West Ham U21s were unable to make it four wins from four last night at Rush Green, but Mark Robson’s team selection may have hinted at Graham Potter’s thinking ahead of Monday’s trip to Everton.
The young Hammers were 3-0 up at half-time against Brighton & Hove Albion, but it was the omission of striker Callum Marshall from the squad that raised eyebrows – possibly suggesting his involvement with the senior team against the Toffees.
West Ham starting line-up could contain both Marshall and Potts if Graham Potter is brave enough
For the U21s, however, it was a case of “no Marshall, no problem,” as Josh Landers bagged a first-half hat-trick wearing the No9 shirt. His treble capped off an excellent opening 45 minutes in which Mohamadou Kanté once again shone in midfield, while Emeka Adiele impressed by setting up Landers’ second goal after just eight minutes.
Alas, the match turned out to be the proverbial game of two halves as Brighton scored three of their own but there were plenty of positives for Robson.
Striker deserves his chance
If Potter does call up Marshall for Monday’s game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, it won’t be before time. The Northern Ireland international was sensational in pre-season and has carried that form into the U21s this term.
He offers the kind of energy and pressing that neither Niclas Fullkrug nor Callum Wilson possess – qualities that could unsettle Everton’s defence. Both senior strikers underwhelmed in the defeat to Crystal Palace at the London Stadium, so it will be fascinating to see how Potter reacts in what is a must-win game for him.
Conceding 3 second half goals is a worry, we really need the academy to start producing centre backs, the focus on a home grown striker or 2 will ultimately benefit Sullivan when he sells them off for PSR purposes.
Obviously great that the academy is producing quality players, just hope Nuno will use them now.
It’s a double edged sword – obviously want to beat Everton, but that will only prolong the agony of being stuck with the “hopeless one”….
Most ridiculous thing in football – if Potter wins, he’s still the same crap manager and then we will get blitzed at The Emirates.
On another note, Sullivan better get next appointment right, if he goes for one of his cheap as chips second raters, he will probably appear in the factual version of The Wicker Man.
No mention of George Earthy not being selected last evening. Just as important as Marshall not playing.
About time is right! This was the right thing to do at the start of the season but the only person who couldn’t see that was Potter. This even feels like Potter’s been pushed into the decision, if that is what happens.
Can’t see Marshall starting but at least using a different option off the bench would be something. The set piece disaster zone might mean he goes for Soucek and Fullkrug to help out. JWP cannot start, Potts or Magassa are a must. Time for Kilman to make way as well.
Everything is going to depend on how he is used. Put him on for 90 mins, tell him to lead the line and challenge for corners, then you are being brave but also foolish. For the last 10 mins, then don’t bother, too late for that kind of bedding in, now.
Love to see him come on, hope he does, but in the right manner.
Dare I mention Guilherme (nicknamed ‘the ghost’)? or Irving (‘the disappearing Scot’)
Looks like my open letter has struck a chord with someone! 😉😂⚒