It is all a little early to be suggesting – as per one report tonight – that ‘things seem to be on the up at West Ham United’. Seasoned Hammers – watchers and indeed, comments on ‘Claret and Hugh’s readers’ section suggest that this sense of optimism is all a little early after just one Nuno Espírito Santo – managed Premier League fixture. Which ended up in a draw.
Not content with claiming all is suddenly turned around at London Stadium, the report in question – by footballfancast.com – suggests that West Ham have made probably the signing of the season. And in this issue at least, they may prove to be correct.
Best signing since Bowen: West Ham have struck gold on “explosive” star
..Runs their article which extols the virtues of El Hadji-Malick Diouf who now heads the Premier League assist table for full backs ( I didn’t know there was such a thing).
Their report ignores the first twenty minutes of the Everton fixture when Diouf was playing hoof-ball with booted upfield clearances to little effect and singles the Senegalese out for praise:
“The former Slavia Prague gem played like a man possessed against the Toffees, fulfilling his defensive duties while also surging up and down the pitch with “explosive” acceleration…On another night, the 20-year-old could have racked up two or three assists, and from what he’s shown earlier this season, he’s going to end up getting plenty.”
Seeing the pace with which Diouf, Summerville and Bowen managed to move the ball and themselves up the pitch, Hammers fans were reminded of the best of lockdown – era West Ham. Catching sides unawares made for great viewing in 2020 as it did last weekend.
As their report concludes (with perhaps just a smidgeon of premature optimism):
“Ultimately, things seem to be on the up for West Ham, and it looks like Diouf could end up being one of the signings of the season.” Diouf may turn out to be Macaulay’s parting gift for West Ham, repaying the million-plus compensation West Ham paid Chelsea to bring him to work at London Stadium many times over.
In any case, remembering the false dawns from Lopetegui and Potter’s starts, it is probably time to keep things in perspective after just one point taken from a mid-table Everton side.
There’s still the small matter of the fan protests, the stadium, the board, Brady et cetera. And yet, there is an undeniable upbeat air around Stratford.
It may not be the prospect of West Ham’s troubles being over that is so exciting – simply the prospect of a more entertaining brand of football after a terrible, terrible nine months of borefest. And I’ll drink to that.
Me too. Cheers!
Have read that Diouf wasn’t actually a Macaulay signing? Read that it was a Max Hahn recommendation
Martin, the question is why does he have to go? If he and the manager can work together maybe he can find us a decent centre forward and central defender.
I always get nervous when one of our players comes in for lots of praise and public attention.