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Point v Palace a good result for West Ham and David Moyes

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Mark Noble of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at London Stadium on January 30, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Mark Noble of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at London Stadium on January 30, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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West Ham recorded a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last night at the London Stadium. Whilst on the face of it all it could be better, the result was a good one.

Any home match against a bottom half side is there to be won. The Premier League is a tough place to go and get results but these are the games we need to win. However, given West Ham’s injury list and the disappointment of the FA Cup defeat, this result will give Moyes momentum into the next match.

As I’ve said repeatedly in previous articles, context to results is key. The headlines can look nasty but the manager may well be happy, given the right context. On this occasion I think Moyes will take this result and move on.

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It was mentioned previously, but the scale of West Ham’s injury and suspension list cannot be ignored. In terms of senior players, Moyes didn’t have a choice about who to play in the match. He just had to try and put them in the best order he could. With Zabaleta playing in midfield, Byram out wide, Mario up with the striker and Cresswell moving back out left it could have all gone wrong. But the team showed resilience and put together a good performance.

Mark Noble was a standout player for me, given the amount of stick many have given him. He is a top professional and never gives up. Add that to the fact that he seems completely impervious to any pressure at penalties and it’s hard to deny how important he is. His 50th goal for the club shows how much of a legend he should be regarded as.

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On top of Noble, Mario’s performance was also good. It was his first start and he showed how much composure and class he could add. When the likes of Arnautovic and Lanzini return he will look very much at home. Many eyes were also on Chicharito, who lead the line again. He was lively and would have been disappointed not to score, but he was better. His desire to linkup and hold the ball seems to have come on leaps and bounds lately.

Moyes should be proud of his team, who put together a genuine gritty performance. More will come as players return, and I do hope we see more positivity around the club.