Short honeymoon period for the Moysie moaners

By CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings

David Moyes has enjoyed, for the most part at least, something of an extended honeymoon period this season, and for obvious reasons.

The team has performed way beyond expectation since the season started, and Moyes has been the driving force behind that!

Those who opposed his re-appointment, demanding a so-called more forward thinking, dynamic and charismatic manager to take over from the big name, but hapless, Manuel Pellegrini, have had to hold their tongues.

However, they got the opportunity to re-launch their anti-Moyes campaign with the events surrounding the recent Brighton and Hove Albion game.

Moyes was heavily criticised – and rightly so – for his team selection and his game plan that night. The anti-brigade jumped in and had a field day.

But the manager has come back in style. He openly admitted his errors against the Seagulls. He got it wrong and he held up his hands and took the flak.

He should be applauded for that! A lot of managers would have looked for excuses, scapegoats to blame for their own shortcomings – a certain gentleman working in north London and another in the Black Country spring to mind.

Moyes made changes to personnel and game plan for the tricky trip to St. Marys to face Southampton – a side enjoying a similarly good season to ours.

The result was a much better all-round team performance from West Ham. More solid at the back, more workman-like and efficient in midfield, more determined throughout.

We thoroughly deserved the point gained – and could so easily have claimed all three in the dying minutes through Said Benrahma. Afterwards it was clear, along with Michail Antonio, David Moyes was back in the game!

In his post-match interview it was obvious how much more confident Moyes now is in himself – and the way he’s managing the team.

It may seem strange to say that about a man who has over 500 Premier League games behind him, but Moyes had often come across like a rabbit in the headlights,  a manager frequently looking as if he was having to defend himself and his style.

The proof is now there for all to see, Moyes looks to be at last allowing himself to enjoy life a little more. And why not? Long may it continue into 2021