Bowen, Antonio Subs: Randolph (GK), Alese, Král, Ekwah, Chesters, Okoflex, Vlašić , Benrahma, Perkins