2. West Ham Need To Play With A Striker And Ditch The 4-6-0
It speaks volumes that Carlton Cole was on the pitch for only 10 minutes and in that time West Ham found the net twice. The side looked completely transformed when they had a recognised, strong number 9 leading the attack. The wide crossing game that West Ham play only works if there is a targetman in the middle to pick out. The injury to Andy Carroll has forced the Hammers to have a tactical rethink, even playing without a front man from time to time. However, the cameo appearnace of Carlton Cole against Fulham must show Allardyce that he needs to play a target man. The 30-year-old, who famoulsy left the club in the summer only to resign months later, provided West Ham with a focal point with which they could build their attacks round. Given Carlton Cole's goal and the team's success, it would be surprising if Allardyce did not start with the 6ft 3in striker against Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
Simon is an NCTJ qualified sports journalist. He has conducted interviews with Tony Adams and Peter Shilton, while also having work published in The Daily Telegraph and The Sun. Follow him on Twitter via @sr_collings.
