Opinion from the stands

West Ham vs West Brom: The Talking Points

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zarate

Although the result against West Brom was a disappointing one, there can be little negativity surrounding the way the team performed.

Mauro Zarate was exceptional as he combined brilliantly with Manuel Lanzini to provide a constant attacking threat in the first half. Diafra Sakho’s hold up play was excellent and it looked as if the Hammers were going to be certain winners in this one. Unfortunately, a poor goal to concede gave West Brom a route back into the game and despite us having chances, we couldn’t finish the Baggies off.

For me, Carl Jenkinson looks like a player who is having a bit of a confidence crisis at the moment. Although his performance against Pulis’ side was rather solid, he still looks as if he is unsure about taking a risk, making a darting run and providing that attacking threat we all know he is capable of. Jenkinson hasn’t had the best start to the season but we know how he can play and he has shown glimpses of it this season. Rather than getting on his back, we should adopt a more positive approach towards the right-back as he can be a very dangerous player when he is in the right frame of mind.

I have also read elsewhere that West Ham lack solidarity in the team, sacrificing this for ‘flair’ players such as Lanzini and Zarate. Although the Hammers have looked a little vulnerable in midfield recently, there was nothing wrong with the way the midfield performed against West Brom. Lanzini and Zarate need to be in the side as they are players that can make the difference. Yes, Zarate can be a bit of a liability sometimes but the same cannot be said for Lanzini as he works hard for the team no matter what the score is.

The absence of Diafra Sakho is a big issue as we are short of mobile attackers that make the same runs he can. We seem to lose our bite in attack when the likes of Carroll or Jelavic feature and if either of them start I can only see the same outcome, especially against Manchester United. A pacey attack with Mauro Zarate pushed forward could really hurt a rather sluggish Van Gaal side (look at Vardy’s goal against them) rather than us opting for the target man, playing the fixture into United’s hands. It looks as if Sakho could be out for a few weeks so finding a way to play effectively without him has to be a priority.

The form has slumped a little for the Hammers but almost every team will go through a bad patch of results and it is how the team responds to this that will determine just how good they are. Hopefully another fantastic away performance is in the offing against United.

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2 comments

  • Jake says:

    I am totally fed up with Jenkinson now – give the spot to Tomkins or even Oxford.
    As for Sakho’s injury, we have an issue as I have no confidence in Andy. But he’s going to have to start isn’t he?

    • JB says:

      Well the way Oxford played against Arsenal, yes let him give anything that Man U can throw at us some similar treatment. We don’t respect Man Us ego anymore, they & Van Gaal are there to be taken apart on Saturday. Carroll was Sam’s favorite, keep him out until Sam buys him in January, Perfect!! There are so many possibilities yet to be explored with this new squad & all of their creative ideas. Lets lock up shop at Old Trafford, the same way we locked up at the Emirates. Song has to play & we will win. The best players in the world will come to the club with London’s stadium, eat your hearts out Man U, you are history. Fergie was your swan song

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