How can a team with a negative goal differential and more losses than wins, be in the League’s top 10? Such is the parity in the League, at this moment, as a whole block of teams could be top 10 finishers. West Ham have provided a season of entertainment for fans and a sigh of relief for those who feared they would be relegated. They are sure(?) to stay in the League another year, as the club has mixed solid experience with youthful enthusiasm. With the present state of the Arsenal, they have created an opponent that can not be overlooked.
West Ham sit in the middle of all statistics; be it GD, goals for/against, wins, points, etc. The Hammers are not middle of the road, though, when it comes to effort. This is a side that will play 90 minutes of solid, not necessarily mistake free, football. No where can this be more evident than in the back line.
Anton Ferdinand has been, in my opinion, one of the brighest members of the club. He uses his height and strength well and is learning, in every match, what it takes to be a star. He has good experience surrounding him in Konchesky and Dailly. A big lose to the group is the departure of Repka. Family issues have forced him homeward, and West Ham are looking to find a replacement in Gabri, of Barcalona. He probably won’t be available on Wednesday but it is interesting to see them spend the money to cover the spots.
The midfield is interesting but Benayoun sticks out more than any other player. He is 100% all match long and has remarkable lung-capacity. He leads the side in assists and has 3 goals to his credit.
West Ham just spent 7 million on Dean Ashton, of Norwich. With Sheringham, Harewood, Zamora and young Aliadere(where is he any ways?), West Ham felt they were not getting enough goal production. I remember Ashton from last season but don’t remember him being worth 7 million. The powers-that-be felt it to be a wise investment and I’m curious as to whether they will get their money back on this decision.
It’s a home match so I’m not too concerned. This is the attitude these days but the Gunners do not fare well on the road and neither do the Hammers. I’m sorry I never could come up with an MC Hammer joke but I’m just positive that there is one to be had.
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
