Wrestler Kurt Angle Poses with Cardiff City Shirt 1 Day After West Ham Visit
Nov 19, 2015
ORANGE, CA - MAY 08: Wrestler Kurt Angle arrives at the Lions Gate Premiere of 'See No Evil' at the Century Stadium Promenade 25 on May 8, 2006 in Orange, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
It looked as though the former WWE wrestler had decided he was a West Ham supporter after images surfaced on Twitter of him proudly holding aloft the claret and blue jersey.
Angle is in the UK for his Golden Truth Tour, and after Wednesday's show at Upton Park, the next stop is Cardiff City Stadium. We see a trend emerging.
Dimitri Payet Injury: Updates on West Ham Midfielder's Ankle and Return
Nov 9, 2015
Everton's Scottish-born Irish midfielder James McCarthy (2nd R) receives a yellow card from referee Paul Tierney for a foul on West Ham United's French midfielder Dimitri Payet (L) the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Everton at The Boleyn Ground in Upton Park, east London on November 7, 2015. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL
RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)
West Ham United's strong start to the 2015-16 Premier League campaign took a big hit on Nov. 9 after Dimitri Payet suffered an ankle injury against Everton.
The playmaker will avoid the need for surgery, but he won't play again this year.
Continue for updates.
Payet Recovery Timeline Revealed
Monday, Nov. 16
West Ham confirmed that Payet will be able to "start his rehabilitation programme immediately" after being cleared of the need for an operation. He is "still expected to be unavailable for selection for three months."
Injury Derails Strong Start for Payet, West Ham
The Frenchman moved to east London during the summer and has enjoyed a fantastic start to his Premier League career, scoring five goals and adding three assists in 12 matches, per WhoScored.com.
With the attacking midfielder running the show, the Hammers have enjoyed a great start to the season, and they currently sit in sixth place in the standings. But they'll now have to find a way to survive without their leading scorer and main creative force in midfield, a tough ask as we head toward the Christmas schedule.
Drunk Chelsea Fan Rows with Andy Carroll in London Restaurant; Wine Thrown
Oct 27, 2015
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Andy Carroll of West Ham United celebrates his team's 2-1 win after the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea at Boleyn Ground on October 24, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
The striker had scored the winner for the Hammers at Upton Park on Saturday, and was enjoying a meal with friends at Japanese restaurant Roka the following evening, per the Sun.
However, the 26-year-old's evening got a little messy for all the wrong reasons, when a man approached the table. An argument ensued, with red wine being thrown before security guards intervened.
A source said, per the newspaper: "A man, who was in a group of Chelsea fans, tried to go up and kiss him, which led to a skirmish. Carroll hadn’t even had food or a drink at that point when the hammered geezer started giving him s--t."
The incident, which took place between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., was confirmed by staff at the eatery, but police were not called.
The Chelsea fan may have been drowning his sorrows following their fifth defeat in just 10 Premier League games.
Twitter Reacts as West Ham Beat Manchester City at the Etihad
Sep 19, 2015
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Victor Moses of West Ham United celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on September 19, 2015 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
West Ham caused a huge shock Saturday by beating runaway league leaders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Hammers had won both of their away games and were looking to add City to the impressive scalps of Arsenal and Liverpool since Slaven Bilic took over in the summer.
However, the odds looked stacked against them as they came up against a Manchester City side with five wins from five and yet to concede a goal in the league.
The hosts were set to name the first-ever starting XI to cost more than £300 million before an injury to David Silva in the warm-up robbed us of a remarkable stat, according to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News. Nonetheless, it was still the most expensive side ever assembled in the Premier League.
Twitter Reacts to West Ham's 'Monday Night Football' Win over Newcastle
Sep 14, 2015
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Dimitri Payet of West Ham United celebrates scoring his second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground on September 14, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
With the return of Premier League football after the international break came the return of Monday Night Football, as Newcastle United travelled to face West Ham United in a clash that matched up old adversaries Slaven Bilic and Steve McClaren.
The latter lost his job as England head coach after defeat to Bilic's Croatia prevented England from qualifying for Euro 2008, but a mutual respect exists between the two.
Slav on Steve: "Treat the guy with respect. Steve did really well in his career, he knows football, very polite. I respect him a lot."
Everyone's favourite television duo Gary Neville and Jamie Redknapp were also back, providing various avenues of entertainment as they dissected the weekend's action.
Fascinating Mon Night Football. Agree Chelsea defensive problems run deeper than just the back 4. But in many ways, Matic was superb on Sat
With the second half under way, it didn't take long for man of the moment Payet to double the Hammers' lead, following a powerful break from new loan signing Victor Moses.
West Ham held on for their first home win of the season, lifting them to fifth, while Newcastle dropped to the bottom with their third defeat from five.
Slaven Bilic has got himself a decent team here. Happy Hammers!
Next up for Newcastle is a home tie with Watford, while West Ham travel to face Manchester City.
[Twitter]
Victor Moses to West Ham United: Latest Loan Transfer Details, Reaction and More
Sep 1, 2015
Chelsea forward Victor Moses (20) in action on Tuesday,July,28, 2015, in Landover, Maryland. Chelsea and FC Barcelona face off at the 2015 International Champions Cup. Damian Strohmeyer/AP Images for International Champions Cup
Sky Sports' Andy Burton confirmed on Monday that Moses signed a new contract at Stamford Bridge before making the temporary move to Upton Park, evidence the Blues retain an interest in his development.
However, Tariq Panja of Bloomberg News sees Moses' extension as another opportunity for Chelsea to make money off players without necessarily fielding said stars themselves:
Moses was among Stoke City's best players during last season's loan spell at the Britannia before suffering a hamstring injury, but Chelsea had shown renewed interest in his progress during pre-season.
His move comes just hours after West Ham confirmed Barcelona midfielder Alex Song had arrived back at the club on another season-long loan, with Goal's Jay Jaffa impressed with the two deals:
The Nigeria international proved to be a leading figure in attack for the Potters and led Stoke in key passes (1.7) and dribbles (3.3) per game, according to WhoScored.com.
Manager Mark Hughes commented at the end of the season that he'd like to have Moses back, which illustrated how valuable he was for the Potters.
"It was good to see Victor back at the ground for the final game of the season," Hughes said, per Martin Spinks of the Stoke Sentinel. "I thought it was important he came, along with Bojan, because they have obviously played their part in our season as well as those on show for the last game. He's back at Chelsea now, but hopefully we can still do something. We'll have to see."
Ultimately, that move wasn't on the cards, especially after Stoke added Xherdan Shaqiri and Ibrahim Afellay to their ranks earlier this summer summer.
Still, Moses unquestionably made good strides in 2014-15 when compared to his underwhelming 2013-14 campaign. During his loan spell with Liverpool, he made just six starts and 13 substitute appearances in the Premier League, scoring just a single goal.
At the Britannia Stadium, Moses looked much more like the promising attacker Chelsea bought for £9 million in 2012. In fact, he played some of the best football of his career, as evidenced by the numbers below, courtesy of WhoScored.com:
Season
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Key Passes
Rating
2009/10
2(12)
1
3
0.8
6.51
2010/11
8(13)
1
3
0.8
6.58
2011/12
36(2)
6
1
1.1
6.91
2012/13
13(11)
1
1
1.0
6.45/6.56*
2013/14
6(13)
1
0
0.5
6.35
2014/15
19
3
3
1.7
7.45
Despite Moses' strong production, it seemed a foregone conclusion that his time at Chelsea would only be brief before it was on to the next club. The Blues already have a glut of attacking options out wide, with recent addition Pedro providing further competition alongside the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian.
At West Ham, Moses can play much more of a starring role. It's easy to forget Moses only turns 25 in December, since he broke through with Crystal Palace at such an early age.
While the ship has almost certainly sailed on Moses becoming a world-class winger, that won't preclude him from regaining some prominence in east London and becoming a key player for West Ham this year.
Alex Song to West Ham: Latest Loan Transfer Details, Reaction and More
Sep 1, 2015
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Alex Song of West Ham United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Hull City at Boleyn Ground on January 18, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
West Ham United have secured the services of Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on a season-long loan for the second campaign in succession.
The club's joint-chairman, David Gold, confirmed on Tuesday that Song has once again made the temporary switch to east London after spending 2014-15 on loan with the Hammers:
It has just been confirmed. Alex Song has signed a season long loan deal to join West Ham. Welcome back Alex. dg pic.twitter.com/oqBihvmrWk
The Cameroon international moved to the Camp Nou from Arsenal in 2012, but he swiftly found a place in the starting XI difficult to come by, rejuvenating his career upon making the temporary move to West Ham.
Spanish newspaper Sport reported in early July the Hammers intended to re-sign the engine-room anchor on a long-term deal—but only if Barca would allow him to leave the La Liga outfit for free:
Song made just 39 league appearances during his two seasons in Catalonia, but he emerged as an integral part of the West Ham squad last season, featuring 28 times in the Premier League, 25 of which were starts, per WhoScored.com.
Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez suggested Slaven Bilic's side may be doing the Blaugrana a favour by taking Song off of their hands:
West Ham targeting Alex Song and Alvaro Arbeloa. The English club could make this window the best in years for Barça and Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old was evidently keen to extend his stay at Upton Park after pictures emerged of Song working out in West Ham's new training shorts earlier this summer, per his Instagram account (via the MailOnline's Sean Gallagher).
According to WhoScored.com, Song average 3.3 tackles per Premier League appearance during the 2014-15 campaign—more than any other West Ham player.
Sam Allardyce Told West Ham Chief Being a Manager Is 'Worst Job in the World'
Aug 28, 2015
West Ham United's manager Sam Allardyce waits at the start of their English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and West Ham United's at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Sunday, May 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Former West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce told Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan that he had the worst job in football while he was in charge of the club.
"I have got the worst job in the world. ... It’s not West Ham, it’s being a football manager. It is the most demanding, tiring, horrible job," Allardyce is reported to have told Sullivan, per James Olley at the Evening Standard.
Andy Carroll Injury: Updates on West Ham United Star's Ankle and Return
Aug 22, 2015
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Andy Carroll of West Ham United looks thoughtful during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Hull City at Boleyn Ground on January 18, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
West Ham United striker Andy Carroll suffered a setback on his quest to return to first-team action, having reportedly rolled his ankle on Aug. 21 while putting his shoes on—per Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror.
Despite the injury, the striker has started to build up his fitness ahead of a return to action.
Continue for updates.
Carroll Resumes Training, Nearing Return
Wednesday, Aug. 26
West Ham revealed the positive news on the club website, saying the striker will continue "to build up his match fitness ahead of a competitive return to action."
The Englishman has been out of competitive football since February after undergoing knee surgery, but he was expected to return to face his former club Liverpool at Anfield next Saturday.
However, the ankle niggle will keep him out into the Premier League’s first international break, which takes place next week.
SWANSEA, WALES - JANUARY 10: Andy Carroll of West Ham United reacts after failing to score during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and West Ham United at Liberty Stadium on January 10, 2015 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Ge
A club spokesman deemed the injury "minor," while Lewis wrote that Carroll has had "every scan possible" to ensure the knock isn’t worse than its current diagnosis.
The 26-year-old is set to be back in the claret-and-blue shirt on September 14, when another former employer of his, Newcastle United, head to Upton Park.
Diafra Sakho Arrested for Alleged Witness Intimidation: Latest Details, Comments
Aug 12, 2015
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 02: Diafra Sakho of West Ham United during the UEFA Europa League Qualifier between West Ham United and FC Lusitans at the Boleyn Ground on July 02, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho was arrested for the second time in two weeks on Sunday over allegations he threatened a witness, having originally been detained on suspicion of common assault on Aug. 6.
Continue for updates.
Sakho Arrested on Suspicion of Witness Intimidation, Denies Allegations
Tuesday, Aug. 25
As relayed by ITV, a Metropolitan Police statement read:
"On Sunday 23 August, officers from Havering arrested a man on suspicion of threats to kill and witness intimidation. A 25-year-old man was arrested an an address in Emerson Park, Hornchurch. He was taken to an east London police station and bailed pending police enquiries to a date in early October."
However, a spokesman for the player told the Sun (h/t ITV) "Sakho has not been charged with any offence." He also "vigorously denies the allegations."
Sakho Accused of Common Assault
Wednesday, Aug. 12
Sami Mokbel of the MailOnline previously reported the Senegal international was arrested just days before the Hammers' Aug. 9 win against Arsenal.
A police statement read: "The 25-year-old was arrested on Thursday, 6 August at an address in Emerson Park, Hornchurch. He was taken to an east London police station and has been bailed to a date in late September.
"Officers from Tower Hamlets have arrested a man on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage and malicious communication."
As noted in Mokbel's article, West Ham declined to comment on the matter.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Diafra Sakho of West Ham United is chased down by Francis Coquelin of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium on August 9, 2015 in London, England. (Photo
Sakho turned out to be one of the very best signings in the Premier League last season. The forward was a revelation for the Hammers after joining from FC Metz, scoring 10 goals in 23 appearances in English football’s top flight, per Mokbel's piece.
The 25-year-old is a key player for manager Slaven Bilic, who will hope Sakho can retain focus while police enquiries advance.
