Chastened But Not Stirred-Hammers 'Ghost Team'

The opening fixture of the Barclays Premier League is the one day when hope springs eternal, before reality comes crashing down. In Hammers case the team are generally beaten by at least four goals, so Saturday's drubbing didn't come as too much of a surprise.

What hurt was the manner in which the team were beaten, albeit by the reigning champions, what was confusing was for the first 20 minutes Manuel Pellegrini's team looked sharp and impressive in every area with the exception of the left flank. Even at half time there were grounds for optimism, but as soon as the second half started it became obvious what was going to occur, Pep Guadiola had been incandescent with rage at his team as they came in at half time, a performance they weren't going to repeat.

The rest as they say is history, except that fans were left with more questions than answers, and that is not even including the VAR debacle. No 'new signing' Yarmolenko, No Authur Masuaku and No Mark Noble who apparently has been suffering from one of the worst 'dead legs' in history!

It is easy to single out players in the aftermath of a defeat, particularly a heavy one at home, but Aaron Cresswell, who was made captain in Noble's absence, had an absolute stinker of a match. Unfortunately Manu Lanzini also had a very poor game, it was as if he had forgotten the intensity of the Barclays Premier League and was only able to move sideways.

All in all there were few positives if any to take from what was a chastening start to the season, it can only be hoped that the result might stir up a bit of hurt that manifests itself with an improved performance this coming Saturday away to Brighton, who of course 'whupped' Watford 3-0 at Vicarage road on the opening day.

Bottom of the league, the only way is up! - Ed