They knew it wasn't a case of if, but when, the medical emergencies would begin to rack up at Hammers' Rush (Goose) Green treatment room, and so it has come to pass. Apart from Michail Antonio's specially cordoned off 'hamstring area', due to the almost perpetual need to leave the space free in order to accommodate his huge thighs, there is the Yarmo (not there) crypto trade complex funded by his £115,000 per week wages.
Added to the list of perennials recently were Aaron Cresswell and Mark Noble, each player picked up an injury in the nail-biting victory over Leicester City during the weekend, Cress seems to have a 'mild' hammy injury that will keep him out of action for between two to three games.
Ben Johnson can deputise for the scouser, but after that, the cupboard is definitely bare, or down to the bare bones as 'Arry used to say. Ant & Dec's injuries are not ideal, but the team has coped so far, neither player can be relied upon to be playing in the claret & blue for the remainder of the season, although each one may well get to play a cameo role in the last few fixtures, there are after all only SEVEN games remaining of this most extraordinary season.
Making the treasured fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League would be an astonishing achievement by David Moyes, his staff and his players, but realistically it might just be a 'bridge too far', especially the game against Chelsea, although that game will be played at the unnamed London Stadium.
There is of course still a chance that the Irons will sneak through, but even if that was the case, there would be an enormous need for extra recruiting, and unfortunately it seems very unlikely that the club's owners have the actual wherewithal to finance an assault on Europe.
It is not as if this season's scenario will ever be repeated is it? This unique season has given 'smaller teams' like West Ham a once in a lifetime opportunity to mix it with the big boys, and even if the European adventure' is relatively short lived, fans will at least have had the chance to experience what it is like dining at Europe's top table, even if it is only for a fleeting moment in time. - Ed
Comments
KTF!
We have done really well to avoid injuries this season and that has been a major factor in the "success" . We played with a passenger (Haller) for half the season and at times no obvious striker. Critical, or even crucial, is having Dec back. I'm for once optimistic. We will get more than 70 points and come Third! Leicester will be more interested in the cup. No idea what drugs I am on... I will lay down in a dark room. I pray to be at the BoM on the last day for our finest hour in over 40 years, resign from work, book my Euro Tour immediately... with or without a match ticket, I'm there!!!! KTF!!!!
Nice 1 Dartford
Mr optimistic!;) love it mate...as for le sulk he was more of a stow away than a passenger imo!!
You know me 65... try to stay
You know me 65... try to stay Mr Optimistic! Love that Stow away :o)
A 'stole away 'you mean!
A 'stole away 'you mean!
Ben Johnson is good cover for
Ben Johnson is good cover for Cresswell imo. Replacing Rice and Noble will be a problem. Distribution with accurate passing from Midfield will not be as good as it has been unless one of the U23s comes in or Soucek takes up that role with Lanzini if not injured coming in. I expect the latter. We still have Benny who is desperate to score and if he can calm down and concentrate on team work and interchanging we have an extra player if another injury happens up front.
Bare Bones...not quite but just maybe we can hang on, beat the teams in the lower half of the table and enjoy some European football next season.