Slaven Bilic has admitted the absence of Pedro Obiang from the Hammers team for tomorrow’s clash with Swansea is a big blow.
The first half booking received by Obiang against Hull , means he will now miss the Boxing Day clash due to suspension
In deeply philosophical mood the manager used an unusual turn of phrase to describe the midfelder’s impact on the team saying: ““It is a blow. He is playing well. He has been very important for us. It has been important to get that balance.
“Players like him are like a metronome on a piano. They are keeping the balance and keeping the shape of the team. So it is a blow for us.
“But that position we have good players that can cover. I have the same type of player only a bit different. I expect us not to feel it that much.”
Discussing the early and recent results Bilic said: “The morale was always good. That’s why we got seven points in the last three games.
“Of course the points affected our mood and I now expect confidence. I expect us to do better than before.
“It’s was very important to get six points out of [the games against Burnley and Hull]. We got seven points including the Liverpool game and that was crucial. We will approach the next couple of games with confidence.”
Andre Ayew will be hoping for a start as he returns to the Liberty Stadium for the first time since his £20 million switch to the Irons.