The form of West Ham has not been unnoticed, with Enner Valencia and Jordon Ibe picking up the Player Of The Month and Young POTM awards respectively. Valencia has been particularly impressive, scoring 9 goals in 3 games and was an easy choice for the award.

After scoring 23 goals in 34 games last season, the Ecuadorian striker has continued his form into the 2015/16 season, scoring 3 goals against Reading, 4 against Burnley and 2 against Stoke to have scored all 9 of his club's goals in the opening month. Opposition defenders look unable to handle the small, pacey frontman and he has been rewarded with the POTM award.


Meanwhile West Ham's decision to extend the loan of Jordon Ibe is paying dividends at the moment with the Liverpool winger improving on last season's form to be judged the best young player in the competition for August. His link up play with Branislav Ivanovic has been particularly impressive and both Liverpool and West Ham will hope he can continue his form into the rest of the season.

Nice to see Ibe developing nicely!

After such a positive start to the season, it was crucial for West Ham to kick on and continue to hold a position in that top 6. The Liverpool and City games would be extremely tough, but with some determination, anything is possible for the Hammers.


Barclays Premier League
LEICESTER 0-0
Adrian, Ivanovic (Lowton), Sviatchenko, Tomkins, Oviedo, Leiva, Flamini (inj Coquelin), Noble, Ibe, Downing, Valencia (Guidetti)
None
Mark Noble (West Ham)

Leicester and West Ham played out a boring match in the Hammers' first draw of the season, with Enner Valencia failing to find the net for the first time. Mark Noble had a great game in midfield but his forwards couldn't finish off chances and both teams walk away with a point.

Barclays Premier League
LIVERPOOL 1-0
Adrian, Ivanovic, Sviatchenko, Zambrano, Oviedo, Coquelin (Kouyate), Flamini (Mason), Noble, Amalfitano (Lingard), Downing, Valencia
Enner Valencia
Adrian (West Ham)

West Ham got another priceless win over Liverpool, this time defeating them 1-0 at Anfield thanks to a remarkable defensive display from the Hammers. After hitting the Reds on the counter in the 11th minute, scoring through Enner Valencia, they sat back and absorbed the pressure with Ivanovic and Adrian having especially good games. A huge confidence booster and a good showing as to where West Ham could be heading this season.

Capital One Cup 3rd Round
BRIGHTON 1-2
Adrian, Lowton, Kouyate, Collins, Hendrie, Coquelin, Flamini (Mason), Nolan (inj Noble), Ibe, Lingard (Downing), Guidetti
Ryan Mason
Chris Maguire (Brighton)

Complacency reared it's ugly head in West Ham's match against Brighton as they once more make an early exit from the Capital One Cup after Chris Maguire scored in the 2nd and 86th minutes to down the Hammers. Ryan Mason's equaliser just after half time was nullified by a stunning shot by Maguire as West Ham learnt to take their chances the hard way.

Barclays Premier League
MANCHESTER CITY 1-3
Adrian, Ivanovic, Zambrano, Sviatchenko (Kouyate), Oviedo, Coquelin, Flamini (Mason), Noble (Nolan), Amalfitano, Downing, Valencia
Mark Noble
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

West Ham's first loss had to come sooner or later and it comes at the hands of Manchester City, with a Sergio Aguero brace firing them to victory. Despite captain Mark Noble scoring a penalty to equalise in the 20th minute, West Ham couldn't stop the Man City enslaught and they get a deserved 3-1 win.


West Ham will be delighted with their current league position of 3rd, losing just once in six games and sitting above Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea. The win over Liverpool may just mean that this isn't a fluke and we could see the Hammers in this area of the table for quite some time to come.


Lucas Leiva went down with injury this month and in his place stepped Francis Coquelin who was a standout performer in the Liverpool and City games. Coquelin has plenty to prove as he is not always on Allardyce's radar but his performances this month hold him in good stead at The Boleyn Ground.


Andy Carroll suffered knee tendonitis in training on the 21st of May and is expected to be out for a further 2 to 3 days.
Lucas Leiva twisted his ankle in training on the 14th of September and is expected to be out for a further 2 to 7 days.
Matt Jarvis suffered a serious viral infection on the 20th of March and is expected to be out for a further 24 days.
James Tomkins strained knee ligaments in training on the 16th of September and is expected to be out for a further 4 to 5 weeks.

A good month overall.. Sell Carroll already!

Been a great start to the season and I agree with Jer, get rid of Carroll, stealing a living

Could West Ham fans dare to dream? October was an incredible month as the Hammers bounced back from 2 losses in September to remain undefeated over 4 games, including matches against Arsenal and Chelsea. Here are the details of their brilliant month.


Barclays Premier League
ARSENAL 1-0
Adrian, Ivanovic, Zambrano, Sviatchenko, Oviedo, Coquelin (inj Kouyate), Flamini (Mason), Noble, Amalfitano, Downing (Ibe), Valencia
Morgan Amalfitano
Marco Verratti (Arsenal)

In what was perhaps revenge for their FA Cup match last season, West Ham held out against the Gunners to record a great 1-0 win at The Boleyn Ground. A stout defensive performance meant Arsenal were unable to manufacture enough chances to nullify Amalfitano's 28th minute tap-in.

Barclays Premier League
NEWCASTLE 2-1
Adrian, Lowton, Zambrano (Kouyate), Sviatchenko, Oviedo, Coquelin, Mason (Leiva), Noble, Amalfitano (Ibe), Downing, Valencia
Mark Noble, Enner Valencia
Stewart Downing (West Ham)

A resilient performance saw West Ham get another counter attacking win on the road, this time defeating Newcastle 2-1 after Ayoze Perez put the Tynesiders up within 7 minutes. Captain Mark Noble netted a penalty to equalise and it was the prolific Valencia who scored the winner, giving 3 points to the Hammers.

Barclays Premier League
WEST BROM 2-0
Adrian, Lowton, Zambrano, Sviatchenko, Hendrie, Leiva (sub Kouyate), Coquelin (red 65), Noble (inj Mason), Amalfitano (Ibe), Downing, Valencia
Enner Valencia (x2)
Enner Valencia (West Ham)

After some tough fixtures, West Ham were given a rest by playing West Brom at home but Enner Valencia put any thoughts of complacency aside with a 2nd minute goal. Not much happened for the next hour until the Hammers' lead was put in doubt by Francis Coquelin's second yellow. To their credit they pushed forward again to put the game beyond doubt as Enner Valencia netted his second just 5 minutes after the red card.

Barclays Premier League
CHELSEA 2-2
Adrian, Zambrano, Kouyate, Sviatchenko, Hendrie (Lowton), Leiva, Noble, Nolan (Amalfitano), Ibe, Downing, Valencia
Mark Noble, Enner Valencia
Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

One of the league's most entertaining matches so far saw Chelsea rescue a draw at Stamford Bridge after West Ham defied all the odds to lead 2-0 at half time. Mark Noble's 28th minute penalty was quickly backed up by Enner Valencia 4 minutes later and it took a Loic Remy stunner and an 89th minute equaliser from Eden Hazard for the Blues to scramble a draw.


It may be only 10 games in, but West Ham are in a brilliant position at the current stage of the campaign. After defeating Liverpool and Arsenal and drawing with Chelsea, they sit in 2nd position, trailing Everton. They have the pressure of City, Chelsea and Arsenal behind them however so continued form in the next few months is a must.


The captain stood up for his team in October as his midfield fell with injury around him. Penalties against Newcastle and Chelsea were crucial and he is fast becoming a club legend.


Ryan Mason twisted his knee against West Brom on the 24th of October and is expected to be out for a further 7 to 11 days.
Marcus Bettinelli sufferd a hernia in training on the 14th of October and is expected to be out for a further 11 days to 2 weeks.
Francis Coquelin twisted his knee in training on the 28th of October and is expected to be out for a further 12 days to 2 weeks.
Mathieu Flamini tore his groin in training on the 8th of October and is expected to be out for a further 3 to 4 weeks.

Fantastic month, flying high!

Andy Carroll's West Ham days are reportedly numbered after suggestions that the 26 year old would be moved on in the January window. After returning from injury, an inside source at the club says he has been told he is surplus to requirements and that the club will be looking to cash him in.

The 26 year old has been struggling with the same injury plague that ended his Liverpool career, and the form of Enner Valencia has not helped his cause either. He's gotten onto the pitch just 47 times in West Ham career and Sam Allardyce seems ready to cut his losses and move him on. West Brom are reportedly interested but West Ham's transfer valuation could price them out of a move; it is expected Carroll will cost at least £8 million.


Another player rumoured to be leaving The Boleyn Ground this month is centre back Erik Sviatchenko, who's quiet but solid run of form has attracted the interest of Everton and Tottenham. The Danish centre back joined West Ham for £1.5 million last January and with a well stocked centre back group, his club may be willing to sell him if they can get a considerable profit.

I would prefer to see Sviatchenko staying rather than big old Andy

Adrer some tough fixtures in October which they emerged from unscathed, West Ham had a break in November, playing 3 games against less challenging opposition due to an international break. West Ham would be confident of obtaining the full 9 points as they push Everton for that top spot.


Barclays Premier League
CARDIFF 3-1
Adrian, Ivanovic, Zambrano, Sviatchenko, Oviedo, Leiva, Noble (inj Nolan), Downing, Ibe (Amalfitano), Jarvis (Lingard), Valencia
Enner Valencia (x2), Erik Sviatchenko
Enner Valencia (West Ham)

Cardiff were no match for West Ham as they slowly but surely converted their dominance into the 3 points. In the 66th minute it was 1-1 but Enner Valencia and Erik Sviatchenko goals sealed a convincing win for the Hammers as their dream run continues.

Barclays Premier League
SOUTHAMPTON 1-1
Adrian, Ivanovic, Kouyate, Sviatchenko, Oviedo, Leiva, Mason (Coquelin), Downing, Ibe (Amalfitano), Jarvis (Nolan), Valencia
Morgan Amalfitano
Fraser Forster (Southampton)

Unlike the Cardiff game, the Hammers weren't able to turn chances into goals as they squandered 3 excellent ones. Ben Stambouli made them rue them with a 76th minute goal but it was sub Amalfitano to the rescue, scoring an 86th minute equaliser to save his team and get a point.

Barclays Premier League
SWANSEA 1-1
Adrian, Ivanovic, Zambrano, Sviatchenko, Hendrie, Leiva, Flamini (Mason), Coquelin (Nolan), Ibe, Downing (Amalfitano), Valencia
Morgan Amalfitano
Moussa Sow (Swansea)

For the second week running, Morgan Amalfitano came on as a substitute and rescued the draw after another goal against the run of play for the opposition. Moussa Sow's stunner just after half time was eventually answered by the French winger in the 77th minute


A third of the way through the season and West Ham have a solid position in the top 4. Is this still a fluke? Or could we be seeing the Hammers stay in this area of the table for the entire season?


Amalfitano gets POTM after he saved West Ham from 2 defeats in November, coming on as a sub and scoring late goals in the Southampton and Swansea games. His performances as a sub should see him come back into the first team and he's a great example of taking your chances when you come.


Bryan Oviedo twisted his knee in training on the 24th of November and is expected to be out for a further 8 to 11 days.
James Collins suffered a slipped disc in training on the 3rd of November and is expected to be out for a further 7 weeks to 2 months.

Not the best month considering how well your October was. Fingers crossed for a big lift to end the year on a high!

Ho ho ho folks! It's that festive time of year again and with December comes an increase in matches, with West Ham playing 7 games across the month including tough matches against United, Tottenham and Everton. Let's see how they went.


Barclays Premier League
MIDDLESBROUGH 1-0
Adrian, Ivanovic, Zambrano, Sviatchenko, Hendrie, Leiva (Kouyate), Mason (inj Flamini), Nolan (Coquelin), Amalfitano, Downing, Valencia
Erik Sviatchenko
Erik Sviatchenko (West Ham)

The overachieving Middlesbrough travelled to London to play West Ham and it took a while for the Hammers' defence to break through against the Boro defence. It was centre back Erik Sviatchenko who got the eventual breakthrough in a match which ended 1-0.

Barclays Premier League
MANCHESTER UNITED 0-0
Adrian, Ivanovic, Zambrano, Sviatchenko, Hendrie, Leiva, Flamini (Coquelin), Noble (Nolan), Ibe, Downing (inj Amalfitano), Valencia
None
Daley Blind (Manchester United)

West Ham played a terrific match at Old Trafford, matching United for most of the night and in the end thoroughly deserving the point. Both teams had 1 clear cut chance whilst West Ham outnumbered United in shots on target - a thrilling match all the way through despite the scoreline.

Barclays Premier League
TOTTENHAM 0-1
Adrian, Ivanovic, Zambrano, Sviatchenko, Oviedo, Leiva, Coquelin, Noble (Mason, inj Flamini), Ibe, Jarvis (Amalfitano), Valencia
None
Lucas Leiva (West Ham)

West Ham's lengthy unbeaten run of 9 matches was ended in unforunate circumstances at White Hart Lane, with goalkeeper Adrian inadvertently putting it into his own net in the 76th minute despite a great display from him and the rest of the Hammers' defence for 95% of the match. Nonetheless, West Ham travel back to The Boleyn Ground without a point and their unbeaten run cut short.

Barclays Premier League
EVERTON 0-1
Adrian, Lowton, Zambrano (Kouyate), Sviatchenko, Oviedo, Leiva, Flamini (Mason), Noble, Ibe, Lingard (Jarvis), Valencia
None
David Villa (Everton)

1st placed Everton got the win over West Ham as they fell to consecutive league defeats for the first time since May. A great shot from David Villa sunk the Hammers despite having most of the chances.

Barclays Premier League
SUNDERLAND 1-1
Adrian, Lowton, Zambrano, Sviatchenko, Oviedo, Coquelin, Mason (Flamini), Noble (Leiva), Ibe, Jarvis (Lingard), Valencia
Jordon Ibe
Jordon Ibe (West Ham)

After a trio of tough fixtures, West Ham would have been comfortable of a win at home over 19th placed Sunderland but their finishing let them down in a 1-1 draw. Sunderland will be delighted with their performance as they get a point, in a position where every point is needed.

Barclays Premier League
ASTON VILLA 1-0
Adrian, Zambrano, Kouyate, Sviatchenko, Oviedo, Leiva, Flamini (Mason), Noble, Amalfitano, Lingard, Valencia (inj Guidetti, inj Ibe)
Jesse Lingard
Erik Sviatchenko (West Ham)

After 4 games without a win, the Hammers finally got back to their winning ways with a typical 1-0 away win over Aston Villa. Jesse Lingard scored his first ever EPL goal to get his side the win, a much needed one.

Barclays Premier League
BURNLEY 3-0
Adrian, Ivanovic, Zambrano, Sviatchenko, Oviedo, Leiva (Kouyate), Coquelin (Mason), Noble (Flamini), Ibe, Jarvis, Valencia
Mark Noble, Enner Valencia (x2)
Enner Valencia (West Ham)

Burnley were no match for West Ham in their last game of 2015 as Enner Valencia made a return to form with 2 goals and an assist. Mark Noble scored a penalty in the first half before the Ecuadorian striker put the game to bed with a quickfire double in the 64th and 66th minute. Goalless in the 6 matches before this, Valencia will be happy to be hitting the back of the net once more.


Halfway through the season, West Ham sit in 3rd - a marvelous position - but realistically will fall once teams catch up to them in terms of games played. Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all have the capacity to pass them but West Ham will hope at least 1 of them will stuff up and they can be in 5th.


The in-demand centre back surely raised his value this month with some strong showings in defence. Alongside Carlos Zambrano he is creating a solid and underrated centre back pairing and will look forward to the rest of the season.


James Collins suffered a slipped disc in training on the 3rd of November and is expected to be out for a further 8 days to 3 weeks.

Valencia is rocking it! Champions League dream is on?

Damn, Valencia is on fire!

Thomas Carroll has joined his ex-teammate Ryan Mason, joining West Ham on a 4 year deal. The 23 year old English midfielder made just 9 EPL appearances for Tottenham in his lengthy time at the club and West Ham were more than willing to pay a paltry £925,000 for his services.

Sam Allardyce spoke about his new signing at a press conference yesterday. "I think £925,000 is a pittance for a player of Thomas' calibre. He is a born and bred - an English born and bred - midfield playmaker and should be a marvelous addition for our squad."

Carroll will no doubt have to earn his spot in an already packed West Ham midfield, with Ryan Mason, Mark Noble, Francis Coquelin, Lucas Leiva, Mathieu Flamini and Kevin Nolan all vying for a spot in Allardyce's 3 man midfield. With Diego Poyet returning on loan as well, Carroll will have his work cut out to keep his spot in the Hammers' midfield.


Meanwhile Jesse Lingard's bid for more gametime has seen him loaned out for Sunderland until the end of the season, after Matt Jarvis returned from viral infection earlier this month. The 23 year old will now look to improve on his 5 appearances in the Prem for West Ham at a club which is battling with relegation and will dearly need the help.

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