David Moyes latest transfer comments could increase sack calls at West Ham United
With the January transfer window around the corner, almost all West Ham United supporters are crying out for the same thing, a new number nine.
In the opening months of the campaign, the Irons have relied upon the services of Jarrod Bowen, often deployed out of position, to supply their goals at the top end of the pitch having failed to sign a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window.
Luckily, the England international, alongside the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta, has impressed early in the campaign and ensured that the lack of a consistent number nine has been largely ignored. But David Moyes could well be taking a huge risk for the second half of the season based on his recent comments.
As shared by Claret & Hugh [19 December] the Hammers boss had indicated that he will not be looking to sign a new centre-forward in January saying: “I don’t think we do [need a new striker]. We’ve got Bowen, we’ve got Michail Antonio, we’ve got Danny Ings, we’ve got young Divin Mubama.”
Moyes appears to be confident that the options already at the London Stadium will provide enough quality for the Irons to navigate the second half of the season.
However, it seems slightly naive to assume that these players are capable of providing the goals to be competitive in the top half of the Premier League.
Bowen is the exception to the rule, scoring 10 Premier League goals in 16 matches this season. But the other three options name-checked by Moyes ahead of the clash with Liverpool have scored a combined two goals in 24 league appearances, with Antonio being responsible for both of those strikes.
While Bowen is fit and available, West Ham probably do have enough quality in their side to find the net regularly and continue to climb the table, but if the England international picks up an injury, it could be damning for Moyes and the Irons.
The Scotsman is fighting for his long-term future at the London Stadium, with talks yet to begin over extending his stay in charge of the Hammers and a slump in form could be enough for the the board to make their decision.
Signing a new number nine would at least give Moyes and West Ham some security for the second half of the campaign. With more European football on the horizon, the fixtures will come thick and fast following the January transfer window and typically injuries will begin to mount up.
This transfer decision feels like one that could come back to bite the Irons boss in the coming months. Both he and West Ham fans will be hoping Bowen can stay fit so that Moyes doesn’t have to call upon the likes of Ings and Antonio too regularly.
If things go wrong, it could just see the calls for Moyes’ sacking grow even louder.
In other West Ham news, Joe Cole has predicted the result of the Hammers Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool at Anfield