West Ham’s striker situation was laid bare in yesterday’s defeat against Everton.
Manuel Pellegrini called upon Albian Ajeti for the first time in the league but he was unable to make the desired impact. Ajeti was a 73rd-minute substitute as West Ham chased the game but Everton ended up winning 2-0.
This makes the decision to sell Javier Hernandez questionable. There is no striker depth at West Ham and this was exposed by the Toffees. Here, Hammers News takes a look at Ajeti’s 17-minute cameo in numbers (stats via WhoScored.com).
Albian Ajeti: Performance in numbers
Ajeti played less than 20 minutes at Goodison Park but it was not an inspiring performance. When West Ham desperately needed someone to take control of the game, Ajeti was unable to get into the thick of things.
In 17 minutes, Ajeti only touched the ball three times. The Switzerland international had one unsuccessful touch and only managed two passes (at 50 per cent success rate).
Ajeti also committed one foul and was flagged offside once. The 22-year-old needs some time to get used to the Premier League. But this makes the decision to get rid of Javier Hernandez even stranger.
Why was Chicharito sold?
Hernandez left to join Sevilla after the English transfer window shut. The Hammers could not find a replacement for the Mexican striker, who scored in his final game for the club.
Chicharito had his flaws. The diminutive striker was not comfortable playing in the lone striker role, he was often knocked off the ball and he needed good service to do well.
But he is an experienced and proven Premier League striker. If Sebastien Haller now suffers an injury at West Ham, there is a worrying lack of back-up options. Ajeti might prove to be the answer in the future but he certainly isn’t ready yet – judging by his three outings so far.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
