Victory over Spurs even more impressive given West Ham injuries
West Ham’s victory over Spurs was a joint victory in tactics, workrate and individual performances. But it was also a victory over the injury list.
This hasn’t been a great season for West Ham. There have been multiple off field issues with the stadium move, the HMRC raid and rumours. But on the field it hasn’t been kind either.
With the Payet saga holding over everyone, injuries have not been kind. With key players constantly battling injury it was never going to be easy, but the squad have shown they have the ability to get through some of the worst circumstances to have befallen the club in recent memory.
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Through Adversity
It might seem as though the Hammers are close to full strength, but they’re really not. They are missing some key players throughout the side. One that seems to have gone unnoticed is Angelo Ogbonna, who has been key since his arrival from Juventus. The club seem to think he could play some part again before the end of the season.
But at the other end, there are some very important players missing. With Andy Carroll out, the side usually looked to Michail Antonio for goals and drive. However he has missed games with a series of injuries, and it has been this that has led to a real drought of goals. When you lose your biggest two goal threats, the answers in front of goal dry up.
And in the centre of midfield Pedro Obiang has been out for the past few matches. He is, for me, still a leading candidate for Hammer of the Year. With his athletic ability and calm temperament he has been a steady hand throughout the season. The fact that the Hammers have had this successful run of clean sheets without him is a testament to the strategy and the belief of the players.
And obviously, who could forget Gokah Tore. His ability, pace and workrate before the injury simply make me glad he got injured. Just kidding, I wouldn’t be that mean. But the side as it is still wouldn’t benefit from his being there.