Brighton offer chance for West Ham to bounceback

West Ham’s December was record breaking, even if they disappointed against Burnley. They can make it 6 wins from 8 in their first match of 2019 against Brighton, and they should if they play the way they can.

The match against Burnley was a disappointing end to a wonderful month, but particularly because of the performance the players put in. Here was a team that was in incredible form, and they played like relegation candidates. Yes there were a number of big players missing, but West Ham need to bounce back tonight in order to get over the upset.

With a wonderfully successful December without him, Arnautovic would not have been happy to lose on his return. The Austrian had been in great form for the Hammers in the first half of the year, but was carrying an injury into the season and once again did not look at his best at Burnley. However we know that he loves to prove people wrong, and will be dangerous up front.

More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham

The big thing for me is the fact we need to support Felipe Anderson. The Brazilian has been driving our good form and against Burnley he was constantly double marked and shut out of the game. No-one else took it upon themselves to step up to the challenge. One person couldn’t carry our side when it was Arnautovic, and it can’t happen now when it’s Anderson.

There needs to be more urgency, more desire to play quick football than we saw at Turf Moor. Our best play this season has come when looking forward, making sure the ball is being moved before being overly concerned about getting it wrong. Pellegrini certainly has the players following his system, and a return to this should see the Hammers past Brighton. The away match earlier this season was another one of poor play and desire, and this can’t happen again.

Next. Ramsey an option? More like a pipedream. dark

After this match we take on Birmingham in the cup, then Arsenal in the league. A win here could put us in a good position to rotate the squad slightly then have a fresh, full strength side hosting Arsenal on the back of two wins. Although the Gunners are improving under Emery, they are beatable and targeting this section of games should be the aim. Not winning tonight should be treated as a failure for the Hammers, and that’s the end of it.