Potter’s Protege | ‘Statement of intent’ lifts the mood. It is fair to say that there was interest in West Ham’s new debutant from far and wide: East London was watching the new – if temporary – Hammers’ striker, but onlookers from further afield delivered their own assessment, devoid of the usual weight of expectation or disappointment which we as West Ham fans pile onto every new face.
From Evan Ferguson’s homeland, the opinion was forthcoming as the Irishman played 45 minutes without mishap or reaction to that old ankle injury.
Theirishmirror.ie carries an optimistic report entitled:
Positives? Not Too Many But Potters Three Subs Create Interesting Decision
“Evan Ferguson makes declaration after West Ham debut as he hails ‘fresh start’:
Interesting to get an objective assessment, as Hammers fans find it difficult to see the wood for the trees this Monday morning after such a disappointing performance and result against Brentford.
“Evan Ferguson has delivered a statement of intent after making his West Ham debut in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Brentford. The Ireland striker came off the bench at half-time and won the praise of Hammers fans with his performance, even if he could not force an equaliser.”
And whilst I’d take issue with their suggestion that: ” He did bring the best out of Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, and his all-round game earned him plaudits”, certainly Ferguson’s debut in Claret and Blue offered more promise and enterprise than the Hammers showed in the first half.
The young man himself wasn’t too downbeat (unlike the rest of us) after the game: “I think it’s good that I’m in a new place, a new environment and sort of having that fresh start,” he said.
What is clear is that Ferguson offers a desperately needed new axis of attack, laying-off well to those around him as a traditional number nine, and running in behind Brentford’s defence in a refreshingly straightforward manner, unseen at West Ham since Antonio’s injury.
If Kudus hadn’t contrived to miss from six yards out then West Ham would have grabbed a point at least.
Ferguson isn’t making unrealistic promises of crashing ten goals in between now and May: Certainly he’ll be offering a threat to defences which has been sadly lacking in West Ham’s earlier performances.
As the 22 year old grows into his role, West Ham will create more chances and play more in the style of Saturday’s second half which can only be welcomed. Something to look forward to? A goal against Arsenal would be lovely. Something positive to focus on just now.
