It is unfair to single out one player for criticism following Hammers excrutiating last 30 seconds of injury time defeat at Old Trafford, but as is the way of fans who have just seen their team have a valuable point snatched away, many are blaming Ryan Fredericks for Hammers leaving without a point having kept the home team at bay for the entire game until he replaced Vladimir Coufal at rightback.
Apart from wasting a golden opportunity to put in a cross, Fredericks was the 'assist' in the goal that mugged Hammers at the death. We can only assume Vlad was injured, because despite being blessed with blistering pace, Fredericks is like a headless chicken when he has to do anything in the attacking half, unfortunately he is also like a rabbit in the headlights when defending!
It is a real shame, because the team was well drilled and stifled the Manchester attack and also caused their defence a few problems, it was a gritty display worthy of a point and defeat is hard to take just now, especially as the win means they leapfrog the Irons in the table.
Plus points were Zouma's return and Areola's dsiplay in goal AND the travelling fans! Being able to bring on Cavani and the the eventual goal scorer Marcus Rashford showed the gulf in reserve of each club, but on another day Hammers would have left with the points shared, on another day, Hammers could have nicked all three points.
instead Hammers head in to the break on the back of two defeats which all but consign the club's top four hopes to the dustbin, hopefully Moyes and his staff can lift the 'troops' up again after what will feel like an incredibly dissapointing defeat given the circumstances. Next up, The FA Cup tie against Kidderminster Harriers which will be shown live on the BBC. - ED
Comments
Not qualifying for the
Not qualifying for the Champions League is not a bad thing. We are far to thin & the quality of the squad is not at that standard yet. However, not to qualify for the Europa League would be disastrous. By my reckoning we need to finish above ine of Arsenal, United or Tottenham to consolidate our position last season. That would be a great achievement.
Strength of squads was a telling factor today. Let's hope Moyes returns from Manchester with Lingard. Then adds a striker and a center half by January 31st. We are so close. But need help.
Not qualifying for the CL
Not qualifying for the CL sees Dec leave the club.
Why not use Vlasic as apart
Why not use Vlasic as apart from the last match against Leeds, he seemed to have some magical moments. All we needed was for someone like him to be introduced with 20 minutes left on the clock. Fornals, Lanzini or even Antonio could have been sacrificed. Moving Bowen to a centre forward position could have made a difference if Antonio was taken off as he had very little impact on the game and gave away the possession very cheaply.
I think we should have
I think we should have changed it up a bit. Gone 4-4-2? Put Bowen up top to help Antonio and played Johnson right midfield. We are rather predictable at present.