West Ham United clashes against Liverpool and Manchester City ‘shot at nothing’ after ‘terrific’ start – Tony Gale
West Ham United’s upcoming clashes against Manchester City and Liverpool are “a shot at nothing” considering the Hammers’ excellent league start, according to Tony Gale.
In response to talkSPORT reporter Ian Abraham, Gale praised his former side for their “terrific” start to the Premier League but suggests David Moyes will play in the same “fashion” as recent fixtures when they face City and Liverpool.
Gale suggests that these fixtures are a free shot due to having 10 points already, more than many Hammers fans expected at this point in the season.
Speaking with Abrahams, Gale said: “[West Ham have] started off terrific. Two difficult games coming up in Manchester City and Liverpool but 10 points in the bag already – what a start!
“I think it’ll be a test, you’ll see David Moyes play in the same kind of fashion. We’ll have to sit back against two quality teams, but I think what you’ll find is we’ve got a bit of a shot at nothing because we have 10 points in the bag already.”
Pressure off
While no one expects West Ham to beat either Manchester City or Liverpool, the excellent start to the Premier League campaign takes any pressure off Moyes to get a result.
If the Hammers had an Everton-esque start to the season, then getting some kind of result from City on 16 September and Liverpool on 24 September could be essential.
In between these heavy-weight clashes, the Irons have their first European clash in the Europa League group stages as they welcome Serbian league runner-ups TSC Bačka Topola to the London Stadium. While this fixture is beyond winnable for Moyes, he may be reluctant to field a significantly weakened side at risk of embarrassment.
Therefore, perhaps players may be rested against City and Liverpool, but they have earned the right to do so due to their form. The Hammers also have significantly more depth this season than last, especially in midfield.
Things are looking much better than expected in Stratford this season, but it is not outside the realms of possibility that they could look even better after 24 September.
In other West Ham news, Sam Allardyce has chipped in on the Harry Maguire debate.