Ghosts of Christmas past haunt the Hammers

Top game from young Longelo

West Ham’s luck has well and truly run out with the now more serious than first thought injury to Aaron Cresswell.

There can be no certainty at all when the left back will return and that unquestionably plunges us into a real problem on that side of the pitch and it’s impossible not to think about central defence.

Our news yesterday that 32 year old Cress has chipped a bone in his back is dreadful  if we are to be entirely honest about it.

Back problems are always difficult at any age – at his. there are clearly going to be problems and all our sympathy goes to a guy who has been outstanding this season.

The left back scenario was always gonna come and haunt us to death – it’s almost as though ghosts of Christmas past have decided to use 2021 as the year when the name Masuaku becomes out worst nightmare AGAIN.

Every team in the world knows where to attack us when he plays in that position and he simply can’t be used in the role against Saints or at Watford.

Ben Johnson – though nothing near a perfect answer – can play over there but could this be the game for Emmanuel Longelo who was so impressive against Dinamo Zagreb.

With the entire back line changed for the Spurs match through injury we can be pleased with the way we performed – Masujaku excepted.

Both Benny and Manu are a tad out of touch right now so this would be my team for Saints: Fabianski; Coufal, Dawson, Diop, Longleo, Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Bowen, Vlasic and if avaialable Antonio. Should Mikey not be out of isolation I’d opt for Johnson at left wing back with Bowen up top.