Armed with his reinforcements acquired during this long and protracted summer transfer window, Hammers boss David Moyes is likely to make one or two 'adjustments' to his team that is currently 2nd in the Barclays Premier League. Bearing in mind where the club sits in the League it might seem churlish to suggest the need for changes, but one or two cracks, or maybe fisions to be more accurate, have begun to appear in the team's defence. A failing that Moyes has already moved to address as he attempts to take his team to the 'next' level.
Although Moyes's team are the 2nd highest scorers in the Premier League, it is the defence that is leaking the goals that could prove costly towards the end of the campaign. The game against Palace brought issues sharply into focus, the 2 points dropped due to defensive errors, well at least for one of the goals conceded, could make the difference between success and failure, such are the fine margins for 'elite' clubs.
Fans used to season after season of broken promises and dashed hopes are finding it hard to adjust to the team's top six status, looking at the top of the table instead of the bottom takes a lot of getting used to! The trajectory of the team is truly outstanding and looks to continue, despite the odd hiccup. Maintaining that progress means there can be little room for sentiment, which equates to Craig Dawson and Lukasz Fabianski being taken out of the firing line for the Premier League, but featuring in the THREE other competitions the club are involved in.
Dawson's lack of pace has been cruelly exposed this season, other teams have worked out how to exploit Les's weaknesses since the last, and Lukasz has never been quite the same since his thigh injury, his kicking looks suspect as it seems he is fearful of aggravating his previous injury.
Areola and Zouma represent a step up, that is not to say that everything in the garden will be Rosy straight away, they may make errors, but what is the point in buying new players if you don't use them?
That said, Moyes is renowned for taking his time over things, so don't expect wholesale ch ch ch ch changes straight away, but they are coming! - Ed
Comments
I like the progress Moyes has
I like the progress Moyes has made to the team, Zouma, Vlasic, hopefully Lingard all will improve that push to a Champions League slot. Where this money injection is coming from to make these purchases is anyone’s guess, but Moyes is now making this team his own, mostly his players to suit his system and style of play. Whether Moyes will surprise us by bringing in an out and out striker before deadline day ,here’s hoping, because I don’t think Antonio is going to stay injury free for too long. Moyes may well be thinking one of his attacking midfielders play as a false no.9 ,not a great fan of that option , square pegs in round holes is all too familiar at this club, yields average results. If needs must then Moyes will have no other choice, but lack of squad depth will probably take its toll playing in Europe. The LB Cresswell/Masuaku/Johnson position still a concern , as is the RB slot if Coufal gets injured, Fredericks is okay but like the LB slot, room for improvement. CDM cover is another concern with Noble and Coventry, lack of pace and inexperience . Something that Moyes has definitely improved in the side is introducing more pace and players able to change games , that’s why I want to see Lingard nailed down, even if it’s just a seasons loan. Benrahma and Bowen great acquisitions along with Fornals all proving quality additions. Here’s hoping for a successful season , top 6 finish, quarter finals in Europe, and an F.A Cup trophy
Agreed!
Well said, Ed and Essex. COYI!!!