This article is definitely NOT an I told you so moment, the paucity of Hammers squad is rather historical now, as there is nothing that can be practically done before the January window opens, or is there? The left side of Hammers defence, so long a paragon of meanness, has been dismantled of late, to paraphrase Oscar Wilde “'To lose one may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”!
Coping without 'the Angel' Ogbonna was a difficult enough task on its own, but losing Aaron 'he with the manicured hair' Cresswell has presented David Moyes with a problem which he would far prefer not to have. Left footed players have always been at a premium, an understandable fact as only one in eight people are naturally left sided, it is possible to be 'converted', the problem being when push comes to shove the naturally right footed player will always revert to type.
This manifests itself when for example, a player is on the left flank and is due to cross the ball into the box, a left footed player can make the cross without breaking stride, whereas a right footed player has to cut back before he can make the cross. It seems like a small margin, but it is on small margins that David Moyes' team tactics are based, sudden counter attacks with a pin point ball smashed in to the box, usually by Aaron Cresswell, usually with a pass out of defence from Angelo Ogbonna.
The Angel is out for the rest of the season, fortunately Cresswell will be available for the incredibly important London Derby against Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime at the London Bowl, but what about the left imbalance? We at the Org are on the verge of kidnapping David Moyes until he plays Issa 'I can play with both feet' Diop alongside Kurt Zouma.
It is not as if Ogbonna's deputy Craig Dawson has done much wrong, it is just that Diop is more dynamic, and while he WILL have a mistake in him, so what? Moyes has recently played Authur Masuaku and he definitely DOES have a mistake in him, so what is the difference?
Come on Moysie, climb down from your horse for a minute to help see the wood from the trees, if not you might be in danger of not seeing the weather for the stormy seas! - Ed
Comments
Some very good points Ed and
Some very good points Ed and god do we miss Oggi. For tomorrow I wouldn't rush Cressy back. I would prefer to see Arthur as a wing back with three in the middle including Diop. Lets face it, The Moyesaih will revert to type with focus on defending. If Moyes was prepared to allow Brighton 66% possession he must be budgeting 80% against Chavski!
I see today we are linked in the Gossip section with Ake, I think he's left fooded, certainly seen at left back in the past. He would be a great fit on loan or full deal.
Think that's a good shout
Diop, dawson & zouma 3 at the back.Not sure about Mas ,only if he's stuck out on the left wing!! Anytime hes near our left back position,I grow another grey hair,he's such a liability!!I would start lanzini though instead of Ants,big call I know but Antonio needs either a rest or a rocket one of the two!
Yep, go along with that 65.
Yep, go along with that 65. Lanz MUST start. Bennys had his chances and IMO hasn't stepped up and while hes away at the African Nat Cup we will have Jesse in so thats good night Vienna for him! I do like his tracking back qualities but he needs goals! Ithink The Beast needs a rocket then rest him.
Feeling very worried for tomorrow, just hope its not a cricket score :o(
Agree Dartford
I've always really rated Benny but his finishing is woeful imo,he does all the hard work with no end product,unfortunately Bowen is the same...the need for a decent striker has never been more evident.
Masuaku
I would have sold him years ago after the spitting incident.
His runs down the line have accumalated how many goals...more goals kicks for the oppo I'd suggest.
Surely Ben Johnson or Coufal can switch to either flank. Not too sure about the Diop option tbh...
I think we'll give them a great game either way... We do that these days...
On at midnight here in Sydney and I'm staying at a mate's gaff in Coogee so hoping we play to our defensive strengths and well nick a couple on the counter.
COYI X
I have a problem with this.
I am a naturally right footed but in my days down the "rec" and in the school playground I would practice incessantly with my left foot and if I say so myself became quite accomplished with either foot. Bearing in mind, I didn't have time to train with a football 6 days a week , never mind get paid extortionate amounts of money to kick the proverbial pigs bladder, I find it incredible that these overpaid superstars cannot do the same. In the case of Zouma, we're not exactly talking about a player who is pushed totally down the left flank either, Just a couple of yards left of a centre of field position is all.
Have to say I'm with you here
Have to say I'm with you here. I only got as far as playing for Horsham Town and was right footed. I spent ages working on my left foot as a kid and more often than not found myself shooting on the run with it. Never bothered me in the end. Today these modern day players Mahrez, Yarmolenko, and other over paid one footed wonders, it beggars belief...