Tinkerman Pelle ignored “fully fit” Ogbonna and Fredericks

Angelo Ogbonna’s absence from the team came as a surprise to many after a series of good performances over recent weeks.

Even against Everton he came out with some credit so the return of Fabian Balbuena raised speculation that the central defender may have been carrying an injury – along with Ryan Fredericks.

ClaretandHugh has been told however that neither of them, along with the others that were left out of the starting line-up following the Goodison debacle, were unfit for action and that the changes were made solely on the manager’s discretion.

It confirms the growing belief among Hammers fans that Manuel Pellegrini has become something of a ‘Tinkerman’ with all the dangers that policy often brings with it.

Oggy – and perhaps Fredericks – may have cause to feel disappointment at their exclusion from the side despite reasonable performances from their replacements Balbuena and Pablo Zabaleta.

His decision too in bringing off the highly effective Felipe Anderson and Robert Snodgrass als raised many eyebrows.

Our source confirmed by e mail: “Nether Ogbonna or Fredericks were injured -it was purely down to the manager’s choices on the day. They were fully fit”