According to a recent report in the Daily Mirror, Mauro Zarate is on the cusp of a loan move to QPR for the remainder of the season. If this story is true, it is a development that hardly comes as a surprise to most Hammers fans. It has been clear for some considerable time that the player is marginal to the current manager’s plans. And this is regardless of the fact that the player has impressed in his eight first team appearances; exhibiting abilities, and a style of play, that are markedly different to our other main strikers. One had hoped that with Sakho’s absence on international duty at the forthcoming African Cup of Nations tournament, there might have been a window of opportunity for Zarate to get a sustained run in the first team. Unfortunately, that now appears to be a vain hope, at least for the time being.
The Mirror article also attributes quotes to Zarate, which are to the effect that he has been marginalised by the manager because he was signed by David Sullivan. This, of course, gives substance to a rumour that has been circulating since the beginning of the season. Does this parting salvo mean that the loan deal is a prelude to a permanent exit in the summer? Well, I guess that all depends on who is in the Managerial hot seat next summer and whether they rate Zarate? That issue is far from clear cut at the moment, with negotiations on a contract extension for Allardyce deferred until April-May.
I found David Sullivan’s recently quoted comments on Sam Allardyce’s future at the club very interesting. Particularly, the suggestion that Allardyce could price himself out of a new deal or (more cryptically) that he might chose to exit the club on a high. My view is that the board invested significant funds to create a strong squad, one that is well equipped to secure European qualification. The revamped squad are currently genuine contenders for a Champions League place. Failure to achieve at least Europa League qualification (given the strong performance in the first half of the season) could be viewed critically by the West Ham board and, of course, within that context, the incumbent manager may be held responsible.
Claret and Hugh have argued that there is an element of risk in Zarate moving to QPR on loan, in the sense that if he performs well then that will reflect badly on the decision to dispose of his services. That effect could even be doubled if Harry Redknapp also acquires Ravel Morrison in January and gets him fit and performing to his full potential. Is this really the end for Zarate at the club? Perhaps, but alternatively it could prove to be a temporary move, pending developments next summer. As well as being a diplomatic manouvre (appeasing the manager), the loan will also help reduce the first team wage bill, in the short-term, and increase the scope for one or two potential additions in the January window; ahead of a second phase of squad improvement next summer. Beyond this, could Zarate yet return to a further augmented squad in 2015-16? We shall see as events unfold?
Finally, a word or two on the double Christmas reverse to Chelsea and Arsenal. The Boxing Day defeat at Stamford Bridge was hugely disappointing because the starting selection effectively cost us the game in the first half. However, we can count ourselves very unfortunate to lose the Arsenal match. My major criticism is that the the players obviously let the double blow of Song’s disallowed goal and the award of a soft penalty to effect their concentration. That lapse led to Welbeck’s goal and us suddenly finding ourselves 0-2 down against the run of play. At the end of the day, this was to prove the true difference between losing and gaining a point.
Regardless, West Ham gave a good account of themselves and demonstrated just how far they have come this season. Arsene Wenger, despite his standard mantra that his side deserved the win, looked a very relieved manager in the post-match conference. Plus, the Arsenal team ‘selfie’ and self-congratulatory tweets by the gooner players, represents a back-handed compliment to this very good West Ham Utd side. Arsenal clearly had to dig very deep for victory and saw it has a major result against a genuine rival. That response is very significant. Although Podalski was just being ridiculous in tweeting that the gooners support could ever ‘take over’ Upton Park. It has not happened in the last 100 plus years, so it is unlikely to happen now. But, the Hammers support at their place, now that is another matter entirely!
We need to place the Arsenal defeat in the file marked ‘lessons learnt – season 2014/15’ and move on to secure a victory over WBA on New Years Day. We were bound to have back-to-back defeats at some point in the season. The important thing, much like Southampton have done recently, is to recover from any bad run and get back on track as quickly as possible. It is all to play for and the 3rd & 4th places are still within easy striking distance. Indeed, the forthcoming Arsenal Vs Southampton fixture gives us the perfect opportunity to retrieve ground. I know many Hammers fans think Champions League qualification fanciful, but I feel it is both a possibility and an exceptional opportunity. We, as a club, must be totally committed and single minded in its pursuit. All I ask is that the squad do their very best, as they have done so far this season, to ensure that we are in the final mix. Do that and there is always a chance.
What a truly great thing it would be to bring Champions League football to Upton Park in our last season at the ground! And what a tribute to the grand old stadium and the great players that have represented the club there over the years. It is admittedly a dream, but dreams can come true if there is sufficient motivation and discipline to turn them in to reality. COYI !
SJ. Chandos.