Irons 0 Man United 0
The Hammers looked a different team as they took great whiffs of survival oxygen in probably the most relaxed match day experience at the London Stadium this season.
But anybody looking for clues to David Moyes’ future from this performance will have been disappointed as for long periods the teams looked like men in pursuit of a beach.
Adrian was the busiest of the two keepers in the first half and was forced into a great double save from Sanchez who saw the keeper parry the ball away but only to Shaw whose fierce drive brought another top save from the Spaniard.
Arnie was always a threat supported by Mario and the pair almost created a goal when the Austrian broke into the box but Mario couldn’t get his feet in the right position and it flew wide.
The Hammers were a stronger attacking proposition in the second half but never really created quality chances in a match which developed more and more into an anti climatic end of season affair.
Maybe with more enterprise and bravery there would have been more here for the Irons and it was disappointing to see us playing a counter attacking game on a night when the pressure was off.
David Moyes refused to comment on his future again declaring: “We’ll talk next week but the expectancy for this club is to improve each year and not be battling relegation. There are big supporter expectations and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Spot on there Hugh!
I think we should hang on to Adrian and Joao Mario.
Adrian looked very secure!
I also enjoyed the game regardless of how some of the media are commenting on it. it shows that we can play pure football against the best teams in the league. Some of the slick passing and triangles that were going on for parts of the match is what us fans have been crying out for for the majority of this season. Where we have severely mired is in maintaining that pressure, pressing high up the pitch and putting opponents on the back foot.
I think both teams fought hard for a deserved point each last night and was probably the correct result at the final whistle.
There has been a lot of criticism from fans circulating about Mario and the fee being demanded from his club. I think we are beginning to see now that he is settling in to his rhythm, finding his feet in a new league and looking a very capable player. Personally i would pay the fee for him. I know they want at least 25mil back after paying out something like 40mil for him but i think for the quality he has in his locker, he’s worth it. it will also save all the heartache and headaches of finding another who will be as good and able to settle in quickly for the next season. Here we have a ready made midfield player who we know and knows us and i also think he will kick on next season with a pre season and even more games under his belt.
Another reason to get rid of Moyes. No youngsters on in a game that meant nothing, only one sub WTF