Green Street Hammers
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West Ham continue to show strength in depth

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Robert Snodgrass of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and West Ham United at Craven Cottage on December 15, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Robert Snodgrass of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and West Ham United at Craven Cottage on December 15, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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West Ham got their 4th win on the bounce despite having a number of first XI members unavailable. Are the Hammers a serious side this year?

In seasons gone by West Ham have maybe had a strong first team but failed to cope with injuries. That is when we’ve had the luxury of a strong team at all. But this season seems different. Despite leading the Premier League in terms of injuries, with some key men amongst them, the Hammers are only behind Liverpool in the Premier League form table. This side feels different.

Obviously we must be careful to not consider this success in context. We have played Newcastle, Cardiff, Palace and Fulham. These are not top teams but they are teams we would have slipped up against before. They are teams we have struggled to put away when at full strength. But now an attacking force that is missing multiple key players was clinical enough to put the game to bed in the first half.

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If you’ve watched the game against Fulham, you know it wasn’t a classic. Fulham are obviously a side devoid of confidence and really scrapping for their life already. But we showed that we are a class above. The two chances we had in the first half we put away. The players that did so are ones that people wouldn’t have considered part of our first team at the start of the season.

Snodgrass symbolises the Hammers’ rejuvenation this season, as he has stepped up and performed the role the manager has asked. Chicharito has shown grit. Antonio’s finish showed a calm head and a precise touch. Whilst we spent 100m in the summer, the side’s existing players have also stepped up to the challenge as well.

Player grades from Fulham v West Ham. dark. Next

Pellegrini has to get credit for a wonderful turnaround. If we ignore the first 4 matches of the season, where we lost as the side adjusted to a completely new shape and style, we’re 4 points clear of United and close to Chelsea and Arsenal. This side has a different feel to it, a sense of driving for the win. The Hammers have strength to come back already, as well as any signings in January. Things are really looking up.