Journalist details West Ham United v Everton ‘concern’ for David Moyes after European hangover
West Ham United’s European hangover in midweek could be a “concern” for David Moyes ahead of Sunday’s clash against his old club Everton, according to Morgan Ofori.
The Guardian journalist, writing in the publication’s preview of this weekend’s Premier League games (27 October) shared the concerning stat that the Hammers have taken just one point in their two games following Europa League fixtures so far this season which could encourage the Toffees against their former manager.
The Hammers slipped to their first Europa League defeat this season and their second consecutive loss in all competitions as they were beaten 2-1 by the Olympiacos at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, following the 4-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend (22 October).
And despite their sound home form so far this season, Ofori believes Moyes will be concerned by their results following their European exploits.
He wrote: “The Hammers have been strong at home, beating Chelsea and only dropping points to Manchester City and Newcastle.
“Being monstered 4-1 away at Aston Villa, and a potential European hangover after a trip to Olympiakos on Thursday might be a slight concern for Moyes, whose side have taken just one point in their two games following Europa League fixtures so far.”
Must win
The Hammers have indeed endured a pretty damning week, especially after enjoying a terrific start to the season but they’ve certainly been brought back down to earth again.
The Aston Villa defeat at Villa Park was an absolute far-cry of what Moyes’ team have produced so far this campaign and that was followed up on Thursday when he rang the changes in Greece.
However, what’s crucially important is that the West Ham United boss will have learnt plenty of lessons from both losses but none of those lessons will matter should they suffer another defeat against his old club on Sunday (29 October).
West Ham United have to pick themselves up again and will be encouraged by the fact that Everton haven’t won at the London Stadium since 2021 but that shouldn’t allow complacency to creep in as Sean Dyche’s men have weapons in their arsenal which could hurt the East Londoners after their Euro hangover.
Sunday’s fixture is in actual fact, a must-win game for both teams but given the uncertainty surrounding Moyes’ future right now (Roshane Thomas, 26 October) there’s no prize for guessing the ramifications should he suffer another loss.
In other West Ham news, two English newspapers tore into one senior Irons player after his recent “dreadful” performance in Europe.