Pundit reacts to ‘really important’ win for West Ham United v Aston Villa, looking forward to Emerson pushing Cresswell
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 says the win over Aston Villa was “really important” after West Ham claimed their first points of the Premier League season.
The Hammers claimed a vital win at Villa Park thanks to Pablo Fornals’ deflected strike in the second half, scoring the club’s first goal of the season to get the result.
After three losses to start the season, McAvennie says the win was something that they had to take however it came and said he’s looking forward to the competition at left-back between Emerson Palmieri and Aaron Cresswell this season.
“I think it’s really important that they got a win, that’s for sure,” he told West Ham Zone.
“They were propping up the league, propping up the table. Going on from the highs of last year to this year, fans are not happy. None of them are blaming David Moyes, it’s injuries and things that have happened.
“Some of the players have not hit the ground [running]. By all accounts it wasn’t a great game at the weekend, and Aston Villa had a lot of chances, but we’ll take it any way we can get it.
“It’ll be something for David to build on. They got the left-back from Chelsea and I always thought they needed a left back, so they’ve got one whose come in and hopefully he does well and gives Cresswell a push.
“He’s not had anyone challenging him so that’s going to be a different situation going forward, so that’ll be good.”
Both players started the win over Villa although Emerson was substituted at half-time when Moyes switched his formation to four at the back.
Moyes could opt to stick with that against Spurs meaning only one will start, while the option of sticking with three at the back to match Antonio Conte’s system is available too.