Manuel Pellegrini has explained that £35 million record signing Felipe Anderson needs to adapt more to the Premier League and will have to change his game.
Speaking after the victory over AFC Wimbledon the manager said: “Felipe needs to adapt his style of play to the Premier League a little bit more – not to run with the ball so much because it’s difficult here with so many fast players.
“But when he has the ball, you feel that something different can happen.”
Anderson was introduced to the action at half time for Pedro Obiang and the boss thought he did well as he sought more invention against a dogged Wimbledon.
He said: “Pedro Obiang was not playing badly, but he had a yellow card and we didn’t want to take any risks to level that up, and I thought we also needed a more creative player and Felipe did well.
He added: “When you are playing against one player less and the minutes are running out, [it’s easy to] try and make crosses from both wings.
But Wimbledon are strong in aerial duels, so we kept working with both full backs wide, with both wingers going in.
I have to congratulate Wimbledon because they played really well. It was very difficult for them to play with one player less, but they fought until the end.”
We were rather pushed into it with Wimbledon down to ten after 20 mins ., and deciding to hold onto Thier early advantage . It does make you wonder what could have happened if Wimbledon had kept eleven on the pitch . Anyway , the game has come and gone and we are in the next draw . This game served massively to grow our confidence for the very tough fixture list coming our way . Don’t think any club would be jealous of our opening ten game fixtures . So , it’s up to us to step up and stamp on it . Well done the Hammers under what were difficult conditions . The Acid test is on Saturday at home to Wolves . There is imo no favourite . It’s up to West Ham to make themselves favourites right from the first whistle .
COYHAMMERS
Wise words Kevin, we definitely need to start well and finish well against Wolves they may be tougher to beat than the gooners, looking forward to it though COYI!!!