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We are a long way from the Premier League

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Last season West Ham and Avram Grant were well out of their depth, struggling to pick up any points at home or on the road, even with established Premier League players. Poor defensive displays and a lack of fire power up front were the main reasons that the Hammers find themselves in the Championship this season.

It was widely expected that the East Enders would make an instant return to the top flight, and the club sit second in the league, three points clear of the play-offs. However, it has not been an easy ride for the Hammers and they have struggled to break down very average teams at Upton Park.

Premier League quality players have arrived in the shape of Kevin Nolan and John Carew, but they have struggled to settle in and the likes of Scott Parker and Manuel da Costa have been hard to replace. This side, on paper, may be considered as good, if not better than the Hammers squad last season, but I feel there is no way they would be able to cope in the top flight.

Struggling to a goalless draw at home with relegation threatened Bristol City optimised what West Ham have been about this season, lacking a cutting edge and creativity to break teams down. A fortunate winner away at Coventry sent the supporters home happy, but that could have been a different story after a shocking first half display.

Derby County roll into London on Saturday evening and it is, in my opinion, a must win game for Sam Allardyce to put to bed all suggestions of his team struggling to pick up wins at home. Whether it be the fickle stance of a minority of supporters or an inability to break down sturdy defences, something must be done to adapt to life in the Championship.

Watching a lot of Premier League football this season, and comparing it to what I have seen at Upton Park and on the road in the Championship, West Ham would once again struggle to survive in the top flight and a lot of work will need to be done ahead of the return to the Prem next season.

If our defence opens up like it has this season at times, in the Premier League, then we will concede goals for fun, with teams able to counter attack and finish with a lot more authority. Also, the Hammers can afford to miss the odd chance in the Championship, for example Jack Collison’s sitter at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday, but in the Premier League that could be difference between a draw and a defeat so that must be looked at.

This summer will be a rebuilding job for Allardyce and money will have to be spent in order to put a better account of ourselves in next year than we did last.

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6 comments

  • Seeger says:

    I think things will be very different in the second half of the season. Teams are shutting up shop from minute one to get anything from the game. But after the new year teams are going to NEED the points to either avoid relegation or push the promotion places. This is where I think we will be seeing a much more dominant west ham, when teams we play also have to play more openly

  • John J says:

    Next season, buying for the Prem? Err!: ‘Don’t count your chickens etc.

    Yeh, we’re a long way, but we could be a lot bloody further. Things are going well, and with luck, could get better.

    And tomorrow’s a ‘must win’??

    I had enough ‘must win’ games last year, to last me a life time. Tomorrow’d be good to win, but we’re not going to win all our games this season, so absolutely no reason to panic.

  • Paul Thake says:

    I understand your points but don’t forget we are still a relatively new team and we are sitiing 2nd! New Manager, new philosphies! I like Big Sam. What he has brought to the club so far is a big step on a long path! Tippy Tappy football is fantastic if you are Barcelona or Man City but winning ugly with a few tricks and nutmegs thrown in is for me!
    Let’s keep it going with a win tomorrow for the Cameras.
    Baldock, Cole & Captain Nolan to score……
    COYI X

  • eaststandhammer says:

    We will be a different team if we go up we will sign players and the likes of carew probably won’t be there! I think we just need to worry about getting promoted then worry about the prem next year!

  • Epitomised NOT optimised.

    Back to journo scholl with you!

    Ever the optimist eh??

  • Simon says:

    Manuel dacosta?? He was ok for us last season but I wouldn’t say he’s being missed.

    We have a completely new squad almost and we’re 2nd having not played well. I have complete trust in Sam and next season in the prem I’m sure he’ll make th correct adjustments to the squad and the system to cope.

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