Pundit left stunned by development at West Ham United after 5-0 loss v Fulham as ‘no excuses’ verdict shared
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 admits West Ham United and David Moyes have “no excuses” after their Fulham defeat despite news emerging of a sickness bug sweeping the squad prior to the game.
Fulham thrashed lacklustre West Ham 5-0 on Sunday (10 December) to record their second five-goal victory in five days at Craven Cottage – a result which saw the Hammers miss out on a place in the top-six in the Premier League table.
The Athletic journalist David Ornstein reported after the game on Sunday evening (10 December) that Moyes along with Edson Alvarez, Pablo Fornals and Emerson were among those struck down as West Ham were hit with a sickness bug ahead of their heavy loss.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie left stunned by the news, said: “Listen, if you’re not fit enough you don’t play, it’s as simple as that.
“If I’m puking or being sick, I’m gonna say Gaffer, I can’t play or run.
I mean what’s the youth team or the next batch of players for? Bring them in, give them a chance.
If the boys weren’t fit to play, you would have probably gotten more out of the reserves or the youngsters coming in.
Somebody fit, who may not be in the first team dressing room, bring them in, it would have maybe injected a bit of life into West Ham United.
“Young boys just want a chance to run, they’ve got no fear so I would have done that and I wouldn’t made an excuse for it, it’s not right.
“It just doesn’t sit right because that’s what a football is for and what they’re about. You’re not gonna tell me one of them was not well. Not for me.
“I’m not having it, it was a bad performance and there are no excuses. It was the worst I’ve seen them play, attacking and defending.
“But, I’m hoping it’s a blip and a one-off because it was awful.”
In other West Ham news, the Irons could potentially bring in a new manager prior to their EFL Cup tie at Anfield.