Thoughts from The Kiwi Hammer

I offer greetings from New Zealand, especially happy and prosperous greetings, what with the New Year only a couple of days away. We’ve had a couple of really interesting things pop up in the mainstream media and it’s definitely made me do some thinking. So, this is what I’m thinking on all things West Ham.

Reece Oxford:

Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

YES!!! With all of this chit-chat surrounding his future at West Ham United, Reece Oxford’s return from the Bundesliga was announced as complete as he returned to the London Stadium, as per David Moyes’ request.

While news of his exact position at the club remains unclear as of yet, rumours within the West Ham United community suggests the young lad may end up making the bench against West Bromwich Albion on the 2nd of January (3rd in NZ).

He faces tough competition though as Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins will also be hinting at a place in the back 3 defensive line up as well as Aaron Cresswell.

His time in the German Bundesliga hasn’t gone exactly as planned with the Center Back only appearing three times with no goals scored.

Andre Schurrle:

Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

While it’s only rumour at this stage, several UK News Agencies are broadcasting the same rumour. Borussia Dortmund Midfielder Andre Schurrle could be getting ready to make for new pastures at the London Stadium with the former Chelsea player falling out of favour under the current manager at the Signal Iduna Park.

Schurrle, 27, joined Dortmund in 2016 and has made only 17 appearances, netting two goals. While he would be a good attacking option for the Hammers, he would also face competition with Manuel Lanzini, Michail Antonio, Marko Arnautovic and Andre Ayew in fine form at the moment.

Do we want him though? Possibly. In my opinion, I think he’d partner Lanzini perfectly if played in a 3-4-2-1 formation, however he would come with a price, something David Gold and David Sullivan may struggle with.

THAT Bournemouth Goal:

Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images

Was it a goal, or wasn’t it? It’s an interesting debate amongst football fans, and one which has been thrust into the media with Referee Bobby Madley seeming to have a bit of a nightmare. Let’s break it down a little here.

Callum Wilson is ruled offside after he heads the ball into the back of the net. Shouts for handball erupt from the players and the fans as it appears the ball did touch Wilson’s arm, then Madley discusses the situation with his linesman, the same linesman who caught Wilson offside. After a moment or two, Madley blows his whistle and gives it as a goal.

How did this happen? Is he anti-West Ham United? Well, evidence has come to light suggesting he may actually have something against West Ham United as The West Ham Way published an article following the game detailing the last Premier League fixture in which West Ham played AFC Bournemouth and Bobby Madley was in charge. The similarities are there, and it’s rather damning.

Make of it what you will, but there’s no way Callum Wilson’s goal can be counted as a fair goal. However, this is simply my opinion.

Marko Arnautovic’s run of form:

Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images

What. A. Man.

After a run of poor form which included his sending off against Southampton in just his SECOND game for the Hammers, Arnautovic has exploded into a run of fantastic form, with 5 goals coming from December alone.

Since the arrival of David Moyes, the Austrian has found a really good run of form, and has completely won over the Hammers faithful completely. It’s been a rather interesting story, but hopefully he’ll continue bringing in the goals.

And that’s all I have for this week. I’m hoping to make this a weekly series, especially as it keeps me busy outside of work, but if I drop off, I won’t be far away.

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