Paul Merson’s miserable prediction the Hammers will be beaten at Anfield tomorrow has been countered by one of our own – the ever optimistic Phil Parkes.
ClaretandHugh blogger Parkesy and top man of the 70s has told the boys to seriously go for it at Anfield on Sunday and defy the prophets of doom.
And he said: “We need to see real spirit and a determination not to be intimidated by our circumstances. This is the perfect match to win and restore all the lost confidence which is at the bottom of our problems.
“Nobody is expecting anything much from us and in those circumstances there’s nothing lost – they just need to go for it and keep it tight at the back.
“Since the start of the season it has been one issue on top of another and it’s time to stop all the moaning and groaning and get on with the business of winning again.
“I read for example that we couldn’t get used to the new pitch at the London Stadium. That’s rubbish. Show a footballer a strip of green and however old he is he will want to start playing and kicking a football.
“I remember way back when we went on a pre-season tour under Lou Macari arriving on the Russian border with a pitch on a hillside covered in snow. We played… we wanted to get that pitch cleared and play football. Nothing has
changed.
“Throw a couple of coats down in Hyde Park and I’ll jump between them ready to start stopping shots. It’s rubbish to say we can’t adjust to this or that. We are what we are.
“Don’t tell me players can’t play in a stadium like that. OK I preferred Upton Park but to say the Olympic Stadium is affecting the players is ridiculous.
“They played well at Palace, Spurs, and Manchester United – why shouldn’t it be the same at Liverpool. You never go in to a game feeling defeated so I’m expecting a very big performance at Anfield and can see us getting a draw at the very least.
“They will all be hurting after Arsenal and ready to prove a point or two. And it really is time for the excuses and inquests to stop”