West Ham managed only a draw against Shrewsbury Town yesterday in the FA Cup. But it could have been worse.
6 times in the last 8 years, West Ham have failed to get past the third round. For a lot of the match yesterday, you would have been forgiven for thinking this could be the 7th time. the Hammers were poor, and created next to nothing.
However after the Spurs game in midweek coming only 48 hours after the home win against West Brom,, I’m not too disheartened by this. If you’d offered me 4 points and to still be in the FA Cup this week then I would have taken it. And for me, that is how you should look at the week.
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Perspective
The results, for me, should always be taken in context. Obviously a 0-0 against League 1 side is poor, but there are mitigating factors. It was a much changed side, and with two strong results in the week the feeling may have been job done. However, the players on the pitch should also look at those 90 minutes as a serious issue.
8 senior players were in the starting lineup, and that should have been enough to secure the result. However there seemed to be a lack of steel, as highlighted by David Moyes post match. No player really made it their job to control the game and that lack of responsibility in the middle of the park was representative of the issues we’ve had so far this season.
I am a huge fan of Obiang, but he’s been poor this season. But that’s nothing on how bad Kouyate has been. The man looks lost and there will be more to come on him, because he doesn’t belong at the club.
The defence did its job again, but I would expect it to against a League 1 side. The attack, with only 2 shots on target, was poor. Even though players were out of position I would still expect better from seasoned professionals. Hernandez isn’t looking sharp and Moyes needs to work out a plan to use him.
Next: Fellaini and Shelvey are options for January
Yes there were dissapointments, but the fact we’re still alive in the FA Cup is important. Hopefully a victory in the replay we keep us in there and we can have a happier 2018 than 2017.