Play it again, Samir

It seemed strange when Pellegrini took Noble and Antonio off against Huddersfield, who were not WHU's worst performers, but we analysed it in the bar afterwards and decided that he likes Samir Nasri because he is a player who doesn't give the ball away. It was a very impressive cameo; the way Nasri held on to possession and then seemed to have lots of time to feint and jink for the right moment before chipping in a ball that resulted in Cresswell winning a corner; and then winning a challenge and a bit like a golfer, weighting his cross perfectly for Chicharito to equalise. I'm still not sure that Anderson, Lanzini and Nasri can all play in the same side. But Nasri surely deserves a starting place after his cameo against the Terriers. On this form he can be a real force for the Hammers.

Nasri still exudes class

The performance of Samir Nasri against Arsenal was highly promising. He needs more time to get match fitness after 18 month ban, but his class shone though and he looks hungry to play. Like all quality players Nasri seems to have time on the ball and was nicely unhurried in the way he calmly laid the ball off, most notably for Anderson's shot wide in the first half and then the winner from Declan Rice. It was hard on Robert Snodgrass to be dropped (and we certainly missed his corners as Anderson still can't taken them) but Nasri certainly gave the side something extra with his intricate passing. At 31 he's still got a few years left and whisper it quietly but West Ham might just have got a world-class player for nothing.

New year, new Nasri

It could well be a good bit of business to have signed Samir Nasri on a free after his doping ban ended. He's 31 and not match fit, but there's no disputing his quality, shown during his time at Arsenal and Man City, where he won two league titles. He might have a reputation for being hard work, but Pellegrini clearly knows how to handle him from his time at City and Nasri's body has been spared 18 months of wear and tear, which should prolong his career. The Frenchman won't be the first dope we've had at West Ham, of course, but he can certainly beat players and score goals — I still remember a sensational mazy dribble and goal he scored for the Gunners against Porto in the Champions League. Even on a hefty wage bill he could prove to be an astute signing.

Give 'em enough dope… Nasri to sign for Irons?

Why is it when you read the words "brilliant but temperamental" they usually apply to a West Ham signing? It seems the Irons are on the verge of signing Samir Nasri. The former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder has served an 18-month suspension for contravening doping regulations after receiving an iffy intravenous drip in LA. (Mind you we've had a few intravenous drips and several dopes at West Ham over the years.) Now it seems Nasri's punishment is to be extended by signing for the Hammers.

The important thing to remember is that on his day he's a brilliant player. Mancini wanted to punch him when he was at Man City, but Pellegrini got the best out of Nasri with a quieter approach and won the league with him. Perhaps he was just naive with the drip, but he's now served his time and won't do it again. On a six-month deal it's not that big a gamble and he can certainly play the Lanzini role. It seems we're back to the Redknapp days of taking chances on rejects, refuseniks, rebels and rehab cases. And if we're not going to challenge the top six at least signing mavericks makes it exciting.