It wasn’t only a large body of fans who sighed in exasperation when the Irons team was announced this afternoon.
The predictable inclusion of Carlton Cole was expected with some resignation but when Ricardo Vaz Te’s name was spotted on the team sheet, the response from on high was not good.
Well placed Hammers individuals had been expecting the likes of Mauro Zarate and Diego Poyet to get there chance.
And there was a too familiar look about a line up which again showed itself to be goal shy.
In the end we managed 10 shots with four on target so we will need to wait for Enner Valencia to get up to speed to give us a real goal threat.
One source told us: “There was huge disappointment from several well placed people.
“We have spent a lot of money this season and to find Zarate for example not given a chance off Cole was very disappointing.
“One very highly placed individual said: “If that’s how we are going to line up at home we aren’t looking forward to away games.”