1. Jack Collison is so underrated.
West Ham’s midfield has come under question so many times this year. Questions surrounding Mohamed Diame’s future, Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan haven’t always been putting in the best of performances and Alou Diarra claimed he was wasting his time. Nevertheless, if there has ever been a West Ham United player who has waited for his chance and when taken it not been rewarded for doing so, Jack is that man. Scored a tremendous goal against Arsenal, and was a motivational figure in our promotion chase. Jack took a chance again today when Noble and Nolan were missing and he thoroughly deserves the credit he gets for a terrific performance, and I for one hope he receives more game time for West Ham United.
2. Unaccredited Jarvis
I feel that Jarvis isn’t given the credit he deserves, last year the stats proved themselves; he picked up 11 assists in the Premier League. So far this year that number is far from his previous level, but he was feeding the most prolific striker in terms of shots to goals in the league in Steven Fletcher. Our strikers just haven’t been at his levels, this isn’t because of Jarvis’ feeding, but because the strikers haven’t taken the chances. In my opinion he works his socks off every game and deserves far much more credit.
3. We can win away from home.
Yes, I am as surprised as you are. We go to a ground where only Chelsea has managed to win so far this season and win, a marvelous achievement. West Ham showed signs of their form before November. Though the defense must be given extra credit. Winston Reid was his usual classy and routine self and seemed to show no signs of nerve by being given the captain’s armband, and his performances so far this year have put him right in line for the Hammer of the Year award in May.
4. Must take our chances
If recent fixtures with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have taught us anything, it is to make sure that you take your chances. We were very nearly adding Stoke to that list of ties that we dropped late points in. Against Spurs and Manchester United we saw two glimpses of genius to beat us, and that was nearly repeated yesterday as Charlie Adam hit a sumptuous volley, which very nearly took the points away from us. Vaz Te and Jarvis both had chances, which they were unlucky not to take, but I feel that we must become more clinical.
5. 7 points left
Many West Ham United supporters were worrying about our safety in the Premier League and were looking over their shoulder, and with reason. Although yesterdays win was highly impressive and will give the side a big confidence boost to go and reach that 40 point mark. 7 points will do that with just 10 games left, it feels as if we can start to look forward, and onward to our game with Chelsea on the 17th.
Good article Bud with some valid points.
Jack Collison has taken some time to get back after a really bad injury, and yesterday he looked the part with energy and committment. Great to have him back and in for for the rest of the season.
Nolans absence is a GODSEND. Poor, poor levels of performance for months and any other manager other than his unofficial “Dad” would have left him out ages ago. With a proper pair of legs in there working and closing down we look much more of a complete unit.
I just diont get the nagativity from some people with Matt Jarvis. He never hides, is ALWAYS busy and looking to take on defenders because he understands thats his job . His wing play is spot on..makes half a yard and whips the ball in. 275 crosses in the Prem last year, the highest total for any winger. If SA insists on a big front man, then the majority of goals are going to come from Crosses and Jarvis is the guy to deliver.
Ive been Vaz Te’s biggest critic this season, but fair play, even he looked busy and interested yesterday. I hope that continues for the rest of the season.
Happier this morning as I know we are just about there. I just pray that we try and build more of a rounded team for next season that is able to mix things up a little and play with some light and shade…if route one aint working try something else !! COYI !
well it just proves that sam dont know what he is doing if it wasnt for injurys we would have lost,how does taylor get on the team sheet before collinson and vaz te,we will lose all our youngsters playing his way,we will be known as the academy of hoof ball,i will go to no more matches next season if hoof it sams in charge.i can see that type of foot ball over the park sundays.
I have to say, I am getting tired of “hoofball” comments… do these people go to the game??
We play some excellent stuff at times, As per the previous comment, I can’t pick Taylor over Jack, but I have been critical of Vaz Te.. he was never going to start before JC.
We were unlucky in a couple of recent away games, I went to the Emirates, with my lad.. even he thought we did really well first half, despite some strange squad picks.
BFS, when he was at Bolton…and I went every season, did not play route one, they could mix it up, same as we do. We have a better class of player generally and we will prosper under him. Get off his back, support our team and pleeease… no more mention of PdC for manager!!
Finally a hammers fan with some sense. Yes we play hoof ball at times, so do barca sometimes. Bfs knows how to play football and the football will come when we have secured our pl status. Sam knows how to win games and stabiltity is what we need right now. Coyi.