Beautiful thing happening at West Ham next week and it could change everything
West Ham fans have something to really look forward to starting one week today and it really could change our entire season.
It’s been a rotten campaign under Julen Lopetegui at West Ham so far.
Many point to the fact the Spaniard has only had 11 Premier League games in charge of the Hammers.
But it must not be forgotten Lopetegui has actually had over six months after being confirmed as the man who would succeed David Moyes all the way back in May.
So excuses that he hasn’t had enough time to implement his style are something of a nonsense.
There should at least be signs of that by now in West Ham’s performances.
There hasn’t been, though, with the woeful 0-0 draw against Everton last time out being the latest example. The reasons for those struggles have been the subject of much debate.
Lopetegui’s job is on the line and West Ham’s owners have made it clear they do not expect heavy defeats in the next two games.
Unfortunately for Lopetegui, those fixtures are against Newcastle away on a Monday night and title-chasing Arsenal.
Many feel they could be the 57-year-old’s last matches in charge with Arsenal being unlucky number 13.
Time will tell.
Beautiful thing happening at West Ham next week
The fact we are deep into November and there have only been 11 league games tells its own story.
Football fans have been particularly irritated by the series of international breaks this season.
Two-week breaks have been held in September, October and November.
It’s no different to any other season. But because of waning interest in international football, it has become increasingly frustrating for the club game.
It has meant West Ham and many other teams with a lot of new players have not been able to build any momentum, rhythm or consistency.
It’s been two or three matches on, then two weeks off – every month so far.
Football fans have been calling for the calendar to be looked at and more matches played during international breaks so that less are required over the course of a season.
But while dark clouds may have gathered over the London Stadium, there’s a glimmer of light breaking through.
A beautiful thing is happening at West Ham next week and it could change everything.
One week today the Hammers will be preparing for a huge game at Newcastle.
Run of 20 uninterrupted Hammers games changes everything
Pull off a shock win and it may turn West Ham’s season around and save Lopetegui’s job.
Lose heavily and the opposite could be true.
But West Ham will finally get a chance to build up a head of steam either way.
Because from Monday West Ham embark on a glorious run of up to 20 matches uninterrupted by international football or winter breaks. TWENTY MATCHES! Rejoice.
Social media has been awash with Hammers fans bemoaning the punctuated nature of the season so far.
It has really stopped supporters getting to see and know their new-look team and manager properly.
For all we know that could be a fundamental reason behind the team’s struggles too.
It’s been difficult for fans to get excited with the team in action so infrequently. Especially having become accustomed to European football filling up our midweeks over the last three years.
From Newcastle next Monday, though, there are four games in two weeks.
It finally feels like season can get going
That is followed by a run of at least another 15 games between December 16th and March 15th – including an FA Cup third round tie in January.
Should West Ham progress there will be an additional game in February and could be another in March before that next international break. Although that could result in one of our Premier League games being pushed back.
It’s manna from heaven for those who have really struggled to scratch their West Ham itch this season and get invested in the team.
Perhaps the regular games and training week in, week out all together with no interruptions that see half the side flying off around the world will see Lopetegui start to turn things around?
If not and the owners do act, any new manager will be able to get stuck in straight away for the same reason.
The international breaks are finally over, now it feels like the season is about to really begin.
