David Moyes urges West Ham United to improve goalscoring form in Premier League
David Moyes admits he has not enjoyed West Ham’s struggles in front of goal this season and urges his players to put their “tin helmet” on and show everybody their class.
The Hammers have endured a rather disappointing season, winning just once since the World Cup break leaving them sitting in the relegation spots in the Premier League with just 20 points from 23 games.
Moyes’ men have failed to live up to last season’s high standards especially on the goalscoring front, having only scored 19 goals – the joint-third worst in the division.
Speaking ahead of his side’s crucial crunch clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, he said [via Daily Mail, 24 February]: “The players are definitely up for the fight. What we have got to show then is the quality, that we are ambitious, that we want to go and win the game. Sometimes you just put your tin helmet on and show everybody what you can do.
Asked about his overly cautious approach, Moyes claimed: “It’s probably got some truth in it.
“But I also don’t think you would last this long in management if you were only cautious.
“Were we cautious last year? We have not changed much. I’m not enjoying watching us not score. I’ve got to find a way to say, “If we’re not going to score, then how are we not going to lose?”
“If we keep losing then I won’t be a manager, so I have to find a way of getting the balance right.”
Running out
With just 15 games of the season to go, and the Hammers sitting rather precariously in the relegation spots, it seems as if Moyes is certainly running out of chances to find the right formula for his team.
Just one win since the World Cup break is absolutely dreadful form and must be addressed. Several Premier League clubs already this season have sacked managers with more wins than that.
19 goals from 23 games is also incredibly worrying. The Hammers have simply lost their goalscoring touch and is certainly down to the underperformance of many of their stars including Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen.
Saturday’s encounter against a rejuvenated Nottingham Forest is arguably their biggest of the season and an absolute must-win if they are to kickstart their season again. Lose, and Moyes may face the sack if the latest reports are to be believed [The Times, 20 February].