Blind Hammer reflects on a double blow inflicted by the Cockerels. *
A lot of West Ham fans will be, like me, down in the dumps this morning. The 2 home games against Tottenham were set up to be season defining games. The second game last night, in particular, was hard to swallow. West Ham had an ideal opportunity, at home against a Tottenham stretched to spread their resources over 2 games in 48 hours.
However despite this disappointment, some perspective is needed. Steady nerves are required in the important weeks ahead. We already knew that this squad does not have sufficient quality in depth. The first game against Tottenham exposed this. Recent bad injuries has revealed fragilities in a developing squad. When you sign several players you will rarely find all the recruits find form and fire immediately. Anderson continues to disappoint, but the bright performances Diangana, Rice and Diop are all plusses from our situation last season. Snodgrass has been rediscovered as a squad resource. Balbuena is definitely an upgrade and Zabaleta has delivered form I never believed he had for a second season.
Last night reinforced the case for squad strengthening in January. I argued last week Mario should be ushered back as soon as possible. Other early target are required to resolve the obvious lack of support and cover for Arnautovic up front. Sadly Chico has not taken his opportunities. He looks on his way out now.
Yet those who really believe our season has been defined for the worst last night would do well to remember that exactly 12 months ago Marco Arnautovic was slated as a waste of money and languishing on the wing. He recovered to become Hammer of the Year.
The season is, in reality, in its infancy. There is still time for Wilshere and even Anderson to come good. These strengths are required for the weeks ahead, not least starting with our game against Burnley on Saturday.
So let’s try and keep the faith on a difficult morning.
COYI
David Griffith