What They Say - Arsenal v West Ham

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
07 Apr	3:00 PM	P	West Ham United (H)	0	1	Lost

In the first issue of a new feature on Arsenal Mania, 'What They Say', an attempt to communicate with the fans of our rivals ahead of our meetings, I've been on www.westhamforum.co.uk to find out what they're saying ahead of the Arsenal v West Ham clash this weekend.

After such a surprisingly good season last year, how are you all coping with the much more unpleasant surprise position you find yourselves in this season?

Last season we did do well on paper but I still don't think our performances were anything special. I didn't expect us to do as well this season but at the same time I thought relegation was out the question - happy_hammer87

It has been a shock to the system for all of us. This season's performances are in direct contrast to the high energy enthusiastic performances shown by all the players last year. It is the worst season as far as performance levels in living memory for most of us - Tony P

Initially it was a shock to the system, then it became absolute frustration. Around the sacking of AP, I had come to accept we were poo. But, as ever, there is still that feeling of hope - Blakey

I think everyone got their hopes up in the summer especially after the signings of Tevez and Mascherano that we could achieve great things this season...Unfortunately we have found ourselves on the brink of relegation which is often the way for promoted clubs in their second season...the same will happen to Reading next season in my opinion - Irons_Ricardo

You've been taken over by a foreign investor, you've switched managers half way through the season and your big players haven't really performed, what's been the biggest problem in your opinion?

Players falling into the comfort zone. They were rewarded in the summer with much improved contracts and had various degrees of sunshine shoved up their arses from various quarters. This season they have not performed as they have been found out - Blakey

A certain N. Reo-Coker. Ok that might be a exaggeration, but I think there has been a massive attitude problem amongst the players. (That's what I think is the main out of many problems) - KiwiHammer

Respect, or lack thereof. Certain players have no respect for the fans and the club, whilst others have no respect for themselves. Add two teaspoons of complacency, plus a pinch of managerial naivety, and 'E Voila!': one steaming relegation zone pie - MadTyrant

How did you feel about the sacking of Alan Pardew, and the appointment of Alan Curbishley?

Pards, though much beloved, probably had to go. He found himself out of his depth this season - the increased expectation following FA Cup near-success was new to him, remember - and hadn't displayed any signs that he had faced up to the problems with certain players, and himself.

Whilst we seem to be turning a corner now (i.e. Tevez has started scoring, and is getting 90 minutes), Curbishley seems to have been appointed simply because he has a club connection and was available, rather than being the right man. We needed a Roy Keane-esque figure IMHO - MadTyrant

In retrospect I think it was a panic decision but it was obvious to all, especially Eggy, that Pardew had 'lost' the dressing-room and certain players, see above, refused to perform for him. Whether they have shown support for the new manager is anothe matter - Ian Dunn

I was glad Pardew was sacked when he was. I have no doubt that he'll go on to have a very good career in management but his time at WHUFC had come to an end. There are various rumours that still permiate the ether about his off field shinanigins, it was the fact he could not motivate the players that was his downfall though. If the playing staff have lost their respect for you, it will always be tough.

I was pleased when Curbs was appointed. IMO he is who we should have got after 'arry went. He has come in for an awful lot of critisism both here and on other websites. IMHO I don't think he could have done much more than he has so far in the time he's had with the players that have been available to him. Now that more of the players are coming back to fitness and he is not afraid to sub so called established players (NRC for 1) I think he'll now start to win back the detractors - Blakey

If you get relegated, do you still think underperformers like Anton Ferdinand and Nigel Reo-Coker will move to bigger clubs in the summer?

Unfortunatly, I do believe so. The sale of players whenever West Ham got relegated have saved us from financial disaster the past few years - Lucas Giorgio

To be honest Reo-Coker can go tomorrow as far as I am concerned. How he has retained the captain's armband is beyond most of us. His attitude stinks. He refuses to admit that his performances have been anything short of great. His influence on other younger members of the squad has been to the detriment of the TEAM. He firmly believes that he is much better than he really is. Good riddance to him. As for Anton Ferdinand, he undoubtedly has talent but needs to apply himself if he is to fulfil his potential. He has a court case hanging over him for assault and GBH. This case starts in on November 12th so it is unlikely that another club would take a chance on him because of that. I hope he stays with us and knuckles down with Reo-Coker and others gone - Tony P

Ferdinand - perhaps. Reo 'Ince' Coker - almost definitely, and good bloody riddance. Ultimately, if any of them don't want to play for the club, then they can go sit on the Spurs bench for all we care. Ironic really that this season, the most passion and fight seen on the UP turf has come from a bloke from South America - MadTyrant

I pity the 'bigger' club that gets NRC...hoping it will be Bolton or Aston Villa, or Sheffield Utd, you know, a club to suit his vaulting ambition. The idea of him coming to you makes me laugh me socks off - Stavy

In what has been a difficult year, which player has been the real bright spark for you?

Easy - Tevez but things may have been brighter if Noble had been risked earlier in the season - Ian Dunn

Here's a clue: his name almost rhymes with 'bevvies' - MadTyrant

Green, Tevez and Noble - brunofreitas

Carlos Tevez without a doubt. He obviously has talent and skill but his attitude and committment have been exemplary too. Mark Noble has also proved himself worthy of a place in central midfield - Tony P

Tevez, no question. We've not had a player like him since Paolo Di Canio.. flair, passion, guts... we love it... it's the West Ham way - Stavy

Having done so well against us in recent meetings, where do you think Arsenal have gone wrong against, with all due respect, smaller teams like you this season?

Arsenal clearly underestimated West Hams potential. It was the same case with Manchester United in December, and hopefully will be the same case with Chelsea. Tip: Don't ever underestimate the smaller clubs - Lucas Giorgio

Have to admit I don't know enough to answer that but the general concensus I hear seems to be over elaboration in the build-up, and as has been said already, not enough English players who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. Also it was no secret for two years that Vieira was going yet little effort seemed to have been made to replace him - Ian Dunn

Perhaps the arrogance of Wenger has rubbed off on the players who believe that they only have to turn up and play pretty football to beat the lesser sides. Sides like Sheffield United and Wigan counteract their lack of top players by battling for 90 minutes. Sheffield United and ourselves have beaten you already this season. Wigan were SO unlucky not to do the same - Tony P

Since Vieira, you don't have a proper fighter in the middle of the park. I hope for your sake that Arsène's not looking at NRC! - MadTyrant

I think the absence of Henry has been a big loss... you have some very talented youngsters and in a couple of seasons might be challenging. I don't think you ever really replaced Vieira which has been a main reason for your decline - Irons_Ricardo

How do you expect Arsenal to fare in the race for 3rd place?

I think Arsenal is a great team, and that they probably will achieve 3rd place - Lucas Giorgio

Liverpool's playing too well. You'll finish 4th, if not lower - brunofreitas

Without Thierry Henry I think you struggle to score goals. Adebayor is a good prospect but is not prolific like Henry. I think you will finish 4th - Tony P

Last weeks result obviously didn't help and on current form Liverpool are looking a bit better. The Champions League may well help you out on this one though, as Liverpool may get tired. It will be close, whatever happens! - essexlad

More interested in our race for 17th place tbh - Ian Dunn

Finally, you were the last team to win at Highbury, you've already beaten us this season, and with the form we're in at the moment, do you fancy your chances at Ashburton Grove this weekend?

I pray for at least a tie. But who knows, we might get lucky! - Lucas Giorgio

My gooner mates are genuinely worried actually. I think we'll sneak a dodgy win but then I'm an optimistic Hammer - Ian Dunn

Another 3-2 I'm afraid, my old son! Tevez to score 2, and set up the other from a corner. Get your tissues ready again! - MadTyrant

I do actually. You still lack a goalscorer and insist on trying to walk the ball into the net. We will certainly be up for it. I fancy a draw on Saturday - Tony P

We are the masters of the triumph of hope over reality, of course we fancy our chances at Cashgone Grove. No point in turning up week after week otherwise is there? Besides, it would be typical West Ham to do the double over you on our way down... like we did to Cheatski last time - Stavy

I'd love it to happen, but doubt it will. If you keep Tevez under control(not as easy as it sounds though!) you'll probably walk it - essexlad

Depends which West Ham shows up, and Arsenal alike, two very unpredictable teams...anything could happen - Irons_Ricardo

Thanks to these Hammers fans for their input. You can see the discussion in full and join in here.

User Comments

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paul onwurah

Posted on 8 Apr, 2007 at 08:38 AM - Reply

we did better last season but it was unfortunate forarsenal this season but by next season i pray it will grow betterin jesus name

DREw

Posted on 6 Apr, 2007 at 07:34 PM - Reply

awesome idea, really cool to hear what they have to say and learn a little something about opponent's fans.

Sunil

Posted on 6 Apr, 2007 at 07:16 PM - Reply

Well I bet tevez will be a pain in the (thing) for arsenal. I would say it will be close, arsenal is in bad form, i say 1-1 or 1-2 or 2-1 either is possible

Andy

Posted on 6 Apr, 2007 at 06:48 PM - Reply

Nice feature. And interesting feedback from the Hammers' fans. Their widespread animosity towards Reo-Coker surprised me. I really hope he doesn't end up on our roster!

Josh

Posted on 6 Apr, 2007 at 04:02 PM - Reply

Two big thumbs up for this new feature. I think it's great. Looking forward to the behind enemy lines report for the Chavski game.

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