Sky Sports reporter shocked by decision from West Ham United boss David Moyes v Newcastle
Sky Sports reporter Lewis Jones questioned the decision from West Ham manager David Moyes to bring off the “dangerous” Said Benrahma during the match against Newcastle on Wednesday (5 April).
The Hammers hosted the Magpies at the London Stadium in the Premier League clash as they continued their fight for survival.
In a difficult match for West Ham’s attackers, Jones believes Benrahma was looking threatening before being substituted by Moyes in the 64th minute.
“This looked the perfect chance to see if Antonio and Ings could play together but Moyes has decided to go with like-for-like changes,” said Jones, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“Benrahma coming off too made little sense to me – he’s looked dangerous.”
Tough test
Benrahma could not quite be at his attacking best during the match at the London Stadium given Newcastle’s attacking prowess, with the visitors forcing the midfielder to track back and help out his defence.
Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy was a constant threat down the right, with Benrahma forced to deal with that threat in order to ensure West Ham left-back Emerson had enough support.
But when he did get forward, there was a danger to Benrahma’s play, with the Hammers looking more lively than normal against a stern Newcastle defence, much to the surprise of many, who were not expecting such a contest.
But the winger’s match was brought to an end just after the hour mark in an extraordinary quadruple substitution from Moyes.
Benrahma will have been disappointed not to last longer under the lights at the London Stadium, but his manager will need him in the matches to come, particularly given that the Hammers will soon continue their Europa Conference League venture.
While they showed glimpses of their potential, West Ham will definitely need to improve in the coming weeks if they want to ensure their Premier League safety.