‘They were playing with a man short’ – Exclusive: McAvennie criticises Haller 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 urged West Ham to act in January after being left frustrated by Sebastien Haller’s performance against Chelsea on Monday.
Haller, 26, has started West Ham’s last four Premier League matches due to Michail Antonio’s injury but was largely absent in the 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge this week.
Stats by Wyscout show that the Ivory Coast international had just one shot at goal, which was off-target, completed just 54 per cent of passes and was caught offside three times.
Haller also won just 33 per cent of his aerial duels versus Chelsea when his season average is 44.2 per cent.
McAvennie has had enough of the former Frankfurt striker’s lack of impact in the side.
Although Haller has popped up with stunning goals against Sheffield United and Crystal Palace, McAvennie claims that he fails to see enough effort from the Ivorian and wants the Irons to act when the transfer window opens in just over a week’s time.
“West Ham need to do something in January because they cannot rely on Antonio,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
“They were playing with a man short against Chelsea.
“I am running out of things to say about Haller. He can score a wonder goal but he contributes nothing to the team for me.
“I keep hoping he will do more because I think there is a great player in there. But in the Premier League, you cannot stroll about. You are playing against the so-called best players in the world.
“You cannot stroll about.”
Speaking on Tuesday, David Moyes was quoted by West Ham’s official site as saying that Antonio is edging closer to returning to action.
The 30-year-old forward, who’s recently penned a new two-and-a-half-year contract at the London Stadium, has been suffering from this hamstring issue for quite a while.
Moyes has already seen what can happen when Antonio is forced back too soon when he was taken off at half-time against Aston Villa on November 30 and hasn’t played since.
Haller has blown hot and cold while standing in for Antonio.
While he frustrates McAvennie with his lack of work ethic and overall impact in the side, he has effectively won four points for the side with two wonder goals against Sheffield United and Palace.
But if Antonio was ready to play this week, you would have to say he should be back in the starting line-up.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have agreed to sign Danish defender Frederik Alves in January.