Charlie Nicholas preview: ‘Lanzini is too inconsistent’

Former Arsenal player Charlie Nicholas has given his verdict on the season ahead for the Hammers.

Nicholas told Sky Sports: “Well Slaven Bilic has gone for more of ready-made summer signings. Robert Snodgrass didn’t really fit in and neither did Jose Fonte but he’s gone with the same approach with Hernandez, Zabaleta, Arnautovic and Hart. Hart is a big bonus. There were a lot of mistakes at the back and if he can get them organised then they’ll improve a lot, but I do think they need somebody else at the back, they can’t keep relying on James Collins to come in.”

Asked Which of their players are you most excited about watching?

CN: What is it that’s going to make the big difference to West Ham? For me, it is Hart. A goalkeeper who is used to challenging for titles is a big boost for them. Against the bigger teams he’ll make a big difference, when the big saves are there to make. He’ll be relishing those games.

Chicharito could score a lot of goals if they create enough chances, but that’s a big ‘if’, especially with Manuel Lanzini being too inconsistent.

CN: He can’t afford another season like last one. Too many things went wrong and the club will demand more order this time round.

What are their strengths?

CN: I think the strength will be what they had to go through last season. The change of the stadium, the defensive sloppiness, the tough decisions which Bilic had to make.