We all hoped it was just a knock. That taking him off just after the restart was precautionary. That he’d be back and ready to go again after the international break.
Instead, three months. THREE MONTHS!? Our player of the season so far has been ruled out for up to three months while Everton’s James McCarthy escapes with just a yellow card, seemingly getting a pat on the back from his manager for achieving his mission on Saturday afternoon – take Dimitri Payet out of the game.
It was an awful tackle and warranted a red card. Put it this way, if James Collins was deserving of his red card against Watford then James McCarthy deserved equal punishment at the very least.
Anyway, lets not dwell on what can’t be changed. Instead, let’s take a look at the positives, because believe it or not there are some to come out of this.
Firstly, we proved after Payet had left the field on Saturday that we can perform without him. We did lose some attacking spark, agreed, but we didn’t crumble and go on to lose the game. Simply put, we are not a one man team. A few seasons ago an injury to our best player would’ve crippled us, but the strength in depth we have is so good we can cope without our little French wizard.
Secondly, this gives the likes of Michail Antonio to come in and show what he’s got. He’s been waiting patiently on the sidelines for his opportunity and he should now get it, with Lanzini moving in to Payet’s position. We’ll miss Payet, but his absence could also uncover something just as beautiful.
It’s such a shame that he’s going to be out long term because he’s been absolutely superb for up to now, but it really isn’t the end of the world.
That said, you’d think it is given some of the reactions from fans on Twitter this evening…
Sadly payet will be out for about 3 months! Huge miss for the team. How the Everton player didn't get sent off amazes me!! #COYI
— Jack Sullivan (@jsullivanwhu) November 9, 2015
https://twitter.com/DaveSulley/status/663761167169560576
Dimi Payet out for 3 months, I think I can honestly now say I've had my heart broken. #WHUFC.
— Ethan Payne (@Behzinga) November 9, 2015
Gonna spend my evening watching highlights of Payet listening to Fix You
— George Williamson (@Willlliamson) November 9, 2015
https://twitter.com/Need_To_Voice/status/663788554267533312
That Payet injury breaks my heart but we go again ⚒⚒ #WHUFC
— Eggs Benedict (@benanderton11) November 9, 2015
https://twitter.com/SayemIRahman/status/663765632622702592
Bad news on Payet's injury. The return of an on song Alex Song should cushion the blow though
— Matt Drury (@mattdrury4) November 9, 2015
Payet out for three months (and Valencia possibly just as long) is about as bad as it gets for West Ham. Thanks again, Everton.
— Steve Katz (@RealGone) November 9, 2015
It's so frustrating to see Payet get injured now, just as Alex Song is coming back to full fitness. Really wanted to see out best XI
— ⚒ Jack Himself ⚒ (@jackgambardella) November 9, 2015
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