A humid night at Upton park had Hammers fans sweating for other reasons with an abject display from our lads. Hopes were high with the much called for Baldock in the starting 11, but West Ham just never got in gear tonight. I'm not sure what it was – it certainly wasn't a 442 as Cole/Carew were often left alone with Baldock spending much of the time catching up on the play out on the wing. He looks very quick, but surely would have been better served playing centrally? Some may laugh but I genuinely think we missed Faubert in that right side role tonight.
It also seems that fans are very keen to get on Kevin Nolan's back. Certainly, he is not influencing games as we hoped he might, but then again, he was never a direct replacement for Parker, at elast from the footballing point of view. We are missing Scott for sure, but people need to stop expecting Nolan to be a box to box midfielder, he was never that type of player for Newcastle and won't be for us. What he does bring is a true captaincy role and another option in attack, indeed, he had a couple of chances tonight. But booing, really? Have we turned into Spurs? We're supporters, not critics, so let's start supporting.
Performances, I'd say only Faye and Cole came out with real credit. Bentley did alright, as did Noble, but there was just a lack of rhythm throughout the whole team.
I'd hope that Taylor is fit for Saturday and I'd put things back to how they were before this game with the right players in the correct positions. We're unbeaten away from the pressure of Upton Park this season, so let's hope we pick up ourselves and the points this weekend.