At the beginning of the season there was nothing more satisfying that seeing us scoring at will. That’s because we’re just not used to it. Scoring four goals on three occasions so far this season makes you wonder whether West Ham have been Chelsea or Manchester United in disguise… or something like that, anyway.
However, the goals seem to have dried up a little bit. Only three goals in the last four games means it looks like we’re back to our old baron ways. But why is that? How can we go from being a goal machine to a side competing with Millwall for the ‘Who Can Score The Least Goals Award’? A little bit harsh, I know, but hear me out.
John Carew, would you believe it, is our answer to getting back to those good ol’ goal scoring days. Carlton Cole may have scored four goals this season, one of them being a quality header against Portsmouth, but he has shown only too often that just isn’t that good when it comes to getting on the end of crosses.
Big Carew comes on against Palace and heads in the equaliser from a wonderful cross from George McCartney. Now, who’s going to tell me that Cartlon Cole would have scored that as well? Recent evidence suggests he wouldn’t have. It even suggests he probably wouldn’t have even hit the target. That’s not taking away Cole’s ability, though. He’s going to be very important to us this season, but just not in the air.
After the Palace game, Carew said: “We had so many chances and Julien [Faubert] had his best game of the season. I think he was man of the match by far. He put about 20 amazing crosses in during the first half alone and I would have loved to have been out there to try and get on the end of them.” That comment says it all. He’s craving to be given the opportunities and is confident he can latch on to as many of Faubert’s crosses as possible.
With Cole having not scored in four games now, it should be time to give Carew the chance to show what he can do over a 90 minute period. His contribution so far has been good, and that’s only when he’s come off the bench.
Big Sam should be considering him for a starting birth to see whether he can build on that goal against Palace and get us back on goal scoring form. His aerial threat is quality and if McCartney and Faubert can continue delivering dangerous balls in to the box, the big Norwegian should be the man tasked with getting on the end of them.
Think Carew is the right man to lead the line? Let us know on Twitter @Forever_WestHam
