West Ham United: 2017-18 Season Review
Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the West Ham United 2017-18 season, a year filled with ups and downs, managerial changes, and a fight for Premier League survival. This season was a rollercoaster for the Hammers, and we're here to break down all the key moments, player performances, and overall narrative of their campaign. Buckle up, because it's going to be a detailed and exciting review!
Season Overview
The 2017-18 season was a tumultuous one for West Ham United. Expectations were moderate going into the season, with fans hoping for a stable mid-table finish and perhaps a decent cup run. However, the reality turned out to be much more dramatic. The season began with Slaven Bilić at the helm, but a series of poor results led to his departure in November. David Moyes was brought in to steady the ship and guide the team away from the relegation zone.
The primary objective for Moyes was clear: secure Premier League survival. He faced numerous challenges, including a squad that lacked cohesion and consistency. Injuries to key players further complicated matters, forcing Moyes to shuffle his lineup frequently. Despite these obstacles, Moyes managed to implement a more pragmatic and organized approach, which gradually improved the team's performances. Key to this was solidifying the defense and making West Ham harder to beat.
Throughout the season, West Ham struggled with consistency, often following up a good performance with a disappointing one. This inconsistency frustrated fans and made it difficult for the team to build momentum. However, there were moments of brilliance, such as a memorable victory over Chelsea and a hard-fought draw against Tottenham. These results provided glimpses of what the team was capable of when they played to their full potential. Ultimately, West Ham managed to secure their Premier League status, finishing in 13th place. While it wasn't the season fans had hoped for, survival was the priority, and Moyes delivered on that front. The season served as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the Premier League and the importance of stability and consistency. Let's take a closer look at some of the pivotal moments that defined West Ham's 2017-18 campaign.
Key Moments and Matches
The 2017-18 season was packed with pivotal moments and matches that defined West Ham's journey. One of the earliest and most significant was the sacking of Slaven Bilić in November. After a disappointing start to the season, the club decided to part ways with the Croatian manager. This decision signaled a need for change and set the stage for David Moyes' arrival. Bilić's departure was met with mixed reactions from fans, some of whom felt he hadn't been given enough time, while others believed a change was necessary to revitalize the team. The atmosphere around the club was tense, and the pressure was on to find a replacement who could quickly turn things around.
Moyes' appointment was a key moment in itself. The experienced manager was tasked with steering the club away from the relegation zone. His arrival brought a sense of stability and pragmatism to the team. Moyes immediately focused on tightening the defense and instilling a more disciplined approach. Although his initial games were challenging, his impact gradually became evident as the team became more organized and resilient.
One of the standout matches of the season was West Ham's victory over Chelsea at the London Stadium in December. This 1-0 win was a crucial result, not only for the points but also for the morale of the team and the fans. Chelsea, the reigning champions, were a formidable opponent, but West Ham put in a determined and disciplined performance to secure the victory. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, and the win provided a much-needed boost of confidence. Another memorable match was the 1-1 draw against Tottenham at Wembley. West Ham showed great resilience to hold Tottenham to a draw, with a late goal securing a valuable point. This result demonstrated the team's ability to compete against top-tier opposition and further boosted their confidence. These key moments and matches played a significant role in shaping West Ham's season, highlighting the highs and lows of their campaign.
Player Performances
When we're talking about player performances during the 2017-18 season, several individuals stood out for West Ham United. Marko Arnautović was undoubtedly the star of the season. After a slow start, Arnautović transformed into a key player under David Moyes, becoming the team's top scorer with 11 Premier League goals. His pace, power, and clinical finishing were crucial in West Ham's fight for survival. Arnautović's performances not only earned him the Hammer of the Year award but also made him a fan favorite. His ability to lead the line and create chances made him an indispensable part of the team.
Another notable performer was Declan Rice, who emerged as a promising young talent. Rice broke into the first team and quickly established himself as a reliable defensive midfielder. His maturity, tackling ability, and composure on the ball belied his young age. Rice's consistent performances earned him regular playing time and marked him as a future star for West Ham. His versatility also allowed him to fill in at center-back when needed, further showcasing his value to the team.
In goal, Łukasz Fabiański provided stability and experience. Although he joined the club after the 2017-18 season, his predecessor, Joe Hart (on loan from Manchester City), had a mixed season. Hart's performances were inconsistent, leading to some criticism from fans and pundits. Despite his experience, he struggled to maintain a high level of performance throughout the campaign. Other players who made significant contributions included Manuel Lanzini, whose creativity and flair were missed when he was injured, and Michail Antonio, whose versatility and work rate were valuable assets. However, injuries and inconsistent form plagued several players, impacting the team's overall performance. The contributions of these key players were vital in West Ham's efforts to secure their Premier League status. Their individual performances often made the difference in crucial matches, highlighting their importance to the team.
Managerial Impact: Slaven Bilić and David Moyes
The managerial impact of both Slaven Bilić and David Moyes was significant in shaping West Ham's 2017-18 season. Slaven Bilić started the season as manager, but his tenure was cut short due to a poor run of results. Bilić's time at West Ham had its highs and lows, but the 2017-18 season proved to be his undoing. His tactical approach and team selections came under scrutiny as the team struggled to find consistency. Despite his efforts, Bilić was unable to turn things around, and the club decided to part ways with him in November. His departure marked a significant turning point in the season, as the club sought a new direction to avoid relegation.
David Moyes was brought in to replace Bilić, with the primary objective of securing Premier League survival. Moyes implemented a more pragmatic and organized approach, focusing on tightening the defense and instilling a greater sense of discipline. His arrival brought stability to the team, and his tactical changes gradually improved their performances. Moyes' experience and no-nonsense approach helped to galvanize the squad, and he quickly identified key areas that needed improvement.
One of Moyes' key achievements was getting the best out of Marko Arnautović, who became the team's leading goalscorer under his management. Moyes also instilled a greater work ethic and defensive solidity, making West Ham harder to beat. While his style of play wasn't always the most exciting, it was effective in achieving the primary goal of survival. Under Moyes, West Ham became more resilient and organized, picking up crucial points in their fight against relegation. His impact was evident in the team's improved defensive record and their ability to grind out results. The contrasting managerial styles of Bilić and Moyes highlighted the different approaches that can be taken in football management. While Bilić's more attacking and open style had its moments, Moyes' pragmatic and defensive approach ultimately proved more effective in the short term, securing West Ham's Premier League status.
Overall Season Analysis
In an overall season analysis, West Ham United's 2017-18 campaign can be described as a season of two halves, marked by managerial changes and a battle for Premier League survival. The season began with high hopes, but a poor start led to the departure of Slaven Bilić and the arrival of David Moyes. The primary objective for Moyes was clear: to steer the club away from the relegation zone and secure their Premier League status. Despite facing numerous challenges, including injuries to key players and inconsistent performances, Moyes managed to achieve this goal.
West Ham finished the season in 13th place, a position that reflected their struggles but also their resilience. The team's inconsistency was a major issue throughout the campaign, often following up a good performance with a disappointing one. However, there were moments of brilliance, such as the victory over Chelsea and the draw against Tottenham, which demonstrated the team's potential. Marko Arnautović was the standout player of the season, transforming into a key goalscorer under Moyes' management. Declan Rice also emerged as a promising young talent, establishing himself as a regular in the first team.
Defensively, West Ham showed improvement under Moyes, becoming more organized and harder to beat. However, they still struggled to maintain consistency and often conceded goals at crucial moments. The managerial change had a significant impact on the team's style of play, with Moyes implementing a more pragmatic and defensive approach compared to Bilić's more attacking style. Ultimately, the 2017-18 season was a challenging one for West Ham, but they managed to achieve their primary goal of survival. The season highlighted the importance of stability and consistency in the Premier League and served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the league. While it wasn't the season fans had hoped for, it provided valuable lessons and set the stage for future improvements. Looking ahead, West Ham needed to build on the foundations laid by Moyes and strive for greater consistency and ambition in the seasons to come.
