Written by Malcolm Atkins @malatk

I was not able to get to the game Saturday, a real shame as following the horrible atmosphere for Burnley it would have been good to have been part of such a positive contrast. Having watched the game back on sky, I am struck by the fine margins that affect games. The commentators were discussing the fact that the first half performance was good against Burnley and West Ham could have gone in 2-0 up. Obviously, they didn’t and events which followed Burnley’s goal led to a complete meltdown on and off the pitch. Fast forward to Saturday and all the talk was how positively West Ham started the game and how the fans were fully behind them, clearly all accurate – but – having seen good early pressure, and without doubt a much higher level of commitment all around the park, just prior to the first goal West Ham had a dodgy couple of minutes. There was a little bit of Southampton pressure, couple of corners and decent crossing opportunities particularly Tadic in a dangerous position after Austin fed him and then went for the return. The defence stood up well, luck did not turn on us, the commitment led to winning possession, a counter attack, great run, fantastic finish 1-0, few minutes later Arnie header hits the keeper, they called it as a great save but it was pretty much at him, comes back to Arnie’s feet 2-0 game over.

Now this is not meant to be negative, West Ham were miles better Saturday, albeit against a poor Southampton but these fine margins make all the difference. Had Tadic’s cross been half decent and towards Austin rather than poor and ultimately, rather nervously put out for a corner by Kouyate he may have hit the target 1-0 down however undeserved and I feel we would have been in a very different place, similarly had Arnie taken one of the early chances against Burnley I feel we would have gone on and won. These moments change games, over a season things will largely level, hence teams end up in and around where they should be but it can make the difference of 2-3 positions in an average season, this year with 12^th – 19^th still only split by eight points these things are absolutely critical.

We are now above Palace, they had a couple of really good chances which Benteke missed, a poor decision meant Mane wasn’t sent off and they find themselves back in the relegation mix. It is these moments that will decide who stays up, we have a tough run in and are not out of the woods yet. Hopefully we are due a few more things dropping our way, starting at Chelsea.

I hope there are not too many changes for the Chelsea game, the team looked better balanced Saturday. I honestly think we look better overall when Lanzini is out at the moment. He is a talent, no doubt, although he seems to me one better suited to a side that is in full flow rather than one digging out results but the shape of the team often looks wrong and I feel it is tweaked to fit him in. I think he is best in a number ten role but we are not playing that way right now and he is a bit light in terms of goals, when played in midfield the side seems to be set up to compensate for his defensive shortcomings Kouyate always looks better when in a more advanced role and seemed to get forward much more Saturday. I would hope Chicharito still has a role as I feel his finishing may be crucial given the fine margins I discussed earlier. Mario is quite lightweight like Lanzini but was putting in a real shift Saturday,in contrast to Lanzini’s recent offerings, chasing and harrying as well as providing some absolute quality. Masuaku’s return brought some much needed pace, the element most lacking in the team this season and we looked a totally different proposition despite losing Antonio.

Finally, credit to David Moyes; when Antonio went off I joined the collective social media groan as he was replaced with the perceived defensive qualities of Fernandes rather than a strike in Hugill, It looks a great decision with the benefit of hindsight. The team that finished Saturday starting against Chelsea with Lanzini and Chicharito re-enforcing the bench would do for me – praying we nick something.