As the festive season has come and gone once again, there is no better time for reflection on the season so far for West Ham United’s U23s side. In the last few months, the squad led by Dmitri Halajko and his coaching staff have been adapting to the new challenges of the Premier League 2 Division 1, following their promotion in the wake of their impressive invincible 2019/20 season.
It has been far from smooth sailing for the young Hammers this term, as they sit rock bottom of the first division as we approach the half-way point in the season.
The Irons will be looking to improve their form on the road, as they have picked up a solitary point away from home this term – in their match against fellow relegation battlers Southampton.
A Tough Return
The fixtures come thick and fast after the Christmas break for the Hammers, with two difficult tests against table-toppers Chelsea and title-fighters Spurs to start their 2021 calendar. These fixtures will be a great opportunity for the young Irons to test themselves against the best in the country, and should the results go their way, they could work as the boost that the east London side have been looking for since being promoted.
Following these two tough games, the end of January brings round a huge fixture, where Halajko’s side play host to Southampton – a fixture that could shape the remainder of the season for the young Hammers.
The Irons certainly have the quality to turn their dire season around, quality that they presented in their impressive showing against Manchester United in late November, beating the Red Devils 2-0 at Rush Green.
Rest, Recovery and Recuperation
The Christmas break will give Halajko plenty of time to rally his troops, with the Chelsea fixture not taking place until 15th January, the young Irons will have time to put their torrid start to the season behind them, to really kick on and make something of their campaign.
Following their elimination from the EFL Trophy at the hand of Peterborough United, West Ham can put their full focus on the PL2 when the season resumes in January.
Top Performers
There will be no easy games, but with captain Conor Coventry returning from the injury he picked up on international duty, the Hammers faithful will be hoping that the young midfielder can help re-ignite the form that they showed in their wonderful campaign before the pandemic took over the world of football.
Halajko’s squad will be looking to their top scorer of the season so far – Oladapo Afolayan to hit the ground running when the Hammers return. The young striker has managed to bag five goals for the side so far this year, despite the poor results that the Irons have been picking up.
The 23s side will be bolstered by the signing of goalkeeper Joseph Anang, who penned a new deal just before Christmas that will keep him at Rush Green until the summer of 2024. Anang was one of the Hammers’ top performers in their impressive 2019/20 campaign and until he breaks into the senior squad, he’ll be a key asset to Halajko’s team.
