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Alan 11:28 Sun Aug 30
Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Paper Talk

Real Madrid are set to complete their £29m deal for Manchester United's David de Gea on Sunday.
But United have failed to get Gareth Bale to Old Trafford as part of the deal.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are still hopeful of completing a deal for Ajax keeper Jasper Cillessen to replace De Gea
Chelsea want Ezequiel Garay as their new centre-back after giving up on John Stones and missing out on Aymen Abdennour.

Barcelona forward Neymar has ruled out a move to Manchester United.
Manchester City's attempts to sign Kevin De Bruyne have taken a step closer after the midfielder completed his medical on Saturday.
West Ham want to sign Hull's Nikica Jelavic to boost their strike options.
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is closing in on a move to German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Manchester United are unlikely to sign Bayern Munich defender Dante, 31, due to concerns over his fitness.
Chelsea's chances of bringing Aymen Abdennour to Stamford Bridge have ended after La Liga side Valencia announced they had agreed to sign the Monaco defender.
Inter Milan are ready to secure a £6m deal to take 24-year-old striker Fabio Borini from Liverpool.
Newcastle remain interested in signing Wolves striker Benik Afobe.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is ready to snub Chelsea and wait for a mega-move at the end of the season.
Manuel Pellegrini was humiliated again after admitting he did not know Kevin De Bruyne was having his Manchester City medical.
Barcelona's Cameroon midfielder Alex Song, 27, is a target for Tottenham.
Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has snubbed a move to Sunderland in order to force a switch to Italian side Inter Milan.

Leicester are close to securing a deal for 31-year-old Bayern Munich and Brazil defender Dante.

West Brom forward Saido Berahino could still join Tottenham, who are contemplating another bid before the deadline.
Spurs are also interested in Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel.
Arsenal are ready to go for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain after missing out on Real Madrid's Karim Benzema.
Manchester United have set their sights on signing Schalke's Julian Draxler.
Meanwhile, United boss Louis van Gaal has told 27-year-old Mexico striker Javier Hernandez he can leave Old Trafford.

Manchester United are refusing to lower their £30m valuation of Real Madrid target David De Gea.
The keeper fears Louis van Gaal will destroy his Euro 2016 dream if he stays at Old Trafford.
Leicester are eyeing a swoop for Bayern Munich and Brazil star Dante.
Paris Saint-Germain have offered Dutch international Gregory Van der Wiel to Everton in a £20m part-exchange deal for Seamus Coleman.
Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk is set to join Southampton in an £11.5m deal.
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge set for Liverpool return at the start of November following hip surgery.
Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is employing a former Bayern Munich medic in an effort to get fit enough for the Premier League.

Manchester United have knocked back Tottenham's approach for striker Javier Hernandez.
Chelsea have made an enquiry into the availability of Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos.
Bayern Munich have joined Paris St-Germain in trying to sign Everton's Republic of Ireland full-back Seamus Coleman.
Arsenal are keen on Leicester City's 24-year-old Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez.

Liverpool have told Portugal Under-21 defender Tiago Ilori, 22, that he will not be sent out on loan for a third consecutive season.







BBC

Bayern Munich have joined Paris St-Germain in trying to sign Everton defender Seamus Coleman, 26. (Daily Star Sunday)

Manchester United are refusing to lower their £30m valuation of Real Madrid target David De Gea. (Sunday Mirror)

But Real Madrid are putting the details in place to present the 24-year-old Spain goalkeeper as a new signing on Tuesday. (AS)

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is employing a former Bayern Munich medic in an effort to get fit enough for the Premier League. (Sunday Mirror)

West Brom striker Saido Berahino, 22, has not given up hope of completing a move to Spurs before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday. (Sunday Telegraph)

Barcelona's Cameroon midfielder Alex Song, 27, is a target for Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is keen to strengthen his squad with the former Arsenal and West Ham player. (Sun on Sunday - subscription required)

Arsenal are monitoring Leicester City's 24-year-old Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez. (Daily Star Sunday)

Meanwhile, Leicester are close to securing a deal for 31-year-old Bayern Munich and Brazil defender Dante. (Sunday People)

However, Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri has played down the possibility of signing Inter Milan's 28-year-old Japan left-back Yuto Nagatomo. (Leicester Mercury)

West Ham are considering a move for Hull City's Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic, 30. (Mail on Sunday)

Inter Milan are ready to secure a £6m deal to take 24-year-old striker Fabio Borini from Liverpool. (Mail on Sunday)

Liverpool have told Portugal Under-21 defender Tiago Ilori, 22, that he will not be sent out on loan for a third consecutive season. (Times - subscription required)

Pundit Mark Lawrenson says Liverpool need to learn to "tough it out" after their defeat by West Ham on Saturday. (Liverpool Echo)

Arsenal will make an attempt to sign Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani, 28, from Paris St-Germain before the transfer deadline. (Fichajes - Spanish)

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says his club will have a "dangerous" player if they complete the signing of Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, 24, from Wolfsburg. (Sky Sports)

But De Bruyne's switch to the Etihad was reportedly almost scuppered by a German car company, who wanted to see the player move to Bayern Munich. (Sunday People)

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has told 27-year-old Mexico striker Javier Hernandez he can leave Old Trafford. (Sunday Telegraph)

Dynamo Kiev striker Dieumerci Mbokani, 29, is set to join Norwich City on a season-long loan. (Oluwashina Okeleji on Twitter)

Tunisia centre-back Aymen Abdennour, 26, has signed for Valencia from Monaco, despite a late approach from Chelsea. (AS)

Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren says referees might be "too busy watching Match of the Day instead of assessing their own game" after his side's 1-0 loss to Arsenal. (Newcastle Chronicle)

Best of social media

Northern Echo reporter Richard Mason made an impact on Twitter by posting a picture of a man using a computer game controller in the press area at St James' Park during Newcastle United's defeat by Arsenal. (Twitter)

And finally...

Real Madrid's Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has spent £20,000 on a waxwork of himself for his mansion in the Spanish capital. (Sun on Sunday - subscription required)

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has injured his hamstring - by kicking a bunch of water bottles. (Birmingham Mail)

A West Ham fan has had the scoreline and scorers of his side's 3-0 win at Liverpool tattooed on to his arm to fulfil a bet. (Metro)







Mail

Liverpool 0-3 West Ham: Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Diafra Sakho give Hammers first Anfield win in 52 years as Philippe Coutinho is sent off on miserable afternoon for Reds

West Ham stunned Liverpool to earn all three Premier League points at Anfield on Saturday
Manuel Lanzini scored in the third minute and Mark Noble added a second on half-hour mark
Philippe Coutinho was sent off for two yellow cards and will miss the game against Manchester United
Diafra Sakho added a third goal in injury time for West Ham after Noble's red card

By Dominic King

The last time this happened The Beatles were on top of the charts, Harold MacMillan was residing in 10 Downing Street and Match of the Day had not yet aired.

West Ham have waited 52 years to win at Anfield. They have managed to grind out a few tepid draws in that time but, invariably, they have headed back to London on the end of a pummelling.

To give this lamentable record even greater context, it had been nine years since one of their players had scored at this ground. Imagine the scene, then, during injury time, when West Ham were keeping the ball confidently and victory was guaranteed.


West Ham celebrate their first win at Anfield in 52 years after sweeping Liverpool aside on Saturday afternoon


Philippe Coutinho was sent off for two bookable offences on a miserable afternoon for Liverpool in the Premier League

Caught up in the moment, the away end began chanting that they 'were going to win the league'; they then asked for a fourth goal to cap an extraordinary afternoon and hailed the impact of manager Slaven Bilic, who had been a figure of perpetual motion throughout.

This was how they dreamed their Anfield hoodoo would be banished, with a display of energy, passing and ruthlessness in front of goal. By the time Kevin Friend blew his whistle for full time, West Ham had scored three unanswered goals to humble their hosts.

‘It’s three points but, really, it is more than three points,’ said Bilic, beaming with pride. ‘This is a special stadium, it had been 52 years. If you are going to do it, you want to do it in style and that is what we did.


Lanzini gave West Ham the perfect start with a goal inside three minutes to stun the home side


Lanzini celebrates his early strike which sent Anfield into silence in the third minute of the Premier League contest

‘It was a great performance in 90 per cent of the aspects of the modern game. I’m very proud of the players, of the whole club. It is great for everyone. It is one of those results that will be written about in books of the club. I can’t say more.’

He didn’t need to. West Ham, despite finishing with 10 men after Mark Noble was sent off for a wild challenge on Danny Ings, were outstanding, their goals coming from Manuel Lanzini, Noble and another in injury time from Diafra Sakho.

By contrast, Liverpool, who also finished with 10 men after Philippe Coutinho was sent off for two bookable offences, were absolutely wretched. This result punctures the cautious optimism that had started to grow after their unbeaten start.


Mark Noble slotted in a second for West Ham just before the half hour mark to put the visitors in dreamland


West Ham capitalised on a Dejan Lovren mistake and Noble slotted into the bottom corner to double West Ham's lead

From the first whistle, though, this seemed like it was going to follow a different pattern. Bilic, who barked, bellowed and cajoled from the off, had sent his team out with a plan and within three minutes they had secured a priceless early advantage. Dimitri Payet spread the panic among Liverpool’s defence, when he darted down the left and fizzed in a cross; Martin Skrtel tried to clear but his header went straight to Aaron Cresswell, who showed great poise to pick out Lanzini and give him a simple chance from six yards.

Liverpool responded with £29million Brazilian Roberto Firmino cracking a 25-yard drive against the post in the eighth minute and it seemed that they would get back on an even keel.

How dangerous it is to make assumptions. The best performers from that point all wore claret and blue and with Cresswell and Lanzini buzzing down the flanks, assisted by the gifted Payet and industrious Sakho, West Ham were intent on causing a shock.

Lanzini, who learned his trade with River Plate in Argentina, was a particular pest and in the 29th minute, his persistence embarrassed Dejan Lovren and created a chance for the visitors to extend their lead.

On the back of three clean sheets, Liverpool manager Rodgers had predicted that Anfield would 'see a different player' this season when discussing Lovren in the build-up to this contest but his aberration when Lanzini applied pressure was horribly familiar.


Noble turns away to celebrate his goal at a stunned Kop end on Saturday during a Premier League encounter


Sakho rounded off a memorable afternoon for West Ham with a third goal in injury time of the Premier League encounter


Sakho celebrates his goal as Liverpool's Martin Skrtel and James Milner look on in dejection in the background

The Croatia international ended up getting in a tangle and fell on his backside by the corner flag as he tried to usher the ball out of play, allowing Lanzini to pick his pocket; though his cross was cleared, it only ended up at the feet of Noble, who guided it past Simon Mignolet.

Those around the country who saw the score flash may have been inclined to do a double take but there was nothing fortuitous about it. Liverpool – one paced and predictable – never threatened to test Darren Randolph and Christian Benteke was left horribly isolated.


West Ham were incensed when Noble was given a straight red card in the 78th minute by referee Kevin Friend


Noble was sent off for this challenge on Ings in the 78th minute of the Premier League encounter at Anfield


Lovren, pictured battling with West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyate endured a difficult afternoon in Liverpool's defence

Rodgers made a significant change at half-time, switching from a flat back four to three central defenders, but it made no difference. Once Coutinho had gone, so too did Liverpool’s hopes and no matter what the manager tried, it didn’t work.

West Ham, however, were revelling in the moment and they crowned a memorable afternoon when Sakho charged down Alberto Moreno’s clearance, ran at Skrtel and then thrashed his drive in from 14 yards to spark pandemonium in the Anfield Road.

‘I know I can organise a team very well,’ said Bilic. ‘It might not seem logical that we have beaten Liverpool and Arsenal away from home but when you think about it is, it is logical. The players knew what they were doing and we did it very well.’

The room fell silent at that point. Nobody could disagree with him.

MATCH FACTS

Liverpool: Mignolet 5, Clyne 5, Skrtel 5, Lovren 4, Gomez 5 (Ibe 78), Can 4 (Moreno 45), Lucas 5, Milner 6, Firmino 5 (Ings 61, 6), Benteke 4, Coutinho 4.

Subs not used: Sakho, Origi, Bogdan, Rossiter.

Booked: Lucas, Ings, Clyne.

Sent off: Coutinho 52.

West Ham: Randolph 7, Tomkins 7, Reid 8, Ogbonna 8, Cresswell 8, Kouyate 7, Obiang 7, Noble 7, Lanzini 8 (Oxford 81), Sakho 7 (Cullen 90), Payet 8.5 (Jarvis 88).

Subs not used: Spiegel, Samuelsen, Lee, Knoyle.

Goals: Lanzini 3, Noble 29, Sakho 90.

Booked: Lanzini.

Sent off: Noble 78.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)

Attendance: 43,680.





Guardian

Liverpool’s wheels come off as West Ham end over 50 years of Anfield pain

Andy Hunter at Anfield

The Beatles were at No1 with She Loves You when West Ham United last won at Liverpool courtesy of goals from a then un-knighted Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. Forty-two times since that 2-1 win in September 1963 their supporters have traipsed back to east London without tangible reward. No longer. Fifty-two years on, it finally came wrapped in an emphatic victory for Slaven Bilic’s side.

“Super Slav” sang the travelling support as their manager savoured his second win in the Premier League. The first came at Arsenal, the second at Anfield with goals from the excellent Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Diafra Sakho polishing a supremely well-organised away display. Following consecutive home defeats by Leicester City and Bournemouth, it appears West Ham are thriving away from the Boleyn Ground a season before they leave their historic home for good.

Not even Noble’s harsh dismissal could dampen an afternoon to savour for the visitors. For Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool, however, this was a galling, dispiriting defeat capped by a red card for Philippe Coutinho that means he will miss the trip to Manchester United after the international break. All the encouragement from a spirited start to the campaign disappeared in tandem with their new-found defensive prowess. West Ham shattered Liverpool’s aim of a fourth successive clean sheet after merely 148 seconds and their momentous victory was rarely jeopardised thereafter.

“Our confidence has been really high until today but a lot of this defeat was self-inflicted,” bemoaned Rodgers, who found no answer to West Ham’s deep defensive block. “The overall performance was disappointing from the off. Once we conceded the early goal we just couldn’t get back into the game again. With and without the ball we have to be much better in the future.”

Liverpool had opened with intent but they granted the hugely impressive Dimitri Payet too much space at the visitors’ first attack and compounded the problem when Martin Skrtel headed his right wing cross to Aaron Cresswell on the edge of the Liverpool area. The former Anfield trainee drilled a low delivery into the six-yard area where Lanzini ghosted in ahead of Joe Gomez to score from close range.

A soft, simple way for Liverpool to spoil their clean sheet. The home team almost levelled when Roberto Firmino, making his first start at Anfield, cut inside Noble 25 yards out and unleashed a powerful left-foot strike that struck a post with Darren Randolph beaten in the West Ham goal. For all the probing of their Brazilian pairing, Coutinho and Firmino, that was as close as Liverpool came in the first half as the visitors’ powerful, composed defence limited the space and supply available to Christian Benteke.

By contrast, Payet and Lanzini were a potent force on the counterattack for Bilic’s team, who should have doubled their lead when Cresswell met Sakho’s deflected shot inside the area but scooped his effort over the bar.

West Ham were gifted their second courtesy of a dreadful error by Dejan Lovren. Rodgers had hailed the Croatia international for his early season improvement before the game but was left cursing that public vote of confidence when the £20m central defender lost out to Lanzini near the corner flag. Lovren shook off the attentions of the on-loan Argentinian on the touchline, then inexplicably turned the ball into Lanzini’s path on the by-line. The former River Plate midfielder strolled into the Liverpool area unopposed and, though Nathaniel Clyne intercepted a cross intended for Sakho, the ball broke for the in-coming Noble to slide a measured finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty box.

Boos rang out from the Kop for Liverpool’s aimless display at half-time and the home supporters were incensed when Coutinho was sent off for a second bookable offence seven minutes after the restart. Coutinho, already booked for dissent, invited trouble from the referee, Kevin Friend, when he sent Payet tumbling while lying flat on the ground. Soft but foolish. “It was extremely harsh,” said the Liverpool manager. “Kevin must have really good ears if he could hear what Philippe was saying for the first yellow card.”

Rodgers replaced Emre Can with Alberto Moreno at half-time and reverted to a 3-4-2-1 formation. He gave Danny Ings a first Liverpool appearance in place of Firmino and introduced Jordon Ibe for Gomez.

The pattern remained the same. Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna continued to dominate Benteke in the air while Noble and Pedro Obiang worked tirelessly in central midfield to protest their defence.

Noble received the second red card of the game for a supposed foul on Ings committed after Friend had blown for a West Ham free-kick. The visiting captain protested long and hard over the straight red having appeared to win the ball from the former Burnley striker. It mattered not. Sakho sealed a fine away win with a low shot through the legs of the back-tracking Skrtel and inside Simon Mignolet’s near post in stoppage time.

Bilic said: “It is three points but it is one of those games for the club and especially the fans when it is more than three points. 52 years without winning at this special kind of stadium and we did it in style. We didn’t nick it, it was a great performance in 90% of the aspects of the modern game. It was one of those victories that will be written about in books in years to come. You can’t ask for more than that.”







Telegraph

Liverpool 0 West Ham 3, Premier League match report: Hammers win at Anfield for first time since 1963

Liverpool v West Ham, Premier League - Slaven Bilic's side end 52-year wait for victory as Phillipe Coutinho's red card adds to misery for hosts


It's a celebration: Mark Noble pumps his fist to the West Ham away fans after scoring their second Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Chris Bascombe, at Anfield

West Ham United were in the early stages of building England’s World Cup-winning team the last time they won at Anfield. It was September 1963, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst were match winners and The Beatles were preparing for their final stints at The Cavern as She Loves You topped the charts.

Now one of the most ancient records in English football has been buried.

Manuel Lanzini and Mark Noble struck in the first 30 minutes on Merseyside to enhance Slaven Bilic’s reputation as the man to embarrass those with top four pretensions. A late third from Diafra Sakho almost made the 52-year wait worth it.

The Emirates Stadium one week, Anfield a few games later. West Ham have never won away at Arsenal and Liverpool in the same season since the club was formed.

No wonder the escape from the Boleyn Ground cannot come quick enough. Those pesky home performances have intruded on an eye-catching start to the Croatian’s Premier League management career.

You might consider this sort of afternoon perplexing given the home defeats to Bournemouth and Leicester.

“No, it is logical,” said Bilic, in a post-match performance as mesmerising off the pitch as his players were on it.

“When you play away, especially versus Arsenal and Liverpool, you are organised. Me and my staff are not modest. We can do it.

“We are there and we are behind the ball – we let them have the ball in some areas but not others. At home, organisation is not enough. We have to improve that. For that you need organisation and quality. We will improve our home record but we must change. Maybe it will help when Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia come back.”

West Ham were assisted by a red card to Philippe Coutinho (he will miss the trip to Old Trafford) and Noble also saw red eleven minutes from the end, but these controversies were unrepresentative of a historic win.

Lanzini, the loan signing from Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates, pounced on Aaron Cresswell’s cross in the third minute and everything that followed was executed in relative comfort. The three conceded were the first against Liverpool this season, but their defenders seemed determined to restore the fragility of previous campaigns. It was dire from the hosts.

For Dejan Lovren, who had impressed in his first three games, it was an afternoon where his heralded ‘turning a corner’ led into a cul-de-sac.

“A different player,” he was described by Brendan Rodgers before the game.

This was same old, same old by the Croatian. He inexplicably allowed Lanzini to steal possession near the corner flag on 29 minutes and the flat-footedness epidemic spread across the backline when Noble picked his spot.

Far from surprising, West Ham could have been further ahead at the break.

Lanzini and Cresswell had already threatened, while backup goalkeeper Darren Randolph was untroubled but for a 25-yard drive from Roberto Firmino ramming the post.

Rodgers revived harrowing memories of last season by not only changing personnel but the shape of his team at half-time, Alberto Moreno summoned as Liverpool changed to three centre-halves.

Such a move was rendered redundant six minutes into the second half when Coutinho – booked for dissent in the first half – was sent off for a lunge on Dimitri Payet. “Both sendings off were harsh,” Rodgers protested, but Coutinho’s challenge was ill-advised.

Performances such as this send the ill winds of last May wafting back towards his dugout. “Until today the morale and confidence has been high but a lot of this was self-inflicted,” Rodgers contested.

“The first three games we gave hope to the supporters again but we still have seven out of 12 points and we will refocus after the international break. We gave poor goals away and that was a disappointment. We went into the game with confidence high but when you give away a goal early and West Ham defend in a block it sets you back. As you see today four of seven teams lost at home. It’s going to be a difficult league to get home wins.”

With Winston Reid marshalling his defence in a style that would have had Bobby Moore nodding in approval, Liverpool were as toothless in attack as they were brittle in defence and Sakho ensured Anfield was empty long before the final whistle.

Bilic will appeal Noble’s red card, and a neutral judge will agree. It would take more than a refereeing error to sour this day for the visitors.

“It is three points but one of those games for the fans that is more than three point,” Bilic said. “It is 52 years of waiting in a special kind of stadium so if you do it in style – we did not nick it – it is a great performance. I’m really proud of the players and the whole club.

“To beat Liverpool 3-0 – you can’t ask more than that.”

“We’re forever blowing bubbles,” sang the West Ham supporters. Not only is their wait at this venue over, they’ve turned the early season fizz at Anfield into froth.






HITC

West Ham player ratings against Liverpool: Hero Lanzini helps Hammers make history at Anfield

Here's how the players rated for West Ham United after a historic 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League - their first at Anfield in 52 years.

Damien Lucas

Goals from man of the match Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and Diafra Sakho sealed an unforgettable first win at Anfield since 1963.

It has taken 43 attempts to rewrite the history books, Lanzini's goal after just over two minutes was the east London club's first in Liverpool since Bobby Zamora scored there in 2006.

But it was the little Argentine, who was making his first Premier League start since a summer loan move from the footballing backwater that is the UAE league, who stole the show.

He scored one, set up a second and thwarted Liverpool attacks time and time again before they could build any momentum, robbing the likes of Roberto Firmino and Phillippe Coutinho of the ball in dangerous areas.

Here's how West Ham's players fared at Anfield.

Randolph - 8

When West Ham's number one Adrian was sent off against Leicester City and banned for three games, Hammers fans feared the worst of having the relatively untried Randolph in goal. He may have conceded four last week against Bournemouth but he could not be blamed for any of the goals. At Anfield, literally apart from one or two shots from distance which he dealt with comfortably, and one which struck a post, he had very little to do. His distribution, however, was first class and built the foundation for the historic win.

Tomkins - 9

A near faultless performance again from Tomkins who felt hard done by to lose his place after starring out of position at right-back in West Ham's opening-day win at Arsenal. On loan Carl Jenkinson was awful last week against Bournemouth and got sent off, paving the way for Tomkins to take his place. And, after an imperious display, he will surely keep his place for the next game?

Reid - 9

Absolutely superb in the heart of the Hammers rearguard alongside Angelo Ogbonna. Reid is vital to Bilic's side and everything about his performance showed why. Christian Benteke hardly got a kick.

Ogbonna - 9

Hauled off after 35 minutes of the Hammers' 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth despite having been one of their better players on the day, Ogbonna was near perfect against Liverpool. He was on point throughout and like Reid he dealt with the threat of Benteke and co so impressively. The way West Ham set up away from home really suits the two centre-backs.

Cresswell - 9

Any West Ham fans that were concerned by Aaron Cresswell's haphazard performance against Bournemouth need not have worried. Last season's Hammer of the Year was back to his very best at his boyhood club, storming up and down the left attacking and defending in equal measure.

Lanzini - 10 STAR MAN

Premier League debuts don't get much better than this. A constant thorn in Liverpool's side both offensively and defensively, Lanzini scored one, made one and broke up numerous attacks to launch pacy counter attacks which proved vital to this famous win.

Mark Noble - 9

This is the Mark Noble West Ham fans know and love. His form has been somewhat indifferent for the last six months but he was back to his best here. His sending off was a nonsense and will undoubtedly be appealed and rescinded. Scored a composed second for Bilic's side to put them in the driving seat before half-time and led with passion as captain.

Payet - 9

The Frenchman has had West Ham fans excited to go to games again and this is why. Every touch is sublime and when he has the ball you always feel something will happen. His ball in put the wheels in motion for the first goal while his audacious skill saw Coutinho sent off.

Kouyate - 10

Unlucky to lose out to Lanzini for man of the match. A real fan favourite, he was absolutely everywhere. In the first half he had a very specific job to sit in front of Benteke and cancel out the ball to his head which could have caused the Hammers trouble. Kouyate was running up and down from box to box as hard and fast in the 97th minute as he was in the first. Heroic performance and just as crucial to the win as Lanzini.

Sakho - 9

Sakho was a big doubt for the game due to injury and his recent off-field problems would have been weighing on his mind too. But given the fact West Ham have no other senior strikers fit, it was vital they got the Senegal star patched up and on the pitch at Anfield. And what an important role he played, leading from the front, chasing, harrying and providing a target and outlet to build West Ham's counterattacks. He was rewarded when he got the goal he deserved in the 93rd minute as he slotted home just inside the box.

SUBS:

Oxford - 8

The youngest player in West Ham's history has sat out the last match and a half after being at fault for two goals against Leicester City. But he showed he is no flash in the pan following his stunning display in the opening-day victory at the Emirates when he came on for hero Lanzini. Bilic trusted the youngster to come in for the last 15 minutes when Noble was dismissed and he helped shore things up and see out the win.
Jarvis - 7

The out-of-favour winger came on as a very late sub for Payet and did a job, offering fresh legs and helping relieve some late pressure from the home side.

Cullen - 7

Only played four minutes as a time-wasting substitute. But it was a nice touch from Bilic as the game was wrapped up and Cullen is a homegrown player rated highly by the club - so it was ideal for him to make his Premier League debut in such a historic victory. Had some neat touches.






Mail

Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona and David Ginola are my idols... they inspired me to join West Ham, reveals Dimitri Payet

Dimitri Payet is hoping to become the league's new French entertainer
Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona and David Ginola are among his idols
Payet completed a £10.7million move to West Ham from Marseille in June
The 28-year-old moved to England in order to challenge himself

By Sami Mokbel

Dimitri Payet is shy and speaks softly as he gives his first newspaper interview since arriving at West Ham.

The Frenchman has not yet mastered English so our chat is conducted with the help of an interpreter.

And the sight of 17st All Black Victor Vito prancing around with a set of pom-poms during a Rugby World Cup promotional function at the Olympic Stadium — soon to be West Ham’s new home — is enough to disturb anyone’s concentration.


West Ham new boy Dimitri Payet (pictured at the Olympic Stadium) is hoping to become a Premier League hit


Payet scored in West Ham's 2-1 defeat by Leicester City during his third Premier League appearance

Thankfully, for West Ham fans, Payet’s introverted demeanour does not extend to the field. On the pitch, he is an expressive artist; the sort of footballer Hammers followers will surely take a shine to. The fact that Payet created 135 chances for Marseille last season — more than Lionel Messi — tells its own story.

Like his idols Eric Cantona, David Ginola and Thierry Henry before him, Payet the creator now has a blank canvas to show the world his best work. Whether Payet can illuminate England like those three mercurial Frenchman is doubtful but he is going to give it a go.

‘I used to watch great French players in the Premier League and that’s why the English league has always been at the back of my mind,’ said Payet.

‘I’ve been observing Ginola, Cantona, Henry for a long time. All of them are inspirations.

‘I cannot pretend I am as good as those players. I’m just starting, but who’s to say one day I might be at their level?’

It is the sort of vision that will have Hammers supporters drooling — particularly those fed-up with life under former manager Sam Allardyce.

It could take time, of course.

Payet has only just found a permanent home, the 28-year-old moving into his new Essex property a week ago.

That will certainly help the settling-in process. Perhaps then he will have time to embrace his new London lifestyle.

‘I’ve not had the time,’ he said. ‘I just spent time with my family in my new place. But I’ll do as any tourist; take a car and see what needs to be seen.’

Payet believes he had no other option but to leave Marseille for London this summer. Despite his excellent season in Ligue 1, the attacker feared he was falling into the dreaded comfort zone.

‘The level here in England is much higher than in France,’ he said. ‘Even clubs from the Championship are playing well.

‘I had to leave to improve my career. I played for four different clubs in France. I played for Marseille, which is one of the biggest clubs. I had to go away, and England was the best option.

‘This project excited me, it’s an ambitious and exciting project. I liked the coach Slaven Bilic, too. That’s what encouraged me to come here.

‘The fans here are expecting a lot of the players so we’re going to give everything, keep working hard until we reach their expectations.’


Slaven Bilic will be hoping Payet (pictured with Mark Noble and Angelo Ogbonna) can become an instant star

Coping with the Barclays Premier League’s physical edge will be a key factor in whether Payet fails or prospers. He has already been on the receiving end of some roughhouse treatment during his opening three games in England’s top-flight.

But Payet believes growing up on the island of Reunion, a French colony in the Indian Ocean close to Madagascar, will help him cope with the rough and tumble of English football.

‘I realise that physicality is important here in England, but there are other aspects too, so it’s not a problem for me,’ he said.

‘It’s more difficult to play in Reunion because of the sun. It’s in Africa and that is maybe why I’m more technical.’


Hammers boss Bilic (pictured on Thursday) convinced Payet to complete a summer move to east London

From Reunion, to France, to London; Payet is certainly used to uprooting his life. If all goes to plan, he will be on the move again next summer — this time when West Ham bid farewell to Upton Park and move to the Olympic Stadium.

The lure of playing at the 54,000-capacity arena was one of the reasons behind Payet’s decision to quit France.

The stadium’s ‘Westhamification’ will pause for the Rugby World Cup before entering its final stages this year.

It is Payet’s job to ensure the stadium hosts quality Premier League football next season.






HITC

Jack Sullivan makes a promise to West Ham fans on Twitter regarding transfers

Jack Sullivan also gives his reaction to West Ham United’s 3-0 win against Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan’s son has taken to social networking site Twitter to promise the fans that the club will sign more players before the end of the summer transfer window on Tuesday.

Jack Sullivan has stated that it will be a busy time for West Ham in the transfer market between now and the end of the window.

Sullivan has also hailed Hammers manager Slaven Bilic for masterminding a 3-0 victory over Liverpool away from home at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday.

Manuel Lanzini put the London outfit in the lead as early as the third minute, and Mark Noble doubled their advantage just before the half-hour mark.

Diafra Sakho made it 3-0 to West Ham in the final minutes of the Premier League encounter.

Liverpool and West Ham ended the game with 10 men each, as Philippe Coutinho was sent off for the Reds and the visitors had Noble dismissed.

First time in 50 year! Billic the giant killer, need to kick on and get a win next Saturday! Fans where fantastic. #coyi
— Jack Sullivan (@jsullivanwhu) August 29, 2015

Still need to sign a few players. I promise it will be a busy next few days
— Jack Sullivan (@jsullivanwhu) August 29, 2015

West Ham have been quite busy in the summer transfer window so far, signing Pedro Obiang, Dimitri Payet and Angelo Ogbonna among others.

The London outfit, though, do need to recruit a striker this month, especially due to the injury to Ecuador international Enner Valencia.





Caught Offside

French club make statement on West Ham transfer target
by Ed Dove

Toulouse coach Dominique Arribage has confirmed that West Ham United transfer target Wissam Ben Yedder will not be leaving the club before the end of the transfer window.

The Franco-Tunisian forward has been monitored by Slaven Bilic’s side, according to the Mirror, with the Croatian coach seeing the versatile forward as an ideal addition to the team’s forward line.

The tabloid report that the attacker would cost £6 million, and could be a replacement for Enner Valencia—who has had ligament trouble—and injured pair Mauro Zarate and Andy Carroll.

There have also been concerns about another striker, Diafra Sakho, who was arrested this week after making a threat to kill someone. This latest controversy came after he was previously arrested ahead of the opening game of the season for an alleged assault, according to the Express.

Ben Yedder can feature on both flanks, as well as as a central striker, and could have been an ideal option to lead the line for the Hammers.

However, according to Le TFC manager Arribage, as per L’Equipe, the attacker is not for sale, despite Ben Yedder’s own desire to move on.

“Will Wissam leave?” he began, speaking after Toulouse’s 3-1 defeat to Rennes on Saturday, “no, I don’t think so.

“I think he’ll stay with us,” he continued.

“As the days go by, it is becoming harder for him to leave, because it would be difficult to find ourselves again after that.”

When questioned about Ben Yedder’s no-show against Rennes, Arribage denied that it was because of the ongoing transfer rumours: “I thought this week that there were players who performed better in training,” the coach continued, “that’s why Wissam didn’t start.”




C&H

50 Million bid for Danish winger

West Ham are claimed to have submitted an official for FC Midtjylland’s Danish wonderkid Pione Sisto after Hammers scouts have written glowing reports on the rising star.

Reports suggest that Super League’s most coveted player Sisto may be on the way out the door in FC Midtjylland in the next few days if the right deal can be struck.

According to Danish Newspaper Ekstra Bladet, West Ham overtaken other admirers of the player with a bid of just over 50 million Danish Krone which converts to around £4.9m. The offer includes certain sell on conditions and performance related bonuses to the increase the amount on offer to FC Midtylland.

The report also suggests another unnamed Premier League club has joined the race in the past days and could also be ready to put a bid for Sisto.

Hammerhermit 11:56 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

MrCrowmanSir 1:45 Sun Aug 30

wansteadman 8:58 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Great picture of nobles raised studs, if that doesn't get him off nothing will

medwayhammer1 2:26 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Cheers Alan as usual. Wish Young Jack would reign his trap in though.

MrCrowmanSir 1:45 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan 11:31 Sun Aug 30

chim chim cha boo 1:34 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan. There's one thing though that has me baffled after reading a football article - I wonder who was number one in the charts when we last won up there?

I guess we'll never know.

tommythebubble 1:31 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan, love your news digest after a win

Takashi Miike 1:16 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

thanks alan

Thanks Alan 1:11 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Whitester. 1:00 Sun Aug 30

You're welcome, mate. It's always a pleasure.

Monk~koknee 1:05 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Banjo 11:40 Sun Aug 30 & ted fenton 12:38 Sun Aug 30

Whitester. 1:00 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan. Thanks for the time you take to put together this post. A great read as ever.

Irons

I.want.that.one 12:54 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

That Daily Mail report is awful. Written by a junior surely? Sickly reading.


Cheers Alan

Charoo 12:50 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

No rating for Obiang and mail describing Nobles as a bad tackle - lazy journalists - thanks Alan.

Mike Oxsaw 12:40 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Considering the enormity of the result, in both it's attainment and time coming, I felt that all the reporters were either struggling to find appropriate adjectives to describe it's significance and dispatch.

Had a Top 5 side gone to Anfield and come away with a 3-0 victory, we wouldn't hear the last on how good their display had been and there's have been analysis oozing from every orifice.

That, orr they were all totally pissed off, having bet the house & kids on a resounding home win.

ted fenton 12:38 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan.

Alan 12:36 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Sisto story added.

Banjo 11:40 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan 11:31 Sun Aug 30

Thanks Alan 11:31 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

ted fenton. 11:30 Sun Aug 30

ted fenton 11:30 Sun Aug 30
Re: Sunday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan.