Slaven Bilic might not have anticipated a better campaign in his first season as the Hammers boss when his side finished seventh in the league last year and qualified for this season’s UEFA Europa League qualification rounds. But their upsurge did not last long as West Ham United suffered an elimination from Europa qualification stages and managed an 11th placed league finish this term following a series of shambolic outcomes.
Players Who Impressed This Season
West Ham recruited a host of new names in order to increase their squad depth to be ready for a busy season, however, most of them failed to impress and achieve Bilic’s season goals. Only a few left any impression – Michael Antonio and Andy Carroll have been impressive for the Hammers despite missing a lot of games due to significant injury concerns. Manuel Lanzini, the young Argentine attacking midfielder, has been the only player who performed relentlessly throughout the campaign.
Players Who Disappointed The Most
Dimitri Payet, West Ham’s architect of a miraculous campaign, left the club in January and no one managed to step up and replace him in the squad. Robert Snodgrass, Sofiane Feghouli, Jonathan Calleri, Simone Zaza and Ashley Fletcher – the new attacking recruits failed miserably and also the likes of Arthur Masuaku and ex- Liverpool and Real Madrid star Alvaro Arbeloa could not provide enough cover in the fullback position. Jose Fonte, the former Southampton defender, struggled in a ‘ three-man’ back-line and Håvard Nordtveit was forced to play in a make-shift role following defensive casualties. James Collins and Pedro Obiang, who had a majestic 2015-16 season, failed to match their excellence this term.
Season Status
Their first season in London Stadium proved to be an unsatisfactory campaign, particularly after such an inspiring show during the last term. They slipped to the bottom half of the league table and failed to make it to the group stage of the UEFA Europa League competition following a 0-1 home defeat to Romanian outfit Astra Giurgiu. The Hammers had early exits in both domestic cup competitions and their new signings disappointed the most.
Areas Of Improvement
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will get another season to make things right for the Londoners, but the Croatian needs to be heedful of new signings particularly after such a calamitous summer of 2016. He struggled to set an unaltered starting eleven following some significant injury absentees as well as improper transfer activity. He needs a marksman upfront who can add 15 goals a season staying fit, unlike Andy Carroll who once again remained sidelined for a lengthy spell and along with this, he would love to add a defender who can challenge for a first-team spot.
Expectations From 2017-18 Season
Their main objective will be to regain their form of the 2015-16 season and chase for a place in Europe. They need to make a few proper signings to achieve that and Slaven Bilic, the Hammers boss, is not expected to repeat the same mistake of another futile transfer window. Also, their cup form needs to be improved and Bilic must find a set team who can provide the Premier League big guns a run for their money.
