Former West Ham and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes the failure of teams to invest in new signings during the January transfer window means that Manchester United remain favourites to finish fourth.
Both the Hammers and Arsenal opted against making any significant additions last month, while Spurs signed two players, and Cole thinks the three clubs haven’t really improved their squads to compete with Ralf Rangnick’s side:
“I don’t think any team chasing fourth have really added anything significant. So it’’ll be down to what we’ve seen so far and I think Manchester United are still in the driving seat.”
It was plain for all to see that West Ham needed, at least, two players in January. A centre-half to replace Angelo Ogbonna and a striker to provide competition to Michail Antonio were essential.
As it was, the failure to strengthen could come back to haunt the Irons in the race for the top four. Cole is probably right not to change his prediction at this point but, hopefully, David Moyes’ men can prove him wrong and secure Champions League qualification against the odds.
