David Moyes must drag off Tomas Soucek at half-time for West Ham United v Manchester United he’s looked lost
West Ham United made a poor start against Manchester United United at the London Stadium with much of their play looking uninventive and lacklustre for much of the first half.
The Hammers were looking to right the wrongs from the midweek mauling at Anfield in the EFL Cup when they took on Erik ten Hag’s side aiming to overtake them in the Premier League table into seventh.
It was a bright start by West Ham when Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was called into action inside five minutes when Emerson’s rasping shot inside the area forced him into a good save.
Manchester United sprang into the action after what was a rather quiet first half at the London Stadium when Mohammed Kudus gave the ball away to Antony who found Garnacho through on goal but his tepid shot was saved easily by Alphonse Areola in the West Ham United goal.
The Argentinian was found once again but his cross was brilliantly blocked for a corner by Mavropanos before midfielder Kobbie Mainoo had a tame shot necessarily parried away by the Frenchman when he should have held it.
David Moyes will be disappointed by his side’s tepid display with the Hammers fans bored out of their skins and in order for the home side to excite the crowd, they must drag off Tomas Soucek.
The Czech Republic international was nowhere to be seen all half for the Hammers with the midfielder largely on the periphery as his teammates Edson Alvarez and Ward-Prowse attempted to set the tempo.
As per SofaScore, Soucek only touched the ball 15 times, completed just seven passes, failed to get a shot on goal or register a key pass but did win 66 per cent of his duels but the Czech is certainly on the pitch to provide a threat in the opposition goal for which he’s looked completely lost.
His attacking teammates Paqueta, Bowen and Kudus have been on the periphery too but it’s unlikely Moyes will take them off given their attacking threat to a vulnerable and much-changed Manchester United defence.
Moyes must drag him off for a more attacking and creative outlet for the second half, maybe give Danny Ings a shot.
In other West Ham news, a Premier League stat has shown how West Ham benefit compared to rival teams.