Michail Antonio's hamstrings seem to be some of the most widely scrutinised parts of the human anatomy since the attention given to Jane Russell's cleavage during her appearance in Howard Hughes's 1943 movie The Outlaw. Having dispensed with the services of Jordan Hugill, Albon Ajeti and the great white elephant, Sebastien Haller, West Ham always knew they would be on a sticky wicket with regards to strikers for this season, the hope was that the team could 'muddle through'.
Inevitably the worst has come to the worst and Hammers find themselves woefully short up front, Andriy Yarmolenko's injury, picked up in the FA Cup tie against Manchester United, was the icing on the 'negative cake'! Cue a whole raft of "I told you so" comments and general condemnation.
Are things really that bad? To observers from Europe, West Ham are perceived to be a BIG club, with too much money to spend! Really, that is how the club is seen, any team that can call upon the services of the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals, Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen as part of their offense are deemed to be well stocked indeed.
Yes of course it would have been ideal if another forward could have magically appeared, but too many times in the past the result of a last minute smoke and mirrors deals is usually the arrival of an ageing has been looking for a final pay day.
With the talent David Moyes has at his disposal, and using the knowledge he has acquired in over 500 Premier League games, Moyes should be able to guide a path through the stormy seas ahead and look to really rebuild in the summer, even if it means the club missing out on a european slot.
Make no mistake, David Moyes's West Ham United team are still a work in progress, but they ARE United, and they are definitely progressing! - Ed
Comments
I think we are well stocked
I think we are well stocked Nev with the players you mention,and Lingard thrown in,if Moyes did his sums and tactically adjusted to the best of our abilities,i think we may have all the answers we need in house.
I thought that West Ham's
I thought that West Ham's honeymoon series of achievements were coming to the end after the Fulham game. Fulham a relegation threatened team really bossed the whole game and were unlucky not to take all three points. However, when I watched them take on Everton, they really looked like a team chasing Man City for the title. They were outstanding in all departments in the manner in which they dominated Everton and should easily have won by 5-0. No doubt that Scott Parker has really created a very energetic and cohesive side, and all that the team lacks is a quality striker to tuck away all those missed opportunities. Having said that, I now think that Fulham will have a real chance of closing that gap on Newcastle. Otherwise, if they are relegated then West Ham should truly look at recruiting some of their players in the next transfer window and also by chance if Moyes leaves the club or retires, then Scott Parker is the person to take West Ham to new heights. Presently West Ham are capable of taking all three points and even grabbing that fourth spot in the table if Chelsea stumbles against Newcastle. Hopefully Antonio is fully fit otherwise, Bowen should be the one to start up front along with Benrahma and Lingard. Fingers crossed that Balbuena is fully fit, if not Diop has to step up to the plate.
Bowen
I'm hearing ya buddy...before i read any replies that would have been my choice...We have some great options (attacking midfielders) and there last one I would have tried up front was Yarmo...strikers need to use both feet and if Bowen fails we should use Lanzini up there.
Can't wait for the 5.00am Kick Off...means I get to see the whole game as just started a big extension around the corner...COYI
Would like to see
Moyesy start with lingard,bowen & benny up top tonight & leave bowen on! Has been subbing him quite lot lately,there is goals in that 3 just hope he plays them
Well said 65.
Well said 65.
Impressive.
Have just Googled Jane Russell in The Outlaw.
She would do well on the west
She would do well on the west coast city!