Andy Carroll comeback necessary for West Ham ascension

With a few strikers rumored to be leaving this January and West Ham’s latest striker recruit not firing at an exceptional rate, I’m clamoring for the big unit, the Geordie Messi, AC-130, Andy Carroll back in the first team and simplifying West Ham’s game.

Say what you will about West Ham’s limping wonder, but he’s the second best striker on the team behind Marko Arnautovic. He’s currently injured as is tradition with him, but with the international break currently underway I’m begging for him back.

The current strikers at West Ham are all tied for second place (last place) behind Arnautovic. Arnie’s pressure, skill, (usually solid) finishing, and bastard attitude make him a strong number 1 for West Ham. He is currently the major offensive threat for the Irons and gives them the attitude and swagger to challenge for a midtable position or higher.

Behind him, you have Chicharito a once starring striker who can’t take his chances, or get any starting minutes. You also have a converted right winger, Michail Antonio, who is more likely to hit the dark side of the moon with one of his shots than the net. Lucas Perez was bought for cover on deadline day as a versatile forward. He hasn’t been given any chance to succeed at a Premier League level but he isn’t a transformative talent.

Here is a good example of the ineffectiveness of two of the three aforementioned strikers:

You saw that correctly – Chicharito hit the back of a defender who didn’t see the shot coming and Perez pasted the crossbar from six yards out. Stellar striking from the duo. This may have been an exhibition match but for two players who rarely see Premier League minutes, they certainly didn’t look all that impressive in the clip.

When he plays Carroll simplifies what West Ham’s attack can be. It’s why he’s the ultimate plan be and the perfect player to come on with 20 minutes left to push some people around, bully some defenders on yellow cards, and bash in a looping Cresswell cross.

He’s tall, strong, a terrific jumper, accurate with his head, and has a chip on his shoulder. The biggest problem with Carroll is the inconsistency of his play due to injuries. A training injury has kept the target man out of the lineup since August, missing all action this season so far.

Last season, Carroll saw action in only 16 Premier League matches where he tallied three goals and one assist. Two came against West Brom in January including a 94th-minute winner in extra time.

The hope for West Ham is that come January Arnautovic is healthy, on a new and improved contract, and happy at the club while Antonio and Chicharito are both moved out. Carroll is available for selection for the upcoming Manchester City match and will likely see a position on the bench. Insulate him and protect him with 20 minutes here and there to wade him back into Premier League action.

As I said, it may be the international break fidgetiness that is causing these feelings but, man, West Ham would be so much more dangerous if AC was coming off the bench to close out matches.