It’s easy to understand some fans frustration of the lack of West Ham goals so far this season. The chance of silverware is not a million miles away but certainly will be deemed unlikely by the pessimistic West Ham fans among us. Even the most optimistic Hammers fan would find it impossible to see a Premier League title anytime soon.
But, what if I were to tell you that West Ham are currently playing wonderful football at the top of the Premier League having scored 21 goals in their opening 9 games?
No, this is not some fantastic dream or far-fetched wonderland. But right now, West Ham United Under 21′s are sitting top of the Under 21 Premier League with 6 wins from their opening 9 games.
It is a national league just like the senior Premier League and has 2 more teams than the Premier League (22). All the top clubs are represented, with all the big boys with money to throw at their youth teams and academy’s all comfortably below “The Academy of Football”.
Arsenal, however, have played 4 fewer games than West Ham and are currently undefeated (3W2D), making it possible for them to jump West Ham when they catch up with their missed fixtures. Let this take nothing away from the marvellous squad of young talent that is being produced down the young stars brewery of West Ham United.
We have been known as “The Academy of Football” for quite some time (albeit rather self-acclaimed), and have had a rather significant dip in recent years. Is this a quality group of players who will all shine in the senior Premier League? I would doubt that. But, the academy is more than capable of producing 3 or 4 Premier League quality players.
Bright spark and goal-machine Elliot Lee has recently gone out on loan to get some senior experience. This is the first step to a successful academy graduate’s career. Of course he is loaned out to the lower of the English leagues, as the step up to Premier League football at this point in his, or any youth players career, is often a step too far.
Elliot has a lot to prove, along with the other Under 21 boys, and walking into Sam Allardyce’s squad is unlikely at such a young age unless, like Ravel Morrison, you can prove your star quality with any chance you get. Whether it is out on loan or with the Under 21′s.
If you feel in need of a West Ham win and a few goals to accompany three points. Then keep up to date with the Under 21′s and their progress this year, because as of yet, it has been a very successful term.
