FIVE things we learned from the draw at Hull

West Ham played against Hull City on Monday in what many were saying would be a make or break game for Sam Allardyce.

All eyes were on team selection, tactics and the result. Unexpectedly Allardyce started the best team possible, got his tactics and substitutions spot on and the football on display was like the West Ham of old: entertaining, fluid, attacking and a pleasure to watch.

We were unlucky not to come away with all three points in a game that saw the action swtich from one end to another, a contender for goal of the season, an ex-Hammer’s debut against us and another show of fantastic away support from the hammers faithful.

Sam Allardyce would have stopped a lot of his critics in their tracks after that game having shown everyone that he has the ability to get his side playing good football and he took on board previous critisism about team selection.

His job looks safe for now, assuming he can continue to get West Ham playing like we did on Monday night.

So here are the FIVE things we learnt from the game against Hull…

Click on Big Sam to reveal

Valencia is World Class

Enner Valencia was a star for his country at the World Cup and he showed West Ham fans on Monday night exactly what to expect with this goal of the season contender from 24 yards against Hull City.

He was seemingly out of options infront of goal yet bought himself an inch of space and rocketed a beautiful shot straight into the goal past a helpless McGregor. His skill and passing was world class throughout the match and he is one to look forward to for the hammers this season.

Former players always score against us

Our ongoing voodo of former players coming back to haunt us continued on Monday night. Mo Diame had literally just completed his move to Hull on the last day of the transfer window and his debut for his new club waa against us because of the international break. He showed Hull fans what we already knew; he is greedy on the ball and gets knackered after 70 minutes. But in a moment of pure class, as it was written in the script, he picked up the ball, took on our defense and unleashed a shot which Adrian could not stop and put his new team infront. It was bound to happen, however we luckily cancelled it out quickly enough!

We’ve found a gem in Sakho

Experience suggests that when we sign an unknown striker from France, he turns out to be a flop. *coughs* Maiga. Unknown foreigners tend to struggle at West Ham but Sakho seems to have bucked the trend.

He showed his worth against Sheffeild Utd in the cup and didnt let us down on Monday with a purely instinctive finish. He looked confident on the ball, a true breath of fresh air compared to what we are used to. He knows how to score and knows how to pass the ball. He looks a real gem of a find!

Allardyce CAN change things around

I think we were all dreading Monday night after the gaffer said he was playing not to lose. That and our expectations on seeing Cole and Vaz Te start in place of Valencia and Sakho. Would be typical Sam right? Well he suprised us all with the starting line up for sure. And the tactics! We looked so good going forward with on the ground passing and clever link up play between midfield and the forwards. As the away team with five minutes to go we pushed for a winner. Credit to Sam where is due. Great sunstitutions as well. Lets hope it continues throughout the season!

 

We have strength in depth this season

Last season it is safe to say we struggled with injuries and had to see Matty Taylpr play in defence and no striker up front.
Fast forward to Monday night’s game vs Hull and it is a totally different story.

Not only did we have a strong starting line up, but the bench was spoilt with talent as well. Sam must have had trouble choosing who to play. You know the squad is strong when your three subs are Jenkinson, Alex Song and Afamilato. This season should pose no issues regarding team selection and it looks like even Nolan and Carroll will have to fight their way into the team this season.

What a great position to be in! I feel so much more positive this season with such an abundance of talented players on show for West Ham.

Leave a Comment
Exit mobile version