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If the West Ham way was to be conclusively defined you could argue that beating title chasing Arsenal on their own patch and following it up with a 2-1 home defeat to Leicester City is exactly that.
There was so much optimism going into the game against Leicester that I don’t really think defeat had been contemplated. The form Leicester were in at the back end of last season and their opening day victory over Sunderland meant little to the West Ham fans who many had already decided that three points were a given.
How wrong we were.
Leicester came to Upton Park backed by a noisy following who must be delighted with the progress their club is starting to make. The first half performance from the Foxes was very impressive and tactically they knew exactly how to beat a West Ham side who had no answer.
AFC Bournemouth are next and as we saw from their display at Anfield - this is going to be no walkover.
Answering the questions this week is Bournemouth fan Adrian Lee. Many thanks to Adrian for his help.
What has it been like being a Bournemouth supporter over the last few years?
In short, incredible. The elation of staying in the football league after beating Grimsby was just a bar that was set. I still wasn't used to being in the Championship to be honest! Eddie has given us so many great moments in his two spells, I don't ever see anyone else achieving such cult like status at our club. We have been absolutely spoilt by beautiful football, winning games and scoring lots of goals.
At what point of the season do you see Harry undermining Eddie Howe in the media in the hope of getting his job? [Mr Burns]
I don't see this happening. Harry was 'the one' after his stint in the second tier in the 80s. Unfortunately, Eddie has surpassed anything Harry has achieved here. Eddie is a progressive coach who will be here for the season, whether we succeed or not. I'm not even sure Harry would try if I'm honest, but for the sake of both of our clubs, let's hope we do okay this year!
Can pundits be any more patronising towards your club? [Brussels Sprout]
I didn't think they could, but after last night, I don't think it is just pundits. Fans of other clubs, unintentionally, have seemed to become a little more patronising. I hope that we comfortably beat a few teams soon to get rid of that. We are here on merit and are equals to every club here. The media love-in can do one too!
Is Eddie Howe the real deal? What about him do you and don't you like? ( For the record I like him but I don't like his smile, it looks like he is holding in a fart) [Mr Polite]
How do you define the real deal? Could he go all the way? I think so. He is so innovative, never wants to stop learning and loves coaching. He's only 37 and has so much to learn, but he has time on his side. I love the way he sets out the team to play. We try to play attractive, progressive football and stick to our principles at all times. I like how we seem to be an innocent lovely club. However, he has taught our players how to win games and upset a few in the Championship, hopefully we can soon ruffle a few feathers up here too.
Sometimes, in a game his reluctance to mix up the formation or style of play would be something I don't like, but I can't really think of much I don't like about someone who has taken us from the verge of oblivion to competing in the best league in the world.
With the well-known fact that Sam Allardyce guarantees premiership survival and the well-known fact that clubs of your size will get relegated if they try to compete by playing football, do you not think it would be a good time to sack Eddie Howe and appoint the legend Sam Allardyce before Real Madrid snap him up? [Nicey]
I don't mind Big Sam, but sacking Eddie is out of the question. We will go toe to toe with some teams and I'm happy to be written off, but we stick to what we are about. If it means we fall short at the end of the season, so be it. Big Sam at Real is an interesting thought though!
Who are you happiest with signing this transfer window so far? And if you could buy anyone from us, realistically within your budget, who would you try and sign? [Hammers1993]
To be honest we have stuck with the majority of the side that got us here. Our back 4 are the same as it was when we were 21st in League 1. Adding Boruc, who knows the league and the side from last season was a boost, but I think Maxi Gradel is a big signing and adds a bit of quality. He scored 2 less than Ibrahimovic in Ligue 1 last year and having already spent a season with us, hopefully he will slot right in and just give us that bit of extra quality going forward that is required.
How do you think West Ham will do this season? [LJC]
Originally I thought you were going to have a decent season, but then I saw your Europa campaign and wondered if I should question that. I'm sticking with my guns though and think you will finish mid table, potentially top half. If you want a position I'll 10th / 11th.
Is it true that your club mascot is a giant Werthers original, and that most of your fans believe they are turning up for a game of bowls? [jools268]
This is one of the biggest myths in football unfortunately. Wesley the Werther was replaced by Cherry Bear way back! The average age of the town is well below the national average and was one of 2 places in Britain to fall again recently, this may be aided by the 2 universities though. It has been known for the odd fan to get confused whilst sipping their horlicks, having forgotten to take their medication.
Would you rather win the FA Cup or finish 4th in the Premiership?
FA Cup. What a day out that would be. Qualifying for the Champions League to get beaten comfortably so we can fill our stadium with day trippers doesn't appeal to me at all. I'd support Arsenal or Liverpool if that was the case.
Even though you have a small ground and it is all seater it must be nice playing there (at a real football ground) should you stay up are you looking forward to visiting a soulless bowl rather than Upton Park next season? [cup of tea]
No. Despite taking a mortgage out to get to Upton Park this weekend I am really looking forward to it and it was one of my 'must dos'. I feel for your fans and English football. There are too many soulless bowls entering our game, so I hope you can make it your own somehow. I'm delighted we didn't build a new stadium and hopefully we can build a bit where we are. It will keep it's character.
Your favourite packet of crisps?
Errr.. If I had a choice I'd probably pick up BBQ Beef Hula Hoops.
And finally, your prediction for the game?
Adrian is out, so if Randolph is in goal, hopefully he will have a few nerves and nightmares after conceding 12 goals in 2 games against us last year. I think it'll be tight and I can see us scoring our first goal. I'll go for a score draw.
Twitter @vinnywhufc
Blog - vinnywhufc.wordpress.com
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