Uncomfortable Truth Provides Emerson Concerns

While West Ham will rightfully be buoyed by the news that Emerson should be fit to face his former club Chelsea this weekend, his return poses an awkward dilemma.

The uncomfortable truth is that five games into Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham reign, Emerson is nowhere near his best. In fact, to be brutally honest, the Italian hasn’t even been the best left-back at the club this season. That distinction goes to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has stepped into Emerson’s position and improved the left flank every time.

It’s not entirely Emerson’s fault, of course. The entire left side of the Hammers team has failed to function this season, with little chemistry developing between the former Chelsea man and Mohammed Kudus.

This situation is a stark contrast to last season when Emerson linked up with Lucas Paquetá to great effect, at times looking like one of the Premier League’s best fullbacks.

Much has been made about West Ham’s new signings acclimatising to the pace of the Premier League, but Emerson doesn’t fall into that category. He should be an ideal fit for Lopetegui’s system, which favours skillful, attacking fullbacks given the freedom to roam and cause havoc.

Therefore, it’s puzzling that Emerson hasn’t thrived in such a setup. One possible solution could be moving Kudus away from the left flank, which doesn’t seem to suit him.

Glimmer of hope from Emerson

Before Emerson went off injured early in the second half against Fulham, there was a brief 10-minute period where he appeared to develop some chemistry with substitute winger Crysencio Summerville. It was fleeting, but for those few minutes, West Ham finally showed some semblance of a partnership on the left side.

A fit, firing, and effective Emerson could make a huge difference to West Ham’s balance and attacking options. Let’s hope he bounces back strong because, if he doesn’t, Lopetegui could have yet another problem to solve.