With Manchester City looking to get back to winning ways against West Ham tomorrow, RMC spoke to Dean Ammi to get the lowdown on City’s next opponents.
1) How would you summarise West Ham’s start to the season? Is there a lot of optimism surrounding the club at the moment?
Inconsistent would be the word that best describes our start to the season, Josh. Having not drawn a game, it shows that our performances are either top drawer or not up to scratch. On the other hand, there is a lot of optimism surround the football club at the moment, and it has been this way ever since Sam Allardyce departed in the summer.
2) What do you make of Slaven Bilic and the calibre of players he has brought in so far?
Slaven Bilic is a great character to have, both in the dressing room and on the touchline. He has a plethora of managerial experience, both for club and country. Thirteen players signed for the club in total during the transfer window, but the great thing is that there are reasons behind each and every buy. Dimitri Payet particularly is an absolute steal, whilst Angelo Ogbonna brings domestic title winning pedigree.
3) Just the one home win so far against Newcastle on Monday, but with two huge results coming in away games at the Emirates and Anfield. Are West Ham fans confident of another upset on Saturday?
I wouldn’t say the West Ham faithful are expecting the Hammers to go and win at the Etihad. It is a tough ask, especially as Manchester City haven’t even conceded a goal yet let alone lose a game in the Premier League. However, the fans no longer see getting something in a match like this as impossible.
4) City have a healthy lead at the top of the table. Have you been impressed by the way the team has started the season, the Juventus Champions League game aside?
Indeed, I have been extremely impressed by the start that Manuel Pellegrini’s men have made in the Premier League thus far. I expected City to struggle, but when a club spends nearly £150million on just three players, it would have been a failure if a team were not in first position for the majority of a season.
5) Who is the real dangerman that City need to keep tabs on?
Dimitri Payet. He is a provider, and he delivers. We saw him bag a brace against Newcastle, and no player in Europe’s top five leagues has created more chances than Payet since 2011, meaning he has created more chances than the likes of David Silva. He is likely to be at the top of his game, as he looks to make the France squad which will host Euro 2016.
6) Do you expect West Ham to carry out a similar game plan to what we have seen in those two memorable away wins?
Definitely. The claret and blue boys will spend most of the match behind the ball, and have limited opportunities in possession. It is hoped that we will see the return of the counter-attacking nature, with the likes of Victor Moses and Michail Antonio able to burst forward with pace and power.
7) Finally can we get a score prediction from you?
Reluctantly, 1-0 to Manchester City.
