After a brilliant season last year, where the Hammers finished seventh in the league qualifying for the Europa League and starting the new season at their grand London Stadium, West Ham United fans were expecting a high-flying campaign from their team. But, the hype fizzled away quite early in the season when the Hammers were kicked out of the European second-tier tournament by Romanian club Astra Giurgiu in the playoffs itself. And the downfall started.
Stars
Michal Antonio- Slaven Bilic will be tremendously grateful to him for saving West Ham United’s season at the most appropriate time. With Simone Zaza blind in front of the goal, Andy Carroll injured and Dimitri Payet inconsistent early in the season, the 27-year-old right-winger came to the Croat’s rescue just at the right time. He has scored nine goals and assisted five times in the crucial time of the season, which pulled the side out of any relegation danger.
Manuel Lanzini- Both critics and fans would agree that Bilic’s pathetic signings were the main reasons for West Ham’s terrible season this term. And the only signing that worked out well for the manager was of Lanzini. The Argentine is bound to be the fan-favorite next season after his dazzling display in the attack this season. He has scored eight goals and assisted twice.
Jose Fonte- A nightmarish first-half of the season forced Bilic to go and bring in major reinforcements in the winter yet again. And fortunately, things turned better this time. A timely buying of former Southampton skipper did make a huge difference for the side. The experienced Portuguese centre-half has been a solid rock for the Hammers in the second-half winning 57% of his average duels.
Duds
Simone Zaza- The biggest failure for West Ham this season has been this Italian forward. Brought in from Serie A champions, Juventus, on loan, a lot was expected from the 25-year-old who was also there in Italy’s 2016 Euro squad. But, he turned out to be worthless, scoring zero goals with a shot accuracy of 22%.
Robert Snodgrass- Yet another transfer failure, the Irishman rode at the back of some sizzling displays at Hull City. He could play only the second half of the season with the Hammers of course, but his Premier League experience meant he would start firing right away. Instead, he couldn’t find the target even once in five months.
Sofiane Feghouli- Yet another hyped transfer, and yet another failure. The Algerian international was so ineffective that he wasn’t even selected in the African Cup of Nations. He could manage only two goals and three assists in the whole season.
