A thousand apologies!! My blog is late, will undoubtedly be rushed and I have to keep it short. I waited until after the cup game to write it and then yesterday I ended up doing everything but write. What with my Bournemouth prep and stats for my game at the weekend I’ve left this all a bit late in the day. It kinda feels like being back at school when I’d be scribbling away at my homework as the teacher was collecting our books. I’m currently sat outside Dean Court tapping away on my iPad waiting to go in to interview Matt Ritchie for Soccer Saturday on his goal of the season contender… amongst other things.
So let’s get this over with…
I have to admit I’m gutted we didn’t progress into the next round of the Capital One. I would have really fancied us at the KC too. However listening to Paul Walsh who watched the game on the Soccer Special it did sound like the Foxes were better on the night. They enjoyed most of the possession, had plenty of chances and if it wasn’t for Adrian it probably would have been over before extra time. We conceded a couple of sloppy goals and made a few mistakes but I’m in a forgiving mood. We could have, and perhaps should have, had a penalty which would have changed the game. Plus, let’s not forget the fact that (despite the wholesale changes made by Ranieri on the night) Leicester are a team in terrific form. They are buzzing with their league performances and confidence is at a high. It’s no disgrace to lose at the King Power these days. We gave a decent account of ourselves and, disappointment that we’re out of another competition besides, we still have a whole lot to be positive about. We can learn from this and hopefully take our experience into the the FA cup. Now that’s a trophy I’d love us to win.
As it stands we will have to make do with another LG Performance of the Week award for our battling display at Manchester City. We already have one in the cabinet this season for the Arsenal game and, if Palace hadn’t done the unthinkable at Stamford Bridge, we probably would have had another for our consummate victory at Anfield. So thanks to the LMA for singling out our new manager for yet another honour voted for by his peers.
I think the immense shift that we put in at the Etihad really took a lot out of the team. To a man they grafted their socks off. It was an authentic, honest and no nonsense performance, personified by Noble hauling Jenks to his feet to minimise injury time. We were touch tight, we hampered their play as much as we could, we didn’t get phased when out of possession for long spells and Winston Reid put in a defensive masterclass. He has really stepped up his game in recent weeks. Whether he is partnered with Tomkins, Ogbonna or Collins he has proven himself to be a top class defender. He is more than capable, steady and keeps a cool head. Perhaps signing a new long term deal has had a stabilising influence and I am puzzled but delighted he wasn’t snapped up by one of the big guns. Heaven knows a few of those ‘top’ teams could do with him now.
On the other side of the coin we now have real flair and quality in so many areas. Moses has given us a new dimension and Payet’s vision and composure on the ball is a real treat to watch. Everyone seems to be well drilled in their roles and even the forward players are tracking back but, we’re not just sitting back. We play on the front foot as much as possible and we’re making set pieces count. It seems we have a little bit of everything. All the ingredients for a tantalising recipe. It just remains to be seen what else Super Slav can rustle up.
We rode our luck at times against City but as any gaffer knows it’s just as important to be lucky as it is to be good. Bilic has got it right so far on three massive occasions. It has never been done in the Premier League before let alone by a West Ham manager. He’s a cool customer, a deep thinker. Listening to his post match is an education. There are few predictable cliches and he explains his methods and tactical decisions in detail. It is wonderful for us as students of the game but he may need to keep his cards closer to his chest as the weeks and months draw on and teams learn more about our new players and the Croatian’s approach.
Bilic is used to winning and having the pressure of being expected to win. We long-suffering supporters are not. He’s trying to change that. Imagine West Ham with a winning mentality! It’s enough to make me delirious. Whether he can really achieve something like that remains to be seen but I’m excited to find out.
This time last year we showed terrific promise and played some superb attacking football, scoring some wonderful goals and sealing victories home and away…then our performances fell flat. Now is the time to push on. Norwich isn’t a must win, nor a litmus test, but it is a game I expect us to win…and I’m enjoying this newly acquired confidence.
Right…off to do my day job now. I know there is a certain WHTID member out there who hates it when I put pictures up. So just for you…here are some gratuitous photos of me courtesy of the wonderful Amy Maidment Photography (@amymaidment).
Come on you irons!!
B X