2021/22 Premier League Preview – West Ham United
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The Hammers exceeded all expectations last season and will play Europa League football in 2021/22 as a result. Can they juggle their commitments and remain a force in the Premier League?
- Manager: David Moyes
- Stadium: London Stadium
- Last Season: 6th
There is no denying that it will be difficult for West Ham to replicate last term’s sixth-place finish this season. Still, David Moyes has completely transformed the club for the better.
Considering the Hammers avoided relegation at the eleventh hour in 2019/20, they have come a long way in a short space of time.
• What Happened Last Season?
Moyes’ men picked up 19 wins, eight draws and 11 losses on their way to securing a memorable – and over-achieving – sixth-place finish last season.
Remarkably, they only finished two points shy of the Champions League places and ended up three points clear of London rivals Tottenham in seventh.
Jesse Lingard (9 goals, 5 assists) played a key role in the Hammers’ rise up the table, while Jarrod Bowen (8 goals, 6 assists) also proved he belongs at this level.
• Players In
- Craig Dawson – Watford (£2.07m)
- Alphonse Areola – Paris Saint-Germain (Loan)
As you can see, West Ham haven’t exactly been busy during the summer transfer window. Centre-back Craig Dawson is the only permanent incoming transfers so far.
PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has also been signed on loan, offering backup to Lukasz Fabianski between the sticks.
• Players Out
- Felipe Anderson – Lazio (£2.70m)
- Fabian Balbuena – Dynamo Moscow (Free)
It’s fair to say that Felipe Anderon never really managed to settle in London. The Brazilian has returned to Lazio following three years at West Ham.
Fabian Balbuena has left the club after three years, too, joining Russia side Dynamo Moscow on a free transfer.
• West Ham’s Key Player
Declan Rice – I would be unfair not to mention Tomas Soucek, who started every single Premier League game for the Hammers last season – bagging ten goals for his troubles.
However, Declan Rice is arguably West Ham’s most important player. The midfielder starred from England as they reached the Euro 2020 final and already has 120 first-team appearances under his belt.
• What Can West Ham Achieve in 2021/22?
At the end of the day, it will be extremely tough for West Ham to finish sixth again, especially with the pressure of Europa League football on a Thursday night.
Still, if the Hammers stick to their guns and pick up where they left off last season, they are more than capable of securing another solid top-half finish.
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