This weekend sees Palace make their first trip to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United so we took the opportunity to catch with friend of TEB Stu Plant from popular fan site Iron Views.
Q. The last time we met West Ham left Selhurst Park with a narrow win in what was the start of the end of the then Eagles boss Alan Pardew. Perhaps you could share your thoughts on the game?
Well, first of all, it was an absolute cracker of a goal from Manuel Lanzini. I can’t vividly remember anything else of the game other than Christian Benteke’s duo of glorious chances before the end of the first half with his poor penalty and the header that went close. The only other subject to come from the game was the p**s poor officiating which saw Aaron Cresswell sent off.
Q. How has the season gone so far for the Hammers?
Next question please! God, it’s been horrible. Whether or not fans were happy with our summer spending, the players brought in SHOULD have made a difference. They haven’t and our key players from last season haven’t worked anywhere near as hard. The fact we didn’t get a striker we could depend on though was pitiful.
Q. Are the fans still fully behind Slaven Bilic?
Yes and no really.
Yes – he isn’t shirking away from anything. You can see he desperately wants to right the wrongs of the season. Is that enough?
No – if the transfers were chosen by him, the fault lies with him. Poor tactics and formation, and a failure to pick players and play them properly has seen us suffer greatly. Is that enough to sack him? Possibly, if we don’t get anything in the next two weeks and get reinforcements in sharpish.
Q. A lot has been said about the move to the London Stadium such fan problems and more importantly, the team struggling to get used to it, but what is your view on your new home?
Anyone trying to use a move in stadium as an explanation for bad form is ridiculous. Sure, you can use that excuse the first few weeks. How long have they played there now? The team are accustomed to the surroundings so it categorically cannot be used as an excuse.
I like the stadium, there were always going to be bedding in problems, especially when we don’t supply or control the stewarding with it instead being controlled by the council. There are numerous issues, but, if the owners learn from them then it will have been a lesson well learnt and we can move on.
Q. Are you expecting much from the transfer window and if so, what areas need to be addressed?
I’m going to put my neck on the line here and say … a stiker perhaps? I like the look of the move for Scott Hogan from Brentford. It’s a gamble, but I’d rather take a gamble on a young English goal scorer. I would also go up to £10million for Jermain Defoe. I know through family friends he has always loved the club and hoped to return one day so that would be nice but I can’t see it materialising for him.
Q. We touched on the rule changes for this season but do you think the standard of refereeing is getting worse or do the officials need more help?
After the few weeks we’ve had I think I’m within my rights to say that the standard has only got worse. I was glad with Angela Ogbonna’s reaction to his ‘giving away’ of a penalty against Manchester City. The linesman was on the correct side to see Pablo Zabaleta’s trailing foot kick Ogbonna’s heel. Ogbonna’s insistence on the referee asking the linesman showed up what a ridiculous situation we’re in right now. The league as a whole has seen some truly ridiculous decisions too. Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s ruled out goal the other week springs to mind as an example. It’s mad. Will technology help? Do we want the game slowed? They’ve been trialling it in Major League Soccer (or American ‘soccer’ at least) and it seems to have been working. Will people be happy to have no controversy and talking points though? Hmm.
Q. Who is your choice to win the Premier League this season and three teams to go down?
I hate to say it, but Chelsea for the league as Antonio Conte has come in and pulled off nothing short of a miracle there. I really like him as a manager too, and the way he talks about the game.
Three to go down is tough, so many teams could get pulled in because of severely underperforming. I think your appointment of Big Sam should see you safe now but sides such as ourselves and Southampton and potentially Palace still could get drawn back in because of poor form. Even Leicester City are suffering due to their terrific form in the Champions League. If I had to plump for three now though I’d go Hull City, Swansea City and Middlesbrough.
Q. What is your view on Palace so far this season?
As unforgetable a season as ours so far I’m afraid.
Q. Name one player from each team that the opposition should be concerned about?
Christian Benteke. I wish we’d actually gone for him properly. He’ll be utilised better under Sam too, there’s no doubt about that.
Q. Prediction?
I see a goal fest. No idea why cause we can’t score in a brothel. We need a win though, so 3-2 West Ham
Q. And finally, the floor is yours to promote any projects that you are currently working on.
We’re looking for new writers at Iron Views, so if by any chance anyone reading this fancies depressing themselves further by writing about West Ham just give us a shout!
