WHZ View: Moyes must drop popular midfielder who is holding West Ham back
David Moyes must make a key decision on captain Mark Noble’s future after a lack of creativity cost his side against Chelsea in Monday’s 3-0 defeat.
With the mercurial talents of Said Benhrama sat on the bench after starting successive games, Noble replaced him to make his first start since November 30.
Lining up in a more advanced role than he is traditionally used to, Noble struggled to make an impact and failed to forge any sort of link-up with forward Sebastien Haller.
Noble has started three games for the Hammers this season- a disappointing 2-0 opening day defeat to Newcastle United, a 4-1 reversal in the League Cup to Everton, and the 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge.
That’s three defeats in three starts. In his absence from the starting line-up, West Ham have lost only four of 14 games.
Often this season, manager David Moyes has preferred a 5-2-3 formation, opting for Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek in midfield, with both heavily impressing in their defensive and attacking duels, respectively.
However, in recent Premier League games to Crystal Palace and Leeds, Moyes has reverted to the 4-2-3-1 that he began the season with. Playing in the ‘number ten’ role has been deadline-day signing Benrahma, who scored 17 goals in the Championship last season.
The differences in style between Benrahma and Noble are stark. Benrahma completed five successful dribbles against Crystal Palace on December 16, and three against Leeds United five days previously.
In contrast, Noble has yet to record a single successful dribble this season.
With only one tackle won, it’s difficult to say that Noble is producing outstanding defensive contributions to make up for his lack of attacking verve.
The defeat to Chelsea also saw West Ham record their third-lowest xG (0.28) of the Premier League season, per understat, as the visitors failed to register a shot on target.
With a powerful striker like Haller occupying the top end of the pitch, West Ham must focus on supplying him with crosses and clever balls into the final third.
That means no Noble. For all his endeavour and leadership qualities, it is pertinently clear that the midfielder is not cut out for this position and, perhaps, elite-level football.
He may prove to be a valuable asset from the bench as West Ham close games out and require an experienced pro to run down the time.
But it’s clear – if Moyes really does want to lay down some roots at West Ham and be the man to push them closer to the European spots, he must opt for creativity and progression.
In other West Ham news, ‘Unforgivable’, ‘Ridiculous’ – Many West Ham fans react to Bowen decision v Chelsea.