David Moyes must address problem left-back area in January after Emerson Palmieri struggles in West Ham v Crystal Palace
David Moyes has a few problem areas to address for West Ham in the January transfer window, even his most die-hard defenders would acknowledge that.
Striker is certainly one position where the Scot will want reinforcements, with Jarrod Bowen having led the line pretty much on his own – pretty admirably it has to be said.
Bowen did not have his best game as the Hammers drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace at the London Stadium on Sunday (3 December), managing just two pretty tame efforts on target.
But it was further back where another problem area needs addressing, that being left-back and providing some much-needed competition for Emerson Palmieri.
In defence of the Italy defender, he has been a pretty solid performer for West Ham and Moyes this season, but it was evident against Palace more competition is needed.
In stats provided by SofaScore, who scored Emerson a team-low 6.2 overall, the left-back offered little going forward other than registering one key pass.
Emerson failed to put in any crosses during the 90 minutes and only three of his nine long balls were accurate. Neither of his two dribble attempts were successful and, moreover, he missed one ‘big chance’ in the second half – on the stretch after a wonderful ball from Lucas Paqueta.
Defensively it wasn’t great reading either. He lost possession 15 times and was dribbled past on three occasions. There were three completed tackles, but no blocked shots, no clearances and no interceptions.
Experienced left-back Aaron Cresswell has had issues with injuries this term and looks to be surely on his way out of the club in January.
It means Moyes is desperate for more cover over on the left-hand side. And Emerson’s performance against Palace only resolved to strengthen that view point. A new body is needed in January.
In other West Ham news, Roy Keane waxed lyrical over Tomas Soucek live on Sky Sports.