By Allen Cummings
How big is a big game? Seems we’ve faced so many ‘big games’ recently we’ve almost become blasé about them but in the grand scheme of things the visit of Burnley on Saturday isn’t just big – it’s massive!
The reason for that is two-fold. Obviously we need the three vital points to take us away from that quagmire. But almost as important as the league points, is that we also need a performance – a BIG performance – to help make up for that appalling display at Swansea last weekend.
Strange as it may seem, I believe we should take our inspiration for the game ahead from that Crystal Palace performance on Monday night.
Okay, they lost with virtually the last kick of the game. I can’t feel too sorry for them because it’s a result that suits our need but Roy Hodgson’s men were a credit to themselves and their club.
They took the game by the scruff of the neck and had what can only be described as ‘a right good go’. They were strong. They were brave. They were determined in every position. In the end all they lacked was luck.
Playing with two genuine strikers, they pressed and harried United all over the pitch. Everyone was up for it. Everyone was on the front foot. What they may have lacked in skill, they more than made up for with endeavour and resilience.
They rarely let United settle for a minute. The players couldn’t have done any more or given any more. Selhurst Park was a cauldron of noise as the fans responded in full blooded fashion. We need to replicate that at the London Stadium on Saturday.
Like it or loathe it, we need to put our grievances to one side. When it’s rocking as it can do, it’s as intimidating a football arena as anywhere. We need to make sure that’s how it feels for Burnley.
Man for man I don’t believe the Palace players are as good or as talented as our squad but no-one can question their heart. Whatever team or formation David Moyes decides to go with, every one of the players selected needs to replicate that Palace attitude and performance this coming Saturday. Put in a genuine, honest shift.
That’s all we have really asked of them. A shift we can all be proud of. Do that and we’ll be behind them every inch of the way. We desperately need them to show they care as much about this club as we do!
Unfortunately Allen our chance of letting the players know how much care has passed, the march is off. Perhaps, just perhaps if the predicted 20,000 had demonstrated the players and owners might have have taken us seriously, now unfortunately not. The farce for the time being continues.
spot on allen. thats exacty whats required. the stadium can really rock when everyones on the same page. i remember the chelsea cup game, the tottenham game, were something else. its good that the march is off. now we need all those fighting the board or their own fans to put their efforts into helping our club fight relegation instead. lets face it, if they put as much effort into supporting the team as they do moaning about everything and creating a toxic atmosphere then we would have no problems. the london stadium could be just as daunting for the opposition as upton park ever was and a great atmosphere for west ham fans. we just need to put the united back in west ham. west ham united.
Whilst I was watching the Palace v United game I couldn’t help but wish our players were so up for it as those Palace players . I was thinking why don’t our Lads perform like that and if they did we wouldn’t be in the situation we find ourselves in . It was a result that suited us but I couldn’t help but feel slightly sorry for Palace on the night . Hopefully our team were watching that game and felt some sense of guilt . Maybe they will use the Burnley game to show us they care about West Ham and Thier own personal pride as players ,,,,, let’s hope so .
Agree completely my thoughts at the time as well. Something is wrong with the playing staff not anywhere near enough passion they just don’t seem to care.
Not to mention how Man United never gave up at two nil down . We need the fight and commitment demonstrated by both Man Utd & Palace . The LS can be a daunting place to visit if the team show a will to win and the Fans get behind the team and support them . Too much effort spent on moaning instead of supporting imo . Best to ignore the obvious banners of protest that will surely appear on Saturday .