Ryan Giggs - The next big thing?

What type of save should this be?

  • Journeyman

    Votes: 14 50.0%

  • Alex Ferguson Challenge

    Votes: 5 17.9%

  • Youth Challenge

    Votes: 6 21.4%

  • Champions League Challenge

    Votes: 3 10.7%
  • Total voters
    28
  • Poll closed .
January Review
Can we continue our good form without our leading scorer when he leaves?

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A good easy win, trying out the 4-3-1-2 to see what would work best in Sakho's absence - Ings and Valencia combined well in the second half.

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Sticking with the 4-3-1-2 again, another win - this time against stronger opposition, with an unlikely goalscorer in Jung. We face Hull in Round 4.

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Fiddled with the player roles slightly - probably shouldn't have done that as we lose to a pretty decent Swansea outfit. Goal came from our Achilles heel - Set pieces (Caicedo had 3 attempts in a row against Valdés without out defence moving at all!)

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A hard fought draw, although it could've been a win if it wasn't for a set piece - Nasri scoring from a corner... Samir F*cking Nasri - he's a lot smaller than our defenders ffs! The first Sakho-less game, and I hope Senegal go out quickly :p

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In a bit of a rut here, Watford the latest to add to our woes - Ings never looked like scoring in Sakho's absence :'(

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A typical Manchester United performance. 67% possession, 3 shots on target. Out of the FA Cup we go. That's both cups where I've failed with the expectations, although we've met the EL target and are comfortably surpassing the league one! Sakho, get back on that plane and get back here now!!

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We won a game!! Albeit after nearly drawing it due to a freak goal, after Valdés smashed a drop kick straight into Agbonlahor, who couldn't miss the open goal. First time I've been forced to use Overload in 16, and it worked right at the end! McArthur's goal was a cracker, and should be in the top 3 for goal of the month.

In fact, it ended up winning goal of the month!
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Hammer of the Month
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Sebastien Jung
Games: 7
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
Avg Rating: 8.47

The shining light of a dour January.

League Table
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Who would have predicted both us and Newcastle in the top 4 at the end of January?
At the bottom, Bournemouth and Fulham both look gone. Brighton are too inconsistent to get out of the relegation zone, but throw up some amazing results like a 4-2 against Chelsea.

February Preview
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2 easy (on paper) home games in the league, and the double header with Dortmund. Win that and we have a very real chance of making the QF as we'd play Standard Liege or PSV Eindhoven in the 2nd KO round.​
 
February Review
Double header against Dortmund, and the return of Sakho!

View attachment 187991
West Ham vs Everton
Lineups:
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Despite Sakho being back, I decide to start Ings due to Sakho having an absymal AFCON - an average rating of 6.32 with no goals.

19': Long kick upfield from Robles to Mirallas, he gets to the byline and swings in a cross which Lukaku meets on the volley. Valdés makes a super block but the ball falls straight back to Lukaku who slots it home. 0-1
26': Everton free kick, we struggle to clear it before it eventually breaks to Ings. He beats a couple of men before sliding it to Valencia. He crosses first time to Lanzini who controls it expertly and lays it into the path of the onrushing Ings who smashes home. 1-1!
37': Our new corner routine works a treat - an outswinger is headed down by Lanzini for Noble to drill into the bottom corner. 2-1!!
40': Another incisive break-away, again started by Ings. He gets out wide and whips in a cross which goes to the other side. Payet puts in a much better cross and Valencia casually nods it past Robles. 3-1!!!
61': A quick goal from a free kick taken by Valdés. He plays it short to Cresswell, who gives it to Payet. He turns and plays it to Ings. He's surrounded by 3 men, with his back to goal about 20 yards out. He turns and smashes it into the top corner! Great goal! 4-1!!!!
Full time:
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A good win. Onto the next.

Notes: Ogbonna was injured Pre-Everton and is out for most of the month. Jung picked up his 10th yellow so will miss both of the BPL games left this month.

View attachment 187988
Borussia Dortmund vs West Ham
Lineups:
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A couple of questionable choices from Dortmund - namely Van Rhijn at CB and Hummels at CDM. The formation almost suggests they're parking the bus - very un-Del Bosque (who manages them now). Ings gets the nod after his brace against Everton and Correa replaces Lanzini.

5': A throw in to McArthur, he turns and floats a cross onto the head of Valencia about 14 yards out. He strains his neck muscles and powers the header into the top corner. Great start! 0-1!
27': Correa is on the end of a very heavy tackle, and has to go off injured. Looks pretty serious. Lanzini replaces him.
33': Another throw in, taken long by Cresswell to Ings. He holds it up well before playing it short to Lanzini. He sprays it out right to Valencia who beats 2 men on the edge of the area before pulling it back to Lanzini to stroke home. 0-2!!
56': Possibly my favorite goal we've scored in this save! Valdés holds a powerful Gudelj drive from a Dortmund corner. He launches it up to Ings, who heads it to Noble. He passes straight to McArthur who goes for the one-two. It then gets played through to Lanzini who skips past two challenges before playing it through to Valencia. He out-muscles Piszczek before playing it along the edge of the penalty area to Ings. He beautifully back-heels it into Payets path, he reaches slightly behind him and curls it into the far corner. If this doesn't get goal of the tournament then I give up. 0-3!!! This is a great performance by us, the Signal Iduna Park is stunned into silence.
90': Ings gets a deserved goal. McArthur intercepts and lays it off to Payet who spots Ings' run and picks him out beautifully. Ings controls it well and keeps his composure to slot home. 0-4!!!! Brilliant result for us as we pretty much confirm our place in the 2nd knockout round already.
Full Time:
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Dortmund were one of the tournament favourites!

Note: Correa breaks his foot, ruling him out for 2-3 months. Sad for him, but means Holm will get a few games to impress in.

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Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham
This one's for you DC :p
Lineups:
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We're blighted by a mixture of injuries, suspension and fatigue so name a much weakened side. On the plus side, Sakho starts - and he's still the leagues top scorer by 3 ahead of this game! Debut for Oxford.

12': Spurs do a West Ham on us :p A weak cross from Lingard is collected by Lloris. 3 passes later and Kane is outmuscling Oxford to reach a long ball forward and power it in from 20 yards! 1-0.
45': A great team move, where everyone touched the ball at least once, ends with Sakho sliding the ball through for Lanzini - who I swear was offside - to slot past Lloris. 1-1.
63': Our Achilles heel hits again, as we get punished by a carbon copy of our corner goal against Everton - Kane nodding it down for Rose to slam home. 2-1
77': As we push forward for a second equaliser, we get caught out by some sloppy play from Noble. He gives it away far too cheaply to Alli, who glides past some half-hearted challenges before sliding it through to Embolo, he plays it across to Ben Arfa who whips it into the 6 yard box where Eriksen is waiting to slam home. 3-1
88': And another corner goal, this time Camacho profits from some lax defending. 4-1
Full Time:
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A terrible collapse, and not the best of debuts for Oxford. Oh well, on we go.

Note: Reid gets food poisoning - we're rapidly running out of CB's!

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West Ham vs Borussia Dortmund
A chance to restore our pride here.
Lineups:
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Burke gets the nod to start alongside Tomkins. Ings is bought back in after Sakho failed to score against Spurs.
Dortmund revert to a more normal lineup.

5': Dortmund can't clear our free kick, eventually it's worked to Ings who can't beat Bürki, but McArthur is on hand to smash in the rebound. 1-0! (5-0 agg)
14': A Cresswell cross is turned home by Ings at the near post. 2-0!! (6-0 agg)
23': McArthur adds to our growing injury list. He's replaced by Poyet.
90': Jung goes off as well, down to 10 for added time.

Full Time:
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I would say comfortable, but we went into cruise control at 2-0 and only had the 2 shots on target.
Elsewhere, PSV overturned a 2-0 aggregate deficit to emerge winners 3-2 - they will face us at the start of March. Liverpool also mounted one of the great comebacks. 5-0 down on aggregate with 22 minutes left, they scored 6 in those 22 minutes to go through 6-5!

Note: Tomkins out injured for a month, thankfully Ogbonna is back fit now.

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West Ham vs Brighton
A nice easy game to round the month off.
Lineups:
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Debut for Holm, a good chance for Sakho to get back amongst the goals. Another chance for Burke to impress with Tomkins out as well.

21': A one two between O'Brien and Holm ends with O'Brien sending in a brilliant cross which Sakho smashes home for his 30th goal of the season! 1-0!
45': Brighton have several chances to clear a free kick, but don't. Noble swings the ball into the area, Echiejile makes a block tackle on Valencia only for the ball to run loose for Sakho to slam home! 2-0!!
57': A beautiful team goal gets Sakho his hat-trick. Again, everyone touches the ball before Holm plays a pinpoint pass over the top for Sakho to run on to and power home from the edge of the box. 3-0!!!
79': Sakho's still not done, as he turns in Cresswell's cross after Echiejile again blocks off Valencia. 4-0!!!! Sakho back amongst the goals big-time.
Full Time:
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A comfortable win, Sakho now a whopping 7 goals clear in the (can I really say race?) stroll to the Golden Boot.


League Table
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Still determinedly clinging onto the coattails of the top two, yet unable to shake off our chasers. City confirm Europa League with a Capital One Cup win over Chelsea. At the over end, Fulham start to pull in the right direction, but is it too late? And can Bournemouth stop themselves beating the record low of points?

EL Draw
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As I mentioned earlier, we have PSV Eindhoven in the 2nd Knockout Round. Should be able to win this easily.

Hammer of the Month
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Dimitri Payet
Games: 4
Goals: 1
Assists: 3
Avg Rating: 8.50

Finally Payet proving why he's rated so highly by the staff. Brilliant month from the Frenchman!

March Preview
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3 relatively easy league games, should be able to focus on the PSV clashes.
​
Sorry about the recent inconsistency with the layout, but I like this one so it will be the one I'm keeping. Hope you're all enjoying (especially you DC, after that Spurs result :p )
 
Youth Intake
That time of year again, so here's the 2017 Youth Intake:
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Disappointing. Very disappointing. I doubt any of these will be first team stars in the future.

Matt Bent
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The best of a bad bunch stat-wise. However his attitude stinks - no determination or ambition.

Graham White
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Great hairdo!! But in all seriousness, that is probably the only good thing about him...
Alan Ramsden
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At least he has good work rate and teamwork...

Best of the Rest
You've seen them all before, just an update on them really.

Reece Oxford
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Currently out on loan gaining experience, could probably do with another loan next year. Developing well though.

Reece Burke
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Mentals are developing nicely, techincals will develop with game time - something he's getting fairly regularly now, and more regularly next season as I plan on letting Tomkins' contract run it's course.

Kristian Holm
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The new kid, and the one with the highest potential. If only he stopped getting little niggly injuries then he could become world class. Unfortunately I do think that he might only get up to 4* due to these injuries.

Bobby Hatch
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Developing nicely, and may get some game time next season - either a few cup games here, or on loan elsewhere.

Andreas Makris
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This kid has come out of nowhere! He shows what a good attitude can do, as a lot of his attributes have gone up a fair bit this year - his PA has shot up, hopefully we can help him get to 4.5*!​
 
March Review
With a growing injury list can we continue to exceed expectations?

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PSV Eindhoven vs West Ham
Lineups:
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Ogbonna plays at LB, meaning Burke has a game at CB. Ings is preferred to Sakho up front.

1': Straight from kickoff we're on the attack, the ball is worked out wide to Payet who sends it to Valencia on the other side, he knocks it down for Lanzini who squeezes it past Zoet. 0-1 after 17 seconds!!

21': PSV were growing back into this, and level when Koops' super cross was turned home by Mark van de Kamp. 1-1

46': We're at it again, scoring within 36 seconds of the restart. Jung's delightful cross is steered in by Lanzini. 1-2!!

51': Breathing space now, Jung wins the ball high up the pitch and passes it to Valencia. He beats 2 men in the area and loops a cross over for Payet to tap home. 1-3!!!

57': Achilles heel time, as Koops heads home a corner. 2-3

Full Time:

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England Watch: Both Everton and Liverpool will have to overturn deficits at home - Everton lost 1-0 at Dynamo Kyiv, while Liverpool got a valuable away goal in a 3-1 loss at Wolfsburg.

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Crystal Palace vs West Ham
Lineups:
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Burke is preferred to Ogbonna, and Holm plays ahead of Lanzini.

19': Noble free kick blocked, his 2nd attempt gets whipped in and Payet taps in. 0-1!

79': Palace find a way through, Gray's cross turned in by Zaha. 1-1

84': Jung beats Gray to the ball just outside the area, cuts inside and gets blocked off. The ball falls to Ings who slams home. 1-2!!

90+3': Some nice interplay leads to Jung sliding a cross on a plate to Ings, who can't miss. 1-3!!!

Full Time:

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Availability Updates:
Holm out for 2-3 weeks.

Reid gets 2 match ban. - Domestic


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West Ham vs PSV Eindhoven
Lineups:
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Reid and Ogbonna play together for the first time in a while. Ings is again up front.

5': Some lovely interplay between the front 3 and Lanzini ends in Muller bundling Ings over in the box. Penalty!

Noble to take... Smashes it past the keeper! 1-0! 4-2 on aggregate.

33': A one-two off a throw in leads to Jung fizzing a cross along the 6 yard box. Ings beats Zoet to the ball and stabs home. 2-0!! 5-2 on aggregate, surely we're through now?

39': We take our foot off the gas and let PSV back in with a chance - Van der Meijs with the through ball to Pascal ter Hogt who blasts it home. 2-1, 5-3 on aggregate.

61': Zoet fails to hold a Valencia shot after a scramble in the box, and Lingard reacts quickest to prod the ball in. 3-1!! 6-3 on aggregate, we must be through now.

63': Another penalty for us, as Emmerink pushes Noble over in the box at a corner!

Noble steps up to take it... and slots it home! 4-1!!! 7-3 on aggregate.

69': Lanzini off injured, hope it's not too serious with Correa and Holm both out as well. Poyet replaces him.

Full Time:

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England Watch: Contrasting fortunes for the merseyside clubs. Everton slip out of the Europa League after a 3-2 loss at home to Kyiv, but Liverpool again overturn a deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate against Wolfsburg.​
​
Lanzini out for 7-8 weeks​
McArthur gets one match ban - Continental​
Powell out for 2-3 weeks

Suddenly we find ourselves without a first team CAM to play for a couple of weeks.

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West Ham vs Southampton
Lineups:
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Burke back in the team, Ings up front again in light of his good recent form.

46': Payet -> Ings -> McArthur -> Post -> GOAL!! 1-0!
53': Pinball in the box ends with Valencia smashing the ball against Fonte. It bounces off of him and cannons into the net. 2-0!!
55': We've sprung into life in the 2nd half! Adama Traoré holds back Payet in the area - penalty!
Mr Reliable to take - straight down the middle! 3-0!!!
77': A beauty of a cross from Jung is met on the half-volley by Payet. 4-0!!!!
79': Debut for Matt Carter.

Full Time:
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West Ham vs Leicester
Lineups:
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Just the one change, as Sakho gets his first start this month.

12': A magical goal, as a mazy run from Payet is complemented by a great turn and finish from Valencia! 1-0!
63': After a long period of sustained pressure, we finally get another - Valencia stooping to head home Cresswell's perfect cross. 2-0!!
82': Another goal for Sakhooooo!!! Jarvis to McArthur to Sakho for a tap in. 3-0!!!
88': A long ball forward is chased by Vardy, he cuts inside and his shot takes a huge deflection off Burke to go in. 3-1
90+1': We can't throw it away can we? Vardy gets on the end of another punt upfield, and strokes it home. 3-2

Full Time:
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Availability Update:
Jung injured for 4-5 weeks.
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I come 2nd in Manager of the Month, behind Mou who probably got it courtesy of an astonishing 7-0 win over his former club!

League Table
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Finally starting to believe we can get top 4 - 7 points is a decent buffer to have. Bournemouth ensure they don't break the unwanted record, but they're on the brink.

EL Draw
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Yay. Let me pretend I wanted 4-time winners Sevilla. Nope, I can't... Tough draw - gets tougher when you see the fixtures around it.

Hammer of the Month
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Danny Ings
Games: 4
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
Avg Rating: 8.33

A good month for Ings, keeping Sakho out of the side.

April Preview
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At least the month starts off nicely... then descends rapidly into ****!
​

​
 
April Review
Business end of the season now, Europa Quarter Final and some tough league games to contend with.

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Bournemouth vs West Ham
An easy game against bottom of the table Bournemouth, we mustn't lose this.
Lineups:
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Holm gets a rare start, as do O'Brien and Lingard.

8': Holm plays a nice one-two with McArthur, and calmly slots past the keeper. 0-1!
52': Noble whips the corner in, Reid meets it with a header which hits Francis and goes in. 0-2!!
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Comfortable win. On to the next

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West Ham vs Norwich
A fairly easy game, in the context of this month. They're still a very capable side.
Lineups:
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Barring Jung, about as strong as we can get. Just worried that the bench looks a bit weak.

54': A frustrating game is finally sparked into life when Sakho receives the ball in the area, turns his man and slots home. 1-0!

79': Controversy as West Ham think they've scored another only for a very late offside call to deny Enner Valencia a goal... Norwich pushing hard now, West Ham look jittery.

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Just about get the win, nowhere near our best though.

Aaron Cresswell banned for 2 domestic games
This means we are without our 2 main fullbacks for United and (potentially) Chelsea.

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West Ham vs Sevilla
A tough game against 4-times winners Sevilla. Imperative that we win the home leg.
Lineups:
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Strong as we can get, distinct lack of CM options to play with though.

54' Magnificent skill to light up a dull game - Ings with some super hold-up play before playing a pinpoint pass to Payet who makes no mistake. 1-0!
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Would have liked a 2nd goal, but happy with a dull 1-0 win. No away goals conceded is a huge bonus.

Liverpool win 2-1 at home over Benfica.

Good news after the game, as Valencia finally sees the light and wants to stay!

Noble banned for 1 game - Continental


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Manchester United vs West Ham
Always struggled with games between the EL knockout legs, and with a depleted squad, this one will probably be no different.
Lineups:
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Forgot to take the SS before kickoff xD Strong lineup, but only Holm above 93% condition...

82': Our resistance breaks at last, Costa's through ball finding Mata - who had shrugged off Tomkins way too easily - and he squeezes it past Valdés at his near post. 1-0
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Disappointing, not the end of the world as we played well.

Holm out for 4-5 weeks

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Sevilla vs West Ham
A slender lead thus far, an away goal will give us a healthy cushion.
Lineups:
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Only major concern is how we'll do without Noble in CM... and the fact we don't have him for penalties :/

47': YESSS!!! Early goal in the second half, as Ings turns in Cresswell's cross. 0-1 on the night, we have an away goal and it's 0-2 on aggregate!

62': We're going through!! Ings slides a well-weighted ball ahead of Valencia who calmly strokes it past the keeper. 0-2 on the night, 0-3 on aggregate!! Sevilla need 4 goals in less than half an hour now.

68': They couldn't, could they? After we can't clear our lines, Rodrigo hammers home from 6 yards. 1-2 on the night, 1-3 on aggregate.

70': No, No, No! Rodrigo pounces after Valdés can't hold his initial effort. 2-2 on the night, 2-3 on aggregate!

81': PENALTY!!! Valencia with some great game management in the corner of the penalty area, eventually Fazio has enough an bundles him over! Noble isn't playing though...

The responsibility falls to Payet... And he scores!!!! 2-3 on the night, 2-4 on aggregate!
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A game high on drama, we get through though!

Liverpool's away goal conceded costs them as they lose 1-0 in Lisbon. The 4 Semi-Finalists are Us, Benfica, Fenerbahce and Valencia. I honestly believe we can win it - we've already got past 2 of the favourites!


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West Ham vs Chelsea
Finally nearly back to full strength - nearly got CL football in the league, time for the final push.
Lineups:
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Jung returns, won't be fit enough for 90 minutes yet.

25': Sakho smacks it past Courtois after being sent scampering clear by Valencia. 1-0!

40': Jung's cross is headed past Courtois by Sakho! 2-0!!

47': The dream team combine again! Jungs cross is met by Sakho, who gets his hattrick! One goal off of 30 in the league! 3-0!!!

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A good win for us. Nearly there...

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Liverpool vs West Ham
A win here confirms CL football for us, A draw pretty much guarantees it due to GD.
Lineups:
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Full strength!
11': Cresswell's turn for the assist now, his cross put home by Valencia. 0-1!

70': He's done it!!!! Sakho gets goal number 30 in the league, as he rises highest to head home Cresswell's cross! 0-2!!

80': Wow Sturridge is quick... he nicks the ball of off a dawdling Ogbonna about 40 yards from goal. about 5 seconds later he's arrowing the ball in the bottom corner from about 10 yards... 1-2

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30 goals for Sakho!! Bit nervy at the end, but we got there. The promised land. Champions League football.

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Not too bad budgetwise. Not looking for too much tbf...

League Table
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We've got a chance... A slim chance, but a chance nonetheless... Could we really do it?
Bournemouth are long gone, Brighton look set to join them and Fulham's GD is going to severely hinder them.

EL Draw
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Nice short trip to 3 times runner-up Benfica.

Hammer of the Month
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Enner Valencia
Games: 6
Goals:
Assists:
Avg Rating: 7.6

Manager of the Month
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Well deserved if I do say so myself :p

May Preview
View attachment 187413
Professionalism until the end. As long as we can win the league, we will try. Due to GD, City need to drop 4 points.
Will do a seperate post for EL Final if we get there.​
 
Brilliant season mate :) I hope you hang on to both Sakho and Valencia. Also all the best for the league as well as Europe, rooting for you!
 
savan21 said:
Brilliant season mate :) I hope you hang on to both Sakho and Valencia. Also all the best for the league as well as Europe, rooting for you!
Click to expand...
Thanks mate :) Sakho hasn't shown any desire to leave, and I don't think he would now we have CL football. Valencia, I'm not so sure...
Update will be out tonight - with a very tense game in it!
 
May Review
Whatever happens, this has been a superb season for the club. Now to close it out with our best ever league position (2nd or 1st)!

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Benfica vs West Ham
Big game for us, we've risen to the occasion in most away games so far - can we do it again?
Lineups:
View attachment 1012721
Standard.

The game itself was a very tense and cagey affair - obviously they knew how good we were against big teams, and I was wary about their front 4 (Gaitan, Zaza, Jonas and Salvio is enough to worry anyone!). We were both guilty of missing some guilt edged chances, and it honestly looked like a 0-0. Then, Gaitán got injured - although they replaced him with one Gonçalo Guedes, I suddenly had a bit more confidence to push forward. We did, and forced a spate of corners. One of them was only partially cleared, and we came back. Cresswell's cross was poor, and Marcos Rocha could clear it. He didn't though, as he tried to control it instead. Ings was onto his heavy touch in a flash - 1 touch to take it off of Rocha, 1 to slide it past César. 0-1 so late in the game!!!!!! For some reason, Samaris took it upon himself to think that it was offside - how it could be I don't know... but Samaris got a second yellow card for arguing with the officials!
The very next highlight was a throw for us deep in their half in added time. Most teams would go for some cornerplay. Not us. Jung launches it in, Valencia flicks it on and Aaron Cresswell of all people is there to stab it past César! 0-2!!!!! That goal could be a defining moment in our campaign!
Full Time:
View attachment 1012722
So, largely boring but sparked into life right at the end. We take a good lead into the 2nd leg.

View attachment 1012710
Stoke vs West Ham
Stoke hovering just outside the relegation zone, but have a decent team so we won't underestimate them.
Lineups:
View attachment 187147
A heavily rotated side, but should be enough to do the job.

10': A pretty brisk start from us, looking to kill the game off early. We're well on top and get a set of early corners. One of them ends with a comedy own goal from Stoke. Muniesa intercepts at the near post but the ball hits his shin and flies across the box. Wollscheid tries to hack it clear, but it cannons of his back and rolls over the line. 0-1!! XD XD
28': Hardly any highlights for the next 15 minutes, until one pops up that ends well for us. Shaqiri blocks a cross from Payet, O'Brien's follow-up is turned in by Lingard! 0-2!!!
Full Time:
View attachment 187146


View attachment 1012709
West Ham vs Benfica
Courtesy of 2 late goals in the first leg, we're in the driving seat here. We just need to finish the job.
Lineups:
View attachment 187137
O'Brien gets in ahead of Cresswell, as a booking for Aaron rules him out of the final.

The game starts well for us, we're on top - but we can't convert our chances.
19': Disaster strikes as Benfica take the lead - Almeida passes to Guedes who skills up 3 players before striking it straight at Valdés - he saves the first shot, but can't prevent the follow up going in. 0-1, 2-1 aggregate.
34': There's a growing sense of concern as we tick over 30 minutes. We're not playing brilliantly and Benfica are sensing an opportunity. Eventually, Salvio plays a one two with Ali Adnan who whips a cross in from the byline which Jonas can bundle past Valdés. 0-2, 2-2 aggregate - and Benfica look more likely to score.
36': Worst case scenario happens. McArthur gives away a free kick, given our previous it's pretty obvious where it's going to end. Sure enough, it does - Christante stabbing home at the 2nd attempt. 0-3, 2-3 on aggregate - we need at least 2 goals now.

HT: I've never been more fuming in my career at West Ham! I give them an absolute rollicking and make a triple sub in an attempt to wrestle back control of the game. On come Cresswell, Lanzini and Lingard - no use keeping Cresswell safe from missing the final if we're not there!

The second half is a predictable pattern - Benfica have the lead on aggregate and the extra away goal to help so they've pretty much stopped attacking. The good news is we look like we're going to score. But we're not scoring...
60 minutes....
70 minutes.... Is it too late now?

75': Here we go - the big finale is incoming! Benfica make a very rare attack, and regret it as soon as it breaks down. Noble smacks it long, relying on Sakho's pace - he beats the defence to it, and rounds the keeper. A guy with 40 goals this season is never going to miss the open goal. 1-3! 3-3 agg, Benfica ahead on away goals.
By now, I know we have to go Gung-Ho - we're on Overload, and putting the Portuguese side under severe pressure.
80 minutes... No goals
85 minutes.... No goals...
89 minutes.... No goals, 2 minutes of added time.

90': The fans are trying to will the ball into the net, I'm trying to kick every ball to help out and all 10 of our outfield players have well and truly set up camp in the Benfica half (we were on 79% possession for the 2nd half!). Benfica stay resolute, and we're forced to send it back to Valdés. He hammers it long, McArthur wins the header and plays it to Valencia. Up the line to Noble, crosses it in.... No-one there! Lingard picks it up, plays it back to Cresswell who instantly whips it in... AND VALENCIA IS THERE!!!!!!!!! WE GET THE GOAL AT THE START OF INJURY TIME!!! WE'RE GOING TO THE EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL!!!!!!!!!! And to be honest, I could've sworn Valencia was at least a yard offside - do I care?!?! Not one bit!!! :p :p :D :D
Full Time:
View attachment 187136
Fenerbahce throw away a lead at home to lose on aggregate to Valencia who will be our opponents in our first ever European final!

View attachment 1012710
West Ham vs Arsenal
Unfortunately, Man City won on the Saturday - making it downright impossible (although still not mathmatically impossible) to win the title - i.e. a 24 goal swing in 2 games... However, a win here gets us 2nd place.
Lineups:
View attachment 187134
Standard.

This was much more of a scrappy game, with Arsenal threatening on the break with their pace. It looks like it could be a 0-0, which suits us fine - until Ings pops up with a valuable goal 20 minutes from the end to get a win for us! 2nd it is!
Full Time:
View attachment 187133

View attachment 1012710
West Ham vs Newcastle
Not a game I particularly care about, we have bigger games on their way!
Lineups:
View attachment 187132
All change! Both eyes firmly on Wednesday night's big game, with almost all of the first team rested.
Didn't really pay much attention to this game, but we didn't deserve to lose - even our second-string can dominate a very strong Newcastle side! Unfortunately, a mistake by Burke cost us the game. Howes and Oxford had good games though - shame Howes is leaving, but he hasn't got much potential...
Full Time:
View attachment 187130

League Table
View attachment 187129
So, there it is - or highest ever finish! We pushed City all the way, now we need to consolidate this next season. Fergie finished 2nd in his second season, but then finished 11th in his third. At the other end, Bournemouth, Brighton and Fulham all go down.

Hammer of the Month
View attachment 187126
Aaron Cresswell
Games: 4
Goals: 1
Assists: 3
Avg Rating: 7.90


NEXT TIME:
View attachment 187125
NB: The awards will be in a post after the EL final write up
​
 
Here we go. The 2016-17 Europa League Final!

View attachment 187124
Stadium: Friends Arena (Sweden)

View attachment 187123View attachment 187122View attachment 187121
Odds: Valencia - Evens, West Ham 11/5
Valencia are seasoned players in the Europa League, West Ham are first time European finalists but they've ripped up the form book this season. Let's have a look at the lineups:
View attachment 187120
Only one change from the normal lineups - Yacob is suspended for Valencia so he's replaced by Fernando Gago.

KICK OFF
Valencia get us underway.

2': First chance of the game goes to West Ham. Valencia only partially clear Lanzini's free kick, and Noble smashes in a shot from 25 yards. Alves is equal to it. Corner to West Ham.
7': Big blow for West Ham, Valencia taken off injured. He is replaced by Jesse Lingard.
19': A throw from Gaya is given back to him, he sends in a wicked cross which hits Reid and nearly beats Valdés! Not quite though.
20': Valdés quickly starts a counter, which ends with Sakho shooting straight at Alves.
est Ham have a free kick. It's quickly played through to Lingard who draws the keeper out... then he sends it across goal to Sakho - but he can't get there! It's still going... to PAYEEEETTTT!!!!! 1-0 TO WEST HAM UNITED!!!
Valencia restart. West Ham probably deserve their lead so far.

25': Valencia counter quickly from a West Ham freekick through Lavezzi. He plays a perfect ball to Enzo Perez, but he can't beat Valdés.
36': West Ham corner, swung in by Lanzini - met by the head of Ogbonna!! Side netting... Giggs and the West Ham fans thought it was in!

HALF TIME
View attachment 187123 View attachment 187121
1 - 0

West Ham get the second half underway
49': Corner from Perez is poor and cleared easily. Lavezzi lifts it back in but it's above everyone - then it nearly catches Valdés out, he reacts at the last second to tip it over!
57': Valencia beginning to push, West Ham standing firm as Negredo lets fly from 30 yards straight at Valdés.
64': Valencia make a double change - Negredo and Parejo off for Lolo and Alcacer.
66': Alcacer smashes home but he's offside.
71': Lanzini's corner turned goalbound by Ogbonna - wide!
73': Final change for Valencia - Omeruo on for Abdennour
77': Lanzini leading the Valencia defence on a merry dance - bought down by Gago, and he's already been booked!! Valencia down to 10 men!
79': West Ham make their final 2 changes - Correa and Poyet on for Lanzini and McArthur.
Lingard has a shot charged down. Corner.
90+2': West Ham counter, 4-on-2! Cresswell swings a cross in, and Payet hits the post!!! They're so close now West Ham, can they hold on?!

YES. THEY. CAN!
WEST HAM UNITED WIN THE 2016/17 EUROPA LEAGUE!!

View attachment 187119
A hard fought win, but it's a win! We win our first ever European title!

​
 
2016/17 Season Review, Awards and General Screenshots

Awards
Footballer of the Year - Diafra Sakho
View attachment 186703
Well deserved for him, beat off some big competition for it - but 30 goals speaks for itself.

Golden Boot - Diafra Sakho
View attachment 186702
30 goals, of course it's him!

Golden Glove - Joe Hart (Man City)
View attachment 186701
21 clean sheets is pretty damned good!

Manager of the Year - José Mourinho (Man City)
View attachment 186700
Comes 2nd, wins the Europa League - what's my reward? Nothing! José gets it for winning the league.

Player's Player of the Year - Juan Cuadrado (City)
View attachment 186699
He's had a good season, showing Chelsea what they missed out on.

Young Player of the Year - Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
View attachment 186698
Highest average rating, he had to win something.

General Screenshots

Confidence
View attachment 186693
No danger of me losing the job anytime soon!

Injury List
View attachment 186694
Not too shabby, would be nice to keep this level of fitness up.

Overall Best Eleven
View attachment 186695
Can't really argue with this, only really Obiang/McArthur that's a real fight for that spot.

End of Season Awards
View attachment 186696
Pretty much spot on. No arguments here.

One more award for Sakho
View attachment 186697
All I'm going to say is: How is no-one interested in him? And no, that is not a complaint :p

Season Review
View attachment 186692
The cups were a disappointment, other than that it's all good. Surprised that we only have that little attendance considering how well we're doing and playing.

European Club Rankings
View attachment 186687
We're on the up! 32nd is surprisingly high...


Debts Cleared!
View attachment 186688
Well, that's always going to help!

Big News
View attachment 186690
With Mr Gold all set to retire...
View attachment 186689
Mr Sullivan is all willing to sell up.

Season Review
View attachment 186691
Of course we're the overachievers!

Super Cup
View attachment 186686
One surprise package plays another!

The old boards last word:
View attachment 186685View attachment 186684
Nice of them to leave me like this, with them agreeing to buy the Olympic Stadium and upgrade the youth facilities. Unfortunately the transfer window has started with us still under a transfer embargo, adding an air of uncertainty to our plans.


Winners

Premier League: Man City
Ligue 1: PSG
Bundesliga: Bayern
Serie A: Juventus
Liga BBVA: Atletico
Eredivisie: Ajax
Liga son Zagres: Benfica
Europa League: West Ham
Champions League: Lazio
European Super Cup: Barcelona
Club World Cup: Barcelona

​
 
View attachment 186501
West Ham Takeover successfully completed

View attachment 186493
That's an expensive takeover! We have been floated on the stock exchange and have become a plc.
With the takeover done, let the transfers begin!


OUT
View attachment 186490
Diego Poyet - Leicester (£10m)
Ultimately, he wasn't developing as well as I had hoped and Leicester offered us a good price for him.

IN
View attachment 186484
Ron-Robert Zieler - Hannover (Free)
Confirmed in January, he joins us now.

View attachment 186483
Fabian Delph - Man City (£7.5m)
Delph is exactly the type of player I like, so we snap him up for a transfer listed price from City.

View attachment 186482
Demarai Gray - Spurs (£9.5m)
A year later and £4.5m more than we wanted, but we get our man! After impressing at Palace, Spurs decided he was surplus to requirements - and with Payet turning 30 over the summer I felt a replacement was needed.​
 
August Review

Rest of the Transfers
IN
View attachment 186442
Uros Nikolic - Partizan (£2.8m)
A good regen signing from one of our feeder clubs, likely to go out on loan due to Neufville's form in Cresswell's absence (more on that later)


View attachment 186441
DeAndre Yedlin - Spurs (£1.8m)
With the departure of O'Brien, Yedlin comes in to fill the backup RB spot until we can find a good youngster to properly fill it.

View attachment 186440
Lewis Cook - Bournemouth (£10.75m)
Don't want Lanzini playing CM this season, so bought in Cook to play there instead - good already, plenty of potential.

OUT

View attachment 186439
James Tomkins - Derby (£5.25m)
He's not exactly the best defender in the team, and I would prefer Oxford and Burke to play over him.

View attachment 186438
Joey O'Brien - Fulham (£300k)
Finally shifted him - he was a solid backup, but he couldn't cross like Cresswell and Jung.


Major deals elsewhere

Alessandro Florenzi - Roma -> Spurs (£33.5m)
Baldé Keita - Lazio -> Arsenal (£25.5m)
Kingsley Coman - Juve -> Bayern (£15m)
Paco Alcacer - Valencia -> Chelsea (£37m)
Alexandre Lacazette - Lyon -> Liverpool (£34m)
Andreas Samaris - Benfica -> PSG (£32m)
Ricardo Rodriguez - Wolfsburg -> Real Madrid (£27.5m)
Oscar - Chelsea -> PSG (£44.5m)

Some big deals here, notably Sakho getting some big competition for the Golden Boot!

Pre-season!
A few more games this season, including a small tour of America
View attachment 186436
A decent pre-season, the loss against Lorient was frustrating - but that's football. Sakho was on fire, can he keep it going during the season? The bad news came through the injuries - with Ogbonna, Cresswell and Payet all set to miss the first couple of games.

We finally begin!
View attachment 186434
West Ham vs Leicester
View attachment 186432
Neufville, Gray and Zieler all make first starts for the club.

Right from the start, it was obvious what Leicester's gameplan was. And to be fair to them, it was working a treat when a rash Reid penalty gave them the opportunity to take the lead. For the most part, it looked like a well practiced win for the Foxes, but then we got the sucker punch through some determined chasing down by McArthur who threaded the ball to Sakho to get his first of the season.



View attachment 186421
Lazio vs West Ham
View attachment 186406
A problematic front 3, but not much else.

Quite probably the dirtiest game of football I've seen - we had 8 different players booked, with the most biased ref's performance ever! Delph getting sent off didn't help, and we couldn't hold our nerve in the shootout.


View attachment 186434
Southampton vs West Ham
View attachment 186420
Very rare, but Southampton playing 4-3-3. Meanwhile, O'Brien deputises for the tired Neufville.

I thought it could've, and the 4-3-3 did indeed pose us some serious problems - if anything, forcing Jung to defend centrally might have been a masterstroke for them. An entertaining first half ended 2-2 with us failing to hold on to a 2-1 lead until half time. In the second half, we tired - Lanzini's injury didn't help - and Southampton got their third. Frustrating.

View attachment 186434
West Ham vs Newcastle
View attachment 186417
A change of tactic as we search for our first win. A first start for Delph as well.

The scoreline probably flattered us slightly with 2 late goals, but the win was well deserved - Newcastle were poor. Neufville stole the show with a great game!

View attachment 186434
Man City vs West Ham
View attachment 186416
We had a score to settle here, following our humiliation last time.

And we did ourselves justice, securing a good draw.

View attachment 186435

League Table
I've played ahead a bit so... we were 11th after August though, Southampton and United 4 points clear at the top.

CL Table
Again, played past the first game. We have a tough draw - PSG, Dotmund and Celtic.

Awards

View attachment 186405View attachment 186404
Between these 2 for Hammer of the Month - can't choose though!

September...
View attachment 186403
Yay, fun! This could go south quickly...​
 
September Review

Games
View attachment 186159
West Ham vs Arsenal
First up, a home derby against a strong Arsenal side.
Lineups:
View attachment 186146
Oxford gets a game, as Reid is a bit tired. Lewis Cook could make his debut from the bench.
Result:
View attachment 186145
A hard fought draw, albeit one I did think might never happen until Ings brutally punished a heavy touch from Mertesacker. Cook made his debut from the bench.

View attachment 186157
West Ham vs PSG
We kick off our maiden Champions League campaign with a home tie against moneybags PSG.
Lineups:
View attachment 186137
Slightly change the side, Gray gets a chance to impress and Cook is given his first start.
Result:
View attachment 186136
The perfect away performance from Blanc's men. They got the first goal through a moment of class by Cavani and then sat on it. Cook went off injured with a broken collarbone (8 weeks out!) and Di María finished us off late on from a counter. Not ideal, and a harsh welcome to the Champions League.

View attachment 186159
Chelsea vs West Ham
Chelsea are really struggling right now (in 18th!) so it's a good chance for us to find some form.
Lineups:
View attachment 186135
One look at that Chelsea side makes you wonder if LVG has lost the squad already... Anyway, we need to win.
Result:
View attachment 186134
Win we did, comfortably. Sakho was ruthless and most certainly back to his best. A great all round performance from the boys.

View attachment 186156
Newcastle vs West Ham
We make the long trek up north to take on Newcastle in the cup.
Lineups:
View attachment 186130
Full scale rotation here, as a few of the fringe players get a chance to impress against strong opposition. Yedlin makes his debut.
Result:
View attachment 186129
Who doesn't love a Fergie (or should that be Giggsy?) Time goal?! To be honest, it was no less than we deserved, we were excellent but Newcastle dug deep to get back to 2-2 before Delph pounced with 9 seconds left on the clock!

View attachment 186159
West Ham vs Everton
These are the types of games we should be winning now.
Lineups:
View attachment 186128
Standard.
Result:
View attachment 186127
Bore draw. 0-0. Enough said.

View attachment 186157
Dortmund vs West Ham
Our new favourite team welcome us back to their place.
Lineups:
View attachment 186126
Valencia is tired, Reid has left incredibly early for international duty! Burke gets a big chance to impress.
Result:
View attachment 186125
Another win in Dortmund, our new second home! Sakho gets another 2 goals to add to his tally. Our result is overshadowed a bit by the news that Celtic went to Paris and won...

View attachment 186159
Watford vs West Ham
The month is rounded off with what should be a straightforward trip to Watford.
Lineups:
View attachment 186124
Burke continues in central defence, Neufville gets another chance to shine against a struggling Watford.
Result:
View attachment 186123
Even with Lanzini sent off for a horror tackle fairly early, we still dominated and should've had more than 1. It was a scruffy one as well, Ings sliding in on their centre back to stab it past Pickford in goal. Still, a win is a win. Noble strained his calf and will be out for a few weeks.

League Table
View attachment 186121
We put together a decent run of form and move up to 6th. United looking menacing at the top and early favourites to take the crown.

Champions League Table
View attachment 186120
I can tell already that this is going to be an unpredictable group. We should be able to get second if PSG do us a favour against Dortmund.

Capital One Cup Draw
View attachment 186119
Our best chance yet of progressing past the 4th round for the first time in this save.

Hammer of the Month
View attachment 186160
Sebastian Jung
Games: 6
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
Avg Rating: 7.35
A good month from the German, solid defensively and a threat going forwards.
October Preview
View attachment 186117
No real tests here if I'm honest - so looking for 5 wins.​
 
October Review

View attachment 185820
Norwich vs West Ham
A tough (in the context of the month) game against Norwich, who sit just above us
Lineups:
View attachment 185816
Reid is again exhausted, so the Reece's are charged with keeping out the top scorer in the league (Borini).
Result:
View attachment 185815
Even enough game, we probably did enough to win but Mulumbu's powerful drive earned Norwich a share of the points.

View attachment 185819
Celtic vs West Ham
We make the short trip up north to face Celtic.
Lineups:
View attachment 185814
Standard.
Result:
View attachment 185813
Easy win as expected, able to bring Yedlin and Henry on for some gametime towards the end. Dortmund held PSG in Dortmund, so we go 2 points clear!

View attachment 185820
West Ham vs Crystal Palace
Back home for a London derby against Palace.
Lineups:
View attachment 185812
Again, standard.
Result:
View attachment 185811
^This doesn't even begin to tell the story! Palace decided they didn't stand a chance, so resorted to trying to kick us off the park! McArthur, Sakho and Delph all went off injured - thankfully none too serious, and Cresswell got wiped out in the box for a penalty which Noble failed to convert for once. A missed opportunity, and costly in terms of squad depth.

View attachment 185818
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham
An injury-ravaged side travel to take on the Wolves.
Lineups:
View attachment 185808
Can't really make many changes with the growing injury list.
Result:
View attachment 185807
A win yes, but I am fuming with the performance. We were ****** dreadful in the first half, a better quality opposition could've easily hit double figures - however, Wolves only managed 1. I made a triple substitution which immediately paid dividends as we scored to level it up. Soon after, Lingard added to our injury woes - leaving us with 10 men for over half an hour. It went to injury time, and we scraped ahead only to shoot ourselves in the foot and concede. In the end, we just got through on penalties - and Lingard was ruled out for 2 months!

View attachment 185820
Hull City vs West Ham
We search for our first league win this month with a trip to bottom of the table Hull.
Lineups:
View attachment 185806
A rare start for Holm during the injury crisis - surprised he's not part of it!
Result:
View attachment 185805
Some respite in the midst of the chaos as we secure a comfortable win.

Here's how the injury table currently looks:
View attachment 185804
Getting better, with a few expected back soon - but that's still painful to look at!

League Table
View attachment 185803
Solid unbeaten month, up to 4th. Derby and Chelsea are surprise teams, for differing reasons.

Champions League Table
View attachment 185802
As previously mentioned, we're top. Could do with PSG beating Dortmund in Paris now.

Capital One Cup Draw
View attachment 185801
Our best run to date, and a favourable draw means it could continue.

Hammer of the Month
View attachment 185799
Enner Valencia
Games: 5
Goals: 2
Assists: 3
Avg Rating: 8.16
Quite possibly the only player to play in all 5 games, and played well in all of them too!

November Preview
View attachment 185800
2 vital CL games, and some fascinating BPL games in addition to the cup QF.
​
 
November Review

View attachment 185207
West Ham vs Celtic
The return game against Celtic, we really should be winning this.
Lineups:
View attachment 185178
Result:
View attachment 185191
Agghhh! We had this in the bag, and we just threw it away! We now realistically need a win in Paris to keep alive our hopes of winning the group.

View attachment 185208
Swansea vs West Ham
Off down to Wales for our latest game.
Lineups:
View attachment 185174
Result:
View attachment 185190
Another frustrating result, but a well-deserved late equaliser

View attachment 185208
West Ham vs Stoke
Back in London for the visit of Stoke.
Lineups:
View attachment 185175
Result:
View attachment 185189
Solid win, but tinged with an ever so slight problem:
View attachment 185181
Not good. At all.

View attachment 185207
PSG vs West Ham
A crucial game in our CL hopes, win this and we are favourites for the group.
Lineups:
View attachment 185176
Result:
View attachment 185188
I'll be honest, PSG didn't really turn up and we should've won this.

View attachment 185208
West Ham vs United
United are somewhat of a bogey team for us (convenient much?) and are riding high at the top. Tough game incoming.
Lineups:
View attachment 185173
Result:
View attachment 185187
Hehe. Reverse psychology and a good win for us. However:
View attachment 185182
Also not good - will probably need to loan in a CM in the January window.

View attachment 185206
Leicester vs West Ham
Another cup game, this time the COC away at Leicester
Lineups:
View attachment 185177
Result:
View attachment 185186
Grr! So disappointing! A typical Man United performance, as we dominated but managed just 3 shots on target! For the last 15 minutes, Zieler was pretty much stationed about 30 yards outside of goal...

League Table
View attachment 185180
Still 4th, still can't significantly close the gap on those above us. Our GD means we effectively have a 4 point cushion from those outside the CL places, but if we could turn some draws into wins then we'd be much better off.

CL Table
View attachment 185179
Tight. We need to better PSG's result to win the group (unless they lose and we draw).

Hammer of the Month
View attachment 185171
Enner Valencia
Is this his 4th award?
Games: 5
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
Avg Rating: 7.58

December Preview
View attachment 185172
Traditional busy month, easier than normal though.

​
 
December Review

View attachment 184847
Tottenham vs West Ham
First game of the month is a heated derby away at fierce rivals Spurs.
Lineups:
View attachment 184828
Result:
View attachment 184837
Sorry DC :p A good win for us though, all the goals coming in a crazy first 30 minutes.

View attachment 184846
West Ham vs Dortmund
Final group game, need to do our job here as a draw does us no favours.
Lineups:
View attachment 184827
Result:
View attachment 184836
We did well to salvage the draw, we could've been 3-0 down after 30 minutes, but Zieler denied Auba a hattrick from the spot. This does mean we finish 2nd though, so tough draw almost certain.

View attachment 184847
West Ham vs QPR
Another London derby, this time at home.
Lineups:
View attachment 184826
Result:
View attachment 184835
We just about held on, Agbonlahor's pace gave us all sorts of problems.

View attachment 184847
West Ham vs Derby
Derby come to the Olympic Stadium next.
Lineups:
View attachment 184825
Result:
View attachment 184834
Well, they are massively overachieving so I suppose I should be happy with this - we could've won it though.

View attachment 184847
Liverpool vs West Ham
Off up to the north-west to face Klopp's Liverpool who are hot on our tails.
Lineups:
View attachment 184824
Result:
View attachment 184833
Great. Absolutely f*cking marvelous. We never turned up and rightfully got smashed to pieces.

View attachment 184847
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham
Should be straightforward against a struggling Forest side.
Lineups:
View attachment 184823
Result:
View attachment 184832
The scoreline makes it look closer than it was. We were in complete control.

View attachment 184847
Leicester vs West Ham
A chance to avenge our League Cup loss.
Lineups:
View attachment 184822
Result:
View attachment 184829
Forget United, this is our new bogey team. Couldn't quite complete the comeback - we've now tripled our number of league losses throughout December...

View attachment 184821
Frustrating, probably means we can't sell him this window.

League Table
View attachment 184819
Year of the underdog! Arsenal, Spurs, Everton and Chelsea all massively underachieving.

Champions League Table
View attachment 184816
Confirmation of our 2nd place finish.

Champions League Draw
View attachment 184818
I'll be honest, I'm pleased with this draw.

FA Cup Draw
View attachment 184817
We all know what happens when West Ham go to a League 2 side - expect goals!

Hammer of the Month
View attachment 184814
The other little Argentine genius - aka Manuel Lanzini!
Games: 7
Goals: 1
Assists: 2
Avg Rating: 7.44

Not much in the way of key stats from Lanzini, but he's been consistently creating chances and having shots - a right little livewire.

January Preview
View attachment 184815
Gets tougher as it goes on.

Plans for the window
Only 2 - a new backup RB (There's one I have my eye on) and a CM on loan to deal with the injuries there.​
 
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