‘I just wish’ – Exclusive: McAvennie claims Haller needs more belief after West Ham loss
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has claimed that West Ham United striker Sebastien Haller needs to believe in himself more to succeed at the London Stadium.
The Ivorian international kept his spot once again for the 3-0 defeat against Chelsea on Monday evening, failing to catch the eye.
McAvennie admitted that he feels sorry for David Moyes, who would prefer to start Michail Antonio in the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said, “I feel for David because Haller is not his player.
“He’s playing him because Antonio is injured and not fit. Antonio has been a converted winger, which is not a bad thing.
“I’ve not giving up hope on Haller yet, I still see something there, I just wish he would believe in himself the way other people believe in him.”
Haller didn’t continue his form after that bicycle kick against Crystal Palace and massively struggled against Chelsea last night.
The 26-year-old couldn’t cause the home side problems in the final third, with his lack of pace compared to Antonio clear to see when against the likes of Kurt Zouma.
The forward only completed 23% of his total actions according to WyScout, and his one shot flew miles wide when he finally made space to head towards goal.
Out of his 12 offensive duels, Haller only won one of them and this is nowhere near good enough against one of the Premier League’s best.
Antonio is set to return against Brighton next time out according to Claret and Hugh, and it would be no surprise to see him replace Haller.
In other West Ham United news, our Moment of the Match from the 3-0 defeat v Chelsea