West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking has claimed the Hammers should not fear their upcoming fixtures with Chelsea or Manchester United, Football.London quotes him as telling LoveSportRadio.
What’s the word?
After beginning their season with four consecutive defeats, Manuel Pellegrini’s task does not get any easier in the coming weeks as the Hammers clash with an unbeaten Everton side before coming toe-to-toe with Premier League titans Chelsea and Manchester United.
No side in the top-flight has conceded more goals than West Ham since the start of last season and Pellegrini is yet to see his summer additions, who cost a total of over £100m, settle at the London Stadium – leaving the Hammers rooted to the bottom of the standings.
However, Football.London quotes West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking as telling LoveSportRadio that the Hammers should not fear the clashes with Chelsea and United that are right around the corner and explained his reasons as to why.
What was said?
“When the fixtures came out they always looked tough up until the end of October. That’s why Bournemouth and Wolves were really important games. So to have lost them at home… We’ve got Everton away. You’ve got to give credit to Huddersfield who went there and got a draw.
“It will be the last game of Richarlison’s ban so they go up there not facing him which is important. But then after that it’s Chelsea and Man United at home, Brighton away who are doing very well at home and then Spurs back at home.
“The next three home games other than the League Cup are against three of the top six. Having said that, as a player and a fan, any West Ham person will tell you that it’s the type of game where we might come to life and get a result.”
Should fans be concerned?
While the fixture list is daunting and West Ham have done little to excite fans so far, it is far too early in the season to draw any significant conclusions – and the Hammers should know that after seeing Crystal Palace lose all seven of their opening games last year but still managing to avoid relegation.
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The biggest concern at the moment is not the results but the performances of the team, who offered nothing against Liverpool, fell apart against Bournemouth, failed to capitalise on Arsenal’s defensive frailties and were then swept aside by Wolves.
Pellegrini needs someone in his squad to grab the bull by the horns in the coming weeks and the international break may have been beneficial to allow the squad to reassert themselves for the tough challenges that lie ahead.
The situation could be left looking extremely bleak if West Ham’s woeful run continues until the end of October, but that might not be the case if the Chilean boss heeds the advice given to him by Brooking.
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