Why West Ham should fear Song departure
Article by Brandon Freeman
The Boxing Day defeat to champions elect Chelsea should have West Ham fans concerned for more reasons than one.
The first-half performance was not one which pleased hammers fans however the introduction of the in-form Alex Song deep into the second-half is perhaps the most concerning conclusion that can be drawn from the game.
Song’s performance was once again one of pure class and quality, creating some fantastic chances for West Ham to try and ensure an nervy end to the game at Stamford Bridge, but his impact on the team’s performance gives rise to fears of how West Ham will be able to replace Song should he decide against making his move to Upton Park permanent.
Both owners have already voiced their desire to see Song turn out in claret and blue next season for what could possibly be a season of European football for West Ham should we maintain our current form. Nonetheless, with Song strongly linked with a return to Arsenal or even a move to Manchester City, it would seem unlikely that we would be able to convince him to stay at the club should our current form fail to see West Ham finish in the top-six.
Should the owners be unable to convince Song to remain at West Ham following the end of his loan spell with the club it would be difficult to see how we could possibly find another player of Song’s quality and one who is such a perfect match for the diamond formation which has brought so much success to the club so far this season.
The stark contrast between a West Ham squad containing Alex Song and one without him was perfectly demonstrated against Chelsea with West Ham finishing the game strongly since Song and Amalfitano were introduced. However, the stats also back up what many West Ham fans saw with their own eyes during the game. In the 30 minutes that Alex Song was on the pitch he created 3 chances, more than any other West Ham player, including Kevin Nolan who created just one chance during the entire match.
Song’s creative attributes were clearly on show against Chelsea and it’s difficult to see how any of our current players would be able to step up and fill the void Song would leave if he left the club at the end of his loan spell.
It seams that with West Ham making their best start to a season since the 85/86 season, the club may well have finally found the missing link to a style of football that has eluded them since John Lyall’s class of 85/86.
Do you believe Alex Song has been the key to West Ham’s success this season, or has he been just one of many to impress so far this season?
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