David Moyes is facing a tough challenge to appease the discontent among his West Ham squad, having seen yet another shambolic performance which deepened their relegation fears. Nonetheless, the board have remained supportive despite growing alarm, believing that a positive response can be found in their upcoming trips to AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League and Aston Villa in the Premier League. With pressure mounting and relegation a real possibility, performances will need to be improved significantly if West Ham are to turn things around and stay safe this season.
Under Moyes’ leadership, the West Ham team has been struggling. His defensive tactics are causing a rift between Moyes and the players in the dressing room, as some see his approach as too cautious and limiting. This became acutely evident during their visit to Tottenham last month, when he opted for a 5-3-2 formation despite West Ham only having scored 23 goals in 25 league game this season – a choice that gave them little chance of obtaining a positive result. Even after such an ill-advised move, the squad’s faith in Moyes’ tactics had diminished significantly; the lack of attacking intensity resulting in a 2-0 loss against Spurs with barely any chances created by West Ham on show.
The 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest was a much-needed boost for West Ham and their manager David Moyes. It was a more attacking lineup that Moyes fielded and it paid off with an impressive victory. The dressing room was exuberant after the game and it has been noted the team remain capable of producing positive performances for Moyes, who has inspired his side in must-win games against Forest and Everton. There remains a desire for Moyes, who has helped West Ham to qualify for Europe in consecutive seasons,to turn the situation around. They have offered positive flashes recently. Draws with Newcastle and Chelsea were steps in the right direction last month. But they have not been able to build on the win over Forest.They exited the FA Cup despite playing well against Manchester United last week and were then outplayed by Brighton
Declan Rice‘s words perfectly encapsulate the disappointment of the West Ham faithful following their latest defeat to Brighton. The highly-priced signings of last summer simply haven’t lived up to expectations this season, leaving the team well short of its ambition to finish in a Champions League spot and leaving David Moyes under increasing pressure. With an already thin squad weakened further by injuries, fans are understandably frustrated with the club’s failures to launch a meaningful challenge for European football.
