Warnock smiling at Leeds as West Ham condemn QPR to a relegation battle

The debate is already on. Was that a very impressive West Ham performance or are QPR already dead men walking?

 

Whilst I was fulsome in my praise for the overall performance, I found quite a bit to criticise in relation to individual performances. Cole, in particular, was embarrassing. I accept his hold up play and flick ons were good - better than a couple of seasons ago - but his finishing is beyond a joke. That near post header was laughable and the effort when clean through on goal was a Hammer Horror show. You cannot afford to carry a player THAT bad in front of goal. I like the guy and have backed him in the face of vitriolic criticism in the past, but sadly enough is enough.

 

At the back, there are still worries. Was O'Brien injured or did Allardyce act before it was too late? He gave away two free kicks in dangerous positions and is struggling on the wrong flank. The trouble is, young Potts apart, we only have McCartney to replace him - or Taylor who is inept at full back. IF we are to stay above the relegation dog fight, we need to source a left back in January.

 

Collins continues to make a mistake a game - he made amends this time by blocking Neptune's shot after Ginge kicked thin air from a routine cross, but a better forward would have punished him.

 

Jussi also looks dodgy to me. He made one spectacular save, but fumbled two as well.  

 

But what about QPR and Mark Hughes? Redknapp's head is twitching fiercely as the possibility of managing yet another London club increases. If he lands the job, he will, of course, tell us that he was a Rangers fan as a boy!

 

Surely this QPR team are too good to go down? But then again, are they? Hoilett went down with Blackburn; Wright-Phillips has been relegated; so has Green; and Dyer; every side Ferdinand has played for since he left West Ham has struggled; Cisse failed in England last time around; Diakate is a twat; Zamora struggles when the pressure is on; Onuha is crap as I said when QPR signed him; Park never impressed me at Man Utd; Taarabt is brilliant in flashes, but like lightning he never strikes in the same place twice;...and so it goes on. Hughes has spent big but what has he got? A bunch of nearly men. Nearly good enough for the Prem!

 

As I said in my match report, QPR have started the season like we did under Grant. Once you get behind, it is one hell of a mountain to climb to escape relegation. Warnock must be loving it. And so must Barton. And Redknapp for completely different reasons!

 

All that said, to dismiss our performance because QPR are poor would be unfair. Allardyce selected a positive team and they responded superbly. The midfield looked excellent and when Carroll is fit, we will give most teams a game. The transformation from the side that struggled to draw at home to Leeds last season couldn't be greater. Eleven crucial, crucial points banked already. Bring on Arsenal! Allardyce enjoys upsetting Wenger!