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West Ham no longer play 19th-century football

Jose Morinho's criticizing West Ham for playing football from the 19th century was the greatest news after the last head-to-head clash between Chelsea and West Ham. This season, West Ham hold very good forth spot in the table and want to do something against the leader today

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After the last Chelsea-West Ham game that took place at Stamford Bridge last season, Jose Mourinho said that West Ham played 'football from the 19th century', thus criticizing visitors' defense tactics. West Ham had almost no shots on Chelsea's goal back then, while their goal keepers left them undefeated (0-0).

It was very hard to imagine at that point last season that West Ham would make such an improvement in their offense and productivity, making this not only the London derby, but also the derby of this round since visitors in spot four face top table Chelsea.

Chelsea played Stoke on Monday, taking the lead only two minutes into the game (John Terry) to stay disciplined and tough before Fabregas settled the game in minute 78 with he second goal. Those three points kept Manchester City three points short in the championship table.

Jose Mourinho was top table at Christmas seven times in his carrier, leading Porto, Chelsea, Inter, and Real Madrid and claiming the titles all seven times at season's end. He is definitely counting on extending his streak this year.

- The win over Stoke is much more than just three points - Jose Mourinho said. He could have easily lost Eden Hazard for a long period of time after a brutal foul committed by one of Stoke's players. The referee awarded the Stoke player with a yellow card, even though the punishment should have been more severe.

- It seemed like that foul needed a more severe punishment and it did, but the ref didn't think so. If he chooses not to sanction such fouls and loses control of the game because of it, it's his problem, but he didn't lose control this time - Morinho said. Hazard will very likely miss this game with a minor joint injury.

- We need to be very focused on the three games we have in six days. Playing Big Sam is never easy, but we need to find a way to win. Being only 3 points ahead of the competition is not enough and we need to do our best to keep it up. All the players in England who are to play all these games over the holiday season are true professionals and have my utter respect - Mourinho said. Chelse have 6 wins and 2 draws from the last 8 head-to-head league games with West Ham.

The last time West Ham were among four top table teams at Christmas was 29 years ago. They went on to finish in the third spot that season, which would have been an unbelievable massive achievement for such a small club these days.

Their 4th spot is this season is well-deserved - Allardyce's team were mature and compact, displaying progress in each segment of the game, offense especially. Acquiring Sakh and Valencia proved to be great decisions and after Carroll got back following an injury, the East London club had a might offense trio at their disposal.

We need to wait and see how big a progress West Ham made from 'the 19th-century game' they played last time they met Chelsea. Figting off aggressive pressure Chelsea used to win all 8 home games this season will be the key.

- This team is much better than the one that played a goalless draw with Chelsea last season. We have some new acquisitions now and young players who want success - Sam Allardyce said. He won't be able to count on center back Tomkins, who will be replaced by Collins (played 11 games this season, seven as the starter, 4 coming on from the bench).

- Mourinho is the best coach in the world, look at all the trophies he won over the past few years. We know how tough it is to stand up to his team now, but we have nothing to lose and we want to do well. If we do well, surprises could happen - Allardyce said. He will go with two strikers today (Carroll and Sakh), which should not result in football from the 19th century.

West Ham scored at least a goal in the last 8 head-to-head games, having recorded 9 wins so far, compared to the total of 11 they recorded last season.