Last season was a triumph for West Ham United. Historically, the club is one of England’s biggest, yet their recent Premier League results haven’t been anything to write home about. During the 2020/21 campaign, the players finally showed glimpses of what the supporters want by finishing 6th.
And it could have even been better because the Hammers were in the Champions League qualification places for most of the year. This time around, the fans will be hoping for more of the same, and the stadium will be full of anticipation. The question is: can David Moyes, Manager of the Year at the London Football Awards, take his men to the next level?
Confidence in the Bank
There are several ways to view the Hammers’ achievements. You may decide that the pressure of expectations will crush them and force them to retreat into their shells. Alternatively, there’s an argument that the squad will be buoyed by the fact that they exceeded expectations and will be full of belief.
After all, it’s pretty much the same squad that won 19 matches last season and only lost 11. So, those on the pitch will know that they can replicate the form if they are focused. Also, Moyes has been forthright about transfer rumours involving his team members. For example, the Scotsman has categorically stated Declan Rice will be going nowhere this summer.
The changing room must be buzzing knowing they have the players and the ability to take on the likes of Chelsea and Spurs and win.
Resurgent Rivals
The flip of the coin highlights how difficult it will be for West Ham to repeat last year’s successes. Firstly, Arsenal and Tottenham won’t be as poor as they were in the latter part of 2021. Mikel Arteta and Nuno Espírito Santo have had a pre-season to get to grips with their issues and must perform. It appears that the football betting market agrees since West Ham are 5/1 to finish in the top six. Those odds are much longer than Arsenal and Tottenham at 11/8 and 4/5 respectively.
Hammers supporters will be fearful of what’s happening around the Premier League, too. Everton, for instance, haveappointed Rafa Benitez as their manager. The Spaniard is a proven winner with an excellent Premier League pedigree. Leeds United, meanwhile, have an aggressive style under Argentine Marcelo Bielsa which means the team is a handful for anyone. Again, Everton (4/1) and Leeds (9/2) are ranked as more likely to finish in the top six than West Ham.
We can confirm Rafael Benitez has been appointed as our new manager.
— Everton (@Everton) June 30, 2021
The Fans
In many ways, West Ham’s fans have always been the club’s Achilles heel. Although they mean well, they can put too much pressure on the players, which manifests itself in the squad’s performances. With 60,000 packed into the Olympic Stadium, the tension can be thick enough to cut with a knife.
The players need time to adjust in some games, so it’s not helpful when the supporters start booing after half an hour. Of course, the performances can be better, but the fans need to understand when they are getting on the team’s back and when they are spurring them on.
If they can strike the right balance, the Olympic Stadium can be the 12th man that all Premier League clubs wish they have on matchdays.
West Ham proved last season that the squad is good enough, but it’s down to whether they turn up consistently. If they don’t, their competitors will take advantage – there are no poor teams in the elite leagues.
