According to podcast host and producer Dave Walker, West Ham United’s European exploits could be their ‘Achilles heel’ this season.
In the most recent outing, the Hammers fell to a surprising 2-1 home defeat to Premier League newcomers Brentford. The loss brought David Moyes’ men back down to earth after the midweek high of a victory over Rapid Vienna in the Europa League.
However, Walker suggested that this extra excursion had a negative effect on the performance against the Bees, and could in fact become a familiar story throughout the season as the club adjust to European football.
While speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, he said: “This could be the story of our season now, couldn’t it?
“Because if we have a good run in Europe, this could be our Achilles heel, playing on a Sunday after playing on a Thursday.
“So, you know, I just wonder to what detriment this will be in the Premier League.”
TIF Thoughts on West Ham and their season…
Things had gotten off to a pretty good start for the Hammers at the beginning of the new campaign. Two four-goal performances in their first two league games would have likely had fans pretty excited.
They also beat Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in their first Europa League game. However, that result was followed up by a league loss against Manchester United – just as their recent defeat to Brentford followed an outing on a Thursday night.
West Ham have never played in the Europa League group stages before, so it would be understandable if they struggled to adapt to the new demands.
Will European football damage West Ham in the Premier League this season?
Yes
No
As Walker suggests, this issue could come to define their season if they can’t find a way to manage both competitions adequately.
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