westhamfans.org

An opening fixture at Anfield was hardly a barometer to judge early progress but Hammers have lost more top flight games against Liverpool than any other side and despite spending around £100m on new recruits this was always going to be a difficult match. Pellegrini used five of his new players Fabianski, Ryan Fredericks, Balbuena, Felipe Anderson and Jack Wilshere from the start, Wilshere was isolated in attack, failing to touch the ball in the Liverpool penalty area, and Anderson was withdrawn in the second half after running out of puff.

Liverpool FC: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Gomez, Robertson, Keita, Milner, Wijnaldum, Mane, Salah, Firmino Subs: Karius, Clyne, Fabinho, Henderson, Sturridge, Lallana, Shaqiri
West Ham Utd: Fabianski, Fredericks, Balbuena, Rice, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Noble, Wilshere, Anderson, Arnautovic, Antonio Subs: Adrian, Zabaleta, Snodgrass, Obiang, Hernandez, Yarmolenko, Diop

The time for pontificating is over as the new season begins for 'new look' West Ham with a tricky opening fixture against Liverpool at what will be a 'pumped up' Anfield Stadium. The Pool are one of the few teams to have spent more money during the transfer window than the Hammers, they've pushed the boat out for a replacement keeper and centre back, the only fly in their ointment is the amount of players who have only recently returned to training due to the presence of so many of their players at The World Cup in Russia.

With the closing of the transfer window for Premier League clubs to buy or trade with each other the only deals that can now be done are outgoings to either non-UK based clubs or loan deals to those in the EFL and below. Back in the dark days following relegation Hammers fans will remember what is was like to be hoping for good deals or 'exotic' loans from 'top' teams when the transfer window closed for Premier League teams, players viewed as suplus to requirements represented an ideal way for cash strapped lower league managers to strengthen their squads and give hope to their fans.

This is how we figure Manuel Pellegrini will set his side up for the match against Bournemouth at the London Stadium, the line up is based on notes that El Pel had with him at his press conference ahead of the match, in a way it will be more interesting to see who will be on the bench, there can only be seven players so will they be Fabianski, Zabaleta, Yarmolenko, Balbuena, Chicharito, Snodgrass and Obiang? - Ed

Admittedley the last day of the transfer window wasn't particularly spectactular compared to other clubs, but that is because all if not most of West Ham United's business was concluded relatively early, reminiscent of the way Manchester United used to conduct their transfer dealings when Sir Alex was in charge!

As the transfer window 'SLAMS SHUT', the much beloved term of the Red Tops, Hammers fans will be extremely happy with the overall transfer activity of the club during the window. Carlos Sanchez was the final addition signing from Fiorentina on a two year deal along with the earlier signing of Lucas Perez from Arsenal.

West Ham United have practically stolen striker Lucas Perez from Arsenal for a bargain basement £4 Million rising to £5 Million with add ons. Things went very poorly for Perez following his £17 Million move from Deportivo de La Coruna to the Emirates, so bad were things for the player at Arsenal that he was farmed out for all of last season back at Deportivo on loan!

If you care to aggregate the various media outlets then West Ham United are in the business of signing anyone with a pulse! However the reality is that the Hammers have, under the guidance of Mario Husillos and Manuel Pellegrini, embarked on a recruitment process that has been both professional and productive, the envy of many opposition fans.

Realistically Jordan Hugill was never going to fit the Pellegrini player template, it is not his fault that Hammers stumped up an eye watering £10 Million in January for him as a 'failsafe' in case of the club being relegated to the Championship, that wasn't eventually the case and Hugill consequently spent less than an hour playing in the Barclays Premier League.