Christmas has been a bad one for West Ham this season as they slumped to yet enother defeat this time, to the hands of fellow newboys Reading.
The Royals earned their second win of the Premier League campaign to the peril of Hammer’s centre back, James Collins who gifted Pavel Pogrebnyak a goal via a poor back pass, which was also portrayed by Welshman Collins in the earlier fixture at Swansea. the goal came five minutes into the game, it was also the only goal of the game as West Ham’s Ricardo Vaz Te missed a sitter which could easily have drawn level for the East London outfit. This was Vaz Te’s first appearance since his injury. Both sides had chances at the Madjeski, but it was only Reading whom hit back of the net.
This win, for Reading means that they sit one spot above QPR as they look destined for relegation, meanwhile, the Hammers will be happy with their current position as they sit 12th with a game in hand. The game is to be played against Arsenal after their Boxing day clash was psotponed due to the tube strikes. Do West Ham take all three points, they could climb 10th as they look set for a mid-table finish this season, despite being tipped for relegation before the season began.
West Ham are currently without many first team players as industrial midfielder Diame sits out until 2013, as well as this, Yossi Benayoun’s loan deal has been terminated due to him worrying over a fully fit knee. Welsh midfielder Jack Collison has recently came back into the first team after numerous injuries kept him out.
Speculation is currently rife as to which players will stay and which players will go as the January transfer window beckons. Senegalese star, Mohammed Diame is being hunted by many clubs such as Arsenal and QPR as they aim to trigger his release clause, however, West Ham chairman, David Gold has reassured the Hammers faithful by declaring that he is adamant Diame will remain a West Ham player.
Four West Ham players picked up yellow cards in this game, Tomkins, Collins, Noble and Nolan ere all the culprits. due to Nolan picking up yet another card, he will be forced to sit out of the next game which could see Jack Collison come in to play in Nolan’s free role.
Despite yesterdays loss, the Hammers are still confident of avoiding the drop as they push on for the top half of the table.