West Ham Cottee: Player power at Leicester and Hammers is taking charge

Watford's Troy Deeney scores his side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Vicarage Road, Watford. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

First of all, as they are one of my old teams I would like to say a little bit about Leicester City sacking Claudio Ranieri.

I have to admit that I thought it was premature. The man who led them to the Premier League title should have been given until the end of the season to turn things round.

There is talk that player power may have had something to do with it. In my day we just did what we were told and the clubs were in charge, but I have been at clubs where the manager has lost the dressing room and results have suffered because of that.

Many people are hoping that Leicester now go down, but I don’t want to see that fate befall my old team, especially if it was the players who forced him out.

We have seen player power at West Ham this season in the shape of Dimitri Payet wanting out and it seems so much of the control has now switched to them.

West Ham let in yet another early goal at Watford on Saturday, but I think they deservedly fought back and if anything they could have won the match.

West Ham United's Michail Antonio (left) and Watford's Younes Kaboul battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Vicarage Road, Watford. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Andre Ayew came on and coolly taped home their equaliser and that was good to see, but when I look at him I wonder what his best position is.

If Andy Carroll is playing then he could play just behind him, but with Michail Antonio I am not so sure.

We paid a lot of money for Ayew and it is important he does make an impact after a tough start at the club.

Andy was missing again on Saturday and it has to be a worry, not just for the fans, but for the player himself.

With Antonio suspended for two silly bookings at Watford, we need Carroll back if we are to have a realistic chance against the leaders.

There is still a chance that Chelsea can be caught this season in the Premier League title race, but they are just so consistent and that has been their secret all season.

West Ham United's Andy Carroll (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

But remember, we have shown that we can beat the Blues already this season with a stirring win in the League Cup and I want to see that sort of performance once again.

We need to have a good night and they need to have an off-night if we are to have a chance, but with Carroll in the team, I don’t see any reason why we can’t get a result.

I was spot on last week with my 1-1 prediction at Watford and so I am going for the same result again on Monday, 1-1. COYI!!!