West Ham United took on Dagenham and Redbridge yesterday in our second pre-season friendly game of the summer.
It was a useful exercise for West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui – check out our player ratings by clicking here.
The Hammers won the match 1-0, but the result wasn’t the be-all and end-all – it was all about getting more minutes into the players’ legs.
The likes of Max Kilman, Kaelan Casey and Mohammed Kudus all looked really sharp, whilst Maxwel Cornet, Callum Marshall and Patrick Kelly flattered to deceive.
A win is a win though, and that should breed confidence. Next up for West Ham is a clash with Lopetegui’s former club Wolves out in America, followed by another match Stateside against Crystal Palace.
The Hammers then head back to London to take on Celta Vigo before the new Premier League campaign kicks off on August 17th, with a home game against Aston Villa.
With only four weeks away until the new season begins, excitement is running high in East London about what Lopetegui could do with his squad.
On the flip-side though, one picture emerged from Dagenham’s stadium yesterday that would have concerned every single Hammers fan…
Picture taken at Dagenham will fill West Ham fans with dread
Lopetegui fielded two completely different XI’s basically in each half.
James Ward-Prowse, Lewis Orford and Emerson Palmieri were the only players who remained on after the break, and they were all replaced after 61 minutes.
There were some really bright substitute performances from the likes of Kudus and Kodua, but Andy Irving stole the show with a tremendous 25-yard strike.
The Scot would have been delighted with his goal, and he undoubtedly would have made Lopetegui stand up and notice.
Despite the many positives, there was one huge concern for the Hammers.
When the game finished, Kurt Zouma was spotted hobbling around the pitch applauding the fans.
The Frenchman played the first-half for West Ham, and put in a solid display. However, his knees are clearly a huge issue – one that prevents him from seamlessly moving around the pitch.
Zouma allegedly could be sold this summer, and I wouldn’t be surpised at all if the club try to move him on.
However, I think we may well struggle to do so. Just look at Zouma’s knees bandaged up after only 45 minutes of a pre-season friendly…
Every single West Ham fan who sees the above picture from the Dagenham game will be filled with dread.
I just can’t see how Zouma will be able to play in the Premier League when both of his knees are shot to bits.
It’s such a shame because he was a great player in his prime, and he was superb for us during his first two seasons at the club.
The Frenchman’s time at the top is nearly done though, and it will be interesting to see whether or not he sees out the final year of his West Ham contract at the London Stadium.
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