We head into Sunday’s fixture against manager-less Swansea after a frustrating few weeks for the Hammers.
Not short of confidence and team character we should be heading into that game with every chance of getting that much needed win.
A stirring and interesting game against an in-form Stoke City last weekend produced a spirited and gutsy performance, despite the lack of all three points. Had it not been for the heroics of an impressive Jack Butland in goal, we would have taken the game.
If we had another 10 minutes I think we would have scored. How refreshing it is to see this West Ham side pushing for the win right up until the death rather than putting 11 men behind the ball to protect the point.
Looking forward to Swansea, yesterday we learned of Andy Carroll’s injury (surprised, are we?) and that he’ll be missing for at least a week.
Although this could have normally been cheered by some fans, this is major blow to our depleted forward line. It’s a real shame as Carroll would have been a pain to deal with for the Swansea defenders.
Nonetheless. this an opportunity for Enner Valencia to step up and repay a sizeable portion of his £12million fee and actually score some goals. As I mentioned here last week, Valencia has offered little in his time at West Ham other than THAT header and THAT shot from outside the box. I would love to start seeing him score consistently and he appears to be one of those confidence players.
The fans seems to be taking to Ogbonna at centre-back. His centre of balance is very good, he is hard to knock off the ball, and he plays with a real self-assurance in possession. He and Collins worked well last week and it was good to see Ginge back and on the level of performance he was at before his sending off at Watford.
All that was missing from last week’s game was the killer pass or that little bit of quality. We were desperate for someone to unlock the door.
For me the jury is still out on Zarate. He is a flair player and does offer something differentm but he can be a bit of a liability at times. He gives the ball away far too often but with little left now in the way of creativity we have no choice but to play him.
Perhaps as he gets more and more game time he will bed in more. He has certainly done enough though to keep his place in the side.
I loved Antonio’s game last week. He could have scored a couple and he gives us yet more options for something a little different in the side. I would really like to see him do well for us.
Another player and my stand out player of the year so far is Kouyate. Even toward the end of the game against Stoke he managed to find some reserve energy to take another sorte into the Stoke half, break up and intercept their play, stick a boot in or get his body in the way. He’s an absolute trojan of a player and extremely consistent.
Song and Noble were steady and consistent last week and I hope Slav keeps the same side with just Valencia in for Carrolll…
What do you think of Enner Valencia? Would you sell him at the end of the season if he continues to be unimpressive? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below…
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