Having finished last season in 7th place and surpassing the expectations of many, the Hammers were tipped for greater things this term. European football and a new stadium, it was time to take it to the next level and challenge for a top 4 finish.
Pitifully, it has been the exact opposite for West Ham. They crashed out of the Europa right before the group stages even kicked off, and they currently lie in bottom 3 after 7 rounds of games. 5 losses, a draw and a win have earned them just a paltry 4 points.
But Slaven Bilic has been left to rue their woeful start primarily due to the club’s injury casualties. 4 of his key men are currently facing time on the sidelines, and definitely, things would have been better if this whole starting XI was available.
GK – Adrian
West Ham have conceded most goals this season (17), and the goalie hasn’t had any fault. The backline and midfield continue to fall apart, no thanks to their lack of few key players. The Spaniard definitely is eager for their return.
LB – Cresswell
The Hammers’ captain was ruled out for 4 months right after pre-season ended, but is in contention for an earlier return after the international break. Having missed just a league game in the last 2 seasons, the West Ham defence couldn’t keep up without him this term.
CB – Reid
Even the reliable centre-back has suffered his own share of injuries this term and was at the receiving end of a harsh Aguero elbow weeks ago. The English man will hope the nightmares end soon.
CB – Collins
The no-nonsense Welsh defender has gotten a goal in 6 games this term, but he hasn’t been able to prevent the rot at the back. And he has had too much to do due to a weak support from midfield.
RB – Sam Byram
The former Leeds player seems to be the next choice for the role after Antonio got moved further up the pitch. But he has had to share the duty with Nordtveit. Chances are that a new right back will be brought in by January.
CM – Noble
The midfielder hitting the crossbar against Middlesbrough last weekend probably summed up the ill luck that has besieged West Ham this term. Mark hasn’t been able to make a mark, and there is nothing noble about that. No pun intended.
DM – Kouyate
The Senegalese was brilliant for a majority of the last term, capping off 31 appearances with 5 goals. But same can’t be said of him this season despite appearing in every league game.
AML – Ayew
West Ham fans were definitely glad when the former Swansea attacking enforcer arrived in summer. Assists and goals were bound to come. However, he barely kicked a ball as he sustained a knock in the first game against Chelsea, and will still spend at least 2 more months on the treatment table.
AMC – Payet
Last season PFA Team of the year player had a slow start to the season. Understandably because of the lack of enough rest after the European Championships. He looks to be picking up his explosive form of last season as evident from his splendid solo strike last weekend.
AMR – Antonio
The recently capped England international had to be deployed as right back last term, but eventually got moved to his natural position and it has paid off. He is the club’s highest goalscorer having provided 5 of their 8 goals. With this form, it won’t be long before West Ham gets back on track.
CF – Andy Carroll
The England international provided 9 important league goals last term but has only played once this season. Neither Simone Zaza nor Jonathan Calleri has been able to fill the void left by the former Liverpool man, and Bilic would hope Carroll is available ASAP.