West Ham should be grateful for the work David Moyes has done – what do they expect?
MAC OF THE NET: West Ham’s performance has declined dramatically in recent weeks, drawing criticism for David Moyes. However, are the Hammers truly performing worse than they currently are?
West Ham fans must be having a bubble never mind blowing them if they think David Moyes isn’t good enough to be their manager.
The sight of thousands of Hammers supporters walking out in the first half last weekend was understandable given Arsenal were on their way to sticking six past them. But surely the fact it was Declan Rice scoring the final goal of the rout should be a reminder of where they are.
Rice was the Hammers’ best player last season as they won a European competition. That’s right, West Ham won a European competition less than 12 months ago. Some of Moyes’ critics seem to forget that. But Rice was sold because he wanted to leave and join the Gunners. He wanted to step up a level.
Their top player was taken out of the game. Although the £100 million sale proceeds were reinvested, it is still difficult to find a replacement for a player who was such a vital member of the club.
However, based on the way Hammers supporters discuss Moyes, one would assume they were competing against teams like Burnley and Luton at the other end of the table. West Ham is in ninth place, one point ahead of Brighton and the manager everyone loves, Roberto de Zerbi, and level on points with Newcastle, who is supported by Saudi Arabia.
Manchester United is only five points behind the Londoners. Qualification for Europe remains a genuine possibility. Oh, and they won their group, thus they are in the final 16 of the Europa League. Six games separate them and another European team.
