Irons finally released to show passion

Claret and Hugh follower Mr Buddy Lurve explains what happens when players are released and told to fulfil childhood passion.

By Mr Buddy Lurve

The new Palace manager was 100% right when he said that players (be they pro or amateur) build their love and passion for the game, as a kid wanting to score goals.

That has to be the driving force behind how the game is played – a team, as one, pushing forward to score. I hope Moyes was listening to the interview, and perhaps some of last night was down to him finally adapting.

Irons finally released to show passion

We secured the points, and we played with some purpose and a dab of flair. You see, Mr Mainstream Media? It IS possible for West Ham to do that, and we’re not unreasonable to expect that level of performance in every game, even if we cannot guarantee the points.

The fact is, we are actually better going forward, with the quality of players we have, than defending – when the team is given license to do so, of course. So I agree so I agree with Claret and Hugh‘s Gonzo

However, one swallow doesn’t make a summer, and there are still many questions to be answered. We regressed back into our shell and invited pressure again – back to our old, pragmatic, stand-offish ways, even at 4-1, when other teams would’ve carried on going for the jugular. It’s a mindset thing, and it’s not like our goal difference doesn’t need a little repairing…

Naturally, we conceded again, and turned a comfortable position into one of worry. It changed the atmosphere from jubilation to trepidation, and would’ve taken the shine off the positive conversations on the journey home. It could’ve been avoided.

Zouma played okay yesterday, but when it counts, he can’t deal with the speed of the game. Not to mention that he always looks like he’s going to trip over the ball or his own feet when he runs with it! I’d like to see Aguerd and Mavro given a run of games to cement their partnership.

All in all, I enjoyed the game, but I felt a little uneasy at the idea that the Moyes clock might now reset.

I won’t mind that if we see this kind of purpose going forward, but we’ve seen before how the team or individual players do well but we revert back to type again regardless.

PLEASE, Mr Moyes, don’t make the same mistake again. Keep your shackles in your pocket and let the boys be boys.