Green Street Hammers
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David Moyes’ inflexibility costing West Ham against every opponent

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: David Moyes, Manager of West Ham United looks on prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on March 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: David Moyes, Manager of West Ham United looks on prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on March 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /
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David Moyes has overseen two disappointing results in recent weeks at West Ham. Despite very different opponents, the team lined up in the same way both times, and the negativity cost them.

Stoke at home an Arsenal away are not similar fixtures. Playing style, fan expectation and what you feel you’ll be allowed to do are all different. As such almost every team in the league would change to face the different opponent. Maybe Liverpool and City wouldn’t, but they both believe they can outscore any opponent. West Ham cannot.

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So when we line up with 5 defenders, 4 central midfielders and a winger who has been converted to a striker for the season in both matches, it’s confusing. It screams lack of confidence in the side to do a job, and it must be extremely frustrating for the players. It also heaps pressure on Arnautovic to get all the goals, and be the outlet.

Changing Circumstances?

Against Stoke Lanzini was clearly fit, and would have offered a lot of creativity than Fernandes. Or Hernandez could have supported Arnautovic. It would have allowed us to attack and really get at the Potters, but Moyes chose to play it safe. As it was, he had to throw all his attacking options on in order to save a point. Scrambling like that at home against Stoke is not a recipe for improvement.

Against Arsenal I would have been tempted to start Carroll up top with Arnie. He is fit, and even if he could give 60 minutes it would have helped the Hammers get a foothold in the game. An extra outlet to take the pressure off of Arnie and be a real threat at set pieces. Lanzini, again, would have allowed us to put our foot on the ball more often and settle. As it was we allowed Arsenal to push for the entire game, and this time the pressure told.

Next: Kouyate not good enough to start

David Moyes had a good run at Everton. But I don’t think he is the right manager to take the Hammers forwards, and this tactical inflexibility shows it. He is unwilling to adapt to the situation, and that could kill a side like West Ham.