Forum | General Discussion

With The Hammers sitting mid table and this being the likely resting place for the 2018/2019 season, has progress been made, or should we be expecting more? We take a look over the high’s and lows and consider what we should expect in 2019/2020.

The season started pretty abysmally, seeing us lose our first four games. We were firmly rooted to the foot of the table and plenty of bookies were tipping us for the drop. But if we look at who we played and how the season has panned out, losses against Liverpool, Arsenal and even Wolves shouldn’t be seen in such a terrible light, given those respective team’s performances over the season. These were also Pellegrini’s first games in charge and it can take time for a team to gel and play to the style that any new manager requires.

Things picked up from there and slowly we began to climb the table. Victories against Everton and Man Utd, as well as a draw against Chelsea saw us climb to 14th and from there it was a gradual progression with consistent results helping The Hammers drive Northwards in the table.

Since the turn of the year, results have been steady. Some would argue that we should be aiming for top 6 and victories against the Likes of Tottenham and Arsenal show that the potential is definitely there. If we can prevent the malaise of end of season syndrome, which resulted in 3 losses on the bounce, this is certainly possible.

The emergence of some young players, Declan Rice in particular have been a particular highlight and suggest that there is a reason to be optimistic next season. It will also be Pellegrini’s 2nd season in charge and provides another foray into the transfer market. If the board back him, there is no reason why we can’t see an improvement in the next campaign.

Livid Tottenham supporters have taken to social media (visit other sites to see their comments copied and pasted, we don't regurgitate such dross!) to express how sad they think Hammers fans are for celebrating their victory over Tottenham at the Daniel Levy 'It's Happened Again' Stadium. In addition to the vast majority of their supporters being in total denial over Tottenham's defeat, the usual excuses of a cluttered playing schedule were rolling out even before the final whistle of West Ham's 1-0 victory, excuses not made by Mauricio Pochettino who is a class act.

Even those caring sharing people, the bookies, had their reservations as to whether Tottenham could maintain their 'virginal' goal's conceded tally, worth odds of only 3-1 for an away victory! Even the extremely biased UK commentary, which many TV fans now put in to silent mode while using local radio for their actual live commentary, couldn't detract from what was a 'proper' roll your sleeves up performance, crikey even Alan Shearer was eulogising about the Beast that is Issa Diop

It will come as no surprise to many that the Hammers defence looked rock solid, the reason being that this was the first time in ages when the General, Fabian Balbuena, and the Beast Issa Diop had been in partnership at the back since Balbuena had been sidelined through injury four months ago. During his time out time Angelo Ogbonna deputised well, but not to the high level that the General and the Beast were used to operating at.

The whole team put a shift in on what was a memorable day, but it does beggar the question as to why Hammers cannot perform to the same level on a frequent basis? This season has seen some wonderful performances, unfortunately usually followed by some woeful ones, and it is this level of consistency that must drive Manuel Pellegrini crazy, it does to the fans! Next season the squad will be more refined and hopefully more able to play like the 'big club' that Pellegrini wants it to, for too long the Jekyll and Hyde nature of the club's results have ensured a lack of forward momentum, this needs to change.

Finally, the Levy friendly press have rallied around the man who gives them a lift in his private aero plane at every opportunity, by rolling out the injuries and suspensions that Tottenham are having to cope with. Conveniently they omit to mention the fact that West Ham have had the worst injury list of any club in the Barclays Premier League, Saturday lunch time's victory over Tottenham was a glimpse of how good West Ham could have been all season but for the catastrophic injuries accumulated.

Manuel Pellegrini had a warm glow around him during his post match 'Presser', "Our fans are double happy", nuff said Boss! - Ed

Whichever way you look at it West Ham United's squad is about to undergo major surgery, particularly in the striking department, an area where players don't come cheap. With Andy Carroll, Lucas Perez, Javier Hernandez and probably Marko Arnautovic all set to leave there will be a need for substantial further recruitment. Any transfer fees received would be 'gobbled up' in the current market so some lateral thinking will be needed, not the sort of LSD inspired thinking that saw the club buy Jordan Hugill for an astonishing £8 Million, more a considered purchase of a player who actually does score goals, albeit in the Championship.

Step forward Brentford's Neal Maupay, the former France Under 21 striker was highly rated as a youngster but question marks over his temperament restricted his development until he moved to Brentford from France. Maupay's ability was never in doubt as he proved at both St Etienne and Nice, but since joining Brentford the 22 year old looks to have knuckled down and concentrated on playing instead of 'ploying', consequently he has struck 24 goals and laid on eight assists in 42 games, and these stats achieved playing for a team that is currently sitting 15th in the Championship.

The fingers burned by the bizarre £8 million purchase of little known Jordan Hugill last year, will hopefully have healed enough for the club to take a long hard look at bringing Maupay to the London Stadium, he is more mobile, quicker and has already proved himself in the top flight of French football. Brentford only paid £1.6 million for Maupay and would look to make more than a decent profit for their star striker, but would be willing to listen to the 'right' offer. Maupay can also operate as a winger or attacking midfielder which would give Manuel Pellegrini more strings to his bow, he could also place one or two of the Hammers young players on loan with Brentford to help push the deal through.

Despite having represented France throughout the youth age groups, the current EFL Player of the Year is also eligible to represent Argentina as it is the birth place of his mother, Maupay could prove to be an astute signing who would definitely tread on the toes of some of the more established players who remain after the anticipated Cull, heck, Hammers could even offer Hugill in exchange for him! Mind you that would require tampering with the water supply at the HQ of Brentford Football Club. - Ed