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EPL: Will West Ham’s Bubble Burst?

By Geoff Nichols

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EPL: Will West Ham’s bubble burst?

Looking at the EPL table, it is difficult to fathom how West Ham have managed such a drastic transformation in the last 12 months. Their 3-1 victory over Swansea, in which they displayed a huge amount of their new found character and belief, has seen them rise to fourth in the table and they look good value for it.

The achievements of Southampton dominated the early season talk of a surprise package coming into to challenge the big guns, but in a way their achievements at the start of the season where a continuation of the promise they had showed in finishing eighth last year. West Ham, on the other hand, were in a much more worrying position last year, finishing in thirteenth but also being seven points off of relegation.

The importance of a Plan B in tight matches cannot be underestimated

Struggling sides up and down the country will be asking the same question of West Ham. How have they incited such a significant turn around in fortunes from a period when their fans wielded banners reading “Fat Sam out – killing West Ham United.” Sam Allardyce, the often divisive manager, looked set to part way with the club but was given a lifeline and has run with it ever since.

The famous West Ham song ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ provides a pessimistic outlook on whether West Ham can maintain this current form, but in reality the confidence running through their side at the moment could keep their run going for a little while yet:

” I’m forever blowing bubbles, Pretty bubbles in the air. They fly so high, Nearly reach the sky, Then like my dreams, They fade and die.”

New Signings Have Been Inspired

EPL teams who secure a mid-table finish often see a lot of action in the transfer window as they look to strengthen their side and avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap for the following season. Teams like West Ham can provide an attractive option for players who are looking to move to the Premier League or aren’t getting game time at a bigger club.

West Ham have done remarkably well in acquiring players in the last year, with permanent signings Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho arguably the biggest catalysts for a change in fortune for the London club. Enner Valencia looked like he had potential when playing for Ecuador at the World Cup and the physical traits that made him stand out in Brazil have enabled him to make an impact in the EPL.

However, it is Diafra Sakho and his seven league goals that have gone a long way to turning West Ham into one of the sides to beat in the EPL. His goal against Manchester City to make it 2-0 was his sixth in six league games and he is consistently putting in performances that are winning West Ham points.

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Add in the other significant purchases in the summer of Cheikhou Kouyaté and Aaron Cresswell, both of whom have had a similarly major impact, you can see how well West Ham have done in the transfer market. Kouyaté adds a much needed dynamism and physicality in the centre of midfield which is essential for any Premier League side with lofty ambitions, whilst Cresswell is very much the modern day full back. Good going forward and astute defensively, he also possesses that dogged determination that is associated with playing at full back in the EPL at the moment.

Finally on the matter of transfers, West Ham have played the loan market tremendously well. I enjoy when a lesser club loans a player from one of the Premier League giants and turns a bit-part player into a first team member. Carl Jenkinson may have been out of his depth in the spotlight of Arsenal’s star-filled line up, but in West Ham he is thriving under the reduced pressure. Alex Song, loaned from Barcelona, was also  a master stroke. He has proven EPL pedigree and has already shown what leadership qualities he can provide for West Ham.

Old Guard Have Shown Their Talent

If you have only watched Stuart Downing play this season, it is hard to believe his enduring reputation from the earlier years of his career is that of a total disappointment, verging on a joke. He was a left winger who clearly had talent, but never truly realised it until this season. Benefiting from greater trust and a much freer role, he has been stamping his authority on games.

His chance creation is second only to Cesc Fabregas in the EPL so far this season and his left foot has been similar to a magicians wand at times, which I never thought I would be saying about Stuart Downing. He looks to be hungry for success and you have to credit the manager for bringing this attitude to the fore.

Andy Carroll, returning from yet another lengthy injury, showed in one game against Swansea what he is all about. The header he floated passed Fabianski was pure class and was a snapshot of the player that commanded a £35 million transfer fee only a few seasons ago. Carroll is the definition of an aerial threat when he is in the mood.

His presence gives West Ham options that they have never really been blessed with in recent years. Before their game plan was effectively route one. Their football was efficient rather than expansive and attractive. Now they can start a match actually playing proper football and resort to the target man centred approach if need be.

The importance of a Plan B in tight matches cannot be underestimated. Sides will come up against West Ham and neutralise the threat of Downing on the wings, but they can then revert to a system that they are equally if not more comfortable with. Carroll is not the only aerial threat in a side that are physically stacked.

It is certainly exciting times for West Ham fans, who have likely experienced the full range of emotions following their side in recent years. The position they were in less than 12 months ago looked perilous, but they have recovered and are better for sticking with their manager. It goes to show that in sport a few months is a long time and might be a message to other clubs that patience can bring about success.

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