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http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/10/26/steve-nicol-discusses-west-hams-top...
I think Steve Nicol knows a thing or two about what it takes to compete at the highest level,being a key player in that famous Liverpool side of the 80's.I agree with what he says,that's not being a downer on what Bilic has achieved,because I think he has done wonders already in his short tenure.But the squad is far from the finished article ,work in progress, definitely heading in the right direction.Currently with the players Bilic at his disposal he is playing to their strengths, for sure,but when you compare the team's football to the top teams like Arsenal,Chelsea,Man Utd,Man Cty who dominate games with their possession football ,reality sets in,their is still a sizeable gap in quality and playing style.We have a few individual stars who I think could get into any top side but we need more of that calibre.But progress is there for all fans to see,and the transition we have seen already in style ,entertainment value and results,you get the impression Bilic won't need that long to build a top side worthy of Champions League football,so long as the funding continues.But I would be happy with 8th place this season,and who knows ,maybe next summer with the addition of more quality recruits ,competition for a top 4 place may be realistic.
I don't think we will be near
I don't think we will be near top 4. We've been unbelievable and I'm loving it but I think we will end up finishing 7th
Is top 4 possible
It has been great really, and it's great to be a Hammer at the moment. We are playing some of the best football in the Premiership at the moment. Top 4 is a wait and see, we have a good squad and it would be put to the test if our top two or three players were injured. If we are fifth or sixth come the end of February then we have a chance. We're on the crest of a wave at the moment and long may it continue.
Losing to teams like
Losing to teams like Bournemouth and Watford who were promoted last season is not what you expect from a team competing for top 4.We need more quality up front ,a top class goalscorer for definite.
Slav said that if you drop
Slav said that if you drop your intensity 2-5% you will get beat... they obviously didn't listen because we were crap all over the field. Carroll is NOT a starter, we missed Sakho dreadfully, Moses should be dropped next week, and Reid should come back, probably Ogbonna and Obiang also.
I think today individual
I think today individual performances were well down ,like you state Bully ,it does make you wonder how players can perform like that after Bilic's comments midweek.This was by far the worst performance of the season,the real concern is why the team looked hopelessly impotent up front? First half stats Watford 18 shots ,Westham 4,says it all really.Bilic must have more of an understanding now who he wants in his first team,having worked with the players for some months ,must be frustrating the niggly injuries that keep happening to key players ,and forcing him to change the side.But having Song back will add a new lease of life to the midfield(how much longer before we see him,he was suppose to have been back for the Chelsea match?)I still think Yilmaz will be an excellent addition to the forward line,scores goals consistently ,one of Bilic's targets last summer.He is 30 years old and 6'2" and ideal for the lone striker role has at least 3 good seasons left in him,just consider his goals per game ratio :
2010–2012
Trabzonspor 75 (55goals)
2012–
Galatasaray 98 (61goals)
Paulmeaney24 ..
Good post and agree with you .. I would be happy personally if we are in the top 8 .. Yesterday "imo" wasn't helped by the starting lineup albeit Watford deserved their Win on the day not helped by Carroll's schoolboy error in Gifting them their first Goal .. Having said that I am very happy to have 20pts in the Bag already of course !
PRIOR to the weekend I would
PRIOR to the weekend I would have said "very difficult".
You just expect Chelsea to have 1 of the places nailed on.
Now Im not so sure.
Basically they are a pretty ruderless ship at the moment but any more defeats and the hill gets bigger and bigger for them.
Your "sensible head" tells you they will recover and get 1 of the places but its not as clear cut as it once was.
I think you can give a place to Man C and Arsenal nailed on.
After that?!
Well Man U have certainly improved but depending on champs League involvemnet could be very vulnerable after their sojourns in it. They didnt look particularly potent yesterday and I think they will have many a tough fixture between now and the end of the season.
Ditto Poo. They looked pretty toothless yesterday and Klopps hands are tied till Jan. Can see a lot of draws and narrow deafets for them and cant see them winning many of "the big games".
So is it possible?
DEFINATELY.
Spurs are improving and you have to respect Leicester without totally believing they can continue it over the season.
I think Chelsea will be
I think Chelsea will be giving Mourinho the elbow very soon, allowing a new manager to come in and give the club a lift. I see them finishing 4th. City, arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool, then us. Spurs could even pip Chelsea to 4th. Obviously I hope I'm wrong, I just can't see us sustaining this form throughout the entire season.
It's possible until lack of
It's possible until lack of points proves otherwise. Having said that I told my son if we got Moses itl make us a top 6 side so 6th or 7th. But if the big boys don't take us seriously maybe a bit higher
I think we'll finish top or
I think we'll finish top or second London club
Daydreaming about us
Daydreaming about us cementing one of those places in Bilic's first season as we say farwell to the Boleyn. A script could not be sweeter, but it's a long hard season and at some point we'll surely have a rough patch. I'd be delighted with top 6 but tbh with where we were at the end of last season and the dross we were constantly being served this season is already a success to me. The footall style is what we all crave, the manager is honest about the teams performances, there's numerous players to be proud of and there's a hell of a lot less moaning on this site!!! Progress has definately been made and that's what we were careful we wished for. COYI
I'll be ecstatic if we come
I'll be ecstatic if we don't come down with the Christmas decorations, If we can get through that successfully, it will be the right time to ask ourselves how far can we go
As a poster on KUMB said, i
As a poster on KUMB said, i would be SO West Ham, in the year we left our home of 110 years, to only go and astonishingly win the bloody league! :-)
But who knows where we will finish? look at the players who didn't play against Chelsea... at present we could make up a second team that had a good chance of beating most other PL sides. (See bottom of post) The squad is VERY strong, AND we have a few youngsters who are top class and won't let us down if they have to come in, so I think the idea that our squad isn't strong enough is not true. BUT there is many a slip twixt cup and lip. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Before the last 2 games I've thought: "We need to win this one to show we are for real." And we have won them! IF we end up winning the next 3 games, I'm going to start thinking that the unthinkable is possible...
Players who didn't start on Saturday:
Randolph
O'Brien Reid Ogbonna Hendrie
Song Oxford Obiang
Valencia Carroll Moses
Subs: Jelavic, Antonio
Bully, yes you named a decent
Bully, yes you named a decent back up squad, don't forget Cullen, page and Henry. But having said that I think points will become harder to get when sakho is rested injured or banned. Carroll altho you could argue is a decent back up I'd expect it to affect our all round way of playing. I little bit like a square peg in a round hole. So we would no doubt in my mind have to play in a different way. Carroll gives us options but I'm sure most would agree he isn't like for like with sakho
Spot on Bully!
Was just thinking the same the other day,as mooro pointed out we always come down with the decorations after xmas,but the difference this season is strength in depth!Look at the players in your second string side,pretty impressive...im just going to enjoy the ride,but we fear no one so who knows what we can achieve this season...
Why not
We are as good as anyone in league at the moment.
No
Higher than 10th lower than 4th
No, the following results will have an impact
Losing to Bournemouth and Leicester at home and drawing 2-2 with Norwich at home. Amazing results away this season and great to have a bench that you feel intrigued by instead of fearing who was going to come on but, those results will come back to haunt us at the end of the season. The positive news, in my opinion, is that if we remain in the top 4 or 5 come January, then we will attract more top players as we will be taken more seriously.
Where would you be playing
Where would you be playing "more players" come January?
My opinion is
We need better competition for full back positions and decent cover for when they are injured, and I would replace Valencia. I have reservations over Zarate's consistency and Jelavic is a bad signing. Valencia is too lightweight and predictable and won't be a hit in the PL. All the other signings have been fantastic and Carroll returning adds a different dimension/option up front. You also have to try and account for injuries that will happen in any season, strength in depth is what we need and what we are moving towards.
So I would hope that we could look at ditching Valencia and O'Brien in January, although I know the club rate Valencia so it won't happen but it doesn't change my opinion.
Like you say it's all about
Like you say it's all about opinions, but I disagree. I don't think Valencia is too light weight and should be sold. I have been expecting him to kick on this season and also keen to see what effect Slav has on him. Maybe we can strengthen full back.
Every game he plays
He goes down far too easily mate and looks to step inside to shoot every time, he's easier to read than a 'Janet and John' book! I hope to be proven wrong obviously but I'm not a bad judge normally on forwards in my opinion, and that's not me getting carried away about my goal at Upton Park from 24 yards....not sure if I have mentioned that before???
Ha ha antkb. Let's hope you
Ha ha antkb. Let's hope you're wrong mate. I have to bow to your judgement in forwards must admit I haven't scored from 24 yards at up. I'm more a defender, midfield man in my time.
Red Neck Iron ..
Yes I agree regarding Valencia .. I also rate him !
I think Valencia was not used
I think Valencia was not used properly last season. But agree he needs to perform this year if he is to be retained. Can't see him being sold in January though, unless we got an offer we can't refuse.
Agree cover needed at FB.
Agree cover needed at FB.
Not a fan of either to be honest due to their "defensive frailties" but finding replacements might not be easy as theres a dearth of" real quality" in that area these days. Seamus Coleman is about the only one I see that totally convinces me as both a defender (his 1st priority) and an attacker!!!
As for Valencia I totally agree he has not been a success so far. Hes been either injured or sojourning round the world playing International football as is the want of a lot of the modern day players. Throw into the mix the hideous "tactics" of the previous regime and it wasnt easy for anybody.
To that end I think he deserves another chance.
That said Im not sure where he would play or who he would replace in the current well playing hard working team!!!
Colman is a great call. One I
Colman is a great call. One I like a lot but itl cost big money unfortunately, but a good call. Everton will be after about 20 mill. I know it's not what we need but I like the rumour about Honda. Excellent player a snip at 5 mill if true and will promote the club in Asia which I often think we should look at. Trouble is where we he fit in?
This squad is better than the
This squad is better than the boys of 86 and they finished third so why isn't a top 4 place possible. We have already beaten most of last years top 6 and we haven't had a full squad yet. I sense big things are coming for the Hammers.
Top 7 more likely
But is it possible, hell yea.
it's possible
Christmas time has always been our critical moment, but if we get free, then we can begin to take seriously the opportunity to finish in the Top 4 or 6. We have the players to do it and Bilic knows how to do his job. COYI
Interesting Comments by All
This season could be the best season for a West Ham squad that has genuine depth. The manner in which they are now winning their fixtures does suggest that West Ham could seriously challenge for a Champions spot. Payet is probably the most skilful player in the Premier Division. Couple that with the impact that Lanzini has added, and the energetic work rate of Sakho, this could be a very exciting season. I actually watched the replay of the Chelsea game, as we can watch it on demand from our cable service provider in HD for free. It was just so watchable and I love how we destroyed Chelsea. Valencia will add a lot of firepower, and from the rumours it is expected that there will be one or two new signings in the transfer window. No doubt that he will perform better with the support from Payet and Lanzini, unlike last season where he was our main creative player, besides Downing. Also, even without the two first choice centre halves, in Reid and Ogbonna, West Ham just seem to be the team that did not miss their services, and are probablythe best performing team in the Premier Division. A team like Spuds just seem to be lucky and if a player like Kane is injured, they will cave in rapidly. So I think that West Ham will finish in one of the four top spots hopefully even win it, provided we tactically lose our FA cup fixture.
That last sentence has to be a joke
For the love of God please tell me that's an attempt at humour
Europa Misplays
Bilic tactically exited the Europa League by putting on the Development squad in the away game in Romania. He was clearly focussed on the opening game against Arsenal. I will not be surprised if he does the same in the FA Cup.
Staying in the PL was his
Staying in the PL was his first, second, and third priority. I think the FA Cup will be treated, not as equally important, but not far off. Especially if we are deemed to be safe or effectively safe by the time of the third round games.
Id be very surprised if he
Id be very surprised if he doesn't treat the fa cup seriously! Having said that what do you call seriously? Playing players that are benched or injured ATM? He can play Carroll, Valencia, jelavic, Antonio, ogbonna,Reid, obiang, moses and song all currently not playing but I would still consider if they played it was being taken seriously. Obviously this was taken from who didn't start v Chelsea, a game we took seriously. That's almost a whole team!
Are you also a fan of Toronto FC?
I was at the game the other week v New York and I have to say I was very impressed with what I saw as 'hard-core' fans. The section behind the goal didn't stop singing through the whole game and it took me back to the terrace days of 30 years ago in the UK. A great night as they won and I ended up back at the baseball stadium after for drinks, the night the Blue Jays won and made it 3-2. A great night.
Am more a fan of the Vancouver Whitecaps
They are a better side than Toronto FC. Also, the fan base is pretty passionate as well. Was pissed off with Defoe when he joined TFC just like he did when he moved to Spuds. Glad it did not pan out for him.
I think if Westham can
I think if Westham can sustain this push for top 4 come Christmas ,they may devote funds reserved for the summer to the January window.The thought of Westham securing a top 4 finish and playing Champions League football in their first season at the OS would be a truly phenomenal achievement.The ambitions of this club have soared since Bilic has got the team ticking,and I wouldn't be surprised if one or two big name signings could be targeted.Consider this:
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic wanted Turkish international Gokhan Tore earlier this year but the clubs could not agree a deal.
Tore, 23, has set up five goals already this season after spending the last two seasons under Bilic’s tutelage at the Turkish side.
And Bilic was keen to bring the winger with him to Upton Park and admits Tore, who he says would have suited English football, was on his wishlist when he accepted the role.
“I have always said that Gokhan Tore could play at any European team he has both the quality and the potential,” Bilic told Fanatik.
“After agreeing terms with West Ham I told the board that I want him and I strongly believe he would add a lot to the team and be a success in England.
“The fans would have loved him but it did not happen we could not agree a deal.
Souns good eh!
I really believe ,if not in January,then certainly by next summer Westham will have added more quality to the squad and the club will be genuine top 4 contenders.
”
Just seen MOTD and
How did Valencia miss the one on one? FFS that was a very poor miss by any standards!
Very harsh comment on
Very harsh comment on Valencia he has only just come back from injury isn't match fit and didn't have much time to pick his spot which the keeper almost had covered anyway
Oh come off it mate!
I would be pissed off if I missed an opportunity like that even now! Too many excuses for him and if that is the case he shouldn't be on the bloody pitch anyway? It was a bad miss regardless and that's a fact.
Ok antkb, I know we differ
Ok antkb, I know we differ with our opinion on Valencia missing that chance but I'm very surprised how you and what seems like everyone have ignored their goals and our part in them! They were far worse errors than Valencia missing that chance. Both Carroll and Tonka were guilty of lower Sunday league mistakes that quite frankly are unforgivable.
ANTKB ..
Lol .. Okay we get that you don't rate Valencia and it was the post that stopped it going in .. Hmm would Carroll the Camel have Scored it ? .. What about the Volley the Camel missed in front of goal and not to mention his amazing Schoolboy Error Gifting Watford their first Goal ? .. As far as Strikers go and skill Valencia "imo" is light years ahead of the Camel and Cost a lot less and probably only on half the Weekly Wage the Camel is on ?
Err
Steve I stated before that the camel is a Plan B option and I was shocked that he was in the starting line up! Valencia will not score enough goals and will be injured again soon.
Valencia
He did cause a few problems for Watford, so they put in some cynical tackles on him. At least he read the backpass and if that resulted in a goal then that might have been a game changer. Have a feeling that Bilic will start him if Sakho is still out.
Agree he maybe should have put it away!
But imo no comparison to our horrendous mistakes for their goals....
Thats the number one thing we
Thats the number one thing we need to cut out this season the individual sloppy errors. It's the sort of thing that decides top four teams. We can say we have strength in depth, which we do have and our fringe players are decent so we are now at the next lvl, but the next stage for Slaven for next season is to look for players who make less individual errors or team errors. For example people like cresswell, jenks and Tonka are players we all rate as decent but can we get players as good that makes fewer mistakes and fit into a reliable back 4? I think the Slav can do that. It might even be he buys a players that seems no better than the players mentioned but he regards them as more reliable
Agree
Stupid mistakes and all round a piss poor performance mate.
I don't begrudge watfords win
I don't begrudge watfords win but both goals came from basic mistakes that shouldn't be happening at this lvl. As they were both from players who are experienced enough to know better and this has happened too often this season, id say top 4? I'm out.