Shay Given left shocked Kurt Zouma played in West Ham v Watford
Former Newcastle goalkeeper and Premier League legend Shay Given said that was shocked to see David Moyes start Kurt Zouma during the West Ham v Watford clash on Tuesday.
A day before the 1-0 Hammers win, a video surfaced on social media where Zouma was seen kicking and slapping his domestic cat.
Although he has issued an apology, this behaviour has led to plenty of outrage in the footballing community.
Much to everyone’s bemusement, he was included in the starting line-up by the Hammers boss, a decision that has shocked the Given.
However, he understood why Moyes picked him, stating that he wanted the best team to be on the pitch with the club eyeing Champions League football next season.
Speaking live on talkSPORT, Given said: “I’m a little bit shocked because Kurt Zouma played last night. Maybe David Moyes could have taken him out of the firing line But Moyes is a football man and wants get to the Champions League.”
Poor decision
Moyes said after the game (08 February) that he is only focused on matters on the pitch, while the club will handle his situation separately.
He felt the need to start with a strong squad especially with Issa Diop failing to meet the expectations.
While Moyes admits that there are moral factors attached to this entire episode, he chose to do what he felt best.
Zouma wasn’t spectacular yesterday but the Hammers defence was solid throughout.
Watford didn’t create enough clear-cut chances, and the Hammers defence didn’t look like conceding either.
However, Moyes would be worried about his side’s lack of creativity. The failure to sign a top striker will haunt them throughout, and right now it seems they are heavily reliant on individual brilliance to save them.
West Ham are likely to take international disciplinary procedures against Zouma, who needs education, more than anything else.
In other West Ham news, winner named in race to sign ‘Brilliant’ English forward wanted by the Hammers, Liverpool and Leeds United
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