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Alan 12:24 Sun Dec 24
Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Happy Christmas to all WHOers



BBC

Fulham will demand a fee of up to £60m in January for 28-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha, who has been linked with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Arsenal. (Football Insider)

Arsenal have contacted Ivan Toney's representatives as they consider making a firm offer to Brentford for the 27-year-old England forward. (Rudy Galetti)

France striker Kylian Mbappe does not want to leave Paris St-Germain in January despite the 25-year-old's contract expiring at the end of the season. (L'Equipe - in French)

PSG have a verbal agreement to sign Liverpool target Lucas Beraldo, with the 20-year-old Brazilian centre-back set to leave Sao Paulo for £17m in January. (Fabrizio Romano via Goal)

Manchester City's Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, 29, is not expected to leave in January even if his £50m release clause is met by another club. (Star)

Inter Milan are hopeful of beating Manchester City to the signature of Club Bruges' 24-year-old Canada forward Tajon Buchanan. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, 24, has a release clause of 120m euros (£104m) in his new Napoli contract, but it could increase depending on conditions such as when it is activated. (90 Min)

Strasbourg are considering a January move for Boca Juniors' 19-year-old Argentina youth left-back Valentin Barco, who is also a target for Chelsea. (Evening Standard)

Brighton have also expressed an interest in Barco and have met with his representatives. (TYC Sports - in Spanish)

Arsenal have added Sao Paulo's 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder Pablo Maia to their list of potential January targets. (Football Transfers)

Tottenham are monitoring Radu Dragusin after sending scouts to watch the 21-year-old Romania defender play for Genoa against Juventus last week. (Fabrizio Romano)

Lyon are targeting West Ham's 28-year-old Algeria winger Said Benrahma in January. (Talksport)

Aston Villa have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, with a bid of about £17m likely to be enough to land the England Under-21s international. (Football Insider)

Barcelona are keen to keep Atletico Madrid's Portugal forward Joao Felix, 24, beyond this season but will pursue another loan deal as they cannot afford a permanent transfer. (Goal)

West Ham have entered the race for Bayer Leverkusen's 27-year-old Germany defender Jonathan Tah, who prefers a move to the Premier League over Bayern Munich. (Bild via Fussball Transfers - in German)

Lille are considering a move for Southampton's 21-year-old France Under-21s forward Sekou Mara in January. (L'Equipe - in French)

Barcelona's Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo, 24, wants to stay with the La Liga champions amid interest from Bayern Munich. (Sky Sports Germany)

Tottenham and Monaco want to sign 26-year-old English defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer when his Fulham contract expires at the end of the season. (90min)

Newcastle are ending English midfielder Joe White's loan deal with Crewe so the 21-year-old can join Stockport County for the rest of the season on loan. (Football Insider)

Brazil forward Roberto Firmino's future at Al-Ahli is in doubt. Fellow Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, managed by Steven Gerrard, could be interested in signing the 32-year-old. (Mirror)






Mail

West Ham 2-0 Man United: Erik ten Hag's woes continue as second-half goals from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus condemn struggling Red Devils to their EIGHTH defeat in the Premier League this season

By Sami Mokbel For Mailonline

It is wholly unfair to hone in on Manchester United’s bursting box of deficiencies on a day West Ham executed their game plan to perfection. That said, it is what it is. You can’t avoid the unavoidable.

How long can this go on for? How long can United carry on in this shambolic manner? Abysmal. Again. If you’re going to lose - go down fighting. Go down swinging your arms and clenching your fists. Not like this. Pitiful, weak and wretched.

Whatever the Manchester United way is or what it represents, then this isn’t it. A club rich in tradition, iconic across the world is on its knees. From tales of George Best, Dennis Law, Ryan Giggs and Eric Cantona to this story of utter woe an inadequacy. Three-hundred-and-eighty-one minutes without a goal - over six hours of football.

It’s a painful watch, out of kilter with United’s attacking legacies. West Ham deserved their victory here. They were well-drilled, well-coached and had clear a plan. United were anything but. That is on Ten Hag.

Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus did the damage but that only tells half the story. Because this defeat, United’s 13th of a shambolic season, was largely self-inflicted by a lack of spirit and invention. With Aston Villa up next, United should be fearing the worst.

Ten Hag may point to mitigating circumstances, academy product Willy Kambwala became the 248th graduate of United's youth set-up, the 19 year-old thrust into the heat of battle amid a central defensive selection crisis that left Ten Hag unable to pick Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof due to varying ailments.

But that would be a feeble excuse, indeed the teenager looked more than comfortable on his Premier League bow. That was true for both defences during a first half that won’t live long in the memory. Scrappy, cagey - just down right mundane at times.

There was plenty to admire about the intensity of West Ham’s play during the opening exchanges - but all without an attacking threat. That was more than could be said for United who who were void of both traits for the opening half hour. Their tempo was slow, their patterns easy to read.

It took 33 minutes for United to conjure their first effort on goal, Antony’s tame curling shot from distance easily held by Alphonse Areola. In fairness to Ten Hag’s team, they improved during the closing stages of the first-half.

Alejandro Garnacho squandered their best chance of the game with just Areola to beat before the Hammers goalkeeper nearly gifted Kobbie Mainoo his first senior goal from the youngster’s weak shot just before the break.

The half’s end raised at least a degree of positivity for Ten Hag - but no more than that. The travelling support, as always, were in good voice. Maintaining spirits must be tiresome at the moment. On a brighter note, Kambwala eased himself nicely into senior football while fellow teenager Mainoo continued to defy logic in the heart of United’s midfield.

West Ham produced the first genuine opportunity after the restart, Andre Onana tipping Bowen’s header over the bar after James Ward-Prowse’s pinpoint corner in the 56th minute.

Ten Hag introduced Marcus Rashford off the bench a minute later, the England international replacing Rasmus Hojland, who is yet to score a Premier League goal since arriving from Atalanta for £72million.

There’s a player in Hojlund. But being a centre-forward in this team has become a thankless task. Kurt Zouma denied Garnacho a certain goal with a last-ditch block from Luke Shaw’s menacing low cross to the back-post where his Argentinian colleague was waiting in the 70th minute.

Little did United know then that their world was about to cave in. Inevitably, Lucas Paqueta was at the heart of West Ham’s dynamite finish, his delicately executed scooped ball into Bowen’s path had United’s defence flummoxed.

There was a degree of fortune about Bowen’s finish, his initial effort saved by Onana only for the rebound to cannon back off the West Ham forward and into the back of the net for the England international’s 13th of the season.


Jarrod Bowen scored his 11th Premier League goal of the season after tapping in from close-range

Not that anyone in claret and blue cared about the manner of the goal. Moyes was frenzied in euphoria. Ten Hag, hands in pockets, stood there stunned. It’s an image that has defined United’s season. No answers. Again. The Hammers’ second arrived 12 minutes from time. It was unjust that Mainoo suffered the embarrassment of being the fall guy.

His mistake that led to Kudus’ goal was sloppy, but United’s problems run far deeper than a error from an 18-year-old who’d once more acquitted himself excellently. But as soon as Mainoo let Evans’ pass roll under his foot, United were done for.

Of course, it was Paqueta that played the killer pass. What a player the Brazilian is. If he continues in this vein, West Ham will have to enjoy him while they can.


Mohammed Kudus kept his positive run of form going with a strong finish in the second half

Kudus’ finish was unerringly convincing, leaving Evans for dead before firing back across Onana. The cameras panned to Mainoo, who cut a disconsolate figure. But this latest aberration isn’t on him. He is United’s future.

United aren’t lurching from crisis to crisis because of a kid. That’s on the senior players. That’s on Ten Hag.

MATCH FACTS AND PLAYER RATINGS

West Ham (4-3-3): Areola 5.5, Coufal 7, Zouma 7, Mavropanos 6.5, Emerson 6.5; Soucek 7, Ward-Prowse 7, Alvarez 6.5; Paqueta 8, Bowen 7 (Fornals 88), Kudus 7 (Johnson 90). Subs: Fabianski, Cresswell, Ings, Ogbonna, Benrahma, Keher, Mubama. Booked: Kudus, Paqueta

Moyes: 8

Man Utd (4-3-3): Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Kambawala (Reguilon 84), Evans, Shaw; Main, Fernandes, McTominay; Antony (Pellistri 73), Hojland (Rashford 57), Garnacho. Subs: Bayindir, Amrabat, Eriksen, Reguilon, Pellistri, Van de Beek, Mejbri, Bennett. Booked: Evans, Fernandes, Shaw.

Ten Hag: 4

Ref: Simon Cooper - 6




The Athletic

West Ham boast an attacking trio to savour in Bowen, Kudus and Paqueta



By Roshane Thomas

David Moyes, striding onto the turf while West Ham United celebrated their latest success, saved his warmest embrace for Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen. The scene was indicative of a proud father who had just seen his kids dismantle the opposition on sports day.

In truth, West Ham’s 2-0 win against Manchester United was a tight affair won late but, when Moyes needed his attacking trio to make the difference, they did so with relative ease. Bowen scored his 11th league goal of the season, Paqueta has registered five assists in his last two league games and the recruitment team is reaping the rewards for identifying Kudus as a talent who could augment Moyes’ attacking options.

West Ham’s front three have become the envy of much of the league. A front three that would command in excess of £100million ($127m) each if they were sold. A front three that are still to reach their full potential. A front three that does not give opposition defenders a moment’s rest. A front three that has you salivating for more. A front three that continues to improve under Moyes’ tutelage.

A front three that wrapped, sealed and delivered West Ham three points against United.

Bowen, the £20million signing from Hull City in January 2020, has scored more goals this season than United’s entire starting XI at the London Stadium combined. It is no surprise the forward is eternally grateful to West Ham for giving him a platform to shine when other clubs in the Premier League were reluctant to do so.

Paqueta, the talented Brazilian who nearly quit the game earlier in his career, has been polished into a diamond at West Ham. Kudus, the Ghana international, has been irrepressible over his first few months in the Premier League. His absence will be keenly felt during the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

“We changed our team a lot, brought some excellent new players,” says the side’s full-back, Vladimir Coufal. “Now you can see what these three are capable of. It is amazing to watch them. For the fans, it is a pleasure to watch them. Especially Paqueta. What he is doing sometimes… wow. It is unbelievable.

“Bowen has scored 11 league goals this season and the winner in the Conference League (final last term). He’s doing very well. In every team, you need an attacking player who is able to score and assist regularly. We have Jarrod and Lucas, and Mohammed is settling in well and is in very good form. They are giving our fans perfect entertainment.”

Despite being sixth and advancing to the last 16 of the Europa League, it has been a testing month for Moyes. From questions over his team selection before the Carabao Cup quarter-final loss to Liverpool, the bruising 5-0 defeat away to Fulham, or the use of his subs in the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, he has endured scrutiny.

But his team have always responded to setbacks.

They beat Freiburg 2-0 after the loss against Fulham, and Saturday’s lunchtime win was another example of Moyes’ side responding well to disappointment. In both games, it was the contributions of Kudus, Bowen and Paqueta, the playmaker-in-chief, which ensured this group successfully restored pride.

Moyes has the added luxury of being able to switch Bowen, Kudus and Paqueta’s positions in-game. Bowen can play as a lone striker, as can Kudus, while Paqueta will occasionally operate as a false nine. It confuses the opposition’s defence, leaving them dizzied and unsure of their marking scheme. When Moyes made a tactical switch in the second half of this game which, up to then, had been drab, West Ham’s performance markedly improved.

From the opening minute to the 71st minute, Bowen led the line with James Ward-Prowse nearest to him, as shown in their average team positioning below.



But from the 72nd minute to the 78th — the period in which the hosts scored the game’s two goals — Kudus swapped positions with Bowen, with Paqueta playing slightly further forward. This tweak sparked West Ham’s best attacking play.



“We kept ourselves in the game, became more aggressive after the second half and, thankfully, got the moments when it mattered,” said Moyes.

“I want the boys to be flexible. They’re beginning to understand we can interchange them and that was our best period in the game. Jarrod wants to score now, the assist from Paqueta was incredible and, all round, it was really good play.”

Moyes will say West Ham are not capable of challenging the likes of Manchester City or Arsenal just yet, but in Bowen, Kudus and Paqueta, they have three players who can bridge the gap to the elite.

The reigning Premier League champions had a £70million offer for Paqueta rejected in the summer transfer window, while Liverpool were credited with an interest in Bowen before he signed a seven-year deal in October. As for Kudus, a disorderly queue is already starting to form.

This attacking trio are in the best form of their careers. No wonder why Moyes saved his warmest embrace for them.

Barty 11:51 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

This thread should be a contender for the most optimistic Christmas news thread in the history of West ham online.net. :)

Merry Christmas everyone

Texas Iron 5:54 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Cheers…

Mr Logic 5:43 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan, Merry Christmas

stats 5:36 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan.
Happy Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

BN2 5:08 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Thanks, Alan.
For all your sterling work.
Merry Christmas.

Jaan Kenbrovin 4:17 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Thanks and merry Christmas, Alan.

Tomshardware 3:43 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan. Happy Christmas.

charleyfarley 3:40 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Thanks Al you are a star!!!!!

mallard 3:35 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Many thanks Alan for all your contributions over the year

Merry Xmas all! 🎄

Mex Martillo 2:36 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

happygilmore 1:30 Sun Dec 24

matchless 2:03 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Thank you Alan and very best wishes to you for the festive season.
Still the very best read on this site.

happygilmore 1:30 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan 1:13 Sun Dec 24

With Kind Regards 1:29 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan 1:13 Sun Dec 24

And a very Happy Christmas to all.

Thanks Alan 1:13 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan

Happy Christmas

Mike Oxsaw 12:58 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

A Christmas bundle of thanks & appreciation for these posts over the years, Alan.

Merry Xmas to you & yours and may Santa deliver on at least one of your wishes.

Far Cough 12:45 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Merry Christmas Al

Mr. Burns 12:32 Sun Dec 24
Re: Christmas Eve newspapers (Includes West Ham)

Thanks and Merry Christmas Al