At this stage in the season West Ham sit in the relative comfort of eight spot whilst the international football takes centre stage: How different from a month ago when Nuno’s beleaguered side had stuttered their way to nineteenth place, looking anything other than the odds on favourites for promotion as they’d started the season.
Above the Hammers sit Swansea city with a defensive record to die for. Whilst the Swans have scored fewer goals then their east London rivals, SKYsports today pinpoints exactly why Nuno’s men haven’t retained top spot, and the threat which the best defence in the league offers to the Irons’ automatic promotion hopes:
“Swansea have won admirers for their high-press, energetic style and their ruthlessness at the back – conceding just six goals so far….They have got the best defence in the league. They have got energy, urgency and they press teams. There is a real physicality to them as well.”
Six goals conceded. A record that West Ham could only fantasise about, having shipped eleven themselves but scored twenty two compared with Swansea’s 13. And it is that offensive capability which is likely to see the Hammers maintain their push throughout the season, according to Sky:
“Their defensive ranking is not as good, but you cannot ignore the attacking firepower they have got. They have got players who can win you games. Konstantinos Mavropanos has scored four goals as a centre-back, Bowen’s leadership, Manor Solomon, Divine Mukasa and Piroe. They have got so much attacking talent.
Scoresd more than some other teams’ centre forwards: Dinos Mavropanos
“If you look at their bench, they can bring players on who would probably start for most teams in the Championship. That gives you a huge advantage over a long season.”
Indeed, we’ve alluded to the strength of player which West Ham can bring on from the bench and it was that very strength which turned the Millwall first half fiasco around. If the Irons can stay relatively injury-free then that depth and strength of squad should keep them there, or thereabouts, for the next tranche of games up to the end of the year.
Then, the table will start to have a far greater significance. Right now, let’s just enjoy how it feels to be up top, looking down for a three week break in domestic action.
I think you will find we are second not eighth Martin