Premier League journalist slams David Moyes in ‘must be braver’ verdict, moots ‘worrying’ West Ham United pattern
There is a “worrying pattern” emerging at West Ham under David Moyes, according to Premier League journalist Alex Keble.
The Hammers suffered their second successive defeat with a 3-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday (24 September).
That came after a defeat to defending champions Manchester City by the same scoreline last Saturday (16 September).
“Inviting pressure, Liverpool’s confidence in possession grew, until Alexis Mac Allister found far too much space in front of the defensive shell to pick out a pass for Darwin Nunez, who made it 2-1,” Keble wrote for the official Premier League website (25 September).
“The exact same thing happened against Man City eight days ago, when West Ham – a goal up at half-time – appeared to alter their game plan in the second period as Moyes went into retreat. It is a worrying pattern for the Hammers, who have conceded two goals in first halves this season and eight in second halves.
“One of two things needs to happen. Either Moyes must be braver in matches and stick to the initial plan or, if the withdrawal is not deliberate, he must find a way to give his players the energy – both physical and psychological – to stick to the task at hand.”
Tactical change needed?
West Ham have had plenty of success under Moyes and his system this season, with the manager seemingly adopting a counter-attacking approach more often than not.
The likes of Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio have thrived under such a system, and it was working very well at one point in the clashes against both Manchester City and Liverpool.
Ultimately, however, the Premier League giants came out on top, much to the disappointment of Hammers supporters.
But they cannot have too many complaints in general, with their club flying high in the Premier League, sitting seventh in the table after six matches.
It is a huge improvement from last season, with the East London side now looking dangerous in every match they play.
It is, of course, very difficult to get things exactly right against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, but perhaps some Hammers fans feel they have the players capable of matching the bigger clubs of the Premier League.
In other West Ham news, a Sky Sports pundit was blown away by an “unbelievable” moment in the clash against Liverpool.