Problems for the Hammers

West Ham faced London rivals Fulham at the Boleyn Ground today and could only manage a 2-2 draw. Now when I say that they only managed to draw against Fulham is not because I think Fulham are a weak side.

Their not but the fact that the Cottagers had new signing Kagisho Dikgacoi dismissed just before half time and the Iron were winning suggests they should have won the game comfortably. They were in complete control.

Instead despite their man advantage they managed to concede two goals early in the second half and were left chasing a point from a game they should have claimed three.

A sense of acceptance

I have seen West Ham play a few times this season noticeably against Liverpool and Manchester City. In the Liverpool game I felt they were unlucky to lose and come away with nothing but there were worrying signs for the Hammers fans that they simple accepted that they would be defeated in the City game. Whether its lack of confidence or lack or resources at the club its very worrying for fans of the club.

They have lost lots of good players in recent years and months but they seem to have lost some of their heart along way. The likes of defenders James Collins and Lucas Neill may not have been the greatest players in the world but what they did provide was heart and that’s what is missing in the current team.

One player who has stood out for me in the West Ham side is young midfielder Mark Noble. Hes a local lad who gives his all for the cause but unfortunately for him his teammate seem to lack any sort of will to win. In recent week’s its been the youngsters that have provided the inspiration with the likes of Junior Stanislas and Zavon Hines scoring and providing goals for the team. They can’t keep relying on the youngsters to bail them out all the time though. Its time some of the more experience players step up and take responsibility.

Problems in attack

They also have a problem in attack with only one out and out striker in Carlton Cole. If the England hopeful got injured then they would be in serious trouble. Italian Alessandro Diamanti has at times shown flashes of inspiration from his attacking midfield position but he needs to produce more consistent form. He tends to go missing at important times.

A key player who would improve the Hammers attack is Dean Ashton. Unfortunately though the former Crewe star is out injured indefinitely. Its a shame as he really is a top striker on his day. A strikeforce of Carlton Cole and a fully fit Ashton would be a dominant force indeed.

Can nice guy Franco turn it around?

Everybody in football knows that boss Gianfranco Zola is a nice guy but maybe he needs to start getting tough on his under performing side. Assistant manager Steve Clarke is a clever operator as well. They should have enough to turn the club around. Zola and Clarke are winners and will find their clubs current form hard to take. Clarke spent so long at Chelsea with managerial great Jose Mourinho and must have gained valuable experience under the Inter boss.

Good old fashioned football club

I hope Zola and Co. turn it around because West Ham are a proper old fashioned football club. Complete with history and tradition. They also have a reputation for producing good attacking football. If the team can survive the poor start to the season and improve I believe with the right support and resources Zola can produce a side with a good attacking philosophy.

Unfortunately for the little Italian this is the Premier League were talking about and results matter. The situation is not in the clubs or Zola’s favour at the moment with the Hammers currently sitting second from bottom in the Premier League. Things have to improve and fast or Zola won’t get the chance to produce a stylish West Ham team.