Moysie got it spot on tonight, changing the system to a 4-4-1-1 and handing Said Benrahma his first 90 minutes in claret and blue – well nearly, he came off five mins or so from the end.
But what a spirit he has instilled right across the squad who showed what they were all about when reacting to the twice-taken pen after Fab had saved the first he had given away to grind it out to the end and supply the Hammers with only second ever win at Elland Road.
After the disappointments of the Man United game he has worked the oracle among a squad whom I have rarely seen so bonded as they were all wreathed in smiles at the end. A fabulous sight.
We saw that the words he had given us about the captaincy were absolutely spot on with Declan rushing to Nobes as he appeared to give him the armband when he arrived as sub,
Moysie is ensuring there are no single stars in this team and that everyone of them gives it everything from the first to 90th minute.
He let himself down in that respect in one area only – Haller – who isn’t a man you want in the trenches with you when behind.
It was only when we took the lead and looked all over winners that he decided he was a footballer and looked a bit better.
I reckon had it been Anderson or Yarmolenko, let’s say, the manager would have had them off at the break – Haller should have been and may be Lanzini and Benrahma would have been a far deadlier cocktail up front.
But beyond that the boss got it right and we look for more of the same against Palace on Wednesday night.
MOYES RATING 7+
Moyes got it right. He’s looking again like he did at Everton, calm and confident. The team really plays for him. Inspiring stuff. Poor Haller must be on his way out next month. Benrahma, on the other hand, looks world class.
I make you right on all…
I looked and looked at Haller earlier, and tried hard to figure out what exactly he brings to the team. It’s a bit like being in a desert and thinking that what you can see, is an oasis, only to realise that it is, in fact, a Mirage. I’ve heard all the excuses about Haller…. but for £42M, I expect his control and hold up play to be MUCH better than it is. The penalty was down to him and if his touch was better, we may have run away with this game…
Having said all of that, he is STILL looking better than he has done in the recent past, which says how bad that he has been up to this point.
Been brilliant Moyes & love him in press. The spirit & the unity is so good. Maybe just need a finishing coach. But he has shown back 4 or back 5 we can adapt & plays well as a team. Him & staff deserve huge credit.
Any idea why Diop was not on the bench? he did quite well against Fulham when he came on
Hey Hughie where’s the survey for us fans to rate players? Haven’t seen one for a while.
Sean’s yer man on that 80 but I’ll hae a word when he’s about