West Ham United: Martin Keown clashes with Jim White amid ‘outstanding’ David Moyes verdict
Martin Keown has hit back at Jim White after suggesting it is becoming more difficult to defend David Moyes as West Ham lost 1-0 to Freiburg in the Europa League on Thursday (7 March).
The Hammers have seen their form much-improved since the return of Lucas Paqueta from injury, ending a run of eight matches without a victory in all competitions against Brentford on Monday 26 February.
West Ham followed a 4-2 win over the Bees with a 3-1 victory against Everton, but the pressure has mounted quickly on Moyes after they were beaten 1-0 by Freiburg in the round of 16 first leg.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Friday (8 March, 10:28am), White asked: “If results don’t come along soon, is it becoming harder to defend David Moyes’ team’s performances?”
Hitting back at the question, Keown responded: “I think that’s unfair, isn’t it? Just look at how well they have done in Europe, winning the Europa Conference League.
“He has done really well, and his record is outstanding. I don’t like the negative chat around him – he has done a really good job at West Ham and will continue to do so. I thought they were unlucky.”
Has David Moyes outstayed his welcome at West Ham United?
The pressure has been mounting on Moyes’ shoulders for some time now, with many fans voicing their displeasure at the way their team is set up to play.
There were not as many worried fans when the results were positive and Moyes was lifting the Europa Conference League title next to Declan Rice. However, football is a results-based sport and the fans have a reason to be frustrated.
It took the Hammers until the end of February to claim their first win of 2024, which was the 4-2 result against Brentford at the London Stadium. And though things were beginning to look up, the 1-0 defeat to Freiburg has reopened the can of worms.
Spurning several chances to take the lead, with Jarrod Bowen thwarted by Noah Atubolu on multiple occasions, the Bundesliga side took their chance and punished sloppy defending, Kurt Zouma being singled out once again.
Of course, West Ham still have the second leg to rectify the loss in Germany and will hope to have the full backing of the fans in their home stadium.
In other West Ham news, Jermaine Pennant took aim at one Hammers star live on air.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.