The consequences of standing by one's convictions are that sometimes you have to pay the price, West Ham manager David Moyes decided to buck an old Hammers tradition of buying overpriced has beens just to keep people happy in the short term. This 'positive' way forward does however come with the caveat that in the short term, David Moyes has only one recognised striker who's services he can call upon, and of course that striker isn't actually a bona fide one, Michail Antonio is essentially a winger who David Moyes helped turn in to a front man feared by opposition defenders.
The Fix, at least until the end of the season was to bring in Jesse Lingard, which seems to have proved to be an inspired decision, unfortunately Lingard cannot play in tonight's crucial cup tie up at Old Trafford, nor in the game against Manchester United in a couple of weeks time either.
Despite putting a shift in, Antonio has only looked a shadow of his former 'blustering' self, as he gingerly tries to re-introduce his temperamental hamstrings back into the rigours of the Barclays Premier League. Moyes has a tough decision to make regarding Antonio, does he wrap him up in cotton wool in the hope that the affable striker can 'limp' through to the end of the season, or does he just risk him?
This evening's 5th FA Cup tie against Manchester is a dual edged sword, win the FA Cup and your team is in Europe, end of, no number crunching or fair play requirements, only winning the trophy, where as to qualify for europe via the Barclays Premier League is Marathon that could prove to be just a bit too much to ask for in what is a 'consolidation' season for David Moyes and West Ham.
Even if the Irons were to be successful in tonight's fixture, the club would still need to face some serious fellow contenders for the trophy, so does Moyes take a risk and go for it tonight? Or does he put a decent team out and just hope for the best?
Michail Antonio's hamstrings don't know if they are being used for a cup or league match, so it is in the lap of the gods as to how long 'Big Mich' will play for, or if he even plays at all. One element to consider is that if the Irons start with Yarmolenko they may as well throw in the towel, a starter he is NOT-more to come.! - Ed.
Comments
Well Covered...
Nev, you have covered all areas of the dilemma facing manager and supporters perfectly. Amongst supporters agreement is rare but Moyes knows exactly how he will play this one.
As you said it is a consolidation season without Moyes fully being able to put right the wrongs of the Pellegrini era and with that in mind we are already flying above the clouds.
The way I look at it as a long-suffering supporter, I have had enough of the bad old days of expensive "Make Do's" and "last chance saloon misfits"... I am totally on the same page with Moyes regarding getting the right player/s in the summer.
As supporters, our problem has always been impatience. A cup run is great, the league position (our bread and butter) is better. If we are to buy into this New West Ham way, we'll have to show a bit of patience. I say "Decent" team and hope for the best IMHO..... and spot-on regarding Yarmo...Impact Only!
COYI
My sentiments exactly
My sentiments exactly Mr Green St. Was going to reply to Nev's post in the same vein but you have said it all.
Yep... agree with that Bondsy
Cant see The Beast starting, only option is Yarmo as we are totally down to the bones now... Oh for a COSTA... player not the coffee :o)
Could play two up front, Bowen & Benny?
Sad to say but I think Captain Slow will get a run out tonight, just hope its not the Man U that turned up against The Saints :o(
Pessimistic of Dartford
Agree with above comments
Put our best side out,not sure though if to play Ants or not!
We will certainly be under dogs tonight but its the FA cup we can dream! COYI
Its a dilemma,go all out for
Its a dilemma,go all out for the cup,or for a high league finish,as Nev says,there will be still some hurdles to jump in the competitition even if we win tonight,we are not getting relegated,but still dont want to fall away there,if Moyes gets the balance wrong,with a team we have that may get crocked and knackered relying too much on Big Mick,we could be bombed out the cup,and finishing fourth from bottom.I may be going to extremes here,but i trust Moyes hes just starting to show what he wants,but whatever happens im enjoying how things are.
For me Essex I would focus on
For me Essex I would focus on the cup. This season its not relegation and the best we can realistically hope for is The Everton Cup... 7th. The worst scenario is qualification for the Thursday Euro Disney League and all games on a Sunday or Monday with injuries to boot! Lets have a day in the sun in May!
Yarma bashing
Now Haller has gone. Hey ho. Yarmas scoring record in Internationals is nothing to be sniffed at. Just shows what can happen when playing for a clued up manager. Man U won't be playing a full strength team tonight, I betcha.