There’s only one prediction anyone can surely make with any degree of serious confidence as we rattle our way towards the start of another Hammers season.
After all the usual debate about the squad, signings, net spend and the possibility of European qualification, there’s only one certainty – this is a critical season for the manager.
Most of the fanbase were reasonably happy with things at the end of last season – the fear of relegation had disappeared months previously and a top ten finish – despite all the chat about seventh – was generally acceptable.
This time around it’s different – a record signing ( by some distance ) has arrived in the shape of Seb Haller along with £27 million Pablo Fornals; the squad is far more settled than it was this time last year, and expectations are high after the squad was stabilised last term.
Pellegrini has fulfilled one big objective by playing the ‘West Ham Way’ but he needs to add a genuinely successful season to that and in my terms that is top seven with a big run at a trophy.
Unfortunately however, we still look light in one or two areas – up front of course and at left back where the one time rock solid Aaron Cresswell has looked well out of sorts.
The boss has been playing 19 year old Ben Johnson in front of him in pre-season, given Arthur Masuaku’s late return, and may hold a lot of significance for Cresswell’s future -we shall see.
Up front it’s really difficult to see Chicharito and Antonio as sufficient back up to Haller who for all the top reports – and I do like the fella a lot – still has to do it at Premier League level. Just being cautious…don’t get Hammer rage LOL.
Midfield offers more options than enough and it maybe that by December one or two could be agitating for a move given there are something like 13 looking for a start.
Pre-season favourites to fill them will be Fornals, Anderson, Rice, Lanzini and Wilshere with Noble or Snodgrass bang in the frame.
The manager spent most of his first season discussing that seventh place and his European pedigree suggests that as far as he is concerned, nothing less will do.
Having spent the dough last year and this, a rise from tenth to eighth place will probably not be sufficient improvement – we are in days when it is top seven of bust.
Will we make it? Personally I’d feel more confident had we some defensive midfield cover for Declan Rice, a proper defensive left back although I’m not ruling out a Johnson ’emergence’ and one more striker.
It’s easy to be sceptical and not always necessary but one injury or suspension up front puts us in schtook.
I’m sure the manager is more than aware of all that and has a plan because he will know we have to improve at least three places and that’s why this will become a very big season indeed for him.
COYI
I am expecting very good things from our attacking midfield this season. Whilst you mention both Lanzini and Wilshere (don’t forget Yarmolenko) each is the equivalent of a new signing. Had we had all three available for all of last season, seventh would have been far more likely.
I agree with the weaknesses you have highlighted, though I can see Noble as the stand in for Rice. Noble’s reading of the game and positioning are a strength. Wilshere should always start alongside, or just in front of Rice, as his vision and developmental play from deep as exceptional. This gives scope for Lanzini, Fornals and Anderson to attack from midfield and give good service to Haller.
I don’t think it’s realistic or fair to expect 7th place. I think it’s realistic to expect between 7th -10th because Leicester, Wolves and Everton are all investing just as much and have a legitimate claim to be ‘best of the rest’.
Before Manchester City dominated, I doubt, Chelsea, City, Man Utd and Arsenal were expecting 1st place. They knew it was possible and that was the objective. But realistically anywhere between 1st – 4th was acceptable. A season is 38 games long and there are so many variables. Injuries, form, momentum, unrest all play a part and there’s no way to predict it. If we play to our full potential and things go for us, we could absolutely get 7th or who knows top 6. But to suggest anything less the 7th is poor is wrong. The difference between 7th could be and probably will be just a couple of points. VAR could be the difference!
I think that article is a very good balance of optimism & realism. We have reason to hope, but it would not take much to turn it into another season of frustration. I am convinced the competition is going to be tougher this year, which is another potential negative factor. Long term I would like to see the owners looking for another investor/investors. Tthe money needed now to get in the top six regularly is staggering & that is filtering down the PL.There was a lot of talk about other investors back in 2010. I think in the end it has to be the only answer short of selling up altogether. But somehow I can’t see our two working together with somebody else. Nor can I really see somebody with real money being prepared to work with them. Not saying there is anything wrong with them-just people with cash to splash usually want the power too.
Very realistic assessment. They have one but have been looking for investors since they arrived – still looking but you are right 64 and they won’t hand over the power
I like Antonio. I think he actually has what it takes to play up top for us. This is just as long as 2 criteria are met.
1) We start trying to cross the ball more. Something we are not doing nearly enough.
2) Antonio is kept match fit.
At his best he looks great, his physical prowess can more than make up for his technical failures,. But if he is physically bellow par the lad looks awful.
My question is, when is he going to get the playtime to stay match fit?
We definitely need a replacement for Obiang just as Pelle says because if Noble is injured we only have Snodgrass or possibly Wilshere as a backup in that position but that would not be their natural position.
We also need to replace Sanchez with Medel for instance because we don’t have anyone else capable of filling Rice’s role. Noble can’t do it.
Yes agreed let’s get a CDM , LB and St , sell Hernandez , Hugill , Obiang is gone ., one of Masuaku , Cresswell and reinvest . We will only get top 6/7 with better purchases in those positions . No worries with attacking midfield we have enough there ! COYI ⚒
I for one don’t think we’re ready for top six. In fact despite the issues facing Chelsea, arsenal, Man U they will be good enough to remain top six. The problem for us is defending and seeing as we haven’t bolstered this area we will continue to ship goals despite having Fab. I’d be happy with 8th and a cup run..thats progress.
All very good posts on here, just to add my thoughts. I would be happy to sell Hugil, Hernandez and Obiang. In return I believe we should bring in a free signing no 9, a good mobile defensive midfielder who can read the game (gamble here on a proven player in a south american league) but my biggest worry is that if we lose Lanzini or Anderson through injury we are in big trouble. I would sign a top young winger who can take on his man as I believe we are at risk here. If we could get the 3 players above out for 15-20m, bring in a proven 9 on the cheap, an athletic defensive midfielder from not one of the top leagues and a top winger I would be very happy with our squad.
Great article imho less than 7th providing we aren’t beset by injuries is very possible. VAR assisted we would have made it most of the last few seasons. Add to it 3 of the top 6 are in transition and there will not for some time be a better chance Wolves if they stay in Europe will have the physical challenge of that as a handicap. Leicester and Everton like us struggled for consistency but they didn’t get hammered by poor refereeing decisions so overall reasons for optimism?
A few people are asking for 2\3 players well I tel! You now we will be lucky to sign 1 more …and that’s were the problem will start..the squad is not good enough,, and the excuses won’t wash this season so I’m pretty worried if I’m honest..