West Ham’s few bright sparks on a dull day after Charlton loss

West Ham managed one accomplishment this afternoon, if nothing else: To throw off the label of being favourites for automatic promotion with a big reality check following a toothless defeat at home to Charlton Athletic.

The post-relegation optimism that convinced 50,000 hopeful Hammers fans to renew their season tickets was well and truly burst as poor defending cost the Irons, giving their opponents a two goal head start.

Nuno’s side were second best – but should still have salvaged a point in added time when Taty Castellanos inexplicably stepped up to take a penalty – with Bowen, Piroe and Engels all proven spot kick takers – and promptly cannoned the ball wide, off the post.

There were bright moments, however, that should not be lost amount the deluge of criticism heading West Ham’s way. Jarrod Bowen himself looked back to something approaching his best in the second half, frequently running at, and beating his opposite number, whipping in crosses: It was one of Bowen’s crosses that led to the Hammers’ solitary goal.

Joel Piroe scored on his debut. A number nine who knows how to hit the target. How rare is that in east London? Probably the cheapest striker the Irons have ever signed, too. ‘One goal in one’ compared with Pablo’s ‘none in nineteen‘ makes the former Leeds man look top notch by comparison. Maybe it’s just the hair but he has a little of the Dean Ashton about him: Let’s hope he keeps it up because there’s every chance we’re going to need another 19 from him this season. At least.

Lewis Orford’s second half introduction made a big difference to West Ham’s midfield, if not to the outcome. Kanté had a miserable first half full of misplaced passes- for which the youngster deserves to be forgiven – and Orford’s calm control certainly helped West Ham start to get their act together.

And loanee – former Hammers youth – Divine Mukasa looked a class above most of his team mates in the second half, almost grabbing an equaliser but bringing the best out of Charlton’s on loan keeper Arthur Okonkwo. If he’s going to play like that all season, West Ham will have genuine quality at their disposal – if only for this year.

As for the others? Solomon looks a decent signing, the jury is still out on £22 million Arne Engels and the rest – bang average. But, if you squint your eyes and look hard enough, there were a few bright moments to cling onto on a dark day, even though the sun shone at London Stadium.