The Hammers haven’t quite been able to stamp their authority during this season of the Barclays Premier League. Manuel Pellegrini's West Ham stand 11th after nine games (3 wins, 3 losses, and as many draws). An emphatic victory against Manchester United has been a major highlight of the 2019-20 Premier League season for the Hammers.
A 5-0 thrashing at the hands of the defending champions ended up ruffling their feathers. Thus far, it has been a season of mixed fortunes for West Ham, but it can be said that supporters and enthusiasts have been right behind the team.
Last season, Marko Arnautović led the club’s scoring charts after scoring 11 goals across competitions. He ended the previous season of the Premier League as the club’s highest goal scorer (with 10 goals). He shifted base to China after the 2018-19 Premier League season and currently plies his trade for the Shanghai SIPG in the Chinese Super League. His departure has created a hole in the club’s attacking line. It is time that others in their ranks put their hand up and lead the side’s forward line.
Fabian Balbuena
The Paraguayan had played a major role in driving the side out of troubled waters, but his on-field exploits seem to have plunged this season. He has made a handful of appearances for the Hammers this season and has looked completely out of place thus far. The 28-year-old hasn’t been able to counter the counter attacks launched by the opposition’s forward line. It is said that attack alone is not enough, you also need to be able to defend your goal post in order to win matches for your side. Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop have been making their presence felt in recent times. Balbuena will have to raise his game if he wants to leave Ogbonna and Diop behind.
Felipe Anderson
This lad from Brazil is considered one of the team’s most talented players. He was roped in by the Hammers during the summer of 2018. The Hammers paid £41.5 million to Lazio in order to acquire the 26-year-old’s services. Many believe that Anderson is brimming with raw talent,but will require time to iron out the chinks in his armour. In the first eight games this season, he was involved in just four assists. His dwindling returns on the field can end up complicating matters for the Hammers, but he is a fighter. He bounces back just when you write him off. If you want to watch his on-field exploits, then get your tickets booked using Tic Flip.
Pablo Fornals
The attacking midfielder from Spain was roped into the side from Villarreal. In the Spanish La Liga, he was one of Viilarreal’s most valuable players. The 23-year-old formed the heart of Villarreal’s midfield, but he hasn’t been able to find his feet in the Premier League thus far. The biggest problem ailing him is his inability to retain the ball. He has been seen losing possession quite frequently. Consequently, the Hammers are unable to convert scoring opportunities into goals.
Jack Wilshere
He is one of the most experienced players in West Ham United’s ranks. After having spent a good amount of time at Arsenal FC, the midfielder brings a wealth of experience along, but has been struggling with injuries in recent times. It is time he brings all of his experience into play in order to turn the club’s fortunes around.
The 2019-20 season of the Premier League has a lot of opportunities for the taking. The lads from the London Stadium have the necessary firepower to punch above their weight. It will be interesting to see how they go about their business.
