West Ham pitch invader one of three arrests from Chelsea clash – Sky Sports News HQ
Sky Sports, along with various other sources were quick (and probably happy) to report on the three arrests made at the ‘infamously troubled’ London Stadium, during the Monday night loss to Chelsea.
Despite the “robust” security measures set out by the police before the game, there were a few isolated incidents during the game. This included a pitch invader attempting to take on Eden Hazard and the rest of the Chelsea team celebrating Chelsea’s opening goal. Whilst the police reported that the other two incidents were for assault and setting off a firework.
Having been at the game I can honestly say these were very isolated incidents. I unequivocally condone the actions of these individuals; it’s personally beyond me how an individual can feel it necessary to enter the field of play to confront a player. Let alone assault another individual or be silly enough to sneak fireworks into a crowded stadium.
However, why don’t we hear about these sort of incidents elsewhere? Surely, the London Stadium cannot be the last bastion of football thuggery and home to the worst of the English hooliganism. The BBC reported in November 2016 that last season saw 1,895 football-related arrests. West Ham even ranked third worst offenders in the Premier League, but I didn’t often see headlines placing Upton Park under the spotlight.
It’s safe to say that the public spending on the London Stadium hasn’t gone down particularly well and I’m sure a bit of jealousy has slipped into the journalism. It wouldn’t honestly surprise me if they had a template ready for any future incidents, but come on people, isn’t it getting a little bit boring now?
Lanzini: I like this pressure – WHUFC.com
Lanzini has insisted he’s enjoying the pressure, having recently been pushed into the spotlight left by Dimitri Payet in January. In a recent interview posted on the club’s official website, the ‘Jewel’ has no issues with being the new main man at the London Stadium.
The attacking midfielder’s cool finish against Chelsea took his tally this season to 6 goals and 2 assists. Whilst putting in a number of notable performances since Payet left the club under controversial circumstances. This is fantastic news for Bilic who seems to have found a ready-made replacement as the team’s shining star.
In my mind, there was never any doubt that the midfielder had it. Despite being largely unheard, he’s oozed class since he joined the club on loan last season. Scoring on his debut in the 2 – 1 defeat to Astra Giurgiu. After a terrific first season, the club was quick to secure Manuel on a permanent deal, much to the delight of the West Ham faithful. However, with the drama and attention being drawn to the 10 million pound man from Marseille, Lanzini often went about his work quietly. Gaining praise and fans mostly under the radar.
Now, however, Lanzini has been given a new lease of life. It’s fantastic to see how he has grasped the responsibility with both hands (or should I say both feet) and consistently displays his ability and desire week on week. He regularly drops deep to collect the ball and keeps the team ticking whilst on the offensive, pushing forward and causing problems in the opposition’s defense. His fantastic ball control and quick feet excite the fans, much like when Payet first arrived at the club. This isn’t to say Lanzini didn’t play at this level before now, it is the first time he has become our central man. Noble and Obiang are regularly looking to offload the ball to the Argentine and he’s happy to seek the ball out wide.
At his age to it is vital that the club keeps hold of Lanzini. I hope he is in paid the same respect as Payet last season and kept in the spotlight.
The snake has gone, long live the jewel.
West Ham to open talks with Pedro Obiang over new deal – Sky Sports News HQ
Sky Sports News has reported that West Ham is set to offer midfielder Pedro Obiang a new contract amid interest from Liverpool. Obiang waited patiently for his opportunity since his 5.4 million pound move from Sampdoria in the summer of 2015. Now in fine form, he is a regular and surely one the first names of Bilic’s team sheet. Concerned about growing interest from other clubs and keen to reward Pedro, the club is readying a new contract.
This is yet another contract being discussed and the board is obviously working hard behind the scenes to keep hold of their top players. This is good news for Bilic who will be keen to add to the squad and not have concerns about who will be looking to the door come the summer.
Obiang’s rise is much like that of Michael Antonio, the determination to prove their worth at the club is now paying off. Both players expect to receive new, vastly improved contracts before the summer and hold regular places in the team. Cool, calm and collected on the ball the player is likened to Kante in the way he consistently wins and intercepts the ball in the middle of the park. I’m confident this will be a done deal soon, and that Bilic certainly holds him in his plans for the future.