At the start of November it was all doom and gloom but then we gained seven points in the next nine available. I wrote in last month’s issue how I couldn’t see us getting 12 points before Christmas let alone 15 and now we are not far off that target at all. Two big wins against Newcastle and Burnley and a draw against Bournemouth and I’m a lot more hopeful.
The Wilson Impact: Clinical and Prolific
Our number 9, Callum Wilson, I can’t say I was jumping for joy when we signed him but it’s fair to say he’s proving me wrong and probably many others. Four goals scored now and three in two starts, long may this continue. As well as his goals, his linkup up play with Bowen, Paqueta and Summerville has been prolific and his work rate needs to be spoken about as well.
I’m actually very happy we have him because when he has the ball in the box I actually have belief he’ll tuck the ball away. I haven’t had this feeling too much with West Ham strikers. The only issue is his injury record, we need to keep him fit this season and I’m sure we will be safe.
The Füllkrug Question: A Failed Experiment?
When we signed Füllkrug for £27m I can’t say I was thrilled and let’s be honest it hasn’t worked out well. There have been glimpses of a good player in there and I honestly believe he cared a lot for the club and always wanted to do well but with his injuries it just never worked out. His most notable game was when he started last season in Graham Potter’s first match in charge against Aston Villa and he was unreal.
I believed we have a great player here, but unfortunately 40 minutes in he came off with an injury and he’s never been able to kick on. There is a good player in there, we all know that, but he’s not a Premier League player and he’s definitely not a player we need now. I think for both parties a sale in January is for the best but yet again another striker who has under performed and we won’t get much money back for him.
January Priorities: The Search for Reliability
For him he wants the best shot at being in Germany’s World Cup squad and for us we want a striker we can rely on for now and seasons to come. Even though we have picked up a few more points than maybe expected, it is crucial we sign another striker in January especially if Füllkrug leaves. It is also important that we get someone in early even if we haven’t sold the German at that point.
Wilson has done a lot better than we imagined and right now he’s unstoppable but we all know his injury record and with his age, he can’t play back-to-back 90 minutes. A player we have been softly linked to is Ivan Toney. Now I can’t see this happening but he would be an ideal choice. Prem proven, can link up well with wingers, quick, a player who has scored a few free kicks and many penalties but also he has an eye on the World Cup so he’s got a lot to play for.
Tactical Fit: Nuno’s Counter-Attacking System
Also another reason why I like Toney or a player that is similar to him is due to the way Nuno sets up his squads. He relies on a striker that can keep possession under pressure and can be very clinical due to Nuno being more of a counter attacking manager than someone who wants his team to have 90% possession.
The Road to Christmas
Our next games before Christmas are; Manchester United away, Brighton away, Aston Villa at home and Man City away. If we are lucky we could see four points from that but at this stage, two is the minimum. But I’d like to see us have a go at Villa because their away form hasn’t been great this season and points are crucial right now.
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