Frank admission from Masuaku

Arthur Masuaku is very well aware that he may now have entered a THREE way fight for his place in the Hammers team.

With Ben Johnson joining Aaron Cresswell for the left back spot it’s as well that thr three of them get on but with a new contract under his belt the DR Congo is ready to rise to the challenge.

As an attacking coach it’s clear that Pelle likes the player’s attacking approach and technical ability. Whether he is ideal should a defensive role be required – particularly against Man City – remains to be seen.

Him and Felipe Anderson down the left maybe too much of a good thing and my money would probably be on Cresswell getting the shout.

But predicting the machinations of the manager’s mind is not usually the most fruitful of pastimes and as ever it’s usually best to wait until 2pm and that team announcement.

In the meantime Arthur has been discussing the challenge before him agreeing that competition is required all over the park.

He told www.whufc.com: ““Cress is my guy; Ben as well. We’re all trying to give our best to play. I think it will be the best one in the moment that will play.

“If Cress is ahead of me, I will try to just give my best to be ahead of him. Ben as well. It’s good. We’re very good playing in the same position.”

“Since I joined the club, he is the first manager who I felt has helped me improve. He believes in me a lot. He always says to me that he believes in me, that I can give more than I’m giving now.

“It’s good when you have that support from your coach. You feel stronger and I hope I can improve this year because I understand some things better because it’s been a year with him, and he’s given me that support.”