Any one in the media who criticises David Moyes's achievements at West Ham does so knowing they are being at the least slightly disingenuous, the Hammers manager has exceeded all expectations in this his first full year in charge.
That said, it doesn't mean that David Moyes is perfect, he would himself say that, despite being one of the most experienced managers in the Barclays Premier League, that he and his team have room for improvement. It is by fine margins that success and failure can be determined, and as such the only 'carp' fans have levelled at the 57 year old Scot is that he continues to show TOO much respect to the supposed 'elite' teams.
Recent games against an underperforming Liverpool team, as well as both recent matches against the referee's retirement home sponsors, Manchester United, stick out from what otherwise has been an incredibly successful season. It may seem churlish even to have a go at Moyes, but he will know himself that these are the type of games that Hammers should be winning if they are to stamp their authority on the 'best league in the world'.
Bearing in mind the constraints Moyes has had to work under he has done magnificently, and perhaps this season's push for European competition is just a tad too much to expect or hope for, either way at least the team has had a 'right old go' at gate crashing the 'smug four'!
If Moyes and his players can learn to overcome the 'big opponent syndrome then there s no reason at all why the club shouldn't build on this season's success and forge ahead with a type of recruitment more suited to a working man's team rather than a bunch of posing prima donas. - Ed
Comments
West Ham can get a spot for
West Ham can get a spot for at least the new third tier UEFA Europa Conference League. But that would be a disappointment not to make The Champions League for a sizeable section of the fans. It is not out of reach as yet. The two most difficult fixtures have been under the belt, and now only Chelsea and Leicester may not look like easy pushovers. Arsenal are not the team of the past and West Ham should look like favourites to take all three points. They were great against Spurs. But when Spurs were reduced to ten men, they then dominated Arsenal and thankfully hit the posts twice. However, Europa League spot is a likelihood for next Season. West Ham should sew the fifth spot. Have to give Moyes credit for it, as West Ham were favourites at the start of the Season to be competing just to stay up. Ask all the pundits, as they are agreeing that they were wrong.
I do think
The Champions league is a step too far at the moment,qualifying for the EuRopey league will be a success & would be progress imo
To be honest i dont think we
To be honest i dont think we are ready for Europe,the Europa maybe for a couple of games,but the Champions League a definate no,im more than pleased with Moyes and what he has done,but after watching yesterday,it seems that with the heavy boys he dosent want to unleash,and have a go,and parks the bus,other than when we play the spuds.
I dread to think
What sort of team Moyes would put out against the likes of Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid etc. because for sure given the seeding, one of those types of teams would be the first we'd face. He'd probably start with two goalkeepers.
We would
Probably need 2 keepers against that lot!!
Lol 65,and a bus parked in
Lol 65,and a bus parked in the penalty area.
yes agree
and still be one short to keep a clean sheet. Think moyes has done a superb job as we all know we are playing with out a recognised striker and to be in 5th place with a game in hand is a great achievement, we play with a game plan and a passing game and i have to say thoughly enjoying being a west ham fan for once and most week ends i have a smile on me face
Totally agree.....
This defeat needs to be put into context with where we were before the arrival of Moyes and this being Moyes's first full season in charge with the limited squad and resources that we have.
But as we all know, there are a few that only need half a slip up to get their pre-sharpened knives out again. How many supporters would have "Honestly" taken the position that we are in right now at the beginning of this season?
"How many supporters would
"How many supporters would have "Honestly" taken the position that we are in right now at the beginning of this season?"
I have to whole heartedly agree with this question to all the nay sayers!
I agree we are in a great position
But imo we could be even better with the players we have,been saying it for ages start Benny & Lanzini & we would create more chances
Green St, Nev, I think you miss the point
I'm with 65. No excuse for not playing Benny and Lanz and starting with Slowble and Johnson, at this high level against the inform side, was proven to be an error of judgement.
We would take the position we are now in but is that reason not to want better? We mustn't get above our station, just lowly forelock tugging small club that must accept its place in footie hierarchy?
No.... we should still question the management when it goes wrong and on Sunday Moyes got it totally wrong! We are playing great football with a strong "band of brothers" full of confidence who to a man, I suggest, in their hearts thought they could beat Man U but have a boss that wanted to play it safe.
I'm off now to buy my Grandsons The Boys of 86 DVD and instill into them to never dream of coming higher than 3rd in the league and look forward to a cup run every 30 years!
Spot on Dartford
Same page mate
Being in Europe has its risks
Being in Europe has its risks ,specially a club like ours, limited squad and all ,the champions lg is different from the other one ,trudging off to the arse hole of eastern Vladimirosky on a thursday night ,if you look at one of our diamonds lately Thomas he looks absolutely knackered and im not surprised playing that lock the door football,we are as well off leaving Europe alone this year and see how things pan out next