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Comments
Shame to read that Haller struggled again. I really want him to do well, but I'm not convinced he'll make it at West Ham. Definitely need an alternative in the January window.
I really want us to capitalise on this start. I've been very surprised by how well we've done considering who we've played, and to be 5th with a 50% win rate is a real credit to Moyes and the players. I just hope the board can find a couple of deals next month to boost the squad and give us a chance of maintaining our current form.
I was worried about this game, as I know Leeds are a bit of a whirlwind side. Lots of running & tempo, bit chaotic but can cause you plenty of problems. Historically, when a West Ham side goes away to a side like this, we can’t match those levels & we get blown away, even if the side we play is not really that good in terms of ability.
I was so happy with how we played. When you consider the change in shape was seamless, Cresswell had to cover LB again, Benrahma got a first start in a different position to his sub appearances, Ogbonna & Balbuena going back to a two. We were outstanding.
Two ‘gonna bug me for a few days’ I took from this. Firstly, the penalty. Why the hell does a keeper get punished for gaining basically a cm or two off his line? How much more of an advantage does the striker want when shooting from 9-12 yards under no pressure? I get it’s the rule, but it’s a rule change since VAR, again highlighting the issues that is causing. Just completely stupid. Unless he has launched himself off the line by 2/3 metres, I don’t see a problem. Also, surely it needs to be before the contact is made with the ball, for there to be an advantage? Yesterday they froze it as the guy struck the ball. That is surely not an advantage? It’s like setting off for a race as the whistle goes? Surely it’s only worth considering if he moves ahead of the ball being struck? Stupid.
Secondly, Haller. This guy needs to start sorting this out. He cost us the first goal, is slow, lacks strength, doesn’t hold it up & isn’t clinical. It’s annoying as he gets in good positions sometimes, clearly has ability & shows some nice bits of play where he lays the ball off or flicks it round the corner. But his passing & all round hold up play was really poor yesterday. Only to be excused if he got a goal or two.
We are deep deep into the game, holding a slender lead away from home, and our two most advanced players are our CENTRE HALVES, one of whom is crossing for the other to head against the post!
We weren’t that far clear at this stage in the Bilic season, although we had one extra point.
Given he has been the CB of choice on the bench for the last ‘x’ amount of games, possibly a falling out?
I think he’s feeling much more at home than he was in the bottom half.
Please don't shoot the messenger as I know where the source of the story comes from.
https://the72.co.uk/206243/west-ham-to-terminate-player-loan-set-for-return-to-championship-side/
Like others I was far from keen on the Moyesiah returning (not sure about the wisdom of admitting to one Messiah, let alone two) but so far he has forced a lot of us to indigestion with all the humble pie we are consuming.
Just noticed the player ratings on BBC match report - Haller is below Snodgrass, who came on for 40 seconds and touched the ball once. This is cruel. Haller may well not be a standard burly, bullying Premier league centre forward - he is more of the European striker, skilful and a bit lazy, and this can be frustrating for us when his hold up play and distribution is not good. But he can find space and was a bit unlucky yesterday. His overhead kick deserved a goal and was denied by a brilliant save.
Let's give him a bit of slack. He will come good, in his own way, and may be a better long term solution upfront than Antonio who is getting on a bit and is so injury prone.