With the January Window just ahead, here is the second review of the season to date

EPL Results:

10/09/18 : 2 - 1 win vs. Bolton
10/20/18 : 1 - 1 draw @ Newcastle
10/28/18 : 1 - 0 win @ Swansea City
11/03/18 : 2 - 0 win vs. Tottenham
11/10/18 : 1 - 1 draw @ Fulham
11/13/18 : 2 - 1 win vs. Wolverhampton
11/24/18 : 1 - 0 win @ Aston Villa
12/01/18 : 3 - 0 win vs. Cardiff City
12/09/18 : 2 - 1 win @ QPR
12/15/18 : 0 - 1 loss vs. Manchester City
12/22/18 : 4 - 0 win @ Sunderland
12/31/18 : 2 - 1 win vs. Liverpool

Well, it's been a great run so far to start the season, and West Ham has a 2 point lead over Arsenal on the table as the January transfer window opens. A huge improvement in Alberto Frison's game has given the team huge amounts of confidence and we've been able to play very aggressive because of it. If there is one problem, it's that Fransisco Prats Bastidas is our only consistent offensive threat night in night out.

On defence, the back four have really solidified itself with Daniele Rugani and Ciaran Clark playing almost every game. Haris Radetinac has taken over the lead spot at RB and has been fantastic since transfering from Udinese. Luke Humphreys continues to be the leader at the back, and has actually started to play more forward lately as the team finds it's form. As far as subs go, Hordur Magnusson continues to be the main man when it comes to subs, but young Jake Scott has impressed the coaching staff tremendously this year and has arguably been our top defender when he's in the team.

The midfield continues to be solid, and there has been more solidity over who's starting each game. Koikili Adan Garrido and Will Akinde have taken over the starting CDM spots, and will likely see 90% of the action if they stay healthy. Jordan Webster and Craig Morris have also taken over the starting wing spots. The attacking mids have excelled in creating offence from the sides and both have 3 goals and an assist so far and have really looked good. Fransisco Prats Bastidas has been the star man so far this season, like last season. So far he has compiled an astonishing 7 goals and 6 assists in the central attacking mid role. His form has been terrific and his stock continues to rise. The Spaniard has yet to play a competitive game for Spain, but has played a few friendlies and will likely make their top team soon.

With the starting midfielders pretty secure, the dilemma now comes into who subs in and out. Leading the way, performance-wise, has to be 20 year old Christian Heimeroth of Germany. The youngster has yet to score an EPL goal, but has played in 10 games so far and has never looked overmatched. Danny Griffiths, Pavle Lazovic and Alexander Jaakkola continue to try to impress, but have struggled in their games and for Lazovic and Jaakkola, rumours are starting to say they may head out of town this window. Alexander Konrad and Federico Vazquez, the only true wingers on the team, continue to get some starts and subs, but with top aerial target Bagasan Carrington out of form, they are having a tough time making the team.

At striker, Andrea Martinetti continues to dominate, although he's in a bit of a scoring slump in his last few games. With 8 goals in 12 games, he continues to threaten every time his feet touch the pitch. Bagasan Carrington has struggled a bit, and has been on the bench a lot lately. With this elite striking group though, he remains the only real aerial threat and will get his chances to redeem himself. Maic Kacanikilic has not been his best since arriving for $40,000,000 from PSG, but has scored twice in his last 4 games and sees his form improving. Josh Kitson and Adam Evans continue to try and earn starting spots, and with the F.A. Cup ties on the way, they should get their chance. Kitson also looks to get some more EPL roles, while the younger Evans expects to be a first team player next season.

Newly arrive attacking midfielder Randy Ricketts of Canada recently signed his pro contract. The 16 year old looks to be a promising prospect for the club and will no doubt get some chances in the F.A. Cup. 18 year old Winger Stephan Vieira da Costa of Germany has also impressed in his few games and it's expected he'll see some time on the pitch for the rest of the season.

-Out on loan, CM John Thalassitis has played fairly solid for Gatafe CF and looks like he'll at least get a chance on the first team to start next year.
-Winger Miles Paterson's loan in Newcastle hasn't given him the play time he wanted, but he's played fairly well in his 3 games, even scoring a goal.
-Korede Southern has enjoyed 6 appearances for Manchester United and has looked sharp in them all. The Attacking Midfielder looks to be another first team contestant next year.
-Central Back Ben Kane has yet to make an appearance for Liverpool, and it's thought that West Ham may recall him if he doesn't see any time in the first few rounds of the F.A. Cup.
-Future superstar Shaun McGlashan has impressed for the fans of Celtic. The 19 year old English striker has shown incredible growth for the Scottish side and may possibly be kept next year to challenge for a first team spot. Fans of West Ham are eagerly awaiting his arrival next year, as the homegrown talent is expected to be one of the best strikers for England in a few short seasons.
- 22 year old Bradley Chapman's loan to Sheffield Wed hasn't been terrific to this point, but he'll likely stick it out and return in the offseason with a sell sticker on him. His growth hasn't been significant since being signed by the Hammers.