With thirty-three points to their name. and a gulf of 17 points between themselves and the nearest of the relegation threatened trio of Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town, West Ham are as close to safe as any team in 16th can be at this stage of the Premier League season.
Having failed – miserably – to take advantage of other scores by losing to Newcastle, and therefore staying below both Manchester United and Everton, Graham Potter came in for a fair amount of criticism for the limited ambition shown in his team selection.
A more attacking set-up and a more ambitious style of play in the remaining eleven games will help with season ticket renewals and fan enthusiasm which has been sorely shaken in the last year and half.
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Part of that enthusiasm will come from giving young talent an opportunity to follow in Ollie Scarles footsteps through to first team regular selection.
The desperate dull midfield needs dismantling and starting again: In the short term Potter can give Lewis Orford an opportunity to step up once again. As the standard.co.uk echoed yesterday, surely it is time for change:
“Though capable players, Edson Alvarez (27-main pic), James Ward-Prowse (30) and Tomas Soucek (30-) were too easily bypassed in midfield in Monday’s 1-0 home defeat to Newcastle. Time to throw Orford in, given he’s shining for the U21s?”
That must be just the start of the revolution. With Potts, Earthy and Callum Marshall coming back from season-long loans in May there must be a revitalisation of this West Ham side for both the results next term and for the morale of supporters.
As thestandard.co.uk concludes, of West Ham’s trio of Scarles, Kasey and Orford, there is now nothing to lose by giving youth it’s chance, with all three pushing to start:
“Pushing” is an understatement —they are champing at the bit for greater involvement. Potter should oblige”
Orford, Casey and Earthy at West Ham's training ground
West Ham’s academy players – the summer revolution is coming!
Agreed-Potter can start on Saturday by adding Lewis Orford to the Everton teams sheet and show he is looking, listening and not impervious to the torpid display served up by ‘his’ chosen trio of Alvarez Soucek and Ward Prowse.