Is Slaven Bilic the next Roberto Martinez?

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A look at the West Ham manager in contrast to Everton’s former boss shows some striking resemblances.

It is fair to say that West Ham United have had something of a disastrous start to their second season under Slaven Bilic.

After impressing last year much was expected from the Hammers this season as they embarked on their first year at the London Stadium.

Things have started poorly, though, with just one point from their first five games leaving them sitting in the bottom three.

Already the talk is that Bilic is perhaps a one-season wonder and his future is in jeopardy, although HITC Sport understands that is not the case.

At the other end of the table sit Everton, enjoying their best start to a campaign since 1978 under new manager Ronald Koeman.

The Dutchman replaced Roberto Martinez in the summer after he had guided the Blues to two 11th placed finishes in the last two seasons. For the Blues, Bilic’s second season struggles represent a familiar tale.

Indeed, the similarities between Martinez and Bilic are striking to say the least.

Martinez enjoyed a fine first season at Goodison Park, leading Everton to fifth in the table and a record Premier League points tally.

Bilic led West Ham to seventh in the table in his first year at Upton Park and also brought home the club’s record points tally in the Premier League era.

Martinez replaced a defensively minded coach, David Moyes, and brought in his own attack minded continental style to much acclaim. Bilic did the same at West Ham when he replaced Sam Allardyce.

Both of their second seasons started poorly, with the defences in particular struggling. After five games of the 2014/15 season Everton had already conceded 13 goals. West Ham have let in the same tally this season.

The similarities are fascinating and could provide the Hammers with some sort of insight about what may come this season.

Martinez’s reign ended in miserable and costly fashion for Everton. West Ham will be hoping Bilic is not set for a similar fate at the London Stadium.