It seems an awfully long time ago that Hammers began their season with a contentious defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Diego Costa scored the winning goal even though he should not have been on the pitch following a disgraceful challenge on Adrian that warranted a straight red card let alone a second yellow! The match was supposed to be the beginning of West Ham United's 'brave new world', but in true east end tradition fortune began to hide after 36 minutes when record £20 Million signing Andre Ayew succumbed to a serious injury that has kept him out for the entire season so far.
Since that opening fixture in the Barclays Premier League Hammers have struggled desperately to re-discover the scintillating early form of last season, perennial 'sick note' Andy Carroll quickly joined Ayew on the long term injured list along with the disenfranchised Diafra Sakho, these three injuries deprived Slaven Billic of most of his striking options, which allied to the absence of Aaron Cresswell have contributed in no small measure to the appalling start fans have been forced to endure. The move from the beloved Boleyn to the London Stadium only served to crank up the pressure and ensure results were firmly under the media spotlight, fortunately Big Sam stepped in just in the nick of time to deflect what had become an almost unstoppable tide of negativity. First glint of light came with the consolidating draw against Middlesbrough, not such a bad result given their recent game against Arsenal at the Emirates, later came the International break followed by the 'massive' win away to Crystal Palace.
The home win against relegation strugglers Sunderland was not a comfortable victory, but it meant six points from two games, two clean sheets and a bit of positive momentum, the EFL game against Chelsea is a bit of a diversion in some ways, but it is a match that may well see the return of Andre Ayew. Unlike others, Ayew has knuckled down and pushed himself to the limit in order to be available for selection nearly TWO months ahead of the original estimate, his presence along with that of Aaron Cresswell should have a galvanising effect on the fragility of a West Ham team that seems to have been shorn of it's confidence.
Slaven Billic is no longer being mentioned prominently in the managerial 'sack race' odds, 888Sport Premier League Social Index have David Moyes firmly installed as favourite to part company with his employers, yesterday's opponents Sunderland and for the moment at least Slaven Billic can go back to being the affable and laid back person he has always been in the past, instead of the anxious and stressed shadow of his former self that he had become recently!
The result against Chelsea is obviously important, but the game does present an opportunity for the home team to play with a little more freedom than if it was a premier League match. Hopefully the fans will get behind the team and start to turn the London Stadium into a 'fortress under the spotlights'. - Ed
NB: A disappointing footnote is that there was further trouble between opposing fans outside the ground, albeit not on a large scale, but for the second match running my 11 year old son witnessed grown men throwing punches and hurling people to the floor and the odd bit of 'claret'! Why is it that football seems to be the preserve of cave men when it comes to behaviour? Rugby fans happily mingle before and after matches, and so do the vast majority of football fans, unfortunately some people really do seem to be stuck in the past! Incidentally, the overground train heading west from stratford had fans of West Ham and Sunderland on board who were later joined by lots of Arsenal fans and a few from Middlesbrough, all four groups of supporters were able to travel in harmony and have civil discussions among them selves.
It is the joint responsibility of fans from all clubs to stamp out football hooliganism, eventually it will be viewed in the same light as drink driving or smoking in the same room as children.
Comments
Not again!
Sorry to hear that the knuckle draggers were at it again, I saw nothing after the game but did feel that the security and organisation in getting back to the station was much improved. I changed at the Bank and also met with Arsenal supporters and enjoyed some good banter and chat. I fear for the Chavski game and think this will be a real test. I'm not going to the game partly for this reason but also it's a school night and work takes priority over the league cup ⚒⚒⚒⚒