Mark Noble’s absence from the Hammers team last night looked like the dawn of a new era at the end of a special 90 minutes.
Omitted as a result of a hamstring problem, the captain watched from the sidelines as the team gave probably its performance of the season against Chelsea.
It was noticeable from the start that with Declan leading the team, and Tomas Soucek having his most effective performance, that something very new was underway.
Mark’s disappearance as a first team regular has been regularly discussed for a couple of seasons now and with his absence last night came the final realisation, were it needed, that the midfield we saw against Chelsea, and for which many have been calling, is now the way to go.
Soucek has a reputation for goals whilst being a pretty complete defensive midfielder and – alongside Declan – looked a top top player.
With Fornals providing some ceaseless running it was pretty clear that this was the way the team will presumably be evolving over the remainder of the season.
It’s too early to bring the curtain down on Nobes completely and with so many games upcoming he will find himself used.
But there can surely be nobody now who believes that the four we saw last night are going to be replaced in a hurry unless injury or suspension intervenes.
Agree 100%, Hugh. Don’t you also think, though, that Fornals has to play in the middle rather than on the left? He has excelled in the middle for the young Spaniards and think he is totally wasted playing on the left as he doesn’t have the strength of Bowen who is perfect for the opposite side. But then where does he fit in when Haller is back?
I remember an interview / article once with Antonio and if memory serves me rightly he said he preferred playing on the left and cutting in. So can have Antonio left. Fornals or Lanzini central. Bowen on the right and Haller or Yarmo up top. A nice problem to have and then have Diangana back next season.
The biggest difference (although by no means perfect) was that the ball was moved around so much quicker last night. For example, I can’t help but think if noble would have been too slow in moving the ball on for Antonio’s goal, whereas Rice and Lanzini linked well and much quicker than we have been used to seeing.
It was a brave , yet shrewd decision by Moyes . Finally a tactic has worked . But you have to say the team gave it everything after that disgraceful VAR decision . Noble has been a true leader over the years and he deserves a huge slice of respect for his never say die attitude on and off the pitch . Putting Rice on as captain with Soucec was a massive decision and maybe we are seeing a look at the future . It’s as obvious as the nose on your face that we absolutely need to keep hold of Rice if we want to have a better season next time round .
I was worrying that we would leave ourselves open at the back , but it turned out it was Chelsea going For the win that left them exposed at the back .
COYHAMMERS
I agree, Hugh. Our own Viera & Petit, perhaps. It will be interesting to see what David Moyes does once Haller is fit. If we play 2-up, who drops out? Even though he was better last night, I’d put Lanzini on the bench and keep the industrious Fornals on the left of midfield. But does that leave too much room between our midfield and front 2 – any thoughts? We have options if everyone stays fit, but the axis of Rice/Soucek will be the key to our survival. Looking forward to Sunday. COYI.
Yep agree I love Mark to bits as Mr WHU but the team looking so much more fluent throughout and should Haller be fit for the Toon clash maybe Lanzini has to sit it out with Fornals in his role and Haller and Antonio to reap havoc in their last 3rd..heres HOPING COYI
Can’t understand why we still persist with Lanzini. So lightweight, loses possession too easily, never makes a decent tackle. Noble OK to bring on as a sub in last 10 minutes, way off the pace and he would have really struggled against the Chelsea team last night. Hope we stick with the same team at the weekend.
So proud of the team last night and let’s hope we can get another good result against Newcastle.
Rice is different class and picked up his 4th yellow last night, have to be careful he doesnt pick up another and risk a suspension.
I actually think this was always Moyes intention but injuries have prevented it.
At this level unfortunately Nobes legs don’t have it any more. He can run all day but has little pace to track players or get forward if needed.
Dare I say Wilshire kept the ball well when he came on, not that I think he’s up to it, but maybe with younger legs than Noble with him he might play where Lanzini did last night and be effective. If he ever stays fit.
Let’s hope we don’t think we have done it and not turn up vs Geordies, that would be the norm!