It has been a turbulent few months for West Ham. Leaving their beloved Upton Park was tough in itself, but they had optimism. Hope of a Europa League campaign, summer investment and another strong season. The Europa League campaign fell flat on its face before the season had properly begun, the exciting move to the Olympic Stadium has been indifferent at best, embarrassing at worst, and the summer spending has been as successful as Sam Allardyce going out for dinner.
[ffc_insert title="The worst signings of the season" name="Top of the Flops" image="https://www.footballfancast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Simone-Zaza-5-2.jpg?admin" link="https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/ffcs-ten-worst-signings-of-the-season" link_text="Hall of Shame" ]
So, the final hope to make this a great season was the Premier League. Not strictly true, perhaps, as the Irons were only knocked out of the EFL Cup this week – never mind. Anyway, the Premier League season was another shot to show they can compete with the big boys on a regular basis after an excellent 2015/16 season. It has not gone well.
Form has improved a notch of late, yes, but the draw to Manchester United this weekend will only hold any relevance if they can banish the memories of their dire Wednesday night display when they face Arsenal this weekend. Residing just one point above the relegation zone, the Hammers have hit a tough run of fixtures at pretty much the worst possible time. Following the visit of Arsenal this weekend is the daunting prospect of a clash with Liverpool at Anfield – it isn’t getting much better for Slaven Bilic.
At this time of year – more so than ever – momentum is paramount. Following the trip to Anfield, West Ham welcome both Burnley and Hull to the London Stadium within the space of three days. Assuming that no upsets occur against the Gunners or Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, those two games could be the defining moments of West Ham’s season. More than that, in fact, they could define Slaven Bilic’s entire tenure at the club.
The pressure in the next two games is not to necessarily collect points, but to avoid any momentum-sapping performances. While home form continues to be an issue for the Hammers, they must find a way to perform against Arsenal. Then, the task of a trip to Anfield must be made to look considerably simpler than it is. A point, or even a victory, in either of those two games could be pivotal for Bilic’s difficult second season. The concern for Irons has to be that their defensive troubles make anything other than a pair of defeats unlikely.
It’s a realistic prospect that West Ham are sitting in the relegation zone by the time they face Burnley on December 14th. And if that is to be the case, the London Stadium will be a trembling pool of nerves, needing inspiration to create the sort of atmosphere that was expected at the ground. Currently, the Hammers have not been a side to inspire, particularly in front of goal. After being so close to Champions League qualification just months ago, Bilic’s side are nearing disaster.
Anything other than six points from the games against Hull and Burnley would justify panic. They may seem like low-risk fixtures, but the performances against Arsenal and Liverpool will have a big say in how West Ham perform in two very winnable home games. The next two could be crucial.
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