West Ham Fight Off Eagles, Swoop Like Buzzards

West Ham United did well to pull even with Crystal Palace to remain unbeaten in Premier League action in 2018. After going down on a Christian Benteke header in the 24th minute, West Ham seemed to be chasing the game, however, capitalization on limited offensive chances saw the Hammers equalize and stave off their mid-table rivals to remain in front in the standings. What comes next for West Ham is Brighton and Hove Albion, but not before a tense transfer window deadline day.

But first, the game. West Ham was depleted on injuries, including their revelatory striking duo of Manuel Lanzini and club record signing Marko Arnautovic. With these injuries, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and newcomer loanee Joao Mario headed the attack. For Mario, it was his first taste of Premier League action, and first home appearance for the Hammers.

The match saw those two attackers on form, albeit with a missed opportunity for ‘fox in the box’ Chicharito early. Other than that, he and Mario linked up well and played off each other in a shared center forward role — neither an out and out striker or central attacking midfielder. The goal West Ham would score came off of Mario holding back three defenders while picking out a run from Chicharito in the Palace penalty area. After a slick cutback, former Hammer James Tomkins pulled out the Mexican striker’s legs, earning a penalty for the team. The link-up play was positive for both players and is encouraging in a time of such immense injuries for West Ham attackers. Both Mario and Chicharito garnered man-of-the-match consideration.

The goal was converted by another man-of-the-match contender, Mr. Reliable, Mr. West Ham, Mark Noble. The club captain had his midfield whipped into action and pressing high and hard on Palace early. He has very much contributed to West Ham’s good run of form in the Prem, bringing heart and passion on the pitch, with organization as well. Noble’s penalty conversion was his 50th goal for the club, cementing his status as a modern-day club legend.

The best player, and winner of the man-of-the-match, was out of favor midfielder, Cheikhou Kouyate. Slated by me, and many others, Kouyate looked his best form since the final season at the Boleyn Ground. Despite a head injury that would see a mummy-esque head wrap be applied, Kouyate was motivated and running all game. He was smooth on dribbles, took on Palace midfielders, and contributed to the goal build up by finding Mario on the edge of the Palace box. This is surely a welcomed sign to manager David Moyes, who is looking desperately to strengthen his midfield.

With the Eagles of Crystal Palace dealt with (yes I am considering a home draw a success based solely off of West Ham injuries), West Ham must do their best buzzard impression to pick up the scraps of the transfer market. Leander Dendoncker and Fyodor Smolov seem to be the most likely names to join West Ham, Smolov for £12 million, and Dendoncker for approximately £20 million. With the £5-10 million from selling Diafra Sakho, and the potential £18 million for Andre Ayew, West Ham would be almost even on transfer money spent, which would be good business. However, as every West Ham fan knows too well, this window challenges the team’s board immensely, and no deal is certain.

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