Moyes must make big decisions by Gonzo
West Ham acquitted themselves reasonable well against AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of the Europa League semi final.
Last season the Hammers disadvantaged themselves in the corresponding fixture against Frankfurt, so it was pleasing to see us take a slender lead on this occasion.
However, I can’t help but think that David Moyes team paid their Dutch opponents too much respect. When West Ham attacked Alkmaar they looked unable to cope, so I sincerely hope we start the return leg on the front-foot.
Moyes must make big decisions to build on the win at The London Stadium
I can understand why the team might have been subconsciously cautious given their previous European experience. But by standing off the opposition team, we allowed them to settle into the game.
Alkmaar played the referee and the occasion remarkably well which is something Moyes will now be aware of. I was pleased to see one of their players booked for time-wasting. The jeers of the capacity crowd in the London Stadium certainly conveyed the fans frustrations.
West Ham were certainly the better team throughout, but there was also a level of lethargy. Clearly everyone was motivated for the game, but unsurprisingly, Decan Rice and Michail Antonio looked fatigued.
I sincerely hope Moyes considers resting both players as well as Jarrod Bowen in the game against Brentford. The weekend’s Premier League fixture allows West Ham an excellent opportunity to prepare for the second leg in Holland.
I would also be inclined to rest Kurt Zouma at the weekend. I was delighted to see him involved in the game and thought he played very well. However, he always seems to be on the cusp of injury, so I’d be inclined to save him for the second-leg.
COYI
AZ apart from being a possession based team love playing against teams that come at them. They have fast players on the counter attack and I think that’s why the plan was to sit off them and let them pass the ball sideways and backwards. Apart from the fact our players put a lot into the Man U game. I think it will work better when we are in there stadium where we can sit back and counter attack without the pressure of the home crowd to press.