Will Dodds

Mon 14 December 2020 21:00, UK

For a number of reasons, the centre-forward position has been a troubling one for David Moyes and his West Ham team so far this season.

After Michail Antonio started the season on fire in the role, his injury has seen Sebastien Haller called up in his place and the Ivory Coast international has been inconsistent.

Following a matchwinning performance against Sheffield United, he was dropped for the home game against Aston Villa, with a half-fit Antonio selected ahead of him. The Englishman was clearly not ready and Haller came back in, but he does not look to have recovered from the blow.

Against Leeds United on Friday night Haller struggled. He was robbed by Liam Cooper for the Whites’ goal and then missed a number of chances. The 26-year-old took five shots in total but could not grab a goal and was dispossessed four times (via WhoScored).

His teammate Jarrod Bowen, on the other hand, was outstanding and should now be seen as a viable option to start at centre-forward going forward. He has played the role in the past at Hull City and he was electric on Friday.

The 23-year-old won four aerial duels and took three shots, while he completed four key passes, including one assist (via WhoScored). Bowen does not have the height of Haller, but he can run in behind in a similar way to Antonio and with the skill of Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals backing him up, this can become a dangerous triumvirate.

In the long run, Antonio remains the Hammers best option at centre-forward, as Haller has not taken the chances given to him to impress. But with his fitness and an issue and him now in his 30s, it makes sense for Moyes to experiment with Bowen in this new role.

He has done it before and has shown he has the finishing ability to do it justice. Moyes just needs to give him a chance to show what he can do.