Forum | Non-Football Related

Hammers ran out 'unconvincing' 2-1 victors over Brentford FC at the London Stadium this afternoon, there was much to appreciate but also reasons to be concerned, essentially in the defensive areas, especially in both right and left back positions. Neither Aaron Cresswell, nor particularly Ryan Fredericks, covered themselves in glory in a performance that David Moyes had mixed thoughts about as can be noted during his post match interviews.

"I wasn’t feeling so good at half-time because I didn’t think we played very well [in the first half], so I was a bit disappointed with our performance, but look, we’re in pre-season, we knew how it was going to be and we chopped and changed the team today. We gave most of the players 45 minutes so it was always going to be a little up and down. Ultimately, it was a good exercise for us. Brentford are a good team as people know. It was never going to be an easy game wherever you play them."

Moyes continued, "I think you saw the difference in terms of the quality of the opposition. Quite easily Brentford could have been a Premier League team this season as we’re all aware. There were bits of the game we were happy with and bits that we weren’t. I thought we improved and were much better in the second half. We controlled the game a bit more in the second half.I think we look a threat and we look like we can score and because of that it’s always going to give us a chance. I thought they did really well. Ben is a young player but obviously he’s more used to being in the first team, but the likes of Josh Cullen and Connor Coventry were given time as well. We’ve tried to give them opportunities, but we’ve got a strong squad of senior players with the best part of two teams today. We wanted to give as many of them 45 minutes as we could and we’re just a little short at centre back which meant we couldn’t change them around."

Well, the attacking part of the game was industrious from both teams, but ultimately rewarding for West Ham, so that was the GOOD, however it was clear to see that the midfield, that featured Jack Wilshere in the first half, was rather light weight and repeatedly let the opposition forwards through the centre of the pitch, they were the BAD. And finally the full backs, they were the UGLY, and even though funds are extremely limited, David Moyes must somehow get the co-owners to cough up for at least ONE additional full back, preferably two!

Michail Antonio's withdrawal, following two 'unpleasant' tackles that impacted on his upper thigh area, was a warning for the future and showed how he is only one bad tackle away from the 'sick room'. On the plus side, Sebastien Haller ran like he had a rocket up his backside, probably courtesy of a certain Mr 'Pearce and Love', in fact on more than one occasion he had to track back the entire length of the pitch in order to cover for one of Frederick's numerous errors.

The youngsters who featured looked fine, Yarmolenko looked fit, despite receiving an unpleasant knock on his knee early doors, and both he and Soucek took their goals well. Attack GOOD, Midfield occasionally BAD, full backs UGLY....cue Morricone soundtrack as Moyes and Pearce look towards Sergio Leone for direction. - Ed

Rarely has there been such a sigh of collective relief by so many fans for so few, the prospect of Roberto Jiménez Gago's departure form West Ham, coupled with the prospect of Jack Wilshere being 'despatched' to the MLS has had many Irons supporters leaping for joy!

Finally the 'Malleresse' of Roberto can be expunged from the club, even his presence on the bench for the friendly on tuesday gave fans a bad bad feeling, fortunately that was his LAST appearance in any way shape or form for the Irons, asn it has now been confirmed that the error strewn keeper has left West Ham to join Real Valladolid on a free transfer. The 34-year-old had signed a two-year deal with the Hammers in May 2019 and made his full debut against Newport County in the EFL Cup last August. However errors - including pushing the ball into his own net against Burnley - blighted his time at West Ham, and he only made 10 appearances in total.

In January, he was sent on loan to Alaves for the rest of the season, with West Ham paying most of his £30,000 per week wages. Roberto conceded 17 goals, including three in each of three successive games in November.
Now to really perk fans up, Jack Wilshere is edging, or being pushed towards a loan deal in the MLS, it has to be a loan because no one, even the Americans, would be insane enough to want to sign him on anything other than a pay for play basis.

Of course if Wilshere goes to the MLS with the Hammers footing 70% of his salary, then there will be two Hammers players plying their trade at a loss to their parent club exceeding £130,000 per week, because as we all know, for some reason the club seem happy to pay 70% of Winston Reid's £80,000 per week for him so 'star' for Kansas City.

Profligacy, stupidity or a bit of both? - Ed

We have heard via an old local radio Pal, that there has been a 'peer' representation made to David Moyes led by none other than club captain Mark Noble regarding the first team future of Hammers star in the making Grady Diangana. Quite rightly the Hammers squad clearly recognise in the deft of foot winger the qualities that other teams, not least of which being West Brom who he helped get promoted while on loan there, covet, and see no reason at all why he shouldn't not only step up in to the first team, but actually be in the starting line up for the season's opener against Newcastle on September the 12th at the London Stadium.

Rumours had been circulating that Grady Diangana was only prepared to stay at the club if he was guaranteed playing time, that was never going to happen with a 'self confessed control freak' in the form of David Moyes being in managerial control. However all was not lost, and the 'positive' messages emerging from Diangana in the last 24 Hrs seem to affirm that he has been given certain reassurances as to whether he will be given the chance to feature prominently this season.
Obviously David Moyes cannot come out and make a statement that confirms Grady Diangana's place in the starting line up, and it should be remembered that there are one or two very expensive players who can play the same position, however he seems to have the key that can unlock the 'vast reservoir of talent that Sebastien Haller does possess if only it can be unleashed.

If the Duo can click in the Barclays Premier League, then David Moyes' team might surprise the opposition, and Diangana should be part of that package, the players think so! - Ed