Allardyce reveals Bony interest

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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce passed up the opportunity to sign Swansea forward Wilfried Bony - with Andy Carroll brought in instead.

Allardyce revealed he had been scouting Bony when the Ivory Coast international was in prolific form at Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 but a move never materialised as he was able to strike a deal with Liverpool to sign Carroll on a permanent basis instead.

Bony completed a move to the Swans and has been in scintillating form, scoring more Premier League goals in the calender year than any other player.

Allardyce said: " We signed Andy Carroll and it was one or the other.

"It couldn't be both and we ended up getting a deal done with Andy so our interest (in Bony) ended because we couldn't do both. We didn't have enough money in the budget that year.

"We spent big money on Andy and the rest had to be proportioned out for the considerable amount of other players we needed at the time."

While Bony has been drawing plaudits for his performances in Garry Monk's side, Carroll is still working his way back to full fitness after suffering the second long-term injury since his loan switch from Anfield was made permanent.

The duo are likely to lead the line for their respective sides when Swansea and West Ham meet at Upton Park on Sunday and Allardyce admits preventing Bony adding to his 18 league goals in 2014 will be tough.

"I think it is very difficult to stop him," he added.

"In the main it'll be about not only the defenders but the team as a whole stopping the supply. If you work hard on shutting down their midfield and wide areas and limit the supply then that is the best way forward but that won't happen all the time.

"When I say we have to get tight on him, we have to be aware of him without getting too tight because he is very strong and very skilful and to knock him off the ball is not an easy task.

"He seems to be able to roll a lot of defenders and hit the ball in the same movement. He is a threat in the air and it will be very interesting for our lads to compete against someone in such good goalscoring form and hopefully on the day we can keep him quiet."

Bony may have been one striker to pass Allardyce by but the Hammers have their own prolific forward back for this weekend.

Summer signing Diafra Sakho, who has scored six goals in eight league appearances so far, has recovered from a back injury and should be involved.

Fellow new recruit Enner Valencia could also start his first game after working his way back to fitness and, along with Carroll and his other forwards, Allardyce is pleased with the wealth of talent he has in attacking areas.

"We're looking forward to having Diafra back, I'm not sure he's ready to start a match yet," he added.

"Having Enner back, Andy getting more and more match fitness; Carlton Cole and Mauro Zarate, our attacking options are the best we have ever had.

"There are a number of combinations we can now play to break down the opposition. It was nice to score two goals to come from behind at West Brom and it has put us all in a very confident mood having won two games in a short period of time.

"Game three coming up on Sunday is now a big test for the lads, can we make it a third one in the space of eight days? For us it is trying to maintain our results record and try and get more points on the board. If we can get three, what a great week that would be."

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Sullivan seeks new Hammers investor

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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has revealed the club have offered a 20 per cent stake for sale in a bid to help clear their debts.

Sullivan told the Sunday Telegraph he and fellow owner David Gold are seeking to raise £80million to help reduce debts which currently stand at £110million, of which £55million is owed to Gold and Sullivan.

Sullivan believes the upcoming move to the Olympic Stadium means the club is worth £400million - almost four times its value when he and Gold bought the Hammers in January 2010.

"We've no desire to give up the whole club," Sullivan said. "But we're still £110million in debt - albeit now £55million of that is to ourselves. So the third-party debt has been halved, but only because we've put the money in.

"We lost £30million when we went down (to the Championship in 2011) and we made £10million on paper last year. What's on paper is not cash-flow and we have to pay down the debt all the time and we have to be clear of bank debt when we move to the Olympic Stadium.

"I'd love someone to come in and buy 20 per cent and the money would not go to us, it would go to the club. But we won't be giving it away and we'd want market value for it.

"Going to the Olympic Stadium we are a £400million club and that would pay down most of the debt. But if it doesn't happen we'll dig deep in our pockets and keep the club afloat."

With West Ham challenging at the top end of the Barclays Premier League after an outstanding start to the campaign, Sullivan also admitted he did not yet know if manager Sam Allardyce - under pressure seven months ago - would sign a new contract with the club.

"I must say if come April we are where we are now, which is extremely unlikely but is possible, we'd probably sit down a month early and say, 'Look Sam, do you want to stay or do you want to go?' Sam may decide he wants to go out a winner," Sullivan said.

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West Ham V Arsenal at Boleyn Ground : Match Preview

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West Ham V Arsenal - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.

Allardyce eyeing Gunners scalp

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce wants to add Arsenal to a list of conquests at Upton Park which includes Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Hammers were beaten 2-0 at Chelsea on Boxing Day, but have won six of their nine home games this season to help them challenge at the top end of the table in the Barclays Premier League.

"The last seven home games have been six wins and one draw," Allardyce said.

"I am relying on the home form that we have shown over the last seven games to be there in abundance on Sunday.

"We have turned it into a real fortress again and I hope that is going to be the case against Arsenal."

Allardyce has revived the Hammers from relegation contenders to European hopefuls after his position was scrutinised last season.

His job remains in some doubt as his current contract expires at the end of the season, but he is relaxed.

"It's not a problem with me and never has been," Allardyce added.

"For me that will all be decided if and when the owners decide if they are ready."

Allardyce hopes to guide West Ham into the Olympic Stadium for the 2016-17 season, in a move similar to when Arsene Wenger took Arsenal from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium.

"He's been manager, accountant and financial director, there is no doubt about that," said Allardyce, paying tribute to Wenger.

"The man set out a fantastic team before they decided to move and then built a couple of brilliant young teams based on the fact that the same amount of finance didn't appear to be available to him.

"The one thing we have got to our advantage is that we don't have to pay B#450million for our new stadium, which is the best bit of business ever done in football by a set of owners.

"I don't think there is any bit of business that has ever been as good as what David Gold and David Sullivan have done acquiring the Olympic Stadium.

"So what you have to do in football terms is use your money that has been saved on that development into the team to strengthen it and when the club gets there, be in a position where hopefully it is not concerned with its Premier League status."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger needs no reminding of just what an important player Alex Song can be.

The Gunners - who beat QPR 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day, where striker Olivier Giroud was sent off for a headbutt on Nedum Onuoha - make the short trip across east London to Upton Park looking to maintain their push towards the Barclays Premier League's top four.

West Ham may have lost at Chelsea on Friday's lunchtime kick-off, but remain confident following a superb opening half of the campaign, which has seen both Liverpool and Manchester City beaten at the Boleyn Ground.

Irons' boss Sam Allardyce is in no doubt of the contribution made by Song, the loan signing from Barcelona offering a formidable defensive shield for the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate, Stewart Downing, Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho to stretch the opposition.

Having helped mould Song from the raw talent playing in French Ligue 1 at Bastia, Wenger is not surprised to see the 27-year-old, who left Arsenal in 2012, producing solid displays in the Premier League once again.

"I brought him here at the age of 17 and kept him despite all the opinions against him. He developed into a very good player, so you don't need to convince me he is a good player," said Wenger of Song, who started on the bench at Chelsea.

"I think he was a very good player when he was here and he didn't play a lot when he was in Spain - you see players like Santi Cazorla who always looks stronger (when they play regularly)."

Arsenal can leapfrog West Ham with victory on Sunday, and are just two points behind fourth-placed Southampton, but ahead of Tottenham only on goal difference.

With so little between the sides around the Champions League places, Wenger just wants his players to concentrate on continuing their recent positive form, which has seen just one defeat from eight in all competitions.

"I don't give importance to the table at the moment," he said.

"There are 20 games to go. It is very tight and it is down to consistency now.

"We know every game now is down to consistency and reproducing the performances.

"We need to prepare quickly, focus quickly and that is an ability we want to show at West Ham."

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West Ham on course for best ever Premier League finish

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Sam Allardyce was full of praise for his side after a 2-1 win at West Brom on Tuesday night, even joking post match that "we're gonna win the league!"

West Ham now have 24 points, one more point than they had at the same stage in the 1998-99 season. After the first 14 games that season the Hammers had 23 points and went on to finish fifth that year, which is still their best Premier League finish and their second-best placing ever in the top-flight. That team, managed by Harry Redknapp, had Shaka Hislop (Hammer of the Year) in goal, Rio Ferdinand and Neil Ruddock in defence, Frank Lampard and Eyal Berkovic in midfield, Trevor Sinclair on the wing, with Paolo Di Canio and Ian Wright up front. The season also saw the emergence of a highly promising young midfielder, Joe Cole, who played his first eight league games for the club that campaign.

Sam Allardyce is building a team that could potentially turn out to be as good as that one. West Ham have beaten last season's Premier League runners-up Liverpool and reigning champions Manchester City at home this season. "I think it's my second best squad," Allardyce said. “The first one was the last three years at Bolton. That was littered with outstanding world-class talent. Djorkaeff, Hierro, Okocha, Anelka, Campo. And then Gary Speed, Nolan scoring goals all the time as a young lad. That one was probably a little better but this one has the potential. We’ve signed lots of young players with ambition. I think the rest of the players who have accepted these players have got better as well. They have raised their level.”

Winston Reid, James Tomkins, Mark Noble and Stewart Downing have all been in fine form, with Downing flourishing in a new role spearheading a midfield diamond earning him a recent recall to the England squad. This seasons new signings Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Cheikhou Kouyate, Aaron Cresswell, and keeper Adrian have all settled in quickly and made vital contributions. The club have also benefitted greatly from the quality and experience in the midfield of loan signings Alex Song and Morgan Amalfitano. The team are scoring goals, playing entertaining football and are winning games.

West Ham face a tough fixture list over the Christmas period when they will play Arsenal and Chelsea in the space of three days, but an opportunity is starting to present itself. Allardyce and West Ham are daring to dream once more.

@JCLALLY1

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West Ham United; revolution or mirage?

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The English Premier League has gone through 15 weeks of action and the top four log looks like a fairy tale. Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are in traditional positions, thus first to third positions respectively. However, West Ham United are placed fourth, Yes Fourth! Rub your eyes, sit up and refresh the page and the Hammers still stay fourth, A position that skipped the prognosis of fans and pundits ahead of the 2014/2015 season. West Ham United have gone through fifteen matches with eight wins, three draws and four loses. Nonetheless, the pundits and connoisseurs of English football won’t waste time but to say no position in the EPL is guaranteed even in December. It is with this statement in mind I take a look at the Hammers asking if there truly is a revolution or it’s a simple task of flattering to deceive.

A peek at the Hammers display last season 2013/2014 after same number of matches played (15) only reveals but the dark side of performance by the team managing just three wins, four draws and eight losses plus placed 17th with relegation points of thirteen, half what they have now (27). What has been the spur for the team?

Coach Sam Allardyce in the summer made a net expenditure of £31m bringing in notables like; Cheikhou Kouyaté (Anderlecht, £7m), Mauro Zárate (Velez Sarsfield), Aaron Cresswell (Ipswich, £4m), Enner Valencia (Pachuca, £12m), Alex Song (Barcelona, loan), Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal, loan), Diafra Sakho (£3.5m Metz), Morgan Amalfitano (Marseille). These signings hinted at Big Sam’s plan of not only being defensive minded but put more depth in midfield plus alternatives in attacking options.

The Claret and Blues have undergone a significant stylistic shift since last season. Whereas 2013-14 was about long balls and crosses, this season West Ham have retained the ball for longer periods in midfield. The stats vindicates the premise as the Hammers have scored 26 goals, more than half what they managed all of last season (40)

More important for the Hammers have been their impressive run of form at the Boleyn Ground. In eight outings at the Boleyn Ground, the Hammers have lost only twice bottling 18 points with famous wins coming against Liverpool and Manchester City. It only goes to make plain their confidence against the big guns. In any case, they are yet to face Chelsea on boxing day plus arsenal two days on.

With the African cup of nations beckoning, you can’t help but count the number of influential players Big Sam will lose to AFCON 2015. Top goal scorer (7) Diafra Sakho, midfield duo of Cheikhou Kouyaté and Alex Song. Not long along, Big Sam lashed at the Senegalese national team medical staff. Allardyce is so worried about how Sakho will be treated during the tournament in Equatorial Guinea, which begins on 17 January and runs for three weeks, that he wants to send a West Ham physiotherapist over with him to act as a chaperone.

Nonetheless, Andy Carroll, two goal hero in their 3-1 victory over Swansea has already fueled the title talk for the Hammers. “We have a great squad,” Carroll said, “and I can't say we are going to give up now we are in the top four. We have got a great team and we can go all the way. With the team we have got, and the manager, the way he is coaching everyone, it is fantastic, and I don’t think we will be giving up at all. I think there is no limit. We can go all the way to the top.”

If history never ceases to repeat itself, then the last time the hammers went eight wins out of fifteen league matches was in the 1988/1989 season under the leadership of Harry Redknapp and in that same season they placed 5th.

I leave the judgment with you. Will the Hammers hit a minimum of Europa League qualification or will they go back to finishing some four or five points above relegation?

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21st century Sam ready for Chelsea

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When West Ham visited Chelsea in January it was a turning point in their fight for Barclays Premier League survival - now Sam Allardyce has warned Jose Mourinho: "We'll see what century we're in."

West Ham beat Leicester 2-0 on Saturday to ensure they will be fourth on Christmas Day in their best start since the 1985-86 season, when they ended up finishing third.

Matches at Chelsea and Arsenal in the space of three days will be a fierce examination of a rejuvenated West Ham, who were accused by Mourinho of playing defensive "football from the 19th century" when drawing 0-0 at Stamford Bridge at the start of the year.

"The turning point - why West Ham United stayed in the division eventually - was the draw at Chelsea," Allardyce said.

"That's how important it was. It gave the lads a huge confidence boost and huge belief that they could hold a team like Chelsea off.

"We went from there on to make ourselves safe in the league.

"We'll see what century we're in when we finish there (on Boxing Day).

"It's a nice time, I think, for us to be playing Chelsea and Arsenal.

"We can go there and see if we can go and challenge ourselves against two of the big boys in this league.

"If we don't, it's not going to be too much of a knock back for us, because we know we can catch it up by beating teams who are below us, like Leicester."

Stewart Downing, playing at the tip of a midfield diamond, has been key to the Hammers' best Premier League start.

"He's probably playing his best football ever at the moment," Allardyce said.

"It took a bit of persuading to get him here from Liverpool (in August 2013). It really was a dream move for him that didn't work quite as well as he would've liked.

"He's come here and started showing great class and great ability."

Allardyce confirmed West Ham are aiming to sign Canadian defender Doneil Henry, who is under contract with Cyprus' Apollon Limassol.

Henry was recommended by Ryan Nelsen, who played under Allardyce at Blackburn and managed the defender at Toronto.

"When you get the recommendation of somebody you respect like Ryan Nelsen you don't ignore that advice," Allardyce said.

"We're looking at that, but that's a tribunal and work permit situation which will happen next week."

Allardyce is optimistic and so too is Leicester boss Nigel Pearson, despite the odds being stacked against his side.

Only twice before - West Brom in 2004-2005 and Sunderland last season - have the side at the foot of the Premier League standings on Christmas Day avoided relegation.

Pearson was assistant to Baggies boss Bryan Robson 10 years ago and believes his Foxes squad have the required character.

"There are similarities," he said.

"You do need people who are capable of dealing with adversity and have the strength of character and inner belief.

"I can honestly say I look round the dressing room and I've not seen anybody who has given in to our current circumstances. I think that's a real positive for us.

"(But) you can't continue to be in the type of run that we're in and bluster your way out of it by trying to sell the idea that everything's rosy in the garden.

"We are capable of turning it around. Clearly we've got to start winning games pretty quickly."

Pearson was fined £10,000 and given a one-match touchline ban following his altercation with a fan during last month's loss to Liverpool.

He often watches from the stand anyway, but perhaps mischievously was on the touchline at Upton Park as he awaits the full disciplinary process to be completed.

"I felt like it. I gave myself a directors' box one-match ban," Pearson added.

"I enjoy being in the stands because I get a good view; from a technical perspective you see things a lot better.

"Sometimes it's important to be visible, but ultimately I'll continue to do what I feel is right for the players."

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Carroll raises festive cheer

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Two-goal Andy Carroll helped West Ham climb to third in the Barclays Premier League with a 3-1 victory over 10-man Swansea at Upton Park.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce put his neck on the line leading into the game after revealing he opted to sign Carroll rather than Wilfried Bony in the summer of 2013, insisting his decision would be vindicated in time.

Bony has since lit up the league and is in a rich vein of form, while Carroll has struggled for both fitness and form since his club-record move to east London.

It looked as though Allardyce's comments would backfire on him and his player when Bony put the Swans in front, but Carroll's brace - plus a third from returning substitute Diafra Sakho - sealed a come-from-behind victory to leave just Chelsea and Manchester City above the Hammers.

Swansea ended the match a man down, with goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski dismissed for attempting to impede Sakho as he bore down on goal.

West Ham were quick out of the blocks and skipper Kevin Nolan had two good chances to open the scoring for the Hammers but he could not connect fully with Carl Jenkinson's cross down the right as his volley squirmed wide.

His second chance came moments later after a disguised Stewart Downing free-kick allowed him to get a shot away, with Fabianski making a smart stop and James Tomkins' follow-up effort blocked.

The visitors had been second-best up until that point but were ahead from their first chance as Jefferson Montero and Gylfi Sigurdsson exchanged passes before the former fed Bony, who coolly slotted home past Adrian for his 19th league goal of 2014 and his seventh in nine games.

Swansea were having less of the ball but looked more incisive and could have doubled their lead on 26 minutes as Sigurdsson's driven effort was pushed away by the West Ham stopper.

Bony then came close to a second after Cheikhou Kouyate was robbed of possession on the edge of his own area and the Ivory Coast international arrowed a shot inches wide.

Both sides were looking dangerous in possession and Aaron Cresswell came close to his second goal in a week but he could only head Downing's pinpoint ball straight at Fabianski.

Carroll may not be enjoying a similar goalscoring record as counterpart Bony, but the England international showed just what he is capable of as he rose to head home a Jenkinson cross five minutes before the break.

It was Bony who once again came close on the hour-mark as he collected Montero's pass and flashed an effort past Adrian, only to see it clip the crossbar and go behind for a goal-kick.

West Ham were presented with a good opportunity to take the lead as Leon Britton was caught dawdling by Nolan, who fed substitute Sakho - with the Senegal international's cross poked behind for a corner.

And Carroll was on hand to leap highest and head home Downing's corner - with the former Newcastle man running over to embrace Allardyce and the rest of West Ham's bench.

Things went from bad to worse for the Swans as Fabianski was shown a straight red card seconds later as he was adjudged to have fouled Sakho as he raced through on goal.

Sakho came close to wrapping up the points but could only hit the post when one on one with substitute goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel before Swansea looked to hit back despite their numerical disadvantage.

But West Ham added a third courtesy of a thunderous finish from Sakho, his seventh league goal, to wrap up an eighth win of the season.

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Allardyce savouring Hammers success

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Sam Allardyce is determined to revel in West Ham's best start to a season in almost 30 years.

Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing were on target in a 2-0 win over Leicester which means the Hammers are fourth in the Barclays Premier League at Christmas.

It is their highest position on December 25 since the 1985-86 season when they finished third.

Questions are bound to be asked if the Hammers can last the distance on this occasion, but with Chelsea and Arsenal the next opposition Allardyce is not looking too far ahead.

"It's not often a team are breaking the barriers everybody else doesn't expect them to break," Allardyce said.

"You should enjoy the moment and continue to enjoy the moment for as long as it lasts. Hopefully it will last for a good while yet.

"We've sustained our position between sixth and fourth in recent weeks. We've a considerable amount of games now. The end of January will tell us what we can possibly achieve.

"It's about the consistency of winning and that is what we've got to challenge ourselves to try to do. You can't afford to slip up too many times if you've played well and you don't win, because you'll end up slipping away and out of the elite end of this league.

"At the moment we're living with it, we're enjoying it and the players who have applied themselves magnificently well all season are reaping the rewards."

Leicester, whose winless run was extended to 12 games, were culpable as West Ham claimed a fourth win in five games.

Paul Konchesky, Barking born and playing against his old club, presented Carroll with the opening goal moments after the Hammers striker had missed a straightforward opportunity.

But there was little Leicester could do to stop Downing's strike, as the playmaker curled a sumptuous shot into the far corner.

Adrian saved well to deny substitutes David Nugent and Leonardo Ulloa late on as West Ham kept a cleansheet in a comfortable win.

The only negative for Allardyce was James Tomkins' departure, as a precaution, due to a hamstring problem.

"We've had a very good day," Allardyce added.

"Everybody expected us to win. We have won. That gives us a little bit of leeway for the next two coming up."

On the goals, Allardyce said: "A very composed finish from Andy on a one-on-one. He missed an easier chance before that.

"The whole team is playing really well, but Stewart crowned off a very good performance again with another goal. His outstanding contributions on a consistent basis have been a revelation for us this season."

While West Ham are on a high, Leicester are bottom.

Only twice before - West Brom in 2004-2005 and Sunderland last season - have the side at the foot of the Premier League standings on Christmas Day avoided relegation.

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson rued his side's failures in both attack and defence.

"Individual mistakes have been costly for us, but you've got to score enough goals and we've just not been doing that," Pearson said.

Pearson was fined £10,000 and given a one-match touchline ban following his altercation with a fan during last month's loss to Liverpool.

But Pearson, who often watches from the stand, was on the touchline at Upton Park as he awaits the written reasons for his punishment from the Football Association.

The supporters sang about the Foxes boss early in the contest.

"It's not a story about me," said Pearson, whose side host Tottenham on Boxing Day.

"What is important is that the fans stay behind the club and the players. "

Pearson has experience of a great escape, having been assistant boss to Bryan Robson at West Brom when they survived on the final day.

"It really is about us making things happen ourselves," Pearson added.

"I look around the dressing room and we've certainly got nobody who's giving up any sort of a fight.

"We're a side experiencing the polar opposite of what we experienced last year and that in itself is difficult. Get back to work and find the answers."

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West Ham 1-2 Arsenal: Match Report

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West Ham 1-2 Arsenal: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.

Battling Gunners deny West Ham

Arsenal battled to a 2-1 win at West Ham to close in on the top four of the Barclays Premier League.

The Irons, who had started the day in fifth place, saw an early long-range effort from midfielder Alex Song ruled out for offside before Arsenal went ahead on 41 minutes through a penalty from Santi Cazorla,

The visitors doubled their lead before half-time with a close-range finish from Danny Welbeck.

A header by Cheikhou Kouyate reduced the deficit at the start of the second half and Arsenal had to withstand plenty of pressure, but they also forced a string of fine saves from Adrian on the break as they held out to move level with Southampton, whom they play on New Year's Day.

Song looked to have fired the Irons ahead on five minutes as he rifled a 25-yard strike into the net following a corner, choosing not to celebrate against his former club.

The assistant's flag was raised immediately, though, as three West Ham players were standing offside in front of Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Arsenal looked to use their pace on the break.

Santi Cazorla floated in a free-kick, but Laurent Koscielny got in Alexis Sanchez's way as he stooped for a header, which went wide.

On 35 minutes, Andy Carroll caught Mathieu Debuchy in the face with his forearm as they jumped on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area, flooring the defender.

Referee Neil Swarbrick showed the striker a yellow card - another official might have gone with a red.

James Tomkins, making his 200th appearance for the Hammers, curled his shot over from 10 yards after being picked out by a floated cross from Joey O'Brien.

Arsenal took the lead on 41 minutes.

Cazorla darted through a crowded left side of the area, where he was tripped by Winston Reid after the defender fell backwards.

The West Ham players protested, but the referee was unmoved, and Cazorla, who had allowed Sanchez to take a penalty against QPR, which was saved, dusted himself down to roll the ball into the bottom left corner.

No sooner had the home fans burst into renditions of "1-0 to the referee" than Arsenal doubled their lead

A neat exchange of passes between Cazorla and Debuchy released Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain down the right and his low cross went through Reid's legs before Welbeck slid in ahead of Tomkins to slot home on 44 minutes.

West Ham were much more positive at the start of the second half, with a deep cross from Diafra Sakho headed behind at the far post by Per Mertesacker as Carroll closed in.

The Irons maintained the pressure and pulled a goal back on 54 minutes.

Tomkins got to the byline and floated a high ball into the six-yard box, where Kouyate got up above Debuchy to head past Szczesny, who was wrong-footed by a slight deflection.

Arsenal were prevented from restoring their two-goal cushion when Adrian produced a strong left-handed save to beat away a fierce drive from Cazorla following more good work from Sanchez.

Home boss Sam Allardyce made a change on 62 minutes when Enner Valencia replaced Sakho.

Arsenal looked to counter quickly, with Welbeck driving down the left channel and clipping a low shot across the face of goal.

Adrian was again in the right place to make a superb reflex save with his feet from a bullet header by Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Welbeck then blazed over after latching on to a stray pass from Stewart Downing and darting into the area.

Oxlade-Chamberlain blasted wide and then tumbled in the box after what looked like a push from Reid, but still a third Arsenal goal proved elusive.

During the closing moments of five minutes of stoppage time a looping header from Valencia dropped on to the roof of the net, but the Hammers could not find a leveller.

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Allardyce: Offside decision cost us

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Sam Allardyce blamed West Ham's 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by Arsenal on an offside decision that left him "totally and utterly confused and bewildered".

Alex Song's 25-yard drive just six minutes into the London derby at Upton Park was disallowed due to three home players - among them Diafra Sakho - standing offside in front of Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

The Gunners went on to score goals through Santi Cazorla and Danny Welbeck with Cheikhou Kouyate reducing the deficit, but Allardyce held referee Neil Swarbrick and his assistants responsible for denying his team at least a point.

"If we'd been allowed that goal we wouldn't have lost. We would have kicked on and Arsenal would have found life very difficult from then on," Allardyce said.

"I've not spoken to the ref because I don't see any point in confronting him when you know you're 100 per cent right and he hasn't had the visuals. You can't get anything out of telling him how wrong he's been.

"Going on what we were told at the start of the season, they got it horribly wrong. He (Sakho) wasn't in the eye-line of the keeper. He didn't touch the ball.

"Yes he was offside, but we've seen so many of those allowed as goals. I've not seen one 'not given'.

"Can you tell me what is an offside? Now I'm totally and utterly confused and bewildered. There are far too many inconsistencies."

Allardyce also disputed the first-half penalty that enabled Cazorla to open the scoring in an entertaining showdown in east London.

Cazorla tumbled over the body of Winston Reid as he darted into the area, but the West Ham defender seemed to lift a leg to help the Spaniard fall.

When asked if he thought it was a penalty, Allardyce said: "No. Reid stuck his leg up and he's gone over on it. I just wish Morgan Amalfitano had done something similar when he got tugged by Nacho Monreal in the last minute.

"He stayed on his feet. He was being fouled but didn't go down. There's another scenario for you - simulation is not nice, but when you don't get free-kicks for staying on your feet, you're in a difficult situation."

Arsenal's second successive 2-1 victory leaves them outside of the top four on goal difference alone ahead of the New Year's Day clash with Southampton at St Mary's.

"This game was more about fighting than being creative, but you need to have that in England, especially when you played two days ago," manager Arsene Wenger said.

"We gave so much physically that I was worried for this game. We knew before the game we would have to dig deep because we were jaded, but we did that.

"It's vital to re-establish ourselves in the top four. We have done it for 17 years so we are entitled to at least believe we can do it.

"But it's all to do because everybody fights very hard for it - Southampton, Tottenham, Man United. So many teams fight for these positions."

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West Ham 2-0 Leicester: Match Report

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West Ham 2-0 Leicester: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.

Hammers heap winter woe on Foxes

Andy Carroll was on target as West Ham's fourth win in five games ensured Leicester would be bottom of the Barclays Premier League at Christmas.

Only twice before - West Brom in 2004-2005 and Sunderland last season - have the side at the foot of the Premier League standings on December 25 avoided relegation.

The Foxes were culpable as their winless run was extended to 12 games through goals from Carroll and Stewart Downing in the Hammers' 2-0 win.

Paul Konchesky, Barking-born and playing against his old club, presented Carroll with the opening goal moments after the Hammers striker had missed a straightforward opportunity.

But there was little Leicester could do to stop Downing's strike as the playmaker curled a sumptuous shot into the far corner.

Adrian saved well to deny Foxes substitutes David Nugent and Leonardo Ulloa late on as West Ham kept a cleansheet in a comfortable win.

The fourth-placed Hammers have made their best Premier League start and now have an eye on Europe - home fans celebrated the win by singing "Barcelona, we're coming for you" - while Leicester must dig deep to have any hope of survival.

Leicester's only wins this term were over Stoke and Manchester United in successive games in September and they next play Tottenham on Boxing Day.

The Hammers play at Chelsea, whose manager Jose Mourinho accused them of playing "football from the 19th century" in January's goalless draw between the sides.

How Mourinho's opinion must have changed as Allardyce has delivered a stylish side, driven forward by Alex Song and Downing, with Carroll and Diafra Sakho providing contrasting threats up front.

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson was fined B#10,000 and given a one-match touchline ban following his altercation with a fan during last month's loss to Liverpool, but his troubles are deeper than that.

Pearson, who usually sits in the stands anyway, saw his team subjected to an early bombardment, with Sakho slicing wide from Kevin Nolan's pass.

The Foxes boss watched Jamie Vardy's dangerous cross into the six-yard box evade everyone and his side fail to capitalise on Adrian's throw straight to Esteban Cambiasso.

Sakho should have given West Ham the lead and then his strike partner spurned a far easier chance on receipt of Downing's cut-back. From eight yards out, Carroll blasted over.

The striker swiftly made amends after West Ham cleared long to the left wing.

Konchesky, from just inside his own half, aimlessly passed back into no-man's land.

Carroll burst on to the ball and neatly lifted it over goalkeeper Ben Hamer for his third goal of the season.

Riyad Mahrez forced Adrian into a sharp save, but the Hammers were dominant, with Leicester's frustration clear.

Song required treatment for one heavy challenge and returned to the field be felled by Vardy, who was booked.

Carroll was unable to connect with an acrobatic attempt early in the second half and there was a moment of alarm when he turned his ankle and fell into the brick-walled photographers' pit by the touchline. The England striker shrugged off the incident to resume.

The direct route led to West Ham's second, but Carroll was not involved as Sakho headed down to Downing, who struck a delightful curling shot beyond Hamer.

Pearson, who is awaiting the written reasons for his punishment before deciding his options, appeared in the technical area to bellow at his players, but it had little impact.

There was concern for West Ham as James Tomkins walked off gingerly when replaced by James Collins, who was beaten by Nugent only for the striker to fire over.

Nugent and Ulloa were denied by Adrian at point-blank range late on as Leicester rallied.

Had either header gone in, it would have set up a tense finale, but as it was the Hammers eased to victory.

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Andy Carroll's hair really is crazy

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Andy Carroll took to Instagram this morning to show us all just how long his locks really are. The West Ham striker took it with his fiance, ex Towie star Billi Mucklow, in their new home. It’s quite something.

People commenting seem more occupied with the ceiling mirror than the hair though…

@AndyTCarroll I need a mirrored ceiling in my bedroom!!

— Katrina Webb (@OzHammerette) December 17, 2014

@AndyTCarroll aye we all know why you have a mirror on the ceiling 😆

— Tono (@Tonothy) December 17, 2014

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West Ham announce record profits

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West Ham have announced record pre-tax profits of over £10million - with joint-chairman David Sullivan stating he is "satisfied with the achievements" the club have made.

The Hammers sit sixth in the Barclays Premier League heading into the new year and just two points off the Champions League positions.

The club have also unveiled their plans for their new Olympic Stadium home and agreed the sale of their current Upton Park site.

In a statement issued on their official website West Ham announced their latest figures, with many showing an upturn in fortunes with Sullivan announcing over the weekend he is hoping he and co-owner David Gold can sell a 20 per cent stake in the club.

"West Ham United are pleased to announce a record group profit before tax of £10.3m following a successful 2013/14 for the club both on and off the pitch," the statement read.

"This is a significant improvement on last year's loss before tax of £3.5m. As the team overcame a difficult start to the season to finish 13th in the Barclays Premier League, the club increased revenues to an all-time high. Turnover was up to £114.8m compared to £89.8m the previous year, helped by the new broadcast deal and an increase in most other income sources.

"The wage/turnover ratio also decreased to 55.6 per cent against 62.6 per cent last year, the lowest ratio since this was first calculated 15 years ago."

The turnover was up despite bringing in nine new faces in the summer, seven of which were permanent transfers, and Sullivan said in the statement that the board want to continue the improvements.

"My board and I are satisfied with the achievements we have made in the 2013/14 season," he said.

"The highlights for us being retaining our Premier League status and reaching the semi-final of the Capital One Cup, signing an agreement to sell the Boleyn Ground in preparation for our move to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016/17 season, and our fantastic support despite our many injuries and therefore subsequent challenging performances on the pitch.

"We continue to believe we will deliver both on and off the pitch by investing in the team, the brand and managing the business well."

Karren Brady, the club's vice-chairman and the driving force behind the move to the Olympic Park, praised manager Sam Allardyce and the players, insisting the growth off the pitch goes hand in hand with success on it.

"Through the hard work of a fantastic, dedicated, loyal and determined team both on and off the pitch the club has grown in size, revenue and in stature this season," she said.

"The management team off the pitch were able to capitalise and maximise on all the opportunities the manager and the team delivered on the pitch."

The West Ham hierarchy will no doubt be hoping to use the figures to tempt any potential investments into the club after Sullivan told the Sunday Telegraph that he and Gold were looking to raise £80m to help reduce debts.

"We've no desire to give up the whole club," Sullivan said. "But we're still £110million in debt - albeit now £55million of that is to ourselves. So the third-party debt has been halved, but only because we've put the money in.

"We lost £30million when we went down (to the Championship in 2011) and we made £10million on paper last year. What's on paper is not cash-flow and we have to pay down the debt all the time and we have to be clear of bank debt when we move to the Olympic Stadium."

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West Ham V Swansea at Boleyn Ground : Match Preview

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West Ham V Swansea - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.

Allardyce defends Carroll decision

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce insists his decision to sign Andy Carroll over Wilfried Bony was the right choice.

Both of the strikers were available to Allardyce in the summer of 2013, with Bony having been scouted by the Hammers during a prolific spell at Vitesse Arnhem whilst Carroll had already spent a year at Upton Park on loan from Liverpool.

Financial constraints meant West Ham could only afford to bring in one of the talented frontmen and Allardyce opted for Carroll, who was already familiar with the club and the Barclays Premier League.

The Hammers broke their club transfer record to bring in Carroll - but the England international has struggled with serious foot and ankle injuries and is yet to show the sort of form that Allardyce would have hoped.

He has scored only twice in 19 league appearances since his loan move was made permanent whilst Bony, who instead moved to Swansea, has hit 22 in 48 appearances and is the leading Premier League goalscorer for the calender year - but Allardyce still thinks the best is to come from Carroll.

"I think so," Allardyce replied when asked if he was confident he got the better deal.

"Hopefully, in the end, it will be Andy that is not picking up injuries and starts getting back to what we know he can do.

"His first season in the Premier League at Newcastle he scored 11 goals in 16 or 17 matches. That showed at that young age he was a massive goal scoring threat against anyone.

"He has done it before. Because of the injuries he had, that career hasn't blossomed as it should have done. If he gets a run without injuries, we are in for a player of his capabilities.

"There is always a risk of any player that comes from abroad. No matter how small or how much you pay it might not work. The risk is always greater. Of course in Swansea's case it has paid off handsomely."

Allardyce revealed it was a case of signing either of the players, rather than bringing in both to form a potent partnership, as West Ham broke their transfer record to land Carroll.

"We signed Andy Carroll and it was one or the other," said the 60-year-old.

"It couldn't be both and we ended up getting a deal done with Andy so our interest ended because we couldn't do both. We didn't have enough money in the budget that year.

"We spent big money on Andy and the rest had to be proportioned out for the considerable amount of other players we needed at the time."

Allardyce is hoping to have a trio of players fit and ready to feature.

The game may yet come too early for midfielder Mark Noble (calf) but Allardyce believes both Diafra Sakho (back) and Alex Song (knee) could play some part against the Swans.

With Enner Valencia making his own comeback from injury in the midweek victory at West Brom and Carroll fit, Allardyce will now have all of his attacking options available as he looks to guide the Hammers to an eighth league win of the campaign.

Swansea's 2-0 home win over QPR in midweek took them into seventh spot, two places and two points worse off than West Ham, who have enjoyed back-to-back victories over Newcastle and West Brom in the past week.

"West Ham have done incredibly well, they've been up there from the very start and pushing all the way," Monk said.

"They're a very good team with good quality throughout their squad and I've watched a lot of them this season.

"Credit to the manager and club when you consider the noises coming out of there last season. Sam has done an exceptional job there.

"They have tweaked a few things and do possibly try to play a bit more football.

"But they can play direct as well with Andy Carroll and they've got a mixture of both."

Taylor misses the trip after picking up his fifth booking of the season against QPR in midweek.

Defender Taylor has been ever-present in the league this season and, with no natural cover at left-back, Dwight Tiendalli or Jazz Richards are likely to deputise with Angel Rangel restored on the right after being rested from the Rangers victory.

Swansea manager Garry Monk will assess how Leon Britton came through his first start of the season after three months out with knee trouble before finalising his side at Upton Park, but Argentina defender Federico Fernandez is still not fit enough to make the matchday squad despite returning to training this week after a calf problem.

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West Ham V Leicester at Boleyn Ground : Match Preview

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West Ham V Leicester - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.

Allardyce has sympathy for Pearson

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes the Football Association were wrong to charge Leicester boss Nigel Pearson over his argument with a fan, and feels more can be done to stop tempers boiling over behind the dugout.

Pearson has accepted an FA charge of using insulting words towards a supporter but has requested a personal hearing. A video has emerged of the incident during his side's 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool on December 2.

The Foxes boss had refused to apologise for the altercation, which Allardyce, himself the target of boos from some West Ham supporters during a difficult spell last season, feels is now all too commonplace.

Allardyce, speaking ahead of Saturday's clash between the teams at Upton Park, said: "I think it is wrong, personally. I think he should get a warning about his future conduct, because he hasn't stepped out of line, but the FA are just as scared as everyone else about being politically correct.

"It depends on what position you are in at that moment in particular time and if somebody has baited you as much as that fella did (with Pearson) then if you get a reaction, you get a reaction.

"We are all human beings aren't we? When you lose your rag, what do you do? Do you stay calm? No, so we cannot be angels all the time in this badly politically correct world we have.

"This politically correct world drives you up the wall - we will be shutting the door too hard soon, it will make too big a noise for somebody and that will upset."

While it remains to be seen what the outcome of Pearson's disciplinary case will be, Allardyce feels his former assistant coach during their time at Newcastle will emerge stronger from the saga.

Allardyce explained: "It is one isolated incident, I can't remember Nigel Pearson ever doing anything like that before. I worked with him at Newcastle for seven months and he is a guy who has got great morals and great standards.

"He takes those standards into the way he is managed since he left Newcastle, that is why the football clubs he has been at have been successful.

The Foxes are three points adrift at the foot of the Barclays Premier League after four successive defeats but Allardyce said: "Nigel has had a little blip and there is always a big fuss made about it - but it hasn't happened before and he probably regrets it, but you have got to move on."

On the clash at Upton Park, Allardyce accepts the visit of the struggling Foxes, without a win in 11 matches, will be key, given what other matches lie ahead.

"The most important thing is trying to get three points against Leicester because on paper, it is a more winnable game and we have got to focus and make sure that is the one we do win," he said.

"But it is only on paper because sooner or later, they will win a game.

"Nigel Pearson's team are so close to winning matches, they have just failed with their chances, but never really got hammered.

"So we have got make sure we are on song and not the ones that they turn the corner by gaining the victory against us."

David Nugent is set to return for Leicester after missing last week's defeat to Manchester City with a calf injury.

He will be assessed before the game while goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is out after breaking a metatarsal last week which will rule him out for at least five more weeks.

Matt Upson is close to a comeback after a long-standing foot injury but will not be risked as he returns to full fitness.

Pearson has eased fears over Leicester's transfer plans - despite the sacking of director of football Terry Robinson.

The Foxes acted this week after an 11 game winless run left them bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

Robinson has been replaced by academy director Jon Rudkin ahead of Saturday's vital trip to in-form West Ham.

Pearson is already hunting a goalkeeper after losing Schmeichel for at least six weeks with a broken foot but insisted he is not worried about the January window.

He said: "Whether it does or does not affect my transfer plans is irrelevant. We always work to get the outcomes we think are best for us and I remain very much a part it. We'll try and achieve the outcomes we're looking for.

"What happens internally at the club is important. There are certain questions that people have the right to know but I'm not the person to ask.

"I fully understand my sphere of influence in terms of my authority."

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Allardyce defends Carroll decision

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce insists his decision to sign Andy Carroll over Wilfried Bony was the right choice.

Both of the strikers were available to Allardyce in the summer of 2013, with Bony having been scouted by the Hammers during a prolific spell at Vitesse Arnhem whilst Carroll had already spent a year at Upton Park on loan from Liverpool.

Financial constraints meant West Ham could only afford to bring in one of the talented frontmen and Allardyce opted for Carroll, who was already familiar with the club and the Barclays Premier League.

The Hammers broke their club transfer record to bring in Carroll - but the England international has struggled with serious foot and ankle injuries and is yet to show the sort of form that Allardyce would have hoped.

He has scored only twice in 19 league appearances since his loan move was made permanent whilst Bony, who instead moved to Swansea, has hit 22 in 48 appearances and is the leading Premier League goalscorer for the calender year - but Allardyce still thinks the best is to come from Carroll.

"I think so," Allardyce replied when asked if he was confident he got the better deal.

"Hopefully, in the end, it will be Andy that is not picking up injuries and starts getting back to what we know he can do.

"His first season in the Premier League at Newcastle he scored 11 goals in 16 or 17 matches. That showed at that young age he was a massive goal scoring threat against anyone.

"He has done it before. Because of the injuries he had, that career hasn't blossomed as it should have done. If he gets a run without injuries, we are in for a player of his capabilities.

"There is always a risk of any player that comes from abroad. No matter how small or how much you pay it might not work. The risk is always greater. Of course in Swansea's case it has paid off handsomely."

Allardyce revealed it was a case of signing either of the players, rather than bringing in both to form a potent partnership, as West Ham broke their transfer record to land Carroll.

"We signed Andy Carroll and it was one or the other," said the 60-year-old.

"It couldn't be both and we ended up getting a deal done with Andy so our interest ended because we couldn't do both. We didn't have enough money in the budget that year.

"We spent big money on Andy and the rest had to be proportioned out for the considerable amount of other players we needed at the time."

Allardyce is hoping to have a trio of players fit and ready to feature.

The game may yet come too early for midfielder Mark Noble (calf) but Allardyce believes both Diafra Sakho (back) and Alex Song (knee) could play some part against the Swans.

With Enner Valencia making his own comeback from injury in the midweek victory at West Brom and Carroll fit, Allardyce will now have all of his attacking options available as he looks to guide the Hammers to an eighth league win of the campaign.

Swansea's 2-0 home win over QPR in midweek took them into seventh spot, two places and two points worse off than West Ham, who have enjoyed back-to-back victories over Newcastle and West Brom in the past week.

"West Ham have done incredibly well, they've been up there from the very start and pushing all the way," manager Garry Monk said.

"They're a very good team with good quality throughout their squad and I've watched a lot of them this season.

"Credit to the manager and club when you consider the noises coming out of there last season. Sam has done an exceptional job there.

"They have tweaked a few things and do possibly try to play a bit more football.

"But they can play direct as well with Andy Carroll and they've got a mixture of both."

Taylor misses the trip after picking up his fifth booking of the season against QPR in midweek.

Defender Taylor has been ever-present in the league this season and, with no natural cover at left-back, Dwight Tiendalli or Jazz Richards are likely to deputise with Angel Rangel restored on the right after being rested from the Rangers victory.

Monk will assess how Leon Britton came through his first start of the season after three months out with knee trouble before finalising his side at Upton Park, but Argentina defender Federico Fernandez is still not fit enough to make the matchday squad despite returning to training this week after a calf problem.

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West Ham 3-1 Swansea: Match Report

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West Ham 3-1 Swansea: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.

Carroll raises festive cheer

Two-goal Andy Carroll helped West Ham climb to third in the Barclays Premier League with a 3-1 victory over 10-man Swansea at Upton Park.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce put his neck on the line leading into the game after revealing he opted to sign Carroll rather than Wilfried Bony in the summer of 2013, insisting his decision would be vindicated in time.

Bony has since lit up the league and is in a rich vein of form, while Carroll has struggled for both fitness and form since his club-record move to east London.

It looked as though Allardyce's comments would backfire on him and his player when Bony put the Swans in front, but Carroll's brace - plus a third from returning substitute Diafra Sakho - sealed a come-from-behind victory to leave just Chelsea and Manchester City above the Hammers.

Swansea ended the match a man down, with goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski dismissed for attempting to impede Sakho as he bore down on goal.

West Ham were quick out of the blocks and skipper Kevin Nolan had two good chances to open the scoring for the Hammers but he could not connect fully with Carl Jenkinson's cross down the right as his volley squirmed wide.

His second chance came moments later after a disguised Stewart Downing free-kick allowed him to get a shot away, with Fabianski making a smart stop and James Tomkins' follow-up effort blocked.

The visitors had been second-best up until that point but were ahead from their first chance as Jefferson Montero and Gylfi Sigurdsson exchanged passes before the former fed Bony, who coolly slotted home past Adrian for his 19th league goal of 2014 and his seventh in nine games.

Swansea were having less of the ball but looked more incisive and could have doubled their lead on 26 minutes as Sigurdsson's driven effort was pushed away by the West Ham stopper.

Bony then came close to a second after Cheikhou Kouyate was robbed of possession on the edge of his own area and the Ivory Coast international arrowed a shot inches wide.

Both sides were looking dangerous in possession and Aaron Cresswell came close to his second goal in a week but he could only head Downing's pinpoint ball straight at Fabianski.

Carroll may not be enjoying a similar goalscoring record as counterpart Bony, but the England international showed just what he is capable of as he rose to head home a Jenkinson cross five minutes before the break.

It was Bony who once again came close on the hour-mark as he collected Montero's pass and flashed an effort past Adrian, only to see it clip the crossbar and go behind before a goal-kick.

West Ham were presented with a good opportunity to take the lead as Leon Britton was caught dawdling by Nolan, who fed substitute Sakho - with the Senegal international's cross poked behind for a corner.

And Carroll was on hand to leap highest and head home Downing's corner - with the former Newcastle man running over the embrace Allardyce and the rest of West Ham's bench.

Things went from bad to worse for the Swans as Fabianski was shown a straight red card seconds later as he was adjudged to have fouled Sakho as he raced through on goal.

Sakho came close to wrapping up the points but could only hit the post when one on one with substitute goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel before Swansea looked to hit back despite their numerical disadvantage.

But West Ham added a third courtesy of a thunderous finish from Sakho, his seventh league goal of the season, to wrap up an eighth win of the season.

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Allardyce not getting carried away

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Sam Allardyce will wait until the end of January to assess whether his pre-season targets need to be changed following West Ham's impressive start to the campaign.

The Hammers sit fourth in the Barclays Premier League having won eight of their opening 15 fixtures and Allardyce, whose position at Upton Park was uncertain at the end of last season, has been drawing the plaudits for installing a more attacking approach.

Eye-catching victories over Manchester City and Liverpool have been the stand-out performances but, with a gruelling festive schedule, the January transfer window and the African Cup of Nations, Allardyce knows his side are entering a critical period of the season.

Top goalscorer Diafra Sakho, as well as midfielders Alex Song and Cheikhou Kouyate, have all hit the ground running since joining in the summer but the trio could all be missing once the African Cup of Nations begins.

Allardyce, who takes West Ham to Sunderland on Saturday looking to build on last weekend's 3-1 win over Swansea, spoke of aiming for a top-half finish before a ball had been kicked and is eager to get into February before potentially readdressing his goals.

"If we're still here towards the end of January then we'll reassess our aims," he said.

"By that point we'll have played 20 games, we'll have played everybody once so we should have a good indicator of where we are. So we'll see what everybody has got in their locker, everybody would've seen what we have in ours so it'll be a question of whether we can carry it on.

"We might have a little worrying spell during the Africa Cup of Nations in January, that's why I'm not prepared to do any more predictions until they come back.

"We don't want to get carried away. We just want to keep on playing the football we're playing at the moment. Everyone is enjoying themselves, there's a good buzz around the training ground which is always a good sign.

"I think competition for places keeps everyone hungry, there's quite a few disappointed players because they haven't played as much as they wanted and that is very healthy from my point of view. It keeps them on their toes and gets the best performances out of them."

The 60-year-old also admitted the start to the season had caught him by surprise, given the fact he brought in a host of new faces during the summer.

"I wouldn't have thought it was achievable before we started playing because we had so many new players," he added.

"But like I've said many times the new players have done a particularly fantastic job. The other players have done a job to welcome them in and make them feel comfortable. Our team spirit and family feel has played a part and everyone is on top of their game.

"I think the Swansea performance typified that, we're a very good team character wise as we came back from a goal down again. Our determination shone through as did our ability and quality. We don't just play one way, we're flexible and can adapt to the style we need to at that particular time.

"I think the lads have picked up on that really well and opposition defences don't know what's coming next. That causes unrest and I think our performance on Sunday was the best of the season."

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Allardyce eyeing Gunners scalp

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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce wants to add Arsenal to a list of conquests at Upton Park which includes Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Hammers were beaten 2-0 at Chelsea on Boxing Day, but have won six of their nine home games this season to help them challenge at the top end of the table in the Barclays Premier League.

"The last seven home games have been six wins and one draw," Allardyce said.

"I am relying on the home form that we have shown over the last seven games to be there in abundance on Sunday.

"We have turned it into a real fortress again and I hope that is going to be the case against Arsenal."

Allardyce has revived the Hammers from relegation contenders to European hopefuls after his position was scrutinised last season.

His job remains in some doubt as his current contract expires at the end of the season, but he is relaxed.

"It's not a problem with me and never has been," Allardyce added.

"For me that will all be decided if and when the owners decide if they are ready."

Allardyce hopes to guide West Ham into the Olympic Stadium for the 2016-17 season, in a move similar to when Arsene Wenger took Arsenal from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium.

"He's been manager, accountant and financial director, there is no doubt about that," said Allardyce, paying tribute to Wenger.

"The man set out a fantastic team before they decided to move and then built a couple of brilliant young teams based on the fact that the same amount of finance didn't appear to be available to him.

"The one thing we have got to our advantage is that we don't have to pay £450million for our new stadium, which is the best bit of business ever done in football by a set of owners.

"I don't think there is any bit of business that has ever been as good as what David Gold and David Sullivan have done acquiring the Olympic Stadium.

"So what you have to do in football terms is use your money that has been saved on that development into the team to strengthen it and when the club gets there, be in a position where hopefully it is not concerned with its Premier League status."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger needs no reminding of just what an important player Alex Song can be.

The Gunners - who beat QPR 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day, where striker Olivier Giroud was sent off for a headbutt on Nedum Onuoha - make the short trip across east London to Upton Park looking to maintain their push towards the Barclays Premier League's top four.

West Ham may have lost at Chelsea on Friday's lunchtime kick-off, but remain confident following a superb opening half of the campaign, which has seen both Liverpool and Manchester City beaten at the Boleyn Ground.

Irons' boss Sam Allardyce is in no doubt of the contribution made by Song, the loan signing from Barcelona offering a formidable defensive shield for the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate, Stewart Downing, Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho to stretch the opposition.

Having helped mould Song from the raw talent playing in French Ligue 1 at Bastia, Wenger is not surprised to see the 27-year-old, who left Arsenal in 2012, producing solid displays in the Premier League once again.

"I brought him here at the age of 17 and kept him despite all the opinions against him. He developed into a very good player, so you don't need to convince me he is a good player," said Wenger of Song, who started on the bench at Chelsea.

"I think he was a very good player when he was here and he didn't play a lot when he was in Spain - you see players like Santi Cazorla who always looks stronger (when they play regularly)."

Arsenal can leapfrog West Ham with victory on Sunday, and are just two points behind fourth-placed Southampton, but ahead of Tottenham only on goal difference.

With so little between the sides around the Champions League places, Wenger just wants his players to concentrate on continuing their recent positive form, which has seen just one defeat from eight in all competitions.

"I don't give importance to the table at the moment," he said.

"There are 20 games to go. It is very tight and it is down to consistency now.

"We know every game now is down to consistency and reproducing the performances.

"We need to prepare quickly, focus quickly and that is an ability we want to show at West Ham."

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Reid not leaving West Ham for cheap

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Sam Allardyce will not be letting Winston Reid leave on the cheap in January and would rather see the defender leave West Ham on a free next summer.

The 26-year-old New Zealand international's contract at Upton Park expires at the end of the season and he has reportedly attracted the attention of Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.

With Reid able to leave the club for nothing, the Hammers could have looked to cash in on the former FC Midtjylland defender and look to sign a replacement during the January transfer window.

But, as Reid continues to develop into a vital part of Allardyce's squad which has impressed this season, Allardyce intends on holding out for a big payday as he looks to keep his best players together in the hunt for European football.

"He isn't going anywhere," Allardyce insisted.

"He is not going anywhere unless someone bids £20 million or something like that. There is obviously not a lot I can do about that.

"If somebody flirts around with a measly offer because he is in the last year of his contract, we would make more money by keeping him and finishing where we are in the league than selling him and putting our good season in jeopardy.

"Because replacing him in January - replacing anybody in January - is a very difficult job indeed."

Eight wins in their opening 15 games has left West Ham in fourth place heading into their clash with Sunderland and Allardyce hopes that a continuation of that form could tempt Reid to stay - even if the negotiations are out of his hands.

"I just don't pay too much attention to it now it has gone on so long," he said of the contract talks.

"I just hope that the phone call is a yes when the chairman rings me up at some stage. At the moment it is neither a positive nor a negative. It is neither a yes or a no from Reidy at the moment.

"In the end, I just hope he decides what is happening this season here and what is happening with us now has a telling factor on the decison that he makes in the end and it is not just money.

"After a difficult start after an injury and a difficult back end to last season, has started to show some reasonably good form - and that is why I say reasonably good - we have only got three clean sheets so they do get a bit of stick from me."

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Downing delighted by Hammers start

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Stewart Downing insists West Ham are loving upsetting the odds after they gatecrashed the top four.

The Hammers are fourth in the Barclays Premier League ahead of Saturday's trip to Sunderland.

Boss Sam Allardyce spent a reported £31million in the summer which was dwarfed by the expenditure of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Summer buys Diafra Sakho, Cheikhou Kouyate and Aaron Cresswell have helped ease the pressure on Allardyce, who was one of the favourites to be sacked at the end of last season.

West Ham were fourth bottom on 14 points this time last year but Downing is revelling in being one of this season's surprise packages.

"It's good, teams have spent a lot of money and people expected them to be in the top four because of what they've spent but it doesn't always work that way," he told Press Association Sport.

"We have bought very well, the players coming in have settled well. Sometimes you see players coming to the Premier League struggle to adapt. It's a big plus for us."

Southampton and the Hammers have shocked the top dogs during the first half of the season and Downing reckons breaking the 'big four' stranglehold on the Champions League spots is important.

"I think it would be good for the league," he said.

"If you looked at the league at the minute you'd say it was false but we're there on merit, we've done well and we've played some big teams and played them off the park on the day.

"We've beaten Liverpool and Manchester City and ground out a win against Newcastle, which we would have lost last season. We have shown good qualities."

The Hammers head to the Stadium of Light on Saturday with ex-Liverpool winger Downing insisting they can maintain their European challenge thanks to their extra quality.

"We have to look at each game as it comes. It's a big thing for us, Christmas, hopefully we can get lucky with injuries and suspensions," said the 30-year-old.

"We had a difficult year last year, found it hard and were sucked in (to the relegation scrap) so this year we're playing with confidence.

"Selection gets hard and it's one the manager would like because he's never really had it. Everyone is fighting for their place and the step up in quality has been good this year."

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West Ham V Leicester at Boleyn Ground : LIVE

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West Ham V Leicester - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.

Allardyce has sympathy for Pearson

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes the Football Association were wrong to charge Leicester boss Nigel Pearson over his argument with a fan, and feels more can be done to stop tempers boiling over behind the dugout.

Pearson has accepted an FA charge of using insulting words towards a supporter but has requested a personal hearing. A video has emerged of the incident during his side's 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool on December 2.

The Foxes boss had refused to apologise for the altercation, which Allardyce, himself the target of boos from some West Ham supporters during a difficult spell last season, feels is now all too commonplace.

Allardyce, speaking ahead of Saturday's clash between the teams at Upton Park, said: "I think it is wrong, personally. I think he should get a warning about his future conduct, because he hasn't stepped out of line, but the FA are just as scared as everyone else about being politically correct.

"It depends on what position you are in at that moment in particular time and if somebody has baited you as much as that fella did (with Pearson) then if you get a reaction, you get a reaction.

"We are all human beings aren't we? When you lose your rag, what do you do? Do you stay calm? No, so we cannot be angels all the time in this badly politically correct world we have.

"This politically correct world drives you up the wall - we will be shutting the door too hard soon, it will make too big a noise for somebody and that will upset."

While it remains to be seen what the outcome of Pearson's disciplinary case will be, Allardyce feels his former assistant coach during their time at Newcastle will emerge stronger from the saga.

Allardyce explained: "It is one isolated incident, I can't remember Nigel Pearson ever doing anything like that before. I worked with him at Newcastle for seven months and he is a guy who has got great morals and great standards.

"He takes those standards into the way he is managed since he left Newcastle, that is why the football clubs he has been at have been successful.

The Foxes are three points adrift at the foot of the Barclays Premier League after four successive defeats but Allardyce said: "Nigel has had a little blip and there is always a big fuss made about it - but it hasn't happened before and he probably regrets it, but you have got to move on."

On the clash at Upton Park, Allardyce accepts the visit of the struggling Foxes, without a win in 11 matches, will be key, given what other matches lie ahead.

"The most important thing is trying to get three points against Leicester because on paper, it is a more winnable game and we have got to focus and make sure that is the one we do win," he said.

"But it is only on paper because sooner or later, they will win a game.

"Nigel Pearson's team are so close to winning matches, they have just failed with their chances, but never really got hammered.

"So we have got make sure we are on song and not the ones that they turn the corner by gaining the victory against us."

David Nugent is set to return for Leicester after missing last week's defeat to Manchester City with a calf injury.

He will be assessed before the game while goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is out after breaking a metatarsal last week which will rule him out for at least five more weeks.

Matt Upson is close to a comeback after a long-standing foot injury but will not be risked as he returns to full fitness.

Pearson has eased fears over Leicester's transfer plans - despite the sacking of director of football Terry Robinson.

The Foxes acted this week after an 11 game winless run left them bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

Robinson has been replaced by academy director Jon Rudkin ahead of Saturday's vital trip to in-form West Ham.

Pearson is already hunting a goalkeeper after losing Schmeichel for at least six weeks with a broken foot but insisted he is not worried about the January window.

He said: "Whether it does or does not affect my transfer plans is irrelevant. We always work to get the outcomes we think are best for us and I remain very much a part it. We'll try and achieve the outcomes we're looking for.

"What happens internally at the club is important. There are certain questions that people have the right to know but I'm not the person to ask.

"I fully understand my sphere of influence in terms of my authority."

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Allardyce sings Carroll's praises

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce was full of praise for Andy Carroll after the striker hit two goals in their win over 10-man Swansea.

The 3-1 victory takes the Hammers up to third in the Barclays Premier League as their impressive start to the season continues.

Heading into the game Allardyce revealed he had opted to sign Carroll instead of Wilfried Bony in the summer of 2013, with the latter eventually moving to Swansea instead.

Since then Bony has been in great form and opened the scoring here only for Carroll, whose time at Upton Park has been plagued by injury, to hit his first goals in nine months to turn the game on its head.

Substitute Diafra Sakho added a third in the closing stages after having earlier been fouled by Swans goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski - who was shown a red card as a result.

But the day belonged to Carroll, who embraced his manager after heading home his second of the game, and Allardyce felt it was a stand-out performance for the England international.

"I have to say it was very close to it and when he has scored two at the end you would have to say yes," said Allardyce when asked if Carroll had just played his best game since joining the club.

"His movement and the quality of our balls into the box is very apparent. He is 100 per cent fit because he played all the games this week and his recovery has been good.

"Because he scored two it will make you run around more to try and get the hat-trick."

Carroll's brace doubled his Premier League haul for the Hammers since his move from Liverpool was made permanent and the 25-year-old enjoyed his afternoon.

''It was a tough game and I was getting held a bit but we got the two goals and got the win,'' he told Sky Sports 1.

''It means a lot to the lads and it obviously means a lot to get back on the scoresheet.

''I've played a few games and I have felt like I am back but obviously, until you score, you don't feel you're definitely back and now I've got two today it means a great deal.''

Swansea manager Garry Monk, who has still only led his side to one win on the road this term, was left ruing what he felt was the worst display he had seen for some time.

"I just don't think we ever reached the levels we have done this season," he said.

"That is the first time I can say that, in all the games we have played. We did not make enough correct decisions. The only time we did that we scored the goal.

"We didn't do that enough and really some of the defending, we gifted it to them on a plate to be honest. No complaints with the result, we didn't deserve anything from the game.

"We actually had our best spell when we went down to 10 men but it shouldn't take a situation like that for us to play our best football. We gave them an early Christmas present I think."

Monk also confirmed he would be considering an appeal against Fabianski's dismissal having spotted an infringement by Sakho in the build-up.

"If you look at the build-up to it, he knocks the ball past the keeper with his hand," he added.

"I don't think we dealt with the situation leading up to that point very well but before Fabianski makes any contact whatsoever, the player knocks it past with his left hand.

"Realistically it should have been a free-kick to us, it wasn't a clear goalscoring opportunity either - when you look at it with the replays it isn't (a red card). Hopefully we will appeal it."

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Hammers heap winter woe on Foxes

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Andy Carroll was on target as West Ham's fourth win in five games ensured Leicester would be bottom of the Barclays Premier League at Christmas.

Only twice before - West Brom in 2004-2005 and Sunderland last season - have the side at the foot of the Premier League standings on December 25 avoided relegation.

The Foxes were culpable as their winless run was extended to 12 games through goals from Carroll and Stewart Downing in the Hammers' 2-0 win.

Paul Konchesky, Barking-born and playing against his old club, presented Carroll with the opening goal moments after the Hammers striker had missed a straightforward opportunity.

But there was little Leicester could do to stop Downing's strike as the playmaker curled a sumptuous shot into the far corner.

Adrian saved well to deny Foxes substitutes David Nugent and Leonardo Ulloa late on as West Ham kept a cleansheet in a comfortable win.

The fourth-placed Hammers have made their best Premier League start and now have an eye on Europe - home fans celebrated the win by singing "Barcelona, we're coming for you" - while Leicester must dig deep to have any hope of survival.

Leicester's only wins this term were over Stoke and Manchester United in successive games in September and they next play Tottenham on Boxing Day.

The Hammers play at Chelsea, whose manager Jose Mourinho accused them of playing "football from the 19th century" in January's goalless draw between the sides.

How Mourinho's opinion must have changed as Allardyce has delivered a stylish side, driven forward by Alex Song and Downing, with Carroll and Diafra Sakho providing contrasting threats up front.

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson was fined £10,000 and given a one-match touchline ban following his altercation with a fan during last month's loss to Liverpool, but his troubles are deeper than that.

Pearson, who usually sits in the stands anyway, saw his team subjected to an early bombardment, with Sakho slicing wide from Kevin Nolan's pass.

The Foxes boss watched Jamie Vardy's dangerous cross into the six-yard box evade everyone and his side fail to capitalise on Adrian's throw straight to Esteban Cambiasso.

Sakho should have given West Ham the lead and then his strike partner spurned a far easier chance on receipt of Downing's cut-back. From eight yards out, Carroll blasted over.

The striker swiftly made amends after West Ham cleared long to the left wing.

Konchesky, from just inside his own half, aimlessly passed back into no-man's land.

Carroll burst on to the ball and neatly lifted it over goalkeeper Ben Hamer for his third goal of the season.

Riyad Mahrez forced Adrian into a sharp save, but the Hammers were dominant, with Leicester's frustration clear.

Song required treatment for one heavy challenge and returned to the field be felled by Vardy, who was booked.

Carroll was unable to connect with an acrobatic attempt early in the second half and there was a moment of alarm when he turned his ankle and fell into the brick-walled photographers' pit by the touchline. The England striker shrugged off the incident to resume.

The direct route led to West Ham's second, but Carroll was not involved as Sakho headed down to Downing, who struck a delightful curling shot beyond Hamer.

Pearson, who is awaiting the written reasons for his punishment before deciding his options, appeared in the technical area to bellow at his players, but it had little impact.

There was concern for West Ham as James Tomkins walked off gingerly when replaced by James Collins, who was beaten by Nugent only for the striker to fire over.

Nugent and Ulloa were denied by Adrian at point-blank range late on as Leicester rallied.

Had either header gone in, it would have set up a tense finale, but as it was the Hammers eased to victory.

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Allardyce fuming at Johnson 'dive'

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce accused Sunderland midfielder Adam Johnson of diving for a penalty after the two teams played out a frustrating 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.

Johnson toppled under the challenge of James Tomkins in the 22nd minute and - despite minimal contact - referee Phil Dowd had no hesitation in awarding a spot-kick from which Jordi Gomez struck the opener.

Allardyce said: "It's a dive. I have to say, Johnno knew he was going nowhere - he knew it was going out of play - so (he thought) I'll have a little fall down and make the referee make a decision, and it went in his favour.

"I've seen it from four angles on the laptop and the assistant referee has made the wrong decision in my opinion. It wasn't the referee's decision because he couldn't see from where he was because (his view) was obscured by three players."

But Allardyce was equally convinced that Dowd got it right when he waved away a strong spot-kick appeal in the second half after Hammers defender Winston Reid plainly handled a Santiago Vergini cross in the box.

Allardyce added: "Handball has to be intentional and I don't think it was intentional at all. Everybody thinks that when it hits somebody's hand today it has to be a penalty, but it doesn't."

Allardyce's rather predictable reaction to the two most significant talking points of an otherwise forgettable encounter were mocked by Sunderland boss Gus Poyet.

Poyet agreed with Allardyce that the penalty award might have been harsh but asked: "Have his (Allardyce's) players never dived? The second one was a definite penalty and a manager can be more honest sometimes. Sometimes you get it and sometimes it is against you.

"I thought it (the penalty) was a bit harsh. I didn't think it was a penalty but I don't think he dived. The defender was in front of him and he was stronger and bigger and when the referee gives the penalty you are not going to say no to it."

The Hammers drew level within five minutes when Stewart Downing lashed home from the right side of the Sunderland box but the game was also notable for an horrendous miss by Black Cats striker Jozy Altidore, who fluffed a shot from three yards with the goal at his mercy.

Altidore's goalscoring record for Sunderland now stands at one in 41 appearances and Poyet described the American as "devastated" by his howler in first half injury time.

Poyet added: "I have never seen Jozy like that. But we've got a long week and a great game to play next week and if we win that nobody will remember today or the miss or whatever we have done in a different way.

"If Jozy had scored you would have said it was a great decision to play him. I tried to say at him at half-time to look for the net and don't keep thinking about that, but he needs a goal."

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