As of late Carlton Cole has been out of the frame for a West Ham start due to a knee injury. The striker has missed the Irons’ last 3 matches but as he returns for the game against Bristol City the question is asked do we need him?
Well, Cole is a good footballer and last season netted 11 goals in 43 appearances for West Ham (a respectable total at best). The Englishman can prove vital in front of goal and throughout his Irons career he has scored many a crucial goal for us. He has scored 4 goals already this season in 10 appearances which isn’t bad, however not really what West Ham need from a main striker as we need to win games and convincingly.
Although it will be a lift for the side as the number 9 comes back into contention for a game the fans are left wondering; do we really need Carlton Cole right now? Sam Baldock who has netted 4 goals in as many appearances as of late with a brace against Blackpool and another against Leicester showing composed finishing in front of goal. Baldock and his strike partner John Carew are proving to be a formidable partnership bringing attacking football to the Boleyn and more importantly goals for the irons.
So what with this partnership forming and working at the moment where does that leave Cole? I personally think that on his day Cole is more than worthy to be in the team and although he is a key part of the side I would not be surprised if Allardyce left the big striker out of the side on Tuesday purely because Baldock and Carew are playing so well together lately. Although Cole will get back into the side at one point either down to fatigue or Allardyce wanting to try something different, and West Ham’s number 9 will hopefully return to the form that sees him score goals.
