WHZ View: Andriy Yarmolenko hands West Ham new option with return to action
Andriy Yarmolenko played 90 minutes for the West Ham Under-23s as they lost 3-0 to Peterborough in the Papa Johns Trophy on Tuesday night.
The Ukrainian is back available for selection after recovering from COVID-19 and his role in Tuesday’s defeat could hint at David Moyes’ plans for the 31-year-old.
Yarmolenko played the full 90 minutes as a striker against the Posh which could signal that Moyes is assessing his forward options before Friday night’s game against Leeds United.
Michail Antonio is set to miss the clash at Elland Road after picking up a fresh injury and after Sebastien Haller’s poor performance against Manchester United last weekend, Moyes may be willing to take a chance on Yarmolenko.
Haller looked to have recovered some form after scoring his side’s only goal away at Sheffield United in November but he has since gone off the boil.
Without Antonio, the Hammers lack a focal point in their attack and Haller isn’t currently performing well enough.
This could open the door for Yarmolenko to start against Leeds on Friday and it could give him the chance to revive his West Ham career.
The winger hasn’t started for the Irons this season and only started 10 of his side’s Premier League games last season.
With plenty of competition on the wings in the form of Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma, Yarmolenko may have a better chance of establishing himself as an out and out striker.
If the 31-year-old is given this chance on Friday and he takes it, it could spell trouble for Haller as he would then be competing with two strikers for a place in the team once Antonio returns to full fitness.
It seems as though Moyes is certainly considering Yarmolenko as a potential striking option as there is no other reason as to why he would start as a forward against Peterborough.
Hammers fans await the team news on Friday to see who will lead their club’s line at Elland Road.
In other West Ham news, Hammers super fans aren’t convinced over rumours that the club are targeting Christian Eriksen.