Cheik Kouyate has offered the best insight into the club’s mood yet as he prepares for a tale of the unexpected at the Emirates.
The Senegal striker refuses to use expressions like “we can’t wait to make it up to the fans” but instead declares: “It’s a very, very difficult moment for us, but sometimes you have this period one time in a year or one time in two years.”
“A lot of teams experience this type of run in football but, in my experience, if you can win one game, your confidence returns and you can turn everything around.”
And looking at Wednesday night’s game he adds: “This is a big test and a big game for us against one of the best teams in the Premier League.”
“Arsenal is a nice team which plays good football in a good stadium and they need points, but it is the same for us.”
“West Ham need some points and we will battle for the whole 90 minutes to take all three again.
“We had a fantastic result at Emirates last season. I remember it well and it was an unbelievable day for us, so why can’t it happen again this year?”
“You need to believe in yourselves if you are to achieve these sorts of results and we believe in ourselves,” he confirmed.
“We know everything is not good at the moment, but it’s possible to turn the corner on Wednesday. I have my fingers crossed that we can do just that.”
Senegal striker? Well he’s played everywhere else so why not.
Striker? Don’t give the manager ideas! Randolph is a big lad- stick him up front! He could swap places with AC…..problems solved.
Talking about players out of position, can one of you tactical experts tell me if there is any mileage in turning Cresswell into a left midfielder & playing Masuaku at left back?
I don’t know fellas dont get me wromg i want Kouyate & Antonio further up the pitch but it isnt like Bilic is the first to play a winger/midfielder as a fullback it unfortunately hasnt worked to well for us.Most would have laughed if told Moses would be playing in the position he is for Chelsea.Antonio Valencia when he first went to fullback at Man.Utd.Milner at Liverpool.
It does happen so it isnt some strange alien phenomenon.
H64 i have always believed that Cresswell will one day shift in to midfield at some point in his career.I can see you have a bit of the Bilic about you,thinking outside the box lol
I have trouble thinking inside the box these days Stan, let alone outside it. Just seems to me his big talent is whipping crosses over. Doesn’t appear to be a brilliant defender & somebody has to settle that defence down. So it was just a thought. I will maybe pass it on to my mate Bilic next time I see him. He can take the credit if it works!
Can you get me his autograph while you are in the next team meeting.A signed shirt from all the guys would be a nice touch too lol
Autograph indeed. He should be asking for mine!