Indecisive Moyes plays tactical roulette with substitutions
There is much that can be bet on during Premier League football matches. However, if I could place money on how long it takes David Moyes to make a substitution, I’d probably not be driving an 11 year old Audi.
The routine in which Moyes swaps players around the 60-minute mark has become rather foreseeable, yet the contemplation that follows has gained almost legendary status. The process of substitutions typically follows a familiar sequence: around the 50-minute mark, Moyes signals a group of players to start warming up along the touchline. Five minutes later, he selects the substitute(s), and they prepare by donning their kits, waiting while the manager informs the match official of his intention to make a substitution.
What unfolds thereafter is to witness a man plagued by doubt and indecision. Moyes never introduces the substitutes during the first available break in play. Instead, the players stand next to him, jogging in place to stay warm. In the recent Premier League match against Newcastle, Mohammed Kudus and Said Benrahma were called to the technical area in the 65th minute to await their substitutions. The fact that neither actually entered the field of play for another 10 minutes was frustratingly predictable. This indecision isn’t a singular incident; it occurs frequently.
Indecisive Moyes: Hammers manager pontificates over another substitution.
Costly dithering
During that match at the London Stadium, Alexander Issack scored for Newcastle in the 57th and 62nd minutes, putting immense pressure on West Ham. Moyes knew Eddie Howe’s Newcastle team was pushing hard, prompting him to signal for the substitutes to get ready. However, the delay between deciding on a tactical switch and actually implementing it was quite noticeable. Moyes has made significant strides at West Ham, but this ongoing tendency to delay substitutions is far from ideal. Despite understanding his defensive nature, Moyes appears visibly anxious every time he’s about to make a substitution.
If I know it . . . the opposition manager certainly does.
Yes very predictable and not usually creative either. Usually a one for one midfielder around 70 mins, then last five minutes throw on defenders or an ageing forward. As you say mate, if we know it, the opposition does too.
I always thought it was the 70th minute onwards?