There are signs of a positive transformation in the West Ham style of play so far this season. Although unluckily losing the Spurs and Sheffield Utd matches, on both occasions we moved the ball well and, crucially, the possession and passing accuracy rates were up on last season. Indeed, improved possession and passing accuracy are good indicators of an improvement in playing style. The common problem in both defeats were the poor conversion/to chances created ratio. When we address that lack then eveything will come together for the remainder of the season. And of course, we had a harbinger of that ‘coming together’ in the excellent away victory at Crystal Palace. In that match, the style of play was excellent and the quality of finishing even better! That is the standard/benchmark the team must aspire to reach on a consistent basis.
Of the new signings, Kouyate has settled in almost immediately. His physical power and ability to drive the team forward has added an whole new dimension to our play. Almost as signficantly, Mark Noble is clearly benefiting from the new partnership. Prior to his signing, I stated that Kouyate would be a major signing, who would improve us and allow Noble to get back to his his best. And that prediction has been proven correct. Of the other signings, both Zarate and Cresswell have also made a significant early impact. Zarate is the type of creative and skillful force we have been missing. Sitting just behind the front three, Zarate has the ability to link up midfield and the attack and is an effective antidote to the long standing problem of the isolated and dettached centre-forward. In short, he can make the system work. Similarly, Cresswell has made a good start and there is every probability that he will develop in to a quality PL left-back. His attacking play down the left flank is particularly good and I look forward to seeing him paired with Carl Jenkinson at right-back.
Of the remaining signings, Poyet clearly has massive potential, but it is necessary to carefully manage the 19 year old’s exposure to first team football. This debut season is principally about his introduction to the first team and acclimatising him to the greater demands of PL football. If his development accelerates and he is able to push for a regular first team, during the course of the current season, then so much the better. Sakho looked a good prospect in his initial two appearances. What I partricularly like is his mobility and the work that he does off as well as on the ball. He is physically strong, appears to have good technique, is hungry for success and knows where the goal is. There is the prospect that in Sakho we have a centre forward who can provide a fit Andy Carroll with genuine competition for a starting place.
Finally, I feel that Enner Valencia need s bit more time to make maximum impact. I have carefully watched his movement and techique in his initial appearances and it is clear that he is a class striker, who is going to be a major asset for this club. The promising thing is that he is continually getting in to good goal scoring positions, even if his finishing has hitherto let him down. However, there is no dount that he is a accomplished finisher, as demonstrated by his goals in the World Cup Finals. You do not lose that capabiility and the goals will come. In the meantime he will work on it, with Teddy Sheringham, in training and adjust to English football and a new club. In addition to those factors, he has also just recovered from an ankle injury, which adversely effected his pre-season preparations. We just need to exercise a bit of patience, in the certain knowledge that Valencia will deliver for us. I know that it is tempting to want immediate returns from a £14m signing, but it does not always work out that way. I am sure that most fans understand that and will ‘cut him some slack’ to get up to speed and start banging in the goals.
Readers will recall that on the eve of the season I argued that a successful season was dependent upon some key factors coming together. Firstly, and obviously, the new signings need to make a real difference. Secondly, existing players that under-performed last season, need to improve and play to their true capabilities. And thirdly, some of our youngsters must push on and make an impact at first team level. So far, ther are clear signs that these three factors are aligning. In addition to the new signings impressing; there has been improvement amongst the established players and some of the youngsters look promising. The biggest improvement is probably to be found in Stewart Downing, who has been absolutely outstanding this season. While both Diame and Noble also look to be back to their best. In terms of the youngsters, Potts and Lee have both demonstrated good form, but the player that has really come on ‘leaps and bounds’ is Reece Burke. So much so, that he arguably gave a more assured performance than his centre back partner, Winston Reid, in the recent Sheffield utd match. Plus Burke supplied a good cross for Sakho’s headed goal and, in doing so, amply demonstrated his non-defensive capabilities.
So, the summer transfer window closes on 1 September 2014. We have done some very good business, now it is a matter of concluding any final deals. The emphasis now appears to be on augmenting the defence, with an experienced centre-back the priority. There are also some rumours circulating that we could bid for another goal keeper, with Southend Utd’s promising Daniel Bentley a possible target. Personally, I would not be surprised to see another wide player/attacking midfielder signed before deadline day. Morgan Amalfitano would have been the perfect addition and, I suppose, there is alway the possibility that deal could be resusitated. Alternatively, West Ham are known to have had a long standing interest in Solmon Kalou and there has been speculation that West Ham could make an approach for the Lille and ex-Chelsea forward.
Of course a lot depends on any outgoing deals. If Reid and/or Diame leave the club before the deadline, then the final business this summer might need to be more substantial than would otherwise have been the case.
SJ. Chandos.