The answer is no. It has been more positive, energetic and overall better from Sam Allardyce's side, which he must take some credit for, but also the board for their financial backing to replace a rather ageing/injury prone side and turn them into a real force in the Barclays Premier League. The signings of Sahko, Valencia, Song, Cresswell and Kouyate are proving deals of the season, each week that goes by, but it is there toughest challenge yet, as the in-form Hammers face the Champions of England.
Manchester City back from their trip to Moscow on Tuesday, are opening to continue their brilliant run of successive wins to four when they face West Ham in the early kick off on Saturday afternoon. City are obviously favourites, and as Big Sam already stated, Aguero is the man to watch. The Argentine scored four last weekend against Spurs, and he still could have had more on the day. The weak point of West Ham's team at the minute is defence, with Winston Reid still being affected by the speculation of his future, he has not been the rock which he has been for the past two seasons. He will have to back to his best when he takes on one of the Premier League's best on Saturday.
Despite, the Hammers having a weak point in defence, they have the attitude of we will outscore you. An attitude which Ozzie Ardiles had during his time at Spurs, an ideology not expected of Big Sam who prides himself on the defensive capabilities of his teams. However, this ideology may have to be put on hold for Saturday, as scoring three past City will be difficult, and the Hammers will be lucky to get one, even if they do have Diafra Sahko, who is looking to score his sixth this weekend in as many starts.
A much needed return of Cheikhou Kouyate and James Tomkins, to bolster the midfield, and to cover for the injured James Collins, respectively. It is surprising but the Hammers have not missed the powerhouse Kouyate, who demonstrated his strength and skill for the first few weeks and was a vital player during their win over Liverpool in September. Kouyate is likely to lock horns with Yaya Toure, a battle which should be interesting, as Toure has not been in the best form and Kouyate is just recovering from injury.
This test is huge, and the Hammers can show whether their form at the minute is temporary, or do West Ham have the class to compete with the big boys of the Barclays Premier League.
Come On You Irons!
