David Moyes needs to axe Vladimir Coufal v Arsenal, start outsider instead
It is difficult to single out one player at fault as West Ham suffered a tough 3-0 loss to Manchester United on Sunday 4 February.
There is one player that stands out, though, as one David Moyes needs to axe ahead of another testing Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday 11 February.
Up against Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw, Vladimir Coufal seemed to struggle against the pace of the Man United pair. Despite an 82 per cent pass completion, he won 0 per cent of his ground and aerial duels and was dribbled past twice. [FotMob]
The Czech international was also below par when going forward, too. With five assists in the league this season, Coufal’s attacking outputs are expected to be pretty high. However, his 33 per cent accuracy of crosses would suggest it was a bad day at the office for him.
Coufal has been through the wars recently, and it could be time for Moyes to replace him for more stability in the position. His last three games have included being kicked out of the FA Cup by Bristol City, a red card against Sheffield United and the horror show at Old Trafford.
Change needed for West Ham
Luckily for West Ham, they have a ready-made replacement that looks capable of dealing with Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli in his current form and was even one of the few positives in the Man United loss.
Having been started on the right wing by Moyes, Ben Johnson was an excellent addition to the Hammers starting XI in the absence of natural wingers Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma after they departed from the club.
The 24-year-old, in comparison to Coufal, was far better defensively against the Red Devils. With 100 per cent of his tackles won, five recoveries and 62 per cent of his ground duels won, Johnson looks to be the ideal right-back to start against the Gunners. [FotMob]
Although his attacking outputs have been limited at senior level for West Ham, with only two goals and two assists in 97 appearances, his 100 per cent long ball accuracy will have been a lot more threatening than Coufal’s wayward passes.
He also managed to maintain a 94 per cent pass completion throughout the 90 minutes. Johnson has been revitalised at London Stadium in recent weeks, following an extremely poor start and questions over his future at the club.
It could be time for Coufal to be rested, with Johnson earning his spot in the next West Ham starting XI.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers exit deal broke down after an offer was made, with a manager rejection detailed.
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