Forum | General Discussion

Having survived on a wing and a prayer through most of the Christmas period, Hammers finally played the 'Game too far' against a resolute and determined Burnley side. Despite the return of Marko Arnoutovic, Hammers were without essentially nine men, and that imbalance finally came home to roost. Unfortunately there are only a few days to go before the next demand on the wafer thin squad.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche made five changes to his side, including a recall for goalkeeper Tom Heaton in place of Joe Hart, Chris Wood put them ahead with a right footed shot from the left of the penalty area. McNeil then added to the home side's advantage by turning in Westwood's cross at the far post.

A header from substitute Andy Carroll, drew a fine save from Heaton late on, but Hammers were not at the races today with the only thing to show from the game being a plethora of yellow cards, the games to players available ratio finally made this game a game too far! - Ed

More to follow

The Christmas and New Year period is one that managers both look forward to and dread at the same time, one the one hand a few good results can see a team fly up the table, however the sheer number of games that have to be played can have a catastrophic effect depending on the amount of injuries accrued. In Hammers case the 'injuries accrued' column makes very stressful reading, Manuel Pellegrini has had to deal with an ever increasing injury list that reads like a who's who of footballing talent, the list is so long that even players of the calibre of Winston Reid have disappeared in to the ether!

The last minute withdrawal of Pablo Zabaleta from the squad ahead of the Southampton game left many in fear as to the outcome, in the event Antonio deputised well, but against what will be a very determined Burnley side a player of Zabaleta's experience will be a big miss, hopefully he will be declared fit. The other 'missing link' is the General, Fabian Balbuena, although the team coped without him it was apparent that Diop looked far more exposed when having to deal with all the aerial stuff in the Box.

The trip to Burnley represents an opportunity for West Ham to win six out of seven of their games in December, something the club has never before achieved, unfortunately they will face a 'wounded animal' in the form of Sean Dyche's team, the home side will be determined to make amends for their previous heavy defeats and Joe Hart will be equally as determined to 'play a blinder' between the sticks.

There is no point in uploading the potential team that Manuel Pellegrini is going to select as yet, that will depend on the medical team and on Pelle's instinct. - Ed

'The one that got away', was one of those fifties Brit movies made when the charcoals of the Empire were still smouldering, it is a true film about the only German pilot who had been incarcerated in Britain during the war ever to escape. Against all odds he eventually got back to Germany, facing extreme odds is the lot of a young footballer these days, huge wealth and fame beckon, but a whole career is only one injury or club rejection away from disaster. With regards to 'letting' young players go, there is a lot more involved tham saying thank you son, you'll find a club. Declan Rice was the recipient of the 'fancy a quiet chat' moment when he was on the books of Chelsea football club, they didn't reckon he'd make the grade and so released him.

Fortunately Rice ended up at West Ham and the rest as they say is history, having already completed 50 games by the age of nineteen people have inevitably begun to draw comparisons between Rice and the late and great 'Sir' Bobby Moore. Of course he is a differnent type of player, but the perception he shows is far advanced for his years, just like Bobby. Rice can go on to be the captain of both club and, whichever one he chooses, country, he is a ready made leader and you can guarantee that Chelsea will be kicking themselves for letting him slip through their net.

It's about time Hammers 'nicked' some talent, as opposed to always being the recipients of smash and grab raids from wealthier clubs looking to exploit the club's dodgy finances, and there are more in the pipeline. Manuel Pellegrini is already a 'disciple of youth', and the money saved by signing Declan Rice in the current climate more than pays for Felipe Anderson's transfer fee! - Ed