Watford represents another step on the road to the top 10 as far as Mark Noble is concerned later today.
The skipper – having signed a new deal at the club – is looking for a big second half of the season and a coveted place at the top.
His ambitions are not quite as large as the boss’ who yesterday made it clear he was after a European spot but Nobes reckons a top ten finish after the dreadful start will be a real result.
However, some of us may consider that after making such rapid progress over the past few games another victory today meaning 27 points on the board puts us in a top position to make that top half a dozen.
With the squad much the same as last weeks with the possible inclusion of Lucas Perez, the Hammers can take nothing for granted against a tough Watford outfit.
But most of us will be looking and expecting that fifth win on the bounce and the possibility of a rise into sixth place. with United away at Cardiff City and Everton playing tomorrow.
Writing in today’s matchday programme Novle says: “We spoke in pre-season, and that’s been our aim. We started terribly by losing our first four games, but you look at someone like today’s visitors Watford, who won their first four games and we’re level on points in the table with them now.
“We’ve written those first four games off as a learning curve; new staff, new players. If we can come in the top ten this year without getting a point from the first four games, we’ve done alright.”
“I hope that the club keeps moving in the right way, and hopefully I can be a part of tha. To be honest, I haven’t done my coaching badges. Football is so intense now that when it gets to the summer, I like to spend it with my kids and the wife. I’d love to be involved somewhere though.
“I think there’s no better person than me at this club to know the morals and ensure the foundations are kept with the young players and staff members.”
I’m a bit dissapointed with nobes comment about being happy with a top ten finish if I’m honest. What part of pellegrinis “think like a big team” mantra did he miss? Or has he just been at West Ham too many years and knows how many times in the past we’ve come down with the Christmas decorations? Maybe he remembers that spell under allardyce where we were third in the league or something at christmas but dropped down to twelfth by the end of the season.
I think we need some perspective on the game.
Watford too will eyes on a top 6 spot.
Whoever wins today does go 6th even if it is just for a few hours.
Watford are unfancied among many especially our fans. No bigger incentive than to beat us.
Troy Deaney and co love to batter teams like us and Arsenal..
Noble needs to stop those sliding tackles today.
I would rest him for Southampton.
Let’s hope Pellegrini has got the message through with no complacecency.
COYI