Unfortunately, West Ham have ended up in near enough the same position as this time last year. We once again got knocked out of the Europa League before the group stages. There was a lot of disappointment and frustration last night however I don’t particularly want to dwell on the shambolic performance that was produced by the team.
I’m not sure what a realistic aim for the Hammers actually is now. We have seemed to struggle in all of the games we have played at the London stadium so far and I think it would be an achievement for us to finish in the top 10.
However, this isn’t progression at all. With the new stadium, we were told that we would be challenging with the ‘big boys’ however, we can’t beat Astra, a Romanian team who sit 11th in their league.
Another problem we have once again is injuries. Why does this happen to us all the time? Nine of our first team players are currently out injured. I’m not sure if this is just bad luck or related to Slaven Bilic’s reported intense training sessions. The latter more probable.
With the imminent signing of Juventus striker Simeone Zaza we have somehow managed to sign a European standard striker, however, it’s not really what we were ‘promised’. I’m not too sure about the 20 goal a season tag.
Lastly, the spirit. Maybe it was due to the absence of Mark Noble or maybe they just weren’t feeling up to it, however, it has to change. Last night the players didn’t seem to want it and after all of the hype the West Ham social team had put into the game the players really had to put in a better shift than they did. At times we looked tired, lazy and complacent and unfortunately at West Ham this isn’t good enough.
I hope this changes soon and we get our West Ham back!! Come on you Irons!!
