FM12 - Come On You Irons!

[Grover]

29/03/14 – Premier League Match Day #31
West Ham United 2 – 0 Manchester City
Goals: West Ham: Niculescu (12), Tafer (45)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 13/6, City 11/4
Possession: West Ham 51/49
Cautions: West Ham: Spence (Y 40), Stambouli (Y 56) City: Savic (Y 16), Clichy (Y 20), Badelj (Y 29), Aguero (Y 67)
Man of the Match: Darron Gibson

Form: Bolat 7.2, Spence 7.2, Stambouli 7.3, Tomkins 7.5, Fabio 7.4, Marcq 7.0, Gibson 8.5, Niculescu 8.0, Fleck 6.9, Tafer 7.5, Acquafresca 6.9

Notes:
- Saturday evening prime time televised match. It's a big one.
- Alberto Niculescu's first senior goal is huge. The teenager drives it past Joe Hart from just inside the top of the 18.
- Yannis Tafer gets on the end of the long ball leaving him one-on-one with Joe Hart. The England keeper is rounded and Tafer applies a nice finish.
- Massive, massive victory. Immense.

[Grover]

01/04/14 – March In Review
West Ham Player Stats


Premier League Leaders


Premier League Table

[Grover]

05/04/14 – Premier League Match Day #32
West Ham United 2 – 1 Blackburn Rovers
Goals: West Ham: Tafer (49), Robinson (o.g. 54) Rovers: Rochina (35)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 13/3, Rovers 18/6
Possession: Rovers 53/47
Cautions: Rovers: Hoilett (Y 53)
Man of the Match: John Fleck

Form: Bolat 6.7, Spence (off 66) 6.9, Stambouli 6.9, Tomkins 7.2, Fabio (off 66) 6.9, Marcq 7.0, Gibson 6.9, Niculescu 6.9, Fleck 7.3, Tafer 7.2, Acquafresca (off 66) 6.8, De Silvestri (on 66) 6.8, De Laet (on 66) 6.8, Cole (on 66) 6.7

Notes:
- Rochina gets in behind the defense and has an easy go at goal.
- Yannis Tafer works in between defenders, taking John Fleck's pass and beating Paul Robinson to level the match.
- Fleck rockets a shot on goal that hits the bar and deflects off Paul Robinson's back. We'll take that one.

[Grover]

12/04/14 – Premier League Match Day #33
Norwich City 0 – 1 West Ham United
Goals: West Ham: Acquafresca (7)
Shots/On Target: Norwich 11/0, West Ham 12/7
Possession: Norwich 55/45
Cautions: Norwich: Vaughan (Y 15), Buljat (Y 41), Latovlevici (Y 52), Dawson (Y 84), West Ham: Acquafresca (Y 33), Tomkins (Y 88)
Man of the Match: Jordan Spence

Form: Bolat 6.8, Spence 7.9, Stambouli 7.0, Tomkins 7.1, Fabio 7.2, Marcq 6.9, Gibson 6.9, Niculescu 6.9, Fleck 6.9, Tafer 7.0, Acquafresca 7.2

Notes:
- Jordan Spence crosses low and the Norwich keeper deflects it right onto Acquafresca's foot for an easy finish.
- We eke out a win against a game Norwich side to keep a stranglehold on a top three finish.

15/04/14 – Awards
Jordan Spence has been named to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

[Grover]

21/04/14 – Premier League Match Day #34
West Ham United 1 – 1 Sheffield United
Goals: West Ham: Fleck (3) Sheff: Evans (22)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 15/7, Sheff 7/2
Possession: West Ham 52/48
Cautions: Sheff: Mee (Y 45+1), Montgomery (Y 90+2)
Man of the Match: John Fleck

Form: Bolat 6.9, Spence 7.0, Stambouli 6.4, Tomkins 7.0, Fabio 6.9, Marcq 7.0, Gibson 7.1, Niculescu 6.7, Fleck 7.6, Tafer 6.1, Acquafresca 6.8

Notes:
- This match was moved to Monday night to be placed on television.
- John Fleck has turned it on since the beginning of March. He takes a throw in from Gibson, makes a nifty pivot and fires into the back of goal.
- Evans gets a free release on a free kick and heads home.
- Not a good draw to take.

23/04/14 – Injury News
Mark Noble has returned to full training after missing four weeks with damaged knee cartilage.

[Grover]

26/04/14 – Premier League Match Day #35
Leicester City 1 – 1 West Ham United
Goals: Leicester: Rodallega (14) West Ham: Tafer (8)
Shots/On Target: Leicester 11/4, West Ham 10/2
Possession: Leicester 56/44
Cautions: Leicester: Reo-Coker (Y 84) West Ham: Tafer (Y 55)
Man of the Match: Kennedy

Form: Bolat 6.7, Spence 7.4, Stambouli 6.8, Tomkins 6.8, Fabio 6.9, Marcq 6.8, Niculescu (off 45) 6.5, Gibson 6.8, Fleck (off 45) 6.2, Tafer 7.2, Acquafresca (off 45) 5.8, Popov (on 45) 6.0, Collison (on 45) 6.5, Cole (on 45) 6.6

Notes:
- Yannis Tafer gets us out to a quick start against our dogged rivals.
- Kennedy finds Rodallega alone in the box and the Colombian finishes to level the match.
- We're playing pretty poorly and make a trio of subs at the half to try and get back on the front foot.


With just three matches left, I'll post the stats and table at the end of the season.

[Grover]

03/05/14 – Premier League Match Day #36
West Ham United 3 – 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Goals: West Ham: Acquafresca (pen 13, 17), Fleck (79) Spurs: Welbeck (35)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 20/7, Spurs 8/4
Possession: West Ham: 53/47
Cautions: West Ham: Fabio (Y 59), Spurs: Corchia (Y 43)
Man of the Match: Robert Acquafresca

Form: Bolat 7.0, Spence 7.0, Stambouli 7.1, Tomkins 7.1, Fabio 7.0, Marcq 8.0, Gibson 7.6, Niculescu 6.9, Fleck 8.3, Tafer 6.9, Acquafresca 8.6

Notes:
- Tom Huddlestone concedes a penalty by bringing down Darron Gibson. Acquafresca converts.
- The Italian makes his brace and doubles the lead after latching on to a long ball and rounding Gomes, leaving the goal wide open.
- Danny Welbeck steals the ball from Stambouli and easily slots it past Bolat.
- John Fleck. Forty yards out. Money.

Relegation
Wigan Athletic, West Brom and Sheffield United have all been relegated to the npower Championship.

Champions League
West Ham United have secured a top three finish and will participate in next season's Champions League.

06/05/14 – Awards
John Fleck and Robert Acquafresca have been selected to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

[Grover]

07/05/14 – Premier League Match Day #37
Aston Villa 1 – 1 West Ham United
Goals: Villa: Delfouneso (65) West Ham: Acquafresca (pen 53)
Shots/On Target: Villa 11/6, West Ham 13/5
Possession: Villa 52/48
Cautions: West Ham: Niculescu (Y 39)
Man of the Match: Ciaran Clark

Form: Bolat 7.0, Spence (off 60) 6.7, Stambouli 7.0, Tomkins 7.1, Fabio 7.0, Marcq 6.9, Gibson 6.9, Niculescu 6.8, Fleck 6.9, Tafer (off 60) 6.1, Acquafresca 6.7, De Laet (on 60) 6.8, Cole (on 60) 6.5

Notes:
- Tough draw, was really hoping to win to move into the driver's seat for second.


10/05/14 – ter Stegen Signs
West Ham United have announced they will sign German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on a free transfer on 1st July.

FA Cup Final
Aston Villa have defeated Sunderland 2-1 in extra time to win the FA Cup.

[Grover]

18/05/14 – Premier League Match Day #38
West Ham United 1 – 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Goals: West Ham: Tafer (57)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 16/3, Wolves 9/0
Possession: West Ham 55/45
Cautions: Wolves; Ilso (Y 53)
Man of the Match: James Tomkins

Form: Bolat 6.8, Spence 7.0, Stambouli 7.2, Tomkins 7.4, Fabio 7.3, Marcq 7.0, Gibson 6.9, Noble 7.4, Fleck 6.8, Tafer 7.2, Acquafresca 6.1

Notes:
- Yannis Tafer beats everybody into the box, and then beats the keeper.

[Grover]

Season In Quick Review
Final West Ham Player Stats


Final Premier League Leaders


Final Premier League Table

[Grover]

18/05/14 – News
West Ham Payouts
West Ham United have been given £15.2m for their final position in the Premier League.

The club have paid out £1.3m to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after finishing as runner-up in the Premier League.

The second place finish represents a record high for West Ham.

19/05/14 – Awards
Manager of the Year: Otto Kafka – West Ham United
Footballer of the Year: Hulk – Manchester United
Players' Player of the Year: Gareth Bale – Manchester United
Players' Young Player of the Year: Andriy Yarmolenko – Liverpool
Golden Gloves: David De Gea – Manchester United
Top Goalscorer: Sergio 'Kun' Aguero – Manchester City

Vacation
The squad has gone on vacation until pre-seaoson begins on 7th July.

27/05/14 – News
Carr Retires
Long-serving coach Tony Carr has retired. Carr was a loyal servant to the club and his presence at the club will undoubtedly be missed.

Managers Retire
Leicester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, Newcastle United manager Roy Hodgson, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish and Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp have all retired.

01/06/14 – News
Sponsorship Deals / Injection / Initial Budget
West Ham have announced a new 5 year sponsorship deal worth £275k per annum.

We have also added an additional new kit sponsor. The two year deal is estimated to be worth £2.2m, an increase over the previous £1.25m deal.

We have added a third new kit sponsor, the two year deal worth £1.3m, up over the previous deal of £226k.

Chairman David Sullivan has loaned the club £2m to help with the club's running costs.

The board have set the initial payroll for the season at £650k per week and the transfer budget at £22.15m

Board Confidence
To summarize, the board is delighted with the leadership qualities being demonstrated. The team's fantastic overall performance in the Premier League has been the highlight. Despite this, the board is slightly disappointed with the club's FA Cup run.

03/06/14 – News
Piquionne Announces Retirement
Frederic Piquionne has announced he will retire on 30th June. He struggled to break into the first team during the last season and feels it is time to call it a day.

We will look to try and sign him on as a coach.

Liverpool Sign Gatting
Liverpool have appointed West Ham's Steve Gatting as a coach. West Ham will be compensated £70k as part of the deal.

08/06/14 – News
Stoke Sign Horvath
Stoke have appointed West Ham's Steve Gatting as a coach. West Ham will be compensated £90k as part of the deal.

24/06/14 – Prem / Champo Review


25/06/14 – Hammers News
Fans' Player of the Year
Jordan Spence has been named West Ham's Player of the Year by the fans.

Best Eleven
West Ham's Best Eleven was...
GK: Sinan Bolat
DL: Fabio
DC: Benjamin Stambouli, James Tomkins
DR: Jordan Spence
DMC: Damien Marcq
MC: Mark Noble, Darron Gibson
AMC: John Fleck
ST: Robert Acquafresca, Yannis Tafer

Overall Best Eleven


TV Rights / Board Expectations
West Ham will receive £40m for Premier League TV rights over the upcoming season.

The minimum expectation is that the club qualifies for the Europa League.

[Grover]

01/07/14 – Comings...
West Ham United have snapped up goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Gladbach on a free transfer. The keeper was named runner up in the German Players' Goalkeeper of the Year for 2013/14. The youngster has described his move to West Ham as the 'best moment in his life.' He hopes to get off to a good start at The Boleyn Ground and make himself a firm favorite with the club's fans.



And Goings...
West Ham have sold fullback Adrian Aldrete to Stuttgart for £2.2m.

West Ham have sold centre-bacl Winston Reid to Hamburger SV for £750k.

West Ham have sold fullback Lorenzo De Silvestri to Malaga for £2.2m

02/07/14 – Contract News
James Tomkins has sealed a four year £9m contract with the club.

Ritchie De Laet has signed a new three year deal worth £4m.

08/07/14 – Player News
Stockdale Loaned Out
David Stockdale has joined Liverpool on season long loan for a fee of £500k.

09/07/14 – Player News
Hammers Snap Up Lescott
West Ham United have signed Joleon Lescott on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester City expired. The veteran defender is expected to provide cover on the left side and in the center of the defense.



11/07/14 – Player News
Altidore Can't Wait To Go
West Ham have splashed the cash on AZ's Jozy Altidore, signing the American forward for £7.25m. Altidore made 41 appearances for the Dutch club, scoring 21 goals. Altidore is hoping he will be able to play an influential role at his new club and has said that he is delighted to play for such a big club. He hopes to repay the faith shown in him by West Ham manager Otto Kafka.

[The Jackal]

To be fair, I found the awesomeness that is MAtS.

Impressive showing for the hammers so far!

[Grover]

Originally Posted by The Jackal

To be fair, I found the awesomeness that is MAtS.

Impressive showing for the hammers so far!

That you did. He may be the greatest free transfer of all time.

[The Jackal]

Way to give some love to the American, also

[Grover]

12/07/14 – World Cup News
Argentina defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup third place match.

Friendly
Barrow 0 – 3 West Ham United

Noble Knock
Mark Noble has sustained a twisted ankle and will miss up to three weeks while being treated.

14/07/14 – World Cup News
France have won the 2014 World Cup, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final.

France have won two straight international tournaments, including Euro 2012.

Youngster Joins Hammers
West Ham have signed Steve Alexandre from FC Istres on a free transfer, paying his former club a £30,000 compensation fee. The sixteen year old attacking midfielder has declared his move to The Boleyn Ground is a 'dream come true' and told the press that when a club like West Ham shows interest in you and then make a bid it's a fantastic compliment for any player.



16/07/14 – Friendly
Doncaster Rovers 1 – 4 West Ham United

17/07/14 – Player News
Hammers Continue Youth Influx
West Ham United have snapped up promising midfielder Stathis Christopoulos from Atromitos on a free transfer. The Greek club will receive a compensation fee of £600k as part of the deal. The youngster has called the move a 'dream come true' and has said he can't wait to get to work under manager Otto Kafka.



18/07/14 – Friendly
West Ham United 3 – 1 Pachuca CF

21/07/14 – Friendly
Forfar Athletic 0 – 5 West Ham United

02/08/14 – Friendly
West Ham United 0 – 0 Rayo Vallecano SAD

Spence Injured
Jordan Spence has sustained torn ankle ligaments and will visit a specialist. The fullback is expected to miss 5-6 weeks with the injury.

08/08/14 – News
Lescott Knocked
Joleon Lescott will miss 9-11 days with a damaged elbow.

17/08/14 – First Team

[Grover]

17/08/14 – Premier League Match Day #1
Aston Villa 1 – 5 West Ham United
Goals: Villa: ter Stegen (o.g. 77), West Ham: Fleck (31), Altidore (37, 73), Collison (57), Stambouli (90)
Shots/On Target: Villa 17/3, West Ham 17/8
Possession: Villa 51/49
Cautions: Villa: Lejeune (Y 23)
Man of the Match: Carlton Cole

Form: ter Stegen 7.2, Martin 7.3, Stambouli 8.1, Tomkins 7.7, Fabio (off 68) 7.4, Marcq 7.4, Noble (off 45) 6.9, Gibson 7.1, Fleck (off 68) 8.8, Altidore 8.8, Cole 9.1, Popov (on 68) 6.9, De Laet (on 68) 6.6, Collison (on 45) 7.4

Notes:
- We're on television for our season opener. Sunday afternoon kick-off.
- Fleck opens the season account with a curling free kick from 25 yards.
- Jozy Altidore opens his club account, charging into the box after taking a slick ball from Carlton Cole.
- Jack Collison comes on as a second half sub, makes a great run between the defence and puts home the shot from Fleck's superb assist.
- Altidore nabs a second as De Laet throws in to Cole along the touchline. Cole crosses it near post for Jozy who taps it past Guzan.
- Tough own goal for ter Stegen. Agbonlahor launches a shot from 35 yards that hits the post and deflects back in off the keeper's back.
- Popov sends in a free kick from the left, Stambouli heads at the right post, Guzan saves, but the rebound comes back to the defender who only has to pass it into the back of goal.
- Cole assisted on three of our five goals.
- A fantastic road performance to open the season.

Season Ticket Sales
West Ham United have announced the final sales figures for season tickets. The ticket office has confirmed the club has sold 26,085 season tickets for this season which is an increase over last year's 23,912 sold.

19/08/14 – Awards
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Benjamin Stambouli and Carlton Cole were selected to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

20/08/14 – Injury News
Stathis Christopoulos suffered a twisted knee during the match with the Norwich reserves. The midfielder is expected to miss up to two weeks with the injury.

Compatriot Dimitris Anakoglou is set to miss up to a month after fracturing his arm in the same match.

[Grover]

23/08/14 – Premier League Match Day #2
West Ham United 0 – 0 Newcastle United
Shots/On Target: West Ham 18/4, Newcastle 11/3
Possession: West Ham 51/49
Cautions: Newcastle: Jara (R 24)
Man of the Match: Tim Krul

Form: ter Stegen 6.8, Martin 7.4, Marcq (off 43) 6.7, Tomkins 7.1, Fabio 6.8, Stambouli 7.0, Collison 6.6, Gibson 6.2, Fleck 6.9, Altidore 6.6, Cole (off 62) 6.4, De Laet (on 43) 6.8, Acquafresca (on 62) 6.7

Notes:
- Newcastle's Gonzalo Jara was handed a straight red and an early shower when he was called for a professional foul on John Fleck.
- Damien Marcq was injured just before the half. Stambouli was moved to DM, De Laet came on to play DC.
- Newcastle made themselves extremely difficult to break down after going down a man. We couldn't find a way through and continually resorted to taking shots from distance. The 0-0 draw is a just result, if not a frustrating one.

Marcq Injured
Damien Marcq is set to miss 3-4 months after tearing his calf muscle while chasing down a ball against Newcastle.

27/08/14 – Finances
West Ham United have been awarded £6.17m for playing in the Champions League group stages.

The Champions League is going to help our bottom line immensely.

Hammers Add Matic
With Damien Marcq's long term injury, West Ham United have moved to add Benfica defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic to the squad. The Serbian, a former Chelsea youth product, has moved to The Boleyn Ground for £575k after being transfer listed by the Portuguese club. The 26 year old has spoken of his relief at the move, ending his frustration from the lack of first team opportunities at Estadio da Luz and was looking to get his career back on track.

I'm expecting Matic to split time with Dan Gosling until Marcq has recovered.



28/08/14 – Champions League Group Draw
Group A: Manchester City, CSKA Moscow, FC Kobenhavn, Hannover
Group B: Olympique Lyonnais, Benfica, AZ Alkmaar, West Ham United
Group C: Inter Milan, Olympique Marseille, Athletic Bilbao, BATE
Group D: Barcelona, Leverkusen, Juventus, Galatasaray
Group E: Shakhtar Donetsk, Schalke, Sporting Lisbon, Partizan
Group F: Real Madrid, Liverpool, Olympiakos, SK Rapid Wien
Group G: Bayern Munchen, Paris Saint-Germain, Besiktas, Zurich
Group H: Manchester United, AC Milan, Anderlecht, Rosenborg

[Grover]

30/08/14 – Premier League Match Day #3
Sunderland 0 – 3 West Ham United
Goals: West Ham: Stambouli (24), Acquafresca (46), Bramble (o.g. 83)
Shots/On Target: Sunderland 6/3, West Ham 11/6
Possession: Sunderland 53/47
Cautions: Sunderland: Vage Nilsen (Y 23)
Man of the Match: Benjamin Stambouli

Form: ter Stegen 6.9, Martin 7.5, Stambouli 8.5, Tomkins 7.6, Fabio 7.5, Gosling 7.1, Collison 7.0, Noble 7.0, Fleck 7.6, Altidore 7.1, Cole (off 45) 6.2, Acquafresca (on 45) 7.3

Notes:
- John Fleck's free kick is bungled by Craig Gordon and Stambouli is there to pick up the pieces.
- Robert Acquafresca comes on as a sub for Carlton Cole, steals the ball from Titus Bramble in the box and immediately scores. Impact.
- An own goal for Titus Bramble. Miguel Martin came down the right and crossed for Fleck, but the Sunderland defender did the work, heading it home.

Carling Cup Draw
West Ham United will host Manchester City in the third round of the Carling Cup. The match will be played at The Boleyn Ground on 24th September.

[Grover]

01/09/14 – August Review
Board Confidence


Club Finances


West Ham Player Stats


Premier League Leaders


Premier League Table

[Grover]

02/09/14 – Awards
Benjamin Stambouli has been named to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven. This is the second time this season he has been named.

03/09/14 – Injury News
Stathis Christopoulos has returned to full training after missing two weeks with a twisted knee.

08/09/14 – Injury News
Jordan Spence has returned to full training after recovering from torn ankle ligaments.

13/09/14 – Premier League Match Day #4
West Ham United 3 – 1 Liverpool
Goals: West Ham: Acquafresca (7, 20, pen 39), Liverpool: Doumbia (88)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 11/6, Liverpool 9/5
Possession: Liverpool 53/47
Cautions: Liverpool: Enrique (Y 18), Agger (R 38), Isla (Y 90+1)
Man of the Match: Robet Acquafresca

Form: ter Stegen 7.0, Martin 6.8, Stambouli 7.4, Tomkins 7.3, Fabio (off 72) 7.6, Gosling (off 72) 7.6, Collison 7.0, Noble 7.0, Fleck 6.9, Altidore (off 72) 7.9, Acquafresca 9.5, Tafer (on 72) 6.6, Matic (on 72) 6.8, Lescott (on 72) 6.5

Notes:
- We are the Saturday late game and on television.
- Jozy Altidore takes the ball at midfield, charges down the right, holds the ball up and crosses for Acquafresca who heads up. Brilliant build up.
- The two forwards hook-up once again with Altidore playing a neat ball, Acquafresca driving into the box and slotting past Reina.
- Danny Agger is sent off for being the last man and pulling down Acquafresca in the box with a clear scoring chance. Acquafresca seals his hat trick with the penalty conversion.
- Doumbia gets free from Tomkins at the half-way line and it's a race to the keeper. The Liverpool beats him with a blast from 18 yards.

14/09/14 – Injury News
Dimitris Anakoglou has returned to full training after recovering from his fractured arm.

[Grover]

16/09/14 – Champions League Match Day #1
SL Benfica 2 – 0 West Ham United
Goals: SLB: Skog (28), Yacob (37)
Shots/On Target: SLB 13/4, West Ham 8/3
Possession: SLB 51/49
Cautions: SLB: Bastos (Y 13), Machado (Y 44), Skog (Y 78), West Ham: Gosling (Y 6)
Man of the Match: Skog

Form: ter Stegen 6.6, Martin 5.7, Stambouli 6.8, Tomkins (off 61) 5.4, Fabio 6.8, Gosling 6.9, Gisbon 6.8, Popov (off 61) 5.8, Fleck 6.9, Altidore 6.7, Acquafresca 6.1

Notes:
- Rodrigo finds Skog who beats the offside trap into the box and slots past ter Stegen.
- Yacob gets his head onto the end of a corner and we've got it all to do in the second half.
- We never really got into the match even though possession was nearly equal. Outclassed to start life in Europe.

Awards
Robert Acquafresca has been named to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

[Grover]

21/09/14 – Premier League Match Day #5
Everton 1 – 3 West Ham United
Goals: Everton: Rodwell (33) West Ham: Acquafresca (22), Altidore (35, 40)
Shots/On Target: Everton 14/9, West Ham 23/7
Possession: Everton 51/49
Cautions: Everton: Barkley (Y 66)
Man of the Match: Jozy Altidore

Form: ter Stegen 7.1, Spence 7.1, Tomkins 7.1, Stambouli 6.9, Lescott 7.0, Fabio (off 66) 7.7, Collison 6.9, Fleck 8.3, Noble (off 66) 6.9, Altidore 8.8, Acquafresca 8.2, Matic (on 66) 6.4, Popov (on 64) 6.7

Notes:
- Acquafresca moves into the box from the left, gets his angle and beats Tim Howard.
- Jack Rodwell rockets one into goal from 20 yards out, hitting the underside of the crossbar.
- Acquafresca feeds Fabio down the left wing, the fullback centers for Altidore who heads past his countrymen. Instant reply.
- Altidore with a double! Fabio throws in to Acquafresca on the touchline, he crosses for Altidore at the near post to double the lead.

[Grover]

24/09/14 – Carling Cup (third round)
West Ham United 0 – 1 Manchester City
Goals: City: Milner (26)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 12/5, City 12/4
Possession: City 53/47
Man of the Match: James Milner

Form: Bolat 6.8, Martin 6.8, Tomkins 7.1, Stambouli 6.6, Lescott (off 55) 6.6, Matic 6.9, Gibsobn 6.7, Christopoulos 6.8, Popov 6.8, Tafer 6.8, Cole 6.1

Notes:
- City's first real offensive action of the match, Silva crosses to the far post and Milner blasts it into goal.

Lescott Knocked
Joleon Lescott has suffered a pulled hamstring and will miss up to three weeks while recovering.

[Grover]

27/09/14 – Premier League Match Day #6
West Ham United 1 – 1 Manchester City
Goals: West Ham: Collison (34) City: Aguero (15)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 12/3, City 19/8
Possession: West Ham 53/47
Cautions: West Ham: Tomkins (Y 46), Collison (Y 47), City: de Jong (Y 49), Bocchetti (Y 58)
Man of the Match: Jack Collison

Form: ter Stegen 7.7, Spence 7.1, Tomkins 6.8, Stambouli 6.8, Fabio 6.7, Gosling 6.8, Collison 8.0, Noble 7.0, Fleck (off 72) 5.9, Altidore 6.9, Acquafresca 6.7, Popov (on 72) 6.6

Notes:
- The late kick-off on Saturday evening, as such we're televised.
- Sergio Aguero gets a lay-off from Yaya Toure and beats ter Stegen for the match's opening goal.
Some neat passing, including a back-heel from Fleck to get the move started. - Fleck to Altidore to Acquafresca to a streaking Jack Collison who slides the ball under a diving Joe Hart.

30/09/14 – Awards
Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Jack Collison have been named to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

[Grover]

01/10/14 – September Review
Board Confidence


Club Finances


West Ham Player Stats


Premier League Leaders


Premier League Table

[Grover]

01/10/14 – Champions League Match Day #2
West Ham United 2 – 0 AZ Alkmaar
Goals: West Ham: Cole (48), Gibson (84)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 14/6, AZ 14/7
Possession: AZ 55/45
Cautions: West Ham: Tomkins (Y 15), Acquafresca (Y 19), Gibson (Y 33), Collison (Y 45+1), AZ: Arzo (Y 55), Falkenburg (Y 58), Boymans (Y 61), Marcellis (Y 89)
Man of the Match: Darron Gibson

Form: ter Stegen 7.6, Martin 7.0, Tomkins 7.4, Stambouli 7.2, Fabio 7.3, Matic 6.9, Collison 6.8, Gibson 7.8, Fleck 6.9, Altidore 7.5, Acquafresca (off 45), Cole (on 45) 7.4

Notes:
- Carlton Cole comes on as a second half sub and makes an immediate impact. Altidore crosses from the right and Cole is there at the back post to put it past the AZ keeper.
- AZ forward Eric Bekoe has a goal ruled offside.
- Darron Gibson steals the ball from defender Dirk Marcellis and blasts it into the back of goal.
- Massive three points puts us back into the race for qualification to the knock-outs.
- West Ham have been awarded £695k for the victory.

[Alf]

You are in 2014 and have a bank loan until 2039 ? Wow. Long term it is.

[Grover]

04/10/14 – Premier League Match Day #7
Manchester United 4 – 0 West Ham United
Goals: United: Hulk (9), Bale (27), Hazard (39), Fletcher (90+1)
Shots/On Target: United 21/8, West Ham 9/6
Possession: United 54/46
Cautions: United: Vidic (Y 82), West Ham: De Laet (Y 51), Christopoulos (Y 89)
Man of the Match: Eden Hazard

Form: ter Stegen 6.1, Spence 6.1, Tomkins 5.9, Stambouli 6.4, De Laet 5.9, Gosling 6.7, Noble 6.5, Christopoulos 6.7, Fleck 6.8, Altidore 5.8, Acquafresca 6.7

Notes:
- We're on television for the fifth time in seven Premier League games. Seven out of all nine games played in all competitions.
- Eden Hazard plays a sweet diagonal ball for Hulk who casually slips into the box and puts it past ter Stegen.
- We're sinking without a trace in this one as Bale heads home Hazard's corner.
- It's getting embarrassing before the half, Rooney charges into the box, cuts back and centers for Hazard who puts it past the hapless ter Stegen.
- We got what we deserved out of this match: nothing.

[Grover]

18/10/14 – Premier League Match Day #8
Chelsea 0 – 1 West Ham United
Goals: West Ham: Acquafresca (15)
Shots/On Target: Chelsea 8/3, West Ham 7/4
Possession: Chelsea 54/46
Cautions: Chelsea: Lukaku (Y 52), Luiz (Y 54), West Ham: Altidore (Y 40)
Man of the Match: Jordan Spence

Form: ter Stegen 6.9, Spence 8.5, Tomkins 7.0, Stambouli 8.2, Fabio 7.1, Gosling 7.4, Collison 6.8, Gibson 6.9, Fleck 6.1, Altidore 6.9, Acquafresca 7.3

Notes:
- Excellent cross from Spence on the right to Acquafresca on the far post. A diving header beats Peter Cech.
- A stalwart performance from the back four and a well deserved win.

21/10/14 – Awards
Jordan Spence and Benjamin Stambouli were selected to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven for their stellar performances at Chelsea.

[Grover]

22/10/14 – Champions League Match Day #3
West Ham United 1 – 0 Olympique Lyonnais
Goals: West Ham: Stambouli (48)
Shots/On Target: West Ham: 16/7, Lyon 17/5
Possession: Lyon 51/49
Cautions: Lyon: Lopez (R 62)
Man of the Match: Benjamin Stambouli

Form: ter Stegen 8.3, Spence 7.3, Lescott 7.1, Stambouli 8.3, Fabio 7.2, Gosling 6.9, Collison 7.0, Noble 7.2, Fleck 6.9, Altidore 6.8, Acquafresca 6.7

Notes:
- A first half that resulted in numerous chances for the French visitors, but ter Stegen was flawless.
- A Mark Noble corner results in a Benjamin Stambouli headed goal. Noble sure knows how to pick them out.
- Lisandro Lopez is given a straight red for ripping Stambouli down from behind after a battle for the ball near midfield. Obvious red.
- Lyon still came along well after the red, pressing into our half and third, but ter Stegen was excellent all the way through.
- We remain third in the group despite that win, but Benfica and Lyon are also on six points. The return leg in Lyon and with AZ will be vital to our chances of progressing.
- West Ham have been awarded £695k for the victory.

24/10/14 – Contracts
Skipper Jack Collison has penned a new four year contract with the club, stating his love for West Ham as the main reason behind signing the deal.

[Grover]

25/10/14 – Premier League Match Day #9
West Ham United 4 – 0 Queens Park Rangers
Goals: West Ham: Tafer (7, 90), Popov (53), Stambouli (62)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 12/6, QPR 11/5
Possession: West Ham 57/43
Cautions: West Ham: Gibson (Y 49), Acquafresca (Y 57), QPR: Barton (Y 16), McGowan (Y 60)
Man of the Match: Miguel Martin

Form: ter Stegen 7.0, Martin 9.0, Tomkins 7.4, Stambouli 8.6, Lescott 7.8, Matic 7.5, Gibson 7.1, Collison (off 66) 6.9, Popov 8.5, Tafer 8.8, Acquafresca 7.3

Notes:
- Miguel Martin crosses in for Acquafresca who pokes it toward Tafer. The Frenchman rounds the keeper and walks the ball into the net.
- Ivelin Popov, who has been disappointing this season, gets his first goal, toeing home Miguel Martin's cross. Martin has been influential from right-back in the attacking third.
- Stambouli makes it three, heading home his second in as many matches, this one from Popov's corner.
- Tafer's brace was self-created, his initial shot hit the defender and bounced back onto his foot. He took a second effort and found the top corner.

28/10/14 – Contracts
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has sealed a new four year, £9m contract with West Ham. The German keeper has declared himself delighted with the way the club is performing in the league.

This is huge. He only signed for one year as a free and had a £2.9m release clause in his contract. This new deal signs him up long term and removes that fee release clause.

Awards
Miguel Martin, Benjamin Stambouli and Ivelin Popov have been selected to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

[Grover]

October In Review
Board Confidence


Club Finances


West Ham Player Stats


Premier League Leaders


Premier League Table

[Grover]

01/11/14 – Premier League Match Day #10
West Ham United 3 – 1 Arsenal
Goals: West Ham: Tomkins (3), Tafer (73), Stambouli (79) Arsenal: Koscielny (41)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 9/4, Arsenal 16/8
Possession: Arsenal 60/40
Cautions: West Ham: Spence (Y 18), Arsenal: Song (Y 25), Koscielny (Y 77)
Man of the Match: Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Form: ter Stegen 8.5, Spence 7.2, Tomkins 7.6, Stambouli 8.1, Fabio (off 45) 6.3, Matic 7.0, Collison 6.9, Gibson 7.1, Fleck 8.4, Altidore (off 45) 6.1, Acquafresca (off 50) 6.6, De Laet (on 45) 6.9, Cole (on 50) 6.9, Tafer (on 45) 7.4

Notes:
- The supporters are going to want this one badly. Can we acquiesce?
- We've also got the lunch time kick-off. Yet another televised game for the Hammers.
- James Tomkins gets his head onto the head of a John Fleck cross into the box.
- Laurent Koscielny heads home a Griezmann corner to level the score just before the half.
- Fabio comes off for De Laet at the half due to a knock and Altidore comes off for Tafer for a poor performance.
- Acquafresca is injured five minutes into the second half with Carlton Cole coming on to replace him.
- Gibson works a ball to Tafer at the top of the box, Tafer goes to his left and drives left-footed, beating Szczesny at the top corner.
- Stambouli makes it three with his fifth of the season from a John Fleck corner. Stambouli has been lethal at the near post this year.
- The win pulls us within two points of the first placed Gunners. It is also Arsenal's first league defeat of the season.

Acquafresca Injury
Robert Acquafresca is set to face a 4-5 week spell on the sideline after spraining his ankle while falling awkwardly against Arsenal.

[Grover]

04/11/14 – Champions League Match Day #4
Olympique Lyonnais 1 – 2 West Ham United
Goals: Lyon: Niang (13), West Ham: Tafer (22), Popov (78)
Shots/On Target: Lyon: 15/3, West Ham 11/6
Possession: Lyon 59/41
Cautions: Lyon: Inler (Y 87), West Ham: Noble (Y 16), Popov (Y 52)
Man of the Match: Mark Noble

Form: ter Stegen 6.7, Spence 7.0, Tomkins 6.9, Stambouli 6.9, Lescott 6.9, Gosling 6.9, Collison 7.3, Noble 8.3, Popov 8.0, Tafer 7.3, Altidore (off 56) 5.5, Cole (on 56) 6.3

Notes:
- Nervy start in France as Niang goes close just two minutes in. Gueida Fofana hits the bar six minutes in and we are quickly on the back foot.
- Niang gives the hosts the lead with a powerful effort.
- We finally get some space to operate and Popov slides a nice through ball in to Yannis Tafer. His shot hits the right post and bounces over the line.
- Brilliant work from Mark Noble to get a through ball to Ivelin Popov who beats the trap and Hugo Lloris.
- A big, big three points that moves us into sole possession of second in the group and tied with Benfica on 9 points.
- West Ham are given £695k for the victory.

Awards
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Benjamin Stambouli and John Fleck were selected to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

[Grover]

08/11/14 – Premier League Match Day #11
Tottenham Hotspur 1 – 1 West Ham United
Goals: Spurs: Chantome (37), West Ham: Altidore (5)
Shots/On Target: Spurs: 23/9, West Ham 16/6
Possession: Spurs 53/47
Cautions: Spurs: Modric (Y 59), Kuranyi (Y 63), West Ham: Gibson (Y 34), Tomkins (Y 77)
Man of the Match: Jozy Altidore

Form: ter Stegen 8.1, Martin 6.8, Tomkins 8.1, Stambouli 6.3, Fabio 6.7, Gosling 6.7, Noble (off 45) 5.9, Gibson 6.8, Fleck 6.8, Tafer 6.8, Altidore 8.3, Anakoglou (on 45) 6.8

Notes:
- Spurs have a completely new look lineup that includes Kevin Kuranyi, Abel Hernandez, Junior Hoilett, Clement Chantome and Xavi. Yes, the same Xavi that was at Barcelona.
0 Jozy Altidore gets things started with a fantastic curling effort from 20 yards.
- Clement Chantome levels the score when Stambouli can't clear. It's his first goal for Spurs.

11/11/14 – Awards
Marc-Andre ter Stegen and James Tomkins were selected to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

12/11/14 – FIFA Rankings
1. France
2. Croatia
3. Argentina
4. Spain
5. Brazil
6. England
7. Portugal
8. Uruguay
9. Italy
10. Sweden

Some other interesting rankings: Germany 13th, Holland 26th, USA 30th, Gabon 32nd

[Grover]

12/11/14 – Premier League Match Day #12
West Ham United 1 – 0 Leicester City
Goals: West Ham: Cole (74)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 21/6, Leicester 9/3
Possession: Leicester 52/48
Cautions: West Ham: Noble (Y 27), Stambouli (Y 81), Leicester: Kennedy (Y 28), Kadrii (Y 90+2)
Man of the Match: Jordan Spence

Form: ter Stegen 6.9, Spence 7.8, Lescott 6.8, Stambouli 6.8, Fabio 7.3, Matic 6.7, Collison 7.4, Noble 7.4, Fleck (off 71) 5.6, Tafer 6.1, Altidore (off 71) 6.3, Popov (on 71) 6.7, Cole (on 71) 7.3

Notes:
- Hosting our rivals since our season in the Championship. They also bought Sam Baldock from us in the summer and he gets a start up top.
- Jozy Altidore has hit the upright and the crossbar in the first half-hour.
- Carlton Cole breaks the deadlock, getting free and receiving a through ball from Mark Noble.

18/11/14 – News
Awards
Jordan Spence was selected to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

Injury
James Tomkins is set to miss 5-6 days after colliding head to head with Mark Noble during a training session.

19/11/14 – Injury
Nemanja Matic is set to miss between 9-11 days with a thigh strain. The injury was sustained in a reserves match with Norwich.

[Grover]

22/11/14 – Premier League Match Day #13
Huddersfield Town 2 – 4 West Ham United
Goals: Hudds: Hasselbaink (59, 70), West Ham: Fleck (35), Collison (54), Noble (80), Tafer (90+3)
Shots/On Target: Hudds: 10/7, West Ham 14/10
Possession: Hudds: 55/45
Cautions: Hudds: Possebon (Y 78), West Ham: Noble (Y 32)
Man of the Match: Nigel Hasselbaink

Form: ter Stegen 7.2, Spence 7.1, Lescott 7.2, Stambouli 7.1, Fabio (off 75) 6.6, Gosling 6.9, Noble 8.6, Collison (off 75) 8.0, Fleck 8.5, Altidore 7.3, Tafer 7.5, De Laet (on 75) 6.9, Christopoulos (on 75) 6.9

Notes:
- John Fleck with a classic 30 yard rocket into the top corner of goal.
- Skipper Jack Collison nabs the second after a superb pass from Altidore.
- Hasselbaink gets on the end of a Teigl cross to pull within one.
- Hasselbaink again as Jimmy-Floyd's son gets a head onto a corner to level the match.
- Noble gives us back the lead with a lovely lob from 25 yards out, just getting over the head of the keeper.
- Yannis Tafer puts it beyond doubt in stoppage time, heading home Altidore's flick on.

24/11/14 – News
Tottenham have fired manager Martin Jol and Otto Kafka has been linked as the favorite to replace the Dutchman at White Hart Lane. I have moved to deny any interest in the job.

25/11/14 – Awards
Mark Noble and John Fleck have been selected in the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

[Grover]

26/11/14 – Champions League Match Day #5
West Ham United 1 – 0 SL Benfica
Goals: West Ham: Cole (50)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 11/1, SLB 11/3
Possession: West Ham 53/47
Cautions: West Ham: Noble (Y 81), Collison (Y 87), SLB: Machado (Y 63), Michel (Y 62), Felipe Bastos (Y 79)
Man of the Match: Joleon Lescott

Form: ter Stegen 6.7, Spence 7.3, Lescott 7.5, Stambouli 7.1, Fabio 7.2, Gosling 6.9, Collison 6.9, Noble 7.2, Fleck 6.9, Tafer 6.9, Altidore (off 26) 6.7, Cole (on 26) 7.2

Notes:
- Jozy Altidore comes off in the first half because of a knock.
- Yannis Tafer cross to the far post from the right, Carlton Cole slides home the chance.
- West Ham are given £695k for the victory
- West Ham have qualified for the first knockout round of the Champions League.

28/11/14 – Injury
Fabio has suffered strained knee ligaments and is set to miss 5-6 weeks with the injury.

[Grover]

30/11/14 – Premier League Match Day #14
West Ham United 3 – 3 Blackburn Rovers
Goals: West Ham: Fleck (27), Wallace (o.g. 68), Tafer (pen 90+1), Blackburn: Ortigoza (1, 90+3), Rochina (84)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 18/10, Blackburn 15/7
Possession: West Ham 54/46
Cautions: West Ham: Altidore (Y 49)
Man of the Match: Nestor Ortigoza

Form: ter Stegen 6.6, Spence 6.8, Stambouli (off 60) 6.6, Lescott 6.7, Gosling 6.7, Collison 7.0, Gibson 6.9, Fleck 7.2, Altidore (off 60) 6.1, Cole 8.4, De Laet (on 60) 6.1, Tafer (on 60) 6.8

Notes:
- Sunday afternoon kick-off, as such we're on television.
- Brutal way to start, Ortigoza gets his head on the end of a long free kick.
- John Fleck levels the match by blasting home a cross on the volley.
- Cole tries to center the ball, it hits Wallace off the back and bounces past a hapless Paul Robinson. We'll take the lead any way we can get it.
- Confusion in the box and a pass gets to Ruben Rochina who doesn't miss.
- Scott Dann is called for a foul in the box in stoppage time, Tafer converts the penalty.
- Unbelievable. Ortigoza levels the match from Diane's cross.

[Grover]

November In Review
Board Confidence


Club Finances


West Ham Player Stats


Premier League Leaders


Premier League Table

[Grover]

01/12/14 – News
FA Cup Draw
West Ham United will travel to Kenilworth Road on 3rd January to face Luton Town in the third round of the FA Cup.

Luton Town are managed by former Hammers captain and England defender Matthew Upson.

Injury News
Robert Acquafresca has returned to full training after missing four weeks with a sprained ankle.

03/12/14 – Injury
Jack Collison has suffered a strained knee and will miss 5-6 weeks with the injury.

Ritchie De Laet has sustained a strained wrist and will miss up to 10 days.

Miguel Martin has strained his groin and will miss 2-3 weeks.

06/12/14 – Premier League Match Day #15
Stoke City 0 – 3 West Ham United
Goals: West Ham: Fleck (26), Cole (32), Stambouli (56)
Shots/On Target: Stoke 9/3, West Ham 17/6
Possession: West Ham 54/46
Cautions: Stoke: Rodriguez (Y 39), Dabo (R 52), Antal (Y 81)
Man of the Match: Benjamin Stambouli

Form: ter Stegen 6.9, Spence 7.8, Tomkins 8.0, Stambouli 8.7, Lescott 7.4, Gosling 7.2, Gibson 6.9, Noble 7.9, Fleck 7.7, Altidore 7.7, Cole 7.7

Notes:
- Fleck opens the scoring, taking Spence's cross from the and tapping it past the keeper.
- Carlton Cole doubles the lead, taking a long pass, beating the defense and slotting into goal.
- Fleck is taken down from Mouhamadou Dabo and the Stoke player is sent off as he was the last man.
- Stambouli scores his sixth goal of the year, heading home Mark Noble's corner.

[Grover]

09/12/14 – Champions League Match Day #6
AZ Alkmaar 0 – 5 West Ham United
Goals: West Ham: Popov (5, 90+1), Noble (pen 14), Cole (18), Stambouli (26)
Shots/On Target: AZ 3/0, West Ham 18/9
Possession: West Ham 53/47
Cautions: AZ: Arzo (Y 39), Falkenburg (Y 45+1), Tasevski (Y 81), West Ham: Altidore (Y 33), Lescott (Y 53)
Man of the Match: Carlton Cole

Form: ter Stegen 6.9, Lescott (off 77) 7.6, Tomkins 8.1, Stambouli 8.7, Spence 8.4, Marcq 7.6, Gibson 6.9, Noble 8.7, Popov 9.3, Altidore (off 77) 8.2, Cole 9.3

Notes:
- Off to a quick start, Altidore passes forward for Popov who easily beats the keeper from 20 yards.
- Cesar Arzo pulls down Altidore in the box, Noble converts.
- Carlton Cole is on the end of Jordan Spence's cross and it's a 3-0 lead within 20 minutes.
- Benjamin Stambouli gets his head on the end of Mark Noble's corner and it's 4-0 within a half-hour.
- Popov's stoppage time goal was almost identical to his first.
- Damien Marcq looked solid in his return after 3 months away through injury.
- West Ham have been given £695k for the victory, we have also secured the top spot in Group B with a 5-0-1 record. Benfica will also advance from the group.

Injury
Joleon Lescott has suffered a sprained ankle and will miss 4-5 weeks. The injuries are s

Awards
Jordan Spence, Benjamin Stambouli and James Tomkins were selected to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

[Grover]

13/12/14 – Premier League Match Day #16
West Ham United 3 – 0 Norwich City
Goals: West Ham: Stambouli (35), Anakoglou (84), Tafer (90+1)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 15/4, Norwich 5/2
Possession: West Ham 51/49
Man of the Match: Benjamin Stambouli

Form: ter Stegen 7.3, Gosling 7.6, Tomkins 7.5, Stambouli 8.1, Spence 7.8, Marcq 7.3, Gibson 6.9, Noble (off 66) 7.5, Fleck (off 66) 6.8, Altidore (off 66) 6.9, Cole 6.9, Anakoglou (on 66) 8.1, Popov (on 66) 6.9, Tafer (on 66) 8.0

Notes:
- Benjamin Stambouli has yet another goal from a Mark Noble corner. Near post dominance.
- Sublime effort from Anakoglou as he roofs one from 20 yards out.
- Yannis Tafer scores with a brilliant lob from 15 yards, it scoots inside the left post.

19/12/14 – Champions League Knockout Draw
Manchester City v. Real Madrid
Athletic Bilbao v. West Ham United
Liverpool v. CSKA Moscow
SL Benfica v. Bayern Munchen
Leverkusen v. Manchester United
AC Milan v. Barcelona
Besiktas v. Sporting Lisbon
Schalke v. Olympique Marseille

West Ham will face Althetic Club Bilbao in the Champions League first knockout round. The first leg will be played at San Mames on 18th February.

Injury News
Miguel Martin has returned to full training after missing two weeks with a groin strain.

[Grover]

20/12/14 – Premier League Match Day #17
West Ham United 3 – 1 Fulham
Goals: West Ham: Gibson (2, 84), Altidore (47), Fulham: Ben Khalifa (40)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 19/7, Fulham 11/2
Possession: West Ham 56/44
Cautions: Fulham: Capoue (Y 35), Ben Khalifa (Y 82)
Man of the Match: Darron Gibson

Form: ter Stegen 7.1, Gosling 6.9, Tomkins 7.4, Stambouli 6.9, Spence 6.9, Marcq 6.9, Gibson 9.0, Noble 7.6, Fleck 7.9, Altidore 8.2, Cole 6.8

Notes:
- Great goal from Gibson. Altidore passes to him and it takes a wicked deflection before going in. Flying start to the match.
- Nassim Ben Khalifa levels the match, taking Kasami's pass and blasting it past ter Stegen.
- Altidore restores the lead, taking Fleck's through ball, rounding Ustari and hitting the back of goal.
- Darron Gibson gets his second, heading home Mark Noble's corner.

[Grover]

23/12/14 – Premier League Match Day #18
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 – 2 West Ham United
Goals: Wolves: Vokes (10), West Ham: Popov (8, 45)
Shots/On Target: Wolves 6/2, West Ham 13/5
Possession: West Ham 54/46
Cautions: Wolves: Zubar (Y 82), West Ham: Marcq (Y 39), Christopoulos (Y 52)
Man of the Match: Ivelin Popov

Form: ter Stegen 6.8, Spence 7.1, Tomkins 7.3, Stambouli 6.9, De Laet 7.2, Marcq 6.9, Noble 7.0, Christopoulos 7.0, Popov 8.8, Altidore 6.9, Acquafresca 6.8

Notes:
Popov pounces on a loose ball in the box and gives us the lead.
Sam Vokes gets on the end of a Jamie O'Hara free kick to level it.
Popov makes a double just before halftime, volleying in Altidore's cross.

Awards:
Darron Gibson and Jozy Altidore were selected to the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

[Grover]

26/12/14 – Premier League Match Day #19
West Ham United 2 – 0 Birmingham City
Goals: West Ham: Tomkins (8), Tafer (80)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 15/8, Brum 8/4
Possession: Brum 53/47
Cautions: West Ham: Spence (Y 63), Brum: Gunnarsson (Y 46), Avraam (Y 61)
Man of the Match: John Fleck

Form: ter Stegen 7.4, Gosling 7.4, Tomkins 8.4, Stambouli 7.4, Spence 7.2, Marcq 7.0, Gibson 6.9, Fleck 8.4, Popov 7.1, Tafer 7.4, Cole 6.9

Notes:
- Tomkins gets on the end of a John Fleck corner and heads it home.
- Yannis Tafer gets his head onto John Fleck's cross from the left to salt the victory away.

30/12/14 – Awards
John Fleck was selected in the Premier League Team of the Week first eleven.

31/12/14 – Contract News
Joleon Lescott has signed a new two year, £2m contract.

[Grover]

December In Review
Board Confidence


Club Finances


West Ham Player Stats


Premier League Leaders


Premier League Table

[Grover]

03/01/15 – FA Cup (third round)
Luton Town 0 – 3 West Ham United
Goals: West Ham: Cole (5), Niculescu (33), Christopoulos (42)
Shots/On Target: Luton 3/1, West Ham 17/5
Possession: West Ham 62/38
Man of the Match: Ritchie De Laet

Form: ter Stegen 6.9, Martin 7.4, Tomkins 7.2, Stambouli 7.3, De Laet 8.4, Gosling 7.1, Anakoglou 7.1, Niculescu 8.0, Christopoulos 7.5, Tafer 7.0, Cole 7.7

Notes:
- Starting a number of backups across the board as we should have an easy time with this one.
- Quick start with a poor clearance from the Luton keeper. De Laet heads it forward, Cole is past the defence and around the keeper.
- Our promising CM, Alberto Niculescu gets the second, hitting the top right corner with a cheeky shot from just outside the six.
- Stathis Christopoulos gets his first for the club, taking Tafer's pass, turning and firing past the keeper.
- West Ham have been given £68,850 for the victory.

05/01/15 – FA Cup Draw
West Ham United will travel to The Weston Homes Community Stadium on 31st January to face Colchester United in the FA Cup fourth round. The two clubs last met in the Carling Cup in August 2011, a match which West Ham won 4-1.

[Grover]

07/01/15 – Premier League Match Day #20
West Ham United 3 – 1 Aston Villa
Goals: West Ham: Fleck (11), Gibson (34), Cole (87), Villa: Fellah (14)
Shots/On Target: West Ham 15/7, Villa 11/4
Possession: 50/50
Cautions: West Ham: Marcq (Y 82), Villa: Delph (Y 58)
Man of the Match: Darron Gibson

Form: ter Stegen 6.9, Spence 8.1, Tomkins 6.9, Stambouli 7.0, De Laet 7.3, Marcq 7.1, Gibson 8.3, Noble 6.9, Fleck 7.8, Tafer 6.9, Cole 7.5

Notes:
- Outstanding opening goal from John Fleck who is absolutely deadly on free kicks from 30 yards or more. He's hit another.
- Fabian Delph with an excellent through ball for Fellah and he ties it easily.
- Darron Gibson one-times a shot into the bottom left corner of goal.
- Darren Bent rockets one off the bar. (81)
- Carlton Cole seals the victory with his strike, beating the defence and latching on to Tafer's through ball.

08/01/15 – Injury News
Joleon lescott has returned to training after missing four weeks with a sprained ankle.