Guest Post by Jimmy Rooney
Well, were on to the next round of the League Cup after what has been described to me as a “comfortable” (if you want one of the more positive outlooks), :)) there was criticisms, and where there were the “angry young men” most were made by sound, experienced and knowledgeable posters here, and most sounded as if they had some basis of facts that I’m trying to deny, but I could still imagine why there was less enthusiasm after a 3-0 LC Cup win, but I’m trying to focus on the 3 clean sheets in a row in all comps, and scoring a few goals too. But I understand they are not converting the few more chances that the lads are starting to create, of which concerns me as well, its good that the hemorrhaging of goals against has been halted for the time being, and between Byram, Rice and Masusaku, an alternative 3-5-2’s can be applied, or even any 4 at the back, ( perhaps in a tailor made match that Carroll can hold the line). I think we could see a decent, (tough) but decent season.
Please don’t let me be misunderstood, I share the general feelings about Andy Carroll, seems a good lad, his fitness problems are a damn shame, but can be a world beater on his kind of day. I have a silly theory that I proposed earlier this week…… I probably should research it to see if it holds any water, but it is that Carroll seems to have a great match his first match back from a layoff, then, with the temptation to start him every week for multiple reasons, I’ve seen him have a mediocre match the next time out.
Is that because the opposition just assumes that if Carroll is fit, he’s starting, therefore, they can prepare accordingly? However, he doesn’t know the word “play cautiously”,which means cos he’s AC, and he is going to be a West Ham legacy one day, for in spite of his missed time due to injury, cos he plays hard, he’s been here long enough, and endured enough stick and droppings to the bench only to quiet down his critics (at least a bit), to earn his way back to starts, and he has scored way too many spectacular and points earning goals, I remember his loan season, first one back from ‘11/’12, he scored on a long ball, against Brom, I believe, Feb of ‘13 (help me Dan!) :)) but he was on sides and me it went over his shoulder and he just caught it with his foot perfectly……..Chelsea, home, 24/10/2015, Kitchener at around 80’…… the Hat trick to win back a point (that shoulda been a double) against Arsenal, early in ’16……. Palace Home, 14/1/2017 j those are just off the top…….
This being said, I’d strongly suggest that Slav come up with a plan B where. Carroll, maybe after this match, and, perhaps Swans at Home, maybe do a 4-4-2 with Sakho and Chicharito up front, (and maybe Bryam at RB) :) this too, will give the kid (he’s 24, if hes gonna be ready, it’ll be really soon), I may be all wrong about Sam, but I think he could be a quality Hammer as well. This this is another reason I believe he some rotation happen with he and Zabaleta, (he’s a machine, but he is a human, Zabaleta is, and in football years not the youngest). And being a Super Slav supporter, it’s getting hard to peak Slav’s case against those who question his qualification to continue is because sometimes the tactics are predictable….. Painfully predictable…… and I know the guy is smart enough to admit when he’s wrong and change things…….. but then again, maybe not. Perhaps hubris will be his undoing, it already has in many minds. Consistency is important, but sometimes, it’s almost to the point of support stubbornness with Slav, a lot of times, “cleverness” to overcome any top flight club.
Believe me, I understand the mindset behind “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but I think that this is a special case, mostly due to keeping him healthy, but also to keep the opposing club guessing. Once again rotation of the forwards is crucial, imho. On occasion or Cup matches with Zabaleta and Bryam, but Sakho is scoring goals…… first half goals….. I believe he has something to prove.
I also happen to believe that Sakho needs more time in the league, If I have one gripe with Super Slav, it’s his inability to forgive and stick to favorites, where it’s better for him (Sakho ) and West Ham, for the better he does, the better out record will be, and if by Xmas, and we have climbed up to 10th, and Sakho has drilled 9 goals and a clutch of assists, if he chooses to stay, great, but if he still really wants a move, his value will be up, so I think it behooves everyone he start up with Chicharito, rotating each week with Carroll. And, Chicharito doesn’t need to start every match, either.
We are missing Lanzini in a hardcore way, and with Lanzini healthy, our possible best squad in 4-4-2 (if we can’t have Ginge) would probably be;
……………………..Hart……………………..
Zabaleta….Reid….Rice .Cresswell
………………….Obiang……………….
Antonio………………. …………..Auto (sorry Dan, gotta give him a chance) :) ……………………Lanzini…………………..
……………..Sakho……Chicharito…….
Adrian,Bryam,Ogbonna,Masuaku, Kouyate, Carroll, Ayew