By Scott Alsweiler
Another Saturday, another away win. Against one of our former managers, no less. This one was particularly interesting. Both teams play well on the counter, giving the potential for any mistake to be swiftly and harshly punished. We played hard, on the deck, and attractively flowing football.
This felt like a very important game. The paid pundits (and honestly, most of them aren’t worth the price of a cup of tea) have been blaming poor opposition form for our away wins against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
They have very seldom suggested that our wins are the result of great play on our behalf. But this time, with two teams around the same level, we could show them up. And so we did.
We looked dominant for most of the match. Lanzini (and how well he has earned his nickname of “The Jewel”), and Payet are imperious in attacking play to an extent that I can’t say I can remember seeing in a West Ham side before. I daresay we’re going to be using our option with Lanzini at the end of the season. I’d like to see a long-term deal signed. I believe he’s happy with us, and I know we’re delighted with him.
Some managers would have had us “respect the point”, and be happy to walk away with the draw. Not our Slaven. His substitution choices were inspired.
Instead of sitting back and hoping play went our way, he brings Andy Carroll as another attacking option to replace Noble, and a fresh Mauro Zarate (another man who is flourishing under Slav’s guidance). The results speak for themselves.
Looking at yesterday’s game, and back over the season, our shopping list must include fullbacks. And much as I don’t want to say it, I don’t think that includes a permanent deal for Jenkinson.
He played brilliantly last year, when the expectations were different, but this year, when we already have pace out wide, his shortcomings in defence are evident. That could change. I believe Slav can bring out the best in any player. But he is unlikely to be worth the £10m that Arsenal will surely expect. Cresswell is doing better under the new system, but we do need cover for him, and someone to make him fight for his place).
Next weekend is Chelsea at home. Our home form does need work. A fact that manager, staff, and team are no doubt acutely aware of. But all new systems take time to properly implement. Chelsea would be an ideal game to start proving our point: that we’re not just a great away side (“best in the League), but also a force to be reckoned with at home, in front of thousands of passionate supporters.
Let’s make the Boleyn a place where any team will fear to tread. For the devotion and intensity of the fans, for the quality and character of the squad, and for the belief we have in our manger and his staff.
indeed scott,
the 1st Battallion the ‘becareful what you wish for’ Regiment are facing a massive problem called Desertion!
tons of humble pie available Mr Owen just to name 1 pundit,
as the deluded Dudley toad once said ‘respect the point’
well Mr Lardarse neither you or your soul destroying football ethics will ever achieve anything resembling mild notoriety in the halls of the footballing mighty!
great times to be Hammer onwards and upwards we shall move!
watchout Mr special one the invicibles are waiting!!
ps
take care now
john.
Chelsea could be just the team we need at home. Most teams come to defend and play on the break, which causes us problems.
We are better at counter attack ourselves, rather than putting constant pressure on the opposition, as seen against Bournmouth and Leicester.
Chelsea will come to attack us and carry the game to us, so it could be like an away game for us, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see us get a result.
Loved the positive subs yesterday.Especially Carroll for Noble.Spot on 😉
yep everyone played well, but he’s not scared to take off anyone if the team needs it. I like that.
Carroll for noble possible because they were down to ten men and we were easily in control of the midfield with Payet and Lanzini. The game against Chelsea will be interesting. As Slav has No need for us to treat it like a basketball game all rushing up the field as soon as we get the ball. a team like Chelsea will allow us more time on the ball. Perhaps we can stroke it about a bit and show that we can pass and build with the best of them.
We have already shown we can pass it about a bit and we can play both ways,
Chelski won’t come on to us they will hope to do the same as us,the 2 teams are evenly matched with there defence just a bit better than ours,
No need for us to worry just use home advantage,we the fans could be all the difference for this one,
The pundits are worthless as we all know but they will be telling the world in 3 months time how they knew Slav was the man and how Hippo was past it but that’s life,
There will never be a better response to the one who i can’t say his name,
When Rafa Benitez was asked for a response……”SA who??”
Barcodes vs Norwich… both as bad as each other..
The chaff at the bottom is Hippo,s problem
Looking from above is a nice feeling
But now there is a new God Marino,
Bet he does not say anything to Slav next week
There wont be many brave enough to confront Slav or JD
Barcodes win or draw though,Mackems go bottom.Now that would be a shame for Samuel 😉
Lawro had us down to lose again .. Every week he has us losing, what a prat
I hope they keep tipping us to lose and we keep getting results, we played so well yesterday, pass and move beautiful, best performance of the season with the ball. Who knows what to expect with Chelski, they are a wounded animal, hopefully we will do a number on them, Moses won’t be available so probably Valencia should start or maybe it will be the first start for Antonio. Exciting times COYI !!!
Why are a lot of pundits Scottish? Is it because they can’t get a team together?
Newcastle did well! How now Fat man?
Most?? If not all of these silly knowalls are only guessing results as its a funny old game ?? Who really expected that Newcastle v NORWICH result?? I expect some bigheaded tart will say they did??I can guess like them, but I don’t get paid for it