David Gold Says Everyone Is Responsible For Struggle

Needless to say, this season has been quite the disappointment for West Ham. The Hammers are coming off of their highest league finish in the Premier League (7th) since they finished 5th in the 1998/99 season. They moved into a new, bigger stadium, they were competing in Europe (yes, even it was just Europa), and they made their most expensive signing ever, in Andre Ayew for £20.5 million. Expectations were high. But here, towards the end of November, things have not gone well for the East London club.

The Hammers are currently sitting in 17th place, only one point above the relegation zone, with only three league wins in 12 matches. And on Saturday, after playing well and taking a 2-1 lead away at their London counterpart Tottenham, West Ham gave up two goals, in the 89th minute and the 91st minute, to fall 3-2. Fans are starting to point fingers and wondering who is to blame for this rough start.

One consensus is that the summer signings, of which there were many, have not produced much for the club. Simone Zaza, on loan from Juventus, and Jonathan Calleri, on loan from Deportivo Maldonado, have both yet to score. Alvaro Arbeloa, signed from Real Madrid, has only made two appearances in league play this year. And even Ayew has yet to make his mark, despite his expensive price tag.

A fan tweeted at co-chairman of the club, David Gold, asking who is to blame for the struggling summer signings. Gold responded, to some’s surprise, and said that everyone is accountable. But he also maintained that this is best group of players the club has had in a long time, insinuating that things will turn around. Things might get worse before they get better though, as the next three league matches for the Hammers are away to Manchester United, home to Arsenal, and away to Liverpool. And do not forget the League Cup match at the end of November, which is also away to Manchester United.

The Premier League is known for being tough to adapt to for new players. This may be the case for the multitude of new signings for West Ham. But even if true, the new players must adapt soon, or the Hammers will continue to struggle.