West Ham had Carlton Cole ‘screaming’ at his TV in 1-0 loss v Liverpool
West Ham United were left to rue their missed chances yesterday as they were beaten 1-0 by title-chasing Liverpool at Anfield.
Sadio Mane scored the game’s only goal late on in the first half but the Hammers had more than enough opportunities to level the scores on Merseyside.
The defeat left West Ham fifth in the Premier League table, but with Arsenal ready to pounce on Sunday when they play Watford at Vicarage Road.
Former Irons striker Carlton Cole wanted to see manager David Moyes give a chance to teenage sensation Armstrong Okoflex with one eye on their Europa League campaign restarting on Thursday.
“I was properly screaming at the TV because I just want them to do well,” Cole said on the BBC’s Football Daily Podcast. “I would love to see Armstrong Okoflex, he’s been a revelation in the Under-23s this year.
“He’s got 17 goals in all competitions this season. He’s a goalscorer and I would have loved to see him come off the bench.”
What’s the harm?
If we were considering playing an inexperienced teenager in defence or even in goal, you could understand the trepidation Moyes has shown.
But when it comes to attackers, there is little to no harm in giving them a chance off the bench every now and then.
Especially with the congested schedule the Hammers are faced with, Michail Antonio will need to be rested either in the second half of games or for full matches.
Okoflex was unfortunate not to get on against Liverpool while Dan Chesters made his debut for the club considering that remarkable record in the Under-23s.
Every fan is calling for him to get a chance as well as Sonny Perkins who boasts an impressive record of his own in youth football.
Whatever is holding Moyes back needs to be sorted as soon as possible because these are talents the club cannot afford to let go of.
In other West Ham news, the club are in talks to sign this box-to-box midfielder over a summer transfer to the London Stadium.
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