Nervousness filled the Olympic Stadium as Dimitri Payet stepped up to send West Ham into the fourth round of the EFL Cup. Before that 96th minute strike, there was uncertainty as to how, if at all, the Hammers were going to find a breakthrough. Against a League Two side like Accrington Stanley, no matter how well they played, there should be no trouble in getting the job done.
It’s quite sad to think that last year the goals were coming from all areas of the pitch. Now, if Michail Antonio or Payet are not on the pitch, then West Ham look devoid of any attacking impetus. Jonathan Calleri and Simone Zaza, both international calibre players, look as if they could not find the net if they were given a map.
It’s a damning indictment of West Ham’s season so far that they’re unable to create any real opportunities without the Frenchman on the field. Despite missing two Premier League games already, Payet is the top assister in the league with four and has been behind six of West Ham’s eight goals in all competitions.
Payet himself implied there is a confidence issue at the club when he said to WHUFC.com: “the goal helped us a lot and makes us feel a lot better because it meant we avoided extra-time and another 30 minutes of football. It will be great for our confidence.”
The hope is that Payet is right and that abysmal win over Accrington was actually a catalyst result which kick starts the season. The Hammers seem to have a real lack of freedom with where the players look on edge and anxious to express themselves with a fear of making a mistake. This may be due to the lacklustre atmosphere at the London Stadium or teams have actually worked out how to defend against Slaven Bilic’s side.
One thing that is certain: other players need to start making more of an impact on the pitch because West Ham cannot just rely on Payet to get results.
