Newcastle host West Ham on Sunday, in search of a first win in eleven games. However, Big Sam will be seeking revenge on his former employers and could potentially relegated the Magpies. We caught up with The Iron Circle’s Michael Oliver ahead of the relegation decider. Here’s what he had to say:
West Ham look destined for the Europa League next season. How would you sum up your season?
As cliche as you like – a game of two halves. First half of the season, we were dynamite. Playing free flowing, extravagant football, and looked brilliant. Second half of the season, we capitulated. Change of style, combined with the wrong players on the pitch meant we fell off. No other person to blame than Sam Allardyce.
What are your thoughts on the Sam Allardyce situation? Would you like him to stay?
He can leave. Cheers for the work he’s done at the club, but there comes a time when you just need change, and we’re now at that time. Both parties come away better than they were four years ago.
Speaking of managerial appointments, what are your views on John Carver?
Is he even a manager? He can’t motivate his side, he’s tactically inept and can’t handle the media. I feel sorry for Newcastle fans, they don’t deserve this shambles. John Carver may be a great coach by all accounts, but when he has the final say and he’s the one with the most influence, we’ve learned he cannot handle it.
If Newcastle are to get a result this weekend, where is West Ham’s biggest weakness?
The weakness isn’t on the pitch, it’s in the players’ minds. They have nothing to play for, who knows how committed they’ll be on Sunday. They haven’t shown any real desire or determination in the last three months, and nothing I’ve seen of late suggests to me it’ll be any different on Sunday.
What are your opinions on Newcastle from watching them play this season? Are there any players you fear in a black and white jersey?
Ayoze Perez. Stuff happens when he’s on the pitch. When he’s on the ball or around the play, good things happen for Newcastle. His short-area quickness, tricky play and impressive instincts will give our back four trouble all day. If they play through him, they’ll have some serious success.
Who’s the player Newcastle need to look out for on Sunday?
Aaron Cresswell. All the lad does is create chances down the left. It looks like Carlton Cole will start for the final time as a West Ham player on Sunday, and given Newcastle have some, let’s face it, atrocious centre-backs, it’ll be a tough day for them if Cresswell get’s the better of Janmaat. Fortunately for Newcastle, it’s only Carlton Cole, not the toughest opposition.
West Ham have been linked with a move for Cheick Tiote in the summer. Would you take him?
Eh, at the right price I suppose. Would be a more defensive-minded replacement for Alex Song at the heart of our midfield. Would prefer other targets – Lassana Diarra, Pedro Obiang, but Tiote wouldn’t be detrimental to the squad. Loves a booking though.
Finally, a score prediction
I see goals because both teams can’t play football properly right now and that normally means goals. 3-2 to West Ham, but Newcastle stay up.
