da dobrowin： The West Ham supporters at the Football Transfer Tavern have mixed feelings about the start of the season.
da betsul： There has been a lot of injuries and an exit from the Europa League, but the West Ham faithful in the Tavern have also enjoyed some big money signings and some brilliant moments – most notably with the side winning their first Europa League and Premier League games at their new home the “London Stadium”.
In the absence of key stars like Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini, a number of Slaven Bilic’s men have been forced to make the step up in order to keep West Ham competitive, and they definitely deserve credit for that.
Dimitri Payet’s return, in particular, has the West Ham fans here in the Tavern dancing on the pool tables; but they must not forget the players that have over performed in his absence.
With that said, here are THREE West Ham players playing out of their skin – Do you agree?
Michail Antonio
The former non-league winger has played so well that he has managed to force his way into Sam Allardyce’s England squad.
Slaven Bilic did use him as a right back for long periods last season, but since he has moved Antonio back onto the wing – he has really excelled.
He has also managed to bag a couple of goals thus far, against Bournemouth and Man City respectively – proving to the West Ham fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern that he is not a one-trick-pony.
Antonio is definitely one for the future – but this season he has proved that he can hang with the best of them.
Ashley Fletcher
When Ashley Fletcher was signed, he was thought of as a player for the future by the West Ham fans in the Tavern – and as a result, not a lot was expected of him in the short term.
However, he has really impressed since joining the Hammers and was rewarded with a start in the game against Manchester City – and looked good in doing so.
His energy and technique on the ball make him a very useful player and he has now forced his way into Bilic’s plans long-term.
New signing Simone Zaza will have a job on his hands to replace him.
Adrian
Like Antonio, Adrian’s recent form has earned him a maiden international call-up, with the Hammers keeper recently being included in the Spanish national team squad.
He has already made some incredible saves this season, with one from close range against Domzale in the Europa League a particular highlight.
The roars went up in the West Ham section of the Tavern when he pulled that one off.
He has competition from Darren Randolph but will be determined to keep hold of his starting spot. He has looked excellent thus far.