West Ham United fell short in their bid to reach the next round of the FA Cup, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday thanks to a late winner from Chris O’Grady. The result is a bit unfortunate in that it was one of those games that we really should have won but didn’t due in large part to the performance of Owls’ goalkeeper Nicky Weaver. Also to blame were a host of squandered chances, and can best be pinned to the fact that for quite some time now West Ham has had trouble scoring.
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In the past seven games in all competitions (ending with the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday), the club has scored six goals, being blanked twice. Not once in those seven games have the Hammers scored more than one goal in a game. Clearly the club is struggling to find the back of the net. Given Big Sam’s approval of 1-0 wins, one might chalk this up to a stylistic byproduct. However, the club is creating chances. Against Derby, for instance, West Ham had 13 shots, five of them being on target compared with Derby’s nine shots and two on target. Yet Derby scored twice and West Ham only once. So what is to blame? Is there any possible explanation other than a lack of quality finishing?
Now it should be said that, in those last seven games I have mentioned, West Ham conceded nine goals. Given the club’s previous defensive record, coupled with the struggles in front of goal, a dip in overall form is fairly evident. There’s no easy remedy, and it appears as though Big Sam likes to get “back to basics” whenever the form isn’t quite up to par, which usually means thumping the ball up the pitch and stealing a 1-0 win. However, some have suggested that perhaps Baldock isn’t quite the finisher we all had hoped (as we all know Cole, Carew, and Piquionne aren’t). I feel this is entirely unfair to the young striker, as he has shown on several occasions that he knows how to find space in the box and finish with ease where others simply fail. The fact that he seems to be off his game of late should be of no great concern as no players can maintain top form forever. Yes, he did miss a penalty, but it was a good save from Weaver. Also, Baldock has recently returned from an injury, and one cannot reasonably expect a player to come back from an injury still gunning in peak form. Rest assured, that if the club is to right this current run of poor form, it will need to rely on the scoring ability of Sam Baldock, along with a tight defence and a gritty midfield.
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