West Ham are back on form, and it’s without Jack Wilshere.
Optimism has returned to West Ham after a terrible start to the season.
The Hammers lost their first four league games of the season, before gaining four points from their last two games. They followed this up with an 8-0 Cup win.
The common denominator is Jack Wilshere, and his injury. Wilshere started in all four games West Ham lost.
The Hammers have picked up since his absence, and it’s not just coincidence.
Wilshere was struggling for form, and this showed particularly in the 1-0 loss at home to Wolves when he struggled to impose himself on the game.
The on-off England international is a talented midfielder, but his career has hit a stumbling block in recent seasons.
Of course it’s harsh to blame Wilshere for West Ham’s problems, and they weren’t all down to him.
His partnership with Mark Noble in midfield was too passive and the Hammers have had more bite with Declan Rice in midfield.
Wilshere’s injury may have been a blessing in disguise for Manuel Pellegrini.
Without him, they look a better side, and Wilshere may struggle to get back into the team. It’s up to him to raise his game.
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