There have been a number of times this season where Southampton have left the Hammers with an opportunity to get ahead on points, and – bar this weekend – we’ve just spurned the chances. But why is that? Why is it that we can’t stay focussed on the prize without bowing under the pressure of a must-win game?
I think this could be down to a number of factors. The first is that I’m just not sure the mental preparation before games is doing the team any good. Whatever Big Sam’s saying before the match, it’s not having a massively positive effect. I think whatever has been said, it’s putting too much pressure on the players. I mean, some of them have had hardly a handful of appearances for West Ham, and these sorts of games would be very daunting to anyone, let alone someone like Danny Potts who signed his first professional contract just 24 hours before his debut. I know it sounds silly, but I really think it would be good for the players to talk to an outsider who could hopefully work out the best ways to get them individually to the top of their game. At the moment, Allardyce just doesn’t seem to be cutting it in the motivational speaking department.
Then there’s also the fact that our squad hasn’t had as much time to gel as the likes of Southampton. They’ve made little change over the past few seasons, but we’ve had to chop and change basically the whole team. Surely this would mean that their pride, passion and belief in the team would be greater than our players? Maybe that’s something that will come with time, and hopefully we’ll all notice the change. Our recent suspensions and injuries (some not so recent) are also a huge factor, as it’s been hard for Big Sam to perfect the winning formula, due to many players that were stars of the start of the season being unavailable for selection now. Some are on their way back though, so again this will only strengthen the team.
And finally, well we’re just bloody West Ham aren’t we? That’s the thing with us. You know we’re going to ruin our chances to go top when they’re laid out on a plate. We just don’t do things the easy way! I guess that’s why we love them and why we don’t support a team like Manchester United – wouldn’t it be terribly boring and predictable if we won all the time?
Do you think we’ll start to take our chances now? Are we witnessing the fall of the Saints? Tweet me at @alwaysintune to let me know your thoughts.
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DiCanio on the radio to night talked about his scoring and more important his attitude to win as a footballer.He was honest in his remarks as well as amusing.
I remember him well, he was’t the quickest but he arrived well timed around the box this together with his shooting which was pure technique was a joy to watch. Managers always noted that he put in extra practice to keep sharp and fit. It galls me to see the many WH scoring chances go begging for some one like him to put them away.
I guess these are hard to find- lets hope Sam finds one soon. If not its going to be nail bitting until the end of the season.
Don,t right us off yet…….. There is a long way to go yet, we have hit a bad run in our season but it’s about about what you learn and how you recover… We are still top we knew the hammers were coming you can’t doubt your quality but it will be down to who has the most bottle . End of
You have sh1t players that’s why you don’t take chances.
Little club with little ambitions
No lets try subs and res
Seeing our strikers missing headers from three yards is a clear indication that they don’t watch the ball onto their head. Seeing them also miss shots from the same distance indicates thet they are not looking at the ball when kicking it. Basic schoolboy stuff that should be addressed on the training ground.