Forum | General Discussion

West Ham United's stuttering start to this season could hardly be compared to last season, such has been the difference. Last season Slaven Billic and his team were riding high having beaten Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool away from home, two defeats at home to eventual Barclays Premier League winners Leicester City and newly promoted Bournemouth were obscured due to the positivity created by the victories over the 'big' teams. However one constant seems to have reared it's ugly head yet again, some might say it is a conspiracy driven by envy with the perception that West Ham managed to acquire a state of the art stadium for next to nothing, others observe that fast counter attacking nature of today's football has outstripped the officials ability to keep up with the game, both physically and mentally, what other explanation could there be for Martin Atkinson and his assistant to have sanctioned a red card for Aaron Cresswell in West Ham's 1-0 hard fought victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. With the TV replays clearly showing (a) that Cresswell was fouled in the area and should have been awarded a penalty instead of receiving a yellow card for 'simulation' and (b) the contentious awarding of a second yellow card less than two minutes later for what appeared to be a legitimate tackle. Never one to shirk a sound bite, Hammers co-owner David Gold took to Twitter to state that there was 'no justice' from the referee, as he was denied a clear penalty and was clearly angry with the rules that West Ham can't appeal the decision as it was two yellow cards rather than a straight red.
Here in lies the rub, just as last season, West Ham will be unfairly denied the services of one of their stellar performers. The club successfully appealed against three straight red cards that were issued, but each time had to endure playing with only ten men for significant passages of play. Cresswell's sending off was quite simply unfair and unjust, as previously mentioned the archaic FA rules state that appeals against two yellow cards are not admissible due to "the possibility of spurious challenges undermining the appeals process on a regular basis" So what exactly do the FA do, apart from filling their snouts at the trough and living in the past? F all would be the answer that fans of most clubs, with the possible exception of Sheffield United, would say. Incorrect key decisions cost Slaven Billic the chance of taking his team in to the Champions League last season, and while no one is pretending that West Ham will be challenging for a top four spot this season because the returning status quo, (not francis and rick) of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United will more than likely occupy three of the available top four spots.
on our forum thread.
Consolidation of 'dining at the top table', better known as the cash rich EPL, is no small achievement, a quick glance at last season's champions Leicester City results this time round rather prove that last year was unique one off! Mid table security may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the 'work in progress' that is West Ham United, especially given the difficult transition from the well loved Boleyn to the brave new world that is the London Stadium needs time to develop, next up is a vital home game against the perennial flirters with relegation Sunderland. It is a great pity that Billic and the team will be deprived of Aaron Cresswell's services for this crucial fixture, such was the impact of his return following his lengthy spell out with injury, however it is to be hoped that the fillip of winning against Palace will bolster fans and players alike and that feeling will manifest itself with a pleasing performance.
The whole of the team deserve praise for Saturday's victory, Reid, Ogbonna and Kouyate were immense in defence as was Adrian, and although unable to score the goal he craves, the much maligned Simone Zaza put in the sort of shift that fans really appreciate, chasing and harrying the opposition relentlessly. One gets the feeling that IF he can open his account, further goals will surely follow, his performance was reminiscent of vintage Diafra Sakho. Which brings us to a closing question, will West Ham fans ever see the 'Sakman' in the Claret & Blue again? - Ed
NB: Those who complain about lack of atmosphere and how quiet the home crowd is at the London Stadium should listen to how just over two thousand Hammers fans completely out sang the Selhurst crowd continuosly.
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