Don't Panic!

There seems to be quite a bit of negativity surrounding yesterday's result against Wigan.  I didn't go or see the game so am not going to give a full report.  However, rubbish though a 1-0 loss against Wigan is, i'm not panicking. 

We had quite a few key players out, carrying knocks or not quite match fit yesterday.  Among them you can count Illunga, Dyer, Behrami, Diamanti, Collison and Jiminez.  All would have started if ready and all, except probably Dyer, will be back for next week against Liverpool.  The Carlton Cole haters have been out in force following one 'bad' game for us, but the lad was dropped by Capello on Wednesday and has been working his heart out since the start of the season, he can have a bad day at the office.

There were various plusses as well, Hines made his first Premier League start and gave a good account of himself.  Diamanti looked very lively when he joined and Behrami made his comeback.  With this all happening, I'd hope Kovac was back on the bench next week.  He is a squad player for me and not good enough to be starting games.  He never seems to blend well with Parker either.

I think (and hope) we will see a different West Ham next week, with players having a chance to sort themselves out.  We have not got as many points on the board as we would like, but that has not been helped by 3 out 4 games being away from home either.  So, don't panic and keep the faith, the Hammers will be back!

Comments

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1391827457]

so hines gave agood account of himself did he ? you obviously weren't at the game running around like a headless chicken and sprawling around like bambi he will never make it in the epl plus the fact he is too lightweight, diamanti looked useful when he came on

[John J]

I agree that, despite the poor performence, there were lots of positives. Hines is looking like a really hot prospect and Diamanti will clearly do well for us once he's settled into the team and the EPL. Contrary to some other commentators I've read on the net, I thought Gabbidon did well considering he was out of position and back from a long break.

On another day with another ref we would have won this one. Cole, Noble and Parker can and will play better than this in future. And, Tomkins, Baked Beans and Stanislas are only going to improve so though disappointed I'm not going to start stressing yet. Anyway, it could have been worse - Spuds could have won and gone top yesterday.

[Tony Jones]

We appeared to be playing a x~mas tree formation and a christmas tree comes down in the new year!!
When we finshed 3rd in the league we played exactly the same home and away (all the top teams do) and went out with the intention of trying to win the games. I have only seen highlights but we were lacking width all game and just playing through a congested midfield. I thought we were unlucky not to get something out of the game, but we should be going to places like wigan and attacking them and not being so negative.
If we had played 442 we may have got 3 points IMO.

[Joe Alvin]

Ray give Hines a chance up to now hes looked outstanding and everything Sears wasnt. Hes only had a few games and got some goals already. Dont take it out on a kid, the rest of the team should be providing him with the goalscoring chances. Im as disappointed as anyone but give Hines time and he'll be a top striker, he certainly knows where the goal is.

[dan]

i still thnk sears will do well for us in the future along side hines who played well ray u twatand cole is shit from wot i saw he had 6 great oppertubitys and cudnt hit a bran door we need ashton

[Col]

I saw the highlights, and really we had enough chances to level or even win. Wigan got lucky with the scrambled goal (would Collins have been there with another trademark block maybe..?) In any case no don't panic, We wont hit the bar, have decent penalty shouts turned down, a goal disallowed seconds after a final whistle is blown every week and lose one nil.

[John J]

Dan - I heard that Ashton's career may well be over following advice from Doctors that his ankle won't take another injury. I've heard nothing more since, but it could well be that we won't see him playing again. Very sad for him and us if this report is true and a great loss of a genuinely talented striker. I read the story on 'This is London' website, which you can still find if you google it.