A time not to panic?

Worrying times for Big Sam now three other struggling clubs have lost their managers in Crystal Palace, Fulham and Spurs. Sullivan and Gold traditionally give managers time, but defeats at Man United and Arsenal would see West Ham in the bottom three. I think the board would be right not to panic though. Allardyce has to take responsibility for not signing a second striker to deputise for Andy Carroll, though in fairness it does seem a deal for Demba Ba on loan was scuppered by Chelsea's Lukaku asking to go out on loan to Everton with just hours left to the transfer window shutting. 

But BFS has achieved all that was asked of him and more in his two full seasons by gaining promotion (historically very difficult for relegated sides) and finishing tenth in the PL. Big Sam also has experience in the relegation hothouse, having survived tough times at Bolton and Blackburn. He's undoubtedly been unlucky with injuries. Carroll was a huge blow obviously, but also losing Winston Reid, Stewart Downing, Petric and Ricardo Vaz Te has left the side short of speed at the back and creativity up front. While few could have foreseen how rapidly Modibo Maiga would decline, having scored four goals early on in his Hammers' career. Though his signing at around £3-4m has to be a debit against Allardyce's account. 

The team spirit has still looked good in most games though and the side has kept eight clean sheets so he's not too far off a decent side. Having let Sam spend the money let's see how he does when he gets his best team out in January.