Anyone in any doubt as to whether the ‘[West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-united-2-arsenal-5-final-whistle-first-impressions/) Way’ is indeed a ‘thing’ need only observe the last week for conclusive proof that, unlike the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot, it exists. Sam Allardyce famously seemed unaware of the finer points of being a Hammer and all that it entails.
To go away to Newcastle under scrutiny and pressure and perform so well, grab three points when none were expected and offer s glimpse of real potential, team unity and fighting spirit: Five days later to capitulate so totally inside twenty five minutes. Very West Ham.
To score two goals in the midst of that dreadful capitulation that were collector’s items of such quality, when four down and completely swamped, offering a just a glimpse of a possible fightback that brought us all off our backsides and onto our feet when Emerson’s Payet-esque free kick went in.
And within a minute to have that comeback snuffed out by giving away a (questionable) penalty and a fifth goal – talk about ‘fade and die’.
I look at my young grandson with a mix of pride and pity as he wriggles around in his claret and blue baby grow. There is a silent apology on my lips for passing onto him, like I did my son long ago, this dreadful, lifelong affliction that is to be a West Ham fan.
Sorry, mate. I couldn’t help it. Enjoy the next forty-year wait for something to celebrate.