How far West Ham have come this season since the Lopetegui chaos ball era was evident from the hushed angst evident amongst the home fans for the last ten minutes at Stanford Bridge last night. Chelsea prevailed but with huge slices of good fortune for both goals but – that’s football.
West Ham finished strongly and almost – bar a Kudus shot blocked on the line – grabbed an equaliser.
Cast your mind back to September and Chelsea’s rampant victory at London Stadium with three goals in the first fifty minutes ending the contest.
Comparing the two performances, It’s impossible to be down hearted as a Hammers’ fan after watching the team last night. Gone is the Lopetegui cave – in, the four or five goal rout. There’s much to be positive about.
After all this was a West Ham team still without Antonio, Fullkrug, Paquetá, Summerville, Alvarez and Todibo. Half a team missing.
Jarrod Bowen’s strike showed how much he’s been missed – one opportunity and bang. Goal.
Alphonse Areola has rediscovered his form with some tip-top saves. Andy Irving got stuck in for a debut he’ll remember – not perfect, but another maximum effort contribution. And Lewis Orford and Ollie Scarles did themselves proud. Scarles gets closer to Emerson’s starting berth each time I see him.
The improvement under Potter continues, but there is still much to do. Kudus, still looking like an eight year old schoolboy dribbling his way into trouble and head-down, refusing to pass the ball: Carlos Soler drifting in, and out of the game needs to be less anonymous.
But against a top four team, there was no disgrace losing 2-1 and what is clear is that West Ham are putting in a well-drilled shift every game for their manager and for the supporters. Bring on Brentford.
So much to be cheerful about, mainly the team spirit and approach, plus the wonderful introduction of the young ones. Irving very decent just ran out of steam a bit, Scarles and Orford smashing, Guilherme very good. When Kudus understands he should pass he will be a real player, and it’s reaffirmed that Ings and Mavrapanos are surplus to requirements. COYI.
Martin good to see signs of progress but I really hope Graham does not allow Guilherme to leave on loan or transfer. He showed real promise in the brief came appearance last night and deserves more opportunities.
Feyenord said to be very interested after selling Santiago Giminez to AC Milan yesterday and the Dutch transfer window closes today. Interest from Porto yesterday as well but the Portuguese window is closed.
a loan would be ok, but in his 1 minute plus stoppage time yesterday he managed to impress. so much more to come.
Good to see your update Martin and to hear that Guilherme will be staying. Decision obviously influenced by news about Summerville but glad he’ll have further opportunities here instead of going out on loan or being transferred.
Great to see Potter pulled plug on Guilherme transfer excellent decisions.
With his versatility and speed has so much to offer.
Irving / Casey / Orford / Guilherme / Scarles all need more playing time not just “in the hour of need”.
I doubt very much that we’ll see Antonio again, he’s nigh on 35 his contract runs out in June, and he has a hell of a place to return to playing from. I can’t see him being renewed.
Antonio is gone. We all know that.
But he’s taking up a squad place and ££s this season.
Second goal should not stand clear foul on Bowen the ref is in the wrong . Great effort from the lads we need some wins now
It’s always been the same the more successful clubs get the dodgy decisions, we have the best players, coaches, managers from around the world and the ****tiest officials you could put on a pitch !