Tony Cottee has told Hammers fans he reckons Manu Lanzini is just a couple of games way from recapturing his best form.
Talking exclusively to ClaretandHugh the former Hammers hero insisted that this was no time to panic over the midfielder or the club’s form slump and added: “I’m happy with the way we started the season and we are in mid table on 13 points.
“As far as Manu is concerned I’d sat he’s probably just two games away from his very best again because after such an injury there’s a pattern that usually kicks in.
“When you come back you are performing on adrenaline, then there’s a slump of half dozen games before you pick up and show top form again – in Manu’s case I think he is about two games away.
“Always remember he is our best player – that is for sure.”
The former Hammers striker also told Manu Pellegrini he was more than ready to dust his boots off and partner Seb Haller.
He laughed: “Course I am, he obviously needs a partner but at the moment it seems the manager doesn’t want to play that way so I’ve had it!”
However, he believes the player clearly needs a partner and hopes the issue is addressed in January adding: “We need that option although let’s be honest, Michail Antoniois a big miss.
“The two of them are excellent together and hopefully it won’t before long before the big fella is back – we’ve missed him far more than has been mentioned so far.”
I’m sure if TC is a regular reader of C&H he will know there are plenty of us who have always recognised the value of Michail Antonio to the first team. To think some reckoned he should have been sold in the summer! Would have been yet another bargain for Palace. He was always going to be a big miss after the injury and I’ve no doubt things will improve when he is fit and well again. And when Fabianski is back, we’ll be all set to be unbeaten until the end of the season … COYI
Damn! Forgot to mention Lanzini. I’m a big fan of his too, but he’s off his game. I’d put him on the bench for a game or 2 and try Anderson inbehind Haller with Holland on the left. If Masuaku is on the bench, then he could come on if Holland isn’t working out. Anderson is too dangerous to be subbed all the time.
We miss Antonio cos we have no pace , se if it’s not two up top the midfield need to be closer . Maybe Anderson centrally he done that a few games last season and looked good , he certainly has the skill to assist Haller & score himself . Then the rest of midfield support we need to attack and defend as a team and if we move the ball quicker up top we will score sheadloads , don’t forget every one of our players has the ability to score so support each other . I also think Cottee has a point about Lanzini he is great when fit and firing . So let’s not be down on Pelle or the team I have a feeling we’re going to click soon I trust Pelle and the team . So lads go out and give it your all and get those points. I have a sneaky feeling we’re going to win 2-0 Saturday with Haller scoring at some point . COYI ⚒⚒