Premiership Talk

America's Major League Soccer All Star XI defeated West Ham United 3-2 in a preseason friendly. Dean Ashton was the standout performer of the match as he notched both of West Ham's goals. Carlton Cole partnered Ashton up top and was largely ineffective throughout the match, stressing the need for a healthy Craig Bellamy.

Instead of giving a straight match report which can be obtained anywhere, I'll highlight a few points that struck me:

• Dean Ashton is a special striker. While still looking a bit out of shape, he clearly has the hunger and ability to become a great striker. He has the size and power to threaten every defense in the Premiership and should get a handful of goals this year for West Ham.
• Lucas Neill isn't as good as he's made out to be. Sure, he's a good defender, and I know what he has done in the past, but he just wasn't in good form last season and that is continuing into this season.
• Luis Boa Morte was pissed off about something. He was the only player on the pitch that was going into tackles recklessly. Look at Scott Parker and Becks in the first half how they respectfully didn't want to hurt each other; Boa Morte was tackling players from behind with no regard to health.
• Speaking of Scott Parker, he is quality. He broke down attack after attack from the MLS All Stars and did his job for the night.

With all of that said, West Ham have the ability to be a top ten side again this year. Alan Curbishley has a decent squad at his disposal and West Ham fans should be optimistic.