I can’t start without sending my condolences to the friends and family of Billy Bonds. I was deeply saddened by the news of his passing, like so many others, despite not remembering his playing days. He was one of the first West Ham footballers I heard about as a kid, because my Dad taught me the chant – so I always understood that he was someone to be proud of as a fan. A truly great Hammer.
The Bournemouth Paradox: Disappointment in a Point
To matters on the pitch, if you’d offered us a point before the Bournemouth game I’d have taken it. But then to go two up and have Callum Wilson showing us what he’s capable of, to walking away with a draw, it was disappointing.
The London Stadium “Perk-Up” and the Paqueta Problem
We then drew the first half against Liverpool, which is a result I suppose. But as the old saying goes, when your chips are down, you can always rely on a visit to the London Stadium to perk you up – if you’re the away team, that is.
Of course, Isak popped up with his first League goal for the struggling champions, and then Paqueta showed us his unreliable side by talking his way into a sending off. What’s terribly distracting about the red card debacle though, is how badly Jarrod Bowen has come out of it.
The Captaincy Conundrum: Bowen’s Leadership Test
It’s not really his fault, he’s been chosen to be captain because he’s the experienced player for us, but he’s not a natural leader. He stood by and watched Paqueta keep talking, while he stood like a rabbit in headlights.
I’m not angry with him, in fact I’m not really that angry with anyone – I saw the red card coming and just kind of accepted it. It just highlighted how much sorting out there is to do at this club.
Finding Positives in the “Dross”
The point at Old Trafford was good – not great, but good. But tell me you’re a West Ham fan without telling me you’re a West Ham fan. I’ll go first.
The commentators are highlighting that it’s not a good game. The two Manchester United fans you’re watching it with are saying it’s not a good game. Meanwhile, you find yourself saying: “Actually, I’ve been thinking this is alright. You want to see some of the dross we’ve been watching this season.”
You’ve got to take the positives where you can. At least we won’t be bottom at Christmas, but I have an awful sense of déjà vu.
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