Worrying body language signs from Anderson and Haller
But there was another aspect during and towards the end of the game which probably worried me almost more than the missed chances and goalkeeping error that let Sheffield United get back into the game.
In two words in was the “body language” of two players who are possibly the most important in the team at the moment – with the exception probably of Declan Rice.
Let’s take the most obvious first. Felipe Anderson’s face was not good as he left the action for Manu Lanzini, who produced an entirely ineffective 25 minutes when we should have been battering the visitors as we hunted for the decisive goal.
The Brazilian had answered every question after being hauled off at half time last week. He had been a man on a mission and could easily – such was his performance – have inspired a winner yet once again he was hooked. Not good, not good at all.
His “what do you want of me ” expression wasn’t hard to read as he left the action after his best 75 minutes for several games (maybe) and he had every right to be an unhappy bunny because he seems to be a regular for the hook, along with the captain, at the three quarter point.
Yesterday was different; we all knew it was a mistake, perhaps made in order to keep Lanzini sweet, but I think it could well have lost us two points.
But more importantly – and I desperately hope I’m wrong -it may well be sending the wrong message to the player when being removed from the action regardless of how well he may be playing.
Remember he was brought off last week at half time – deservedly – and it was obvious from the start he was proving a point but having done so it made no difference to the manager’s mindset and off he came.
Meanwhile, it’s becoming clearer and clearer that Seb Haller is getting cheesed off with the one-up job and his body language seemed at times to be sending out some pretty clear messages about it.
There was a sullen look about him at times and some glares which didn’t look at all good – he needs a partner and quickly.
However there was another worry yesterday and, in fairness to the manager who wants more from him in the penalty area, he was indeed missing when a few balls came in.
Both Zaba and Cress were supplying a little ammunition at times but towards the end it was Snoddy who was the only Hammer in a position to try squeezing home one opportunity from close in and Cress himself another.
I didn’t see Seb in the vicinity and maybe that’s what the boss was indicating in his remark about wanting more from him in the penalty area.
Ok, this is no time for over reaction, but it would probably be wise to keep an eye on the body language over the next few games because it often tells us more than results!
At times yesterday it was speaking quite loudly for the first time this season!