Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
West Brom have seen their change of ownership completed as Jeremy Peace has sold the club to Chinese Investors. Whether or not that is good news for Tony Pulis remains to be seen. Peace seemed more than happy just for The Baggies to continue operating as a Premier League side, will the new owners have the same level of patience.
Pulis’ side have racked up 4 points in their opening four matches and haven’t won since the opening day of the season when they won away at Selhurst Park. Today they entertain West Ham who themselves haven’t got off to the best of starts.
Last weekend West Brom were undone by a moment of brilliance from Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson as they came away from the South Coast empty handed. Once again there was little to write home about as Eddie Howe’s side ran out deserved winners.
There were plenty more headlines at The London Stadium as West Ham conspired to throw away a 2-0 lead at home to Watford and subsequently lose 4-2 to Watford. That result saw all manner of ructions in the stands with fights breaking out between West Ham fans, unsavoury scenes while some unsavoury defending was taking place in the pitch.
The one highlight for that game would have been the return of Dimitri Payet to West Ham action. He was on hand to create both of The Hammers goals and his second assist was a joy to behold as his rabona cross was then finished by Michail Antonio.
2-0 up and seemingly cruising but then they imploded. James Collins’ failure to clear gave Troy Deeney still some work to do but his fantastic lobbed effort levelled things up at 2 a piece and by then West Ham’s bubble had well and truly burst.
They will have to iron out those kinks if they are to get anywhere near emulating the performances and league place of last season, it’s currently only one league win from their first four matches as they struggle to find their early season form.
They will look to bounce back against West Brom side but I’m not sure if they will have enough to break down what usually is a pretty resolute Baggies side at home. The pressure is certainly mounting on Tony Pulis but I think he will be able to alleviate that slightly this afternoon.
I’ll go for a draw on this one, West Ham may have the better side on paper and with Payet in the side anything is possible but I just think they still have some frailties and other key absentees that would be the difference in them leaving the Midlands with all three points. Honours even for me.
