A Review of West Ham's Season To Date

Following last season’s "great escape" and some good solid signings over the summer (Freddie Ljungberg, Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy, Julien Faubert and Kieron Dyer), West Ham United were looking for a better start to the season. Former chairman Eggert Magnusson was looking for West Ham to challenge for a European place this season, and continue where they left off last year.

The Hammers were handed a first day clash at Upton Park against Sven Goran Eriksson’s new look Manchester City. Many things were expected from West Ham, but unfortunately did not happen, as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. However a Mark Noble penalty helped them to their first win of the season away at Birmingham.

From there, West Ham went on a run of five unbeaten in all competitions, including two 3-0 wins against Reading and Middlesbrough. Chelsea ended a six match unbeaten run 1-0 the other week, even though West Ham played well for most of the match.
 
But the main story on West Ham’s season has been injuries. Dean Ashton got hurt yet again, while Craig Bellamy has only started eight games and looks set for a second operation soon. Bowyer, Noble, Ferdinand, Collins, Parker, and Ljungberg have all been out for various periods, but are now starting to come back. Dyer remains a long term injury with his double leg break, and Faubert has resumed training, which can only be good news for the Hammers.

But West Ham have been putting out a team that is sure to give Curbishley a selection head ache when some of the better players come back. The defence of Neill, Upson, Gabbidon, and McCartney have been pretty solid this season, something which it was not last season.

Green has been sublime, as he has made only a few mistakes—and all Hammers fans will expect him in Fabio Capello’s first England squad. The midfield has had its stars, with Bowyer, Etherington, and Solano putting in some decent performances.

But apart from Green, a special mention must go to Carlton Cole. When he started his West Ham career, he had many critics—but because of these injuries, he has lead the line well and scored a few goals along the way, showing us all that he can be a quality player.

Lastly, a word on Curbs. He definitely had a job on his hands last year, especially when West Ham got thumped 6-0 to Reading. But with some much needed performances from big stars, he turned it around and started to get the supporters back on his side.

This season he has done quite well considering the circumstances with all the injuries. At the moment, West Ham are middle table reached the Carling Cup quarter final, which is something to be pleased with. I feel that if Curbs gets his strongest team out, West Ham can challenge for a top six place.