By Hughie Southon
It would be very easy indeed to lay much blame at the feet of David Moyes for today’s defeat!
And in my view he got a number of things wrong including maybe – chiefly – the decision to leave Mikey Antonio on the bench until half time.
However, we can’t blame him entirely because the PL stats show that since Liverpool, when Oggy was injured, we have conceded 10 goals and another five since Chelsea, when Zouma was sidelined.
Prior to that we had conceded just 11 PL goals this season.
In Mikey’s case let’s remember though that if he was fit enough to be on the bench today he was fit enough to play.
Had he done so from the start we may have won the game because both he – and Bowen – were far superior to most on the pitch after the break when in their natural positions.
The decision to leave a player who has been out of action (in Mike’s case for just seven days ) until the second period always confuses me.
From what we saw, the game could have been way beyond Southampton’s recall had both started a game which saw us second best for at least half of the first 45 minutes – not a new situation.
Having decided to bring them on, Moyes’ decision to call off Vlasic was another error because the midfielder had been a threat whenever he was on the ball – crazy decision and he was infinitely superior to Lanzini.
Finally there was the seeming muddle headed issue over Masuaku with Ben Johnson left to sit this one out. Don’t get that at all.
Now new signings are required urgently. I hope to God he has made his mind up who they are!
Agree with most of what you say but VLASIC- not for me.
Bang on the money with this article. Vlasic looked like he was really trying to penetrate their defence. The Bowen striker experiment has failed several times now, as soon as he moved out to the right with Mikey up top we looked dangerous. A noticeable difference having Fornals on the pitch too.
Arthur was wasteful today, he has one or two good games and becomes a liability for five.
Moyes most certainly takes the blame.
Pity really , but let’s not forget ,
WEST HAM ARE WEST HAM,, BUBBLES ARE STILL THERE
You just know Moyes has run out of ideas when he substitutes Benrahma for Yarmolenko and the game is written off!
Not only does he put on yarmolenko, he puts him on in Bowens position, moving Bowen away to left where he’s not effective.
So 2 positions ruined with 1 sub.
Masuaku and yarmolenko should not be on the field either as starter’s or impact / subs
For God’s sake as mentioned if Antonio is fit start him alongside bowen and put on Johnson to start .
And would I be wrong to say the under 23s’ would give more to the game than those dead wood characters I first mentioned.
And Moyes is showing his limited ability that cost trams after his Everton tenure .
His techniques are not up there and I’m sad to say money shouts louder than words
It’s all very well blaming Moyes but are not privy to individual player fitness levels/carrying niggles etc.
These are very well paid top class professional players who must take lion share of blame for flat first half!
Flat first half not Moyes fault. Some players like fornals strangely quiet with not much to offer. Moyes subs second half changed the game at least we started playing and scoring. Individual defensive errors cost us again. Totally understand why Moyes only wanted to play Antonio for second half with another game coming up in 2 days time.
Really keen to hear more about Moyes’ “limited ability” and his techniques (which techniques exactly) not being “up there”.
After a disappointing performance and result today, which Moyes acknowledged, it’s really easy to forget:
– Two years ago, we were in the bottom three and looking out for the count.
– We’ve successfully navigated our way into the last 16 of the Europa League, whilst remaining comfortably in the top half of the EPL.
– Three of out best-performing defenders are out injured.
I agree with the point about giving some of the U23s more game time, but, again, let’s not forget that they may not perform right away as they did in a Europa League dead rubber a few weeks ago. The quality in, and pressure of, the EPL is a different level for them to get used to.
Moyes has repeatedly said that the Club’s road to turning out consistently competitive teams won’t be a smooth one. We’ve competed in every game both this season and last. But, we’ve hit one of those bumps in the road that he’s said we’d hit.
When I read comments like this one about Moyes’ techniques and his limited ability, I’m really keen to know more about them because, from where I’m standing, Moyes has guided our football Club away from the perennial shambles it once was, and may very well become again, to much calmer waters. For that he should be applauded – and the often-empty-headed punditry industry is now doing that on a regular basis – rather than have his technique and ability questioned with very little evidence offered up in support.
Apols Budgie, my previous comment was meant as a response to Lucky’s earlier comment rather than yours.
I am not sure I understand. Weren’t people, including Hugh, calling for Antonio to be used as a super sub just a few days ago? And so he was today, to good effect. But we jump on Moyes for following the advice on this forum? I sense that the ‘criticize Moyes’ bandwagon is beginnning to roll, regardless of events, injuries, etc.. How quickly we forget where we came from in the league, or indeed where we are right now.
Yes I did and thought I was right . But judging on today I got it wrong and we would have been better off perhaps playing him for an hour at the start. I accept the comment Mikey
Poor shift lads , pick it up , we’re better than that ! COYI ⚒
Agreed the defence injuries have hit hard, but then why compound defensive weakness by playing Masuaku? If he has a good game, it’s in attack – his defending is always weak. That adds to the centre backs’ problems. Just don’t play him!! And Yarmo – why? Manage these issues and don’t add to our problems. Not happy with fans writing off Vlasic after about 100 minutes on the pitch in dribs. Fair go please