Chris Sutton explains why he has sympathy for David Moyes amid West Ham United sack rumours
By Matthew Smith
Chris Sutton believes a number of West Ham United’s playing squad have let down manager David Moyes as rumours around the Scotsman’s future continue to emerge.
The Hammers find themselves in the midst of a Premier League relegation battle, currently sitting 18th after winning just five matches all season.
Subsequently, numerous reports have suggested that Moyes is fighting for his future at the London Stadium, with Saturday’s clash against fellow strugglers Leeds United thought to be a pivotal one.
Sutton, however, has asserted blame on West Ham’s players, telling BBC’s Monday Night Club, as quoted by The Boot Room: “This season they have spent a fortune. Lucas Paqueta, Brazilian international. Gianluca Scamacca, Italian centre forward – both haven’t fired.
“Then you ally that with Jarrod Bowen, he hasn’t been the same player this season. Michail Antonio hasn’t been at it.
“Think of Tomas Soucek, when he first came to the Premier League, he looks a shadow of his former self. Declan Rice isn’t on top of his game.
“There are issues with the centre-halves, which is where I have great sympathy with David Moyes at this moment in time. I think Aguerd got injured early and he has improved them a little bit.”
Failing to match previous standards
There is no denying that this season has been a severely underwhelming one for those associated with West Ham and as manager, Moyes must take accountability.
Equally though, it should also be acknowledged that the majority of players have failed to live up to the standards that were set across the previous two seasons or at former teams.
Moyes led the club to consecutive top-seven finishes and European football across the last two campaigns, with the likes of Bowen and Antonio playing key parts in such achievements.
When analysing the statistics of both players, who have scored just six Premier League goals between them, it is clear to see they are not playing to their maximum performance levels.
Undoubtedly, the former Manchester United boss is responsible for identifying ways to help his squad rediscover form and is failing if he cannot do so, but there is little reason why players should not be able to hit the heights of prior campaigns.