Snodgrass, Feghouli and Lanzini prove Payet not needed at West Ham

West Ham were minutes away from their fourth win in five games.

That’s top four form, if you ignore the 5-0 drumming at the hands of Manchester City anyway. But given the turmoil at the start of the season, and the loss of their ‘star man’, West Ham have done exceptionally well.

Whatever change that has been implemented, it’s helped the forward line the most. Even without Andy Carroll this week the Hammers looked motivated and ready to attack. Those players previously under fire looked sharp and good on the ball. You only have to think back to when Dimitri Payet was injured last season to realize how much the side have improved since then.

Two of this season’s new signings, and the little Argentinian, have really shone of late. Even if it has taken one of them over half a season to hind his feet. Michail Antonio is obviously included in my praise, but as he was played out of position at the weekend I feel it harsh to judge him. His ability and work rate has been shown again and again. But the other three attackers at the weekend were at the top of their game.

Attacking Midfield Three

The trio of Manuel Lanzini, Robert Snodgrass and Sofiane Feghouli almost won the game for West Ham at the weekend, and they were so close to doing it in a number of ways.

Robert Snodgrass has come in and gelled seamlessly with the squad, showing the virtue of picking up proven Premier League players in the January Transfer window. However it is his delivery from set pieces that was worth the 10m the board paid alone. He almost caught Foster out with a wicked delivery, and will no doubt provide many more goals and assists in the coming matches. Payet’s freekicks are unlikely to be missed for long.

Sofiane Feghouli has had a rough time in recent months, with injury and poor form. He has worked extremely hard to fit himself in and he will continue to improve. His progression alongside the fact both Antonio and Ayew can come in and fill this position is a massive boost. Payet never had the pace or physicality any of these players possess.

But the real gem in the midfield has been Manuel Lanzini. Since Payet’s move he has played 4 games, scoring twice with 3 assists. He is a man reborn with the new maestro responsibility, and his form is truly impressive. The only issue for West Ham is that if he continues to play the way he is, will bigger clubs come calling?

Either way, the Hammers should be looking up for the rest of the season. Their new attacking movement headed by Andy Carroll could trouble many sides in the games to come.

Snodgrass, Feghouli and Lanzini prove Payet no longer needed

By Scott Johnson | Feb 14, 2017

West Ham were minutes away from their fourth win in five games.

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Attacking Midfield Three