Simon Stone shares ‘poor’ West Ham United verdict at half time v Burnley
Simon Stone was left disappointed by West Ham after their first-half display against Burnley, claiming the game was summed up by a sloppy moment from Vladimir Coufal.
The defender attempted to play what should have been a routine pass down the touchline to Mohammed Kudus but overhit the pass and forced the winger to play it out for a throw-in rather than a goal kick.
It was an underwhelming first half from the Hammers who failed to threaten their opponents, with their injuries hampering the way they played.
Stone was writing on the BBC Sport live blog [25 November, 15:21] as he shared: “West Ham just created an attacking opportunity down the right side of their attack.
“Vladimir Coufal tried to play a routine pass down the touchline to Mohammed Kudus but badly overhit it.
“All Kudus could do was stop the ball from going out for a goal-kick by knocking it out for a throw.
“It has been that type of game so far.”
A disappointing half of football
Going into half-time at 0-0 with a side who is yet to record a single point at home since their promotion from the Championship sums up this display from David Moyes’ side. They have struggled to make an impact while also not looking threatened, but there has been no control.
The Hammers would have hoped the quality in their side with the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus would stand out against a struggling side, but they have been limited in their creativity.
Their lack of impact going forward was summed up not only by Coufal’s sloppy pass but by the fact the Hammers got just two shots off against a side who haven’t picked up a single point at home this season.
With Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio both missing, there has been a lack of a focal point for Moyes’ main to aim at on the attack, and the inspiration Bowen brings to the side has been exemplified by the fact the attacking players look lost without him.
Moyes and the West Ham fans will be hoping Bowen’s injury isn’t too serious and he can return soon because what he offers to the side has never been so necessary as it has been proved to be here.
In other West Ham news, one talkSPORT pundit gave his Moyes verdict live on air.