New boys Konstantinos Mavropanos and Mohammed Kudus were both given their first starts for West Ham in the tricky Europa League fixture against Backa Topola yesterday evening in London. Neither failed to impress and aided and abetted by fellow new signing James Ward-Prowse the trio showed that there IS life after Declan Rice.
Hammers rain lashed Stadium was nowhere near full, especially the away end, but considering it was an unglamorous Thursday night game held in atrocious weather conditions it was still a good turn out, the envy of so called 'elite' clubs like Citeh and Chelsea, although not this season for the latter of course because they failed to qualify for ANY European competitions this season.
The boot was definitely on the other foot as the visitors packed their entire team behind the ball and began time wasting and play acting from the off! The time wasting was understandable but the feigning of injuries was embarrassing for any team, especially a team from Serbia where 'men are supposed to be men'.
David Moyes had made a lot of changes and it showed with a lack of cohesion in the pick and mix team he put out despite their efforts they were unable to break down the visitors who were attempting to 'out West Ham' West Ham! There were several clear cut chances that on another night would have seen Hammers two or three goals up, instead the visitors began to grow in confidence towards the end of the first half and start the 2nd half with a spring in their step.
An atrocious error by the usually reliable Angelo Obonna let the visitors go a goal ahead which kick started the crowd and the team into a positive response. James Ward-Prowse has already justified his £30 Million fee and continued to do so with his precision set pieces.
Mohamed Kudus was the beneficiary on two occasions as he forced a defensive error for Hammers first goal which he swiftly followed up with a header to put the home crowd at ease and make for what ended up a comfortable victory. A win that was compounded by Tomas Soucek who came on as a late sub and scored a header that was straight from the 'Old Tomy' hand book.
Soucek has come in for a ridiculous amount of unfair criticism from a large section of the team's fan base, they should remember that 'Big Tomy' was sacrificed last season in order to let Decal Rice play a more advanced role. Soucek is now showing glimpses of being the superb player he once was when he first arrived at the club, Moyes knows it as well and it seems there is now an aura of positivity around the big Czech.
Several players got a run out to show what they are about, unfortunately for one of them fan favourite Pablo Fornals, the night was not so good, his play went from dreadful to anonymous before he was finally hooked, he looked to all intents and purposes to be a player already preparing for life in La Liga, don't be surprised if he is off in the January window.
All in all a decent night, but also a salient portent of what can happen if you underestimate the opposition!- Ed
Comments
It's only one game
And I'm still not sure of the opposition, but Mavropanos loooks like he could be a good buy. Confident, assured and a good eye for passes. Everything that leaves to be desired with Aguerd.
I need to see more of Kudus against Premier League defences before I judge him. He looks a bit scatterbrained to me and whats more, doesn't look anything like a player that will get into Moyes favour. He certainly isn't going to oust Bowen.
Bit unfair to pick out Pablo. Hardly anyone had a good game, Mavropanos and JWP apart, even Benni was poor but I blame Moyes for that for making so many changes.
What??
Kudos scatterbrained..lol
'Stan' is a solid defnder who
'Stan' is a solid defnder who loves a cross field pass, and yes Kudus is a rough Diamond who isn't a Moyes type of player. You are correct, Benni was awful as well as Pablo, I think Pablo tried too hard to impress and Moyes did make too many changes to the starting line up! Forgot to mention Ings might as well not have been on the pitch such was his lack of input! Terrible signing IMO
What??
No wonder I'm having a rest from it...fickle westham I never thought I'd see the day...just likevi never thought I'd see a rocking bowl of muesli!!;)
As a harsh critic of Souchec
As a harsh critic of Souchec there wont be anyone more happier than me ( cept his mother maybe ) if he can rejuvenate his first year or two at the club ,last night for the few minuets he was on it was like he flicked a switch ,different player ,he looked fresh ,ready for the fight as if the last two years were a bad dream , best of luck in your journey out of the Declan Rice shadow Thomas .
Well said Burkie
I havnr watched any of the games only highlights
I think Soucek should wear
I think Soucek should wear the Captains armband. He's earnt his stripes, not the magic carthorse!!!
I wonder
If its because 41 isn't here...BTW Agent Rice should get a hero's welcome & for once arise The Russian bloke in the Cuban heels sporting a rampant rabbit!!!