It's certainly been a tough start for the Hammers in 2024, with no wins since they're brilliant win away at Arsenal on December 28th. With limited time left of the season, can West Ham turn things around, and put themselves back up for top 7 contention?
It's been 8 games for West Ham so far in 2024 and not a single one West Ham have come away winners. On top of this, they've only scored 2 goals from open play so far as well. It's started with a bore 0-0 draw against Brighton, where both teams lacked hunger, and fight for the 3 points. Both teams were there for the taking, but neither could capitalise. West Ham then faced Bristol City in the FA Cup, who were held to a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium before being undone 1-0 at Ashton Gate, knocking them out of the FA Cup.
Following this, a rather unlucky draw came at the hands of bottom of the league Sheffield United, who equalised in the 103rd minute, the latest goal scored ever in the Premier League. Then came another bore 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in Stratford, much like the Brighton game: both teams lacked intensity. Then came the Hammers 3-0 snubbing at Old Trafford, after the irons just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net.
Then it was the big one. The Hammers, hit for 6 at home against their North London Counterparts Arsenal. And just when you think things can't get any worse at 5-0 down, Declan Rice, former West Ham captain, does THAT.
This and their most recent loss to Nottingham Forest has sparked debate in the West Ham fanbase about the competence of the management, and now many fans are hopping on the "Moyes Out" train.
Is there still time for the hammers to turn their season around?
Now sat in 9th, it's clear as a West Ham fan that the football play is not exciting football. We aren't playing offensively enough and it feels as though we are playing very negative football, especially in their game against United away, where they were fine keeping the ball in the middle of the park, but had no prowess up front. The negativity really shows, as they aren't getting results to justify it.
To progress, West Ham need to attack more, not by lofting balls into the box, but by picking out the correct passes. With the quality of Kudus and for the returning Paqueta, it's no secret that these boys can thread eye-of-the-needle passes. Lofting the ball into the path of Bowen, who doesn't quite have the arial presence required, will never come to any avail. However, with the return of Antonio, West Ham can experiment with the long balls and the threaded passes, to keep the defence on its toes and not knowing what to expect. However, just doing the same thing over and over again will make the team too predictable.
With a crucial game against Brentford on Monday coming, and a Round of 16 tie looming in the Europa League, there is still lots to play for, and West Ham just need to go back to their attacking footballing ways like before the New Years, which was showcased in their wins against Wolves, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest at home. With Paqueta's return creeping closer and closer, West Ham fans can start to get excited and hope this means more attacking football, and more goals; something they clearly have been craving.
It's certainly not over yet for Moyes' men.