Robbie Fowler details ‘huge blow’ at West Ham United amid David Moyes sack decision
Robbie Fowler acknowledged that Declan Rice leaving West Ham in the summer was a “huge blow” but believes David Moyes still has no excuse for their current form.
Arsenal signed England midfielder Rice from the Hammers in July 2023 for a fee of £100million plus £5million in add-ons, as per BBC Sport, leaving a hole in the Hammers’ engine room.
Moyes looked to have solved the problem, especially after the transfer of Edson Alvarez from Ajax, but now finds himself at risk of being sacked due to a winless run of eight matches.
Writing for the Sunday Mirror (25 February, page 69), Fowler said: “Yes, it was a huge blow to lose Declan Rice. But the money helped to finance the arrivals of Mohammed Kudus, Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Konstantinos Mavropanos.
“They have also just brought in Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City. West Ham have a reputation for trying to play the right way. So when the entertainment level drops and you’re still not winning, managers will find themselves under the cosh.”
Is David Moyes running out of time at West Ham United?
It was revealed that Moyes currently has a new contract offer on the table at the London Stadium, but is waiting until the end of the season to decide his future at the club.
Moyes himself suggested that he is the one waiting to see what happens, though maybe the Hammers’ hierarchy are giving him time to turn their fortunes around with West Ham yet to win a game in 2024 – their last victory coming against Arsenal at the end of December.
However, having once been challenging for the top-four spots in the Premier League at one point this season, it is understandable why the fans have been growing frustrated with Moyes.
The Hammers have drifted out of the race, and are now checking below them, with Chelsea, Wolves and Fulham threatening to push them into the bottom half of the table.
West Ham may turn their attention to the Europa League, readying for an upcoming match against Freiburg in the round of 16. But based on current form, they may not stay in the competition for long.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers ace is on the radar of an international manager amid concerns regarding one of his London Stadium teammates.
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