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5 Lessons Learned From West Ham’s First Premier League Win of the Season

By Scott Johnson

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Issa Diop of West Ham United celebrates following his sides victory in the Premier League match between Everton FC and West Ham United at Goodison Park on September 16, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Issa Diop of West Ham United celebrates following his sides victory in the Premier League match between Everton FC and West Ham United at Goodison Park on September 16, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Arthur Masuaku of West Ham United passes the ball ahead Idrissa Gueye of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and West Ham United at Goodison Park on September 16, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Arthur Masuaku of West Ham United passes the ball ahead Idrissa Gueye of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and West Ham United at Goodison Park on September 16, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

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Masuaku is our best left back, but needs to use his head

Over the first month one of the positions up for debate was that of left back. Some wanted the attacking Masuaku whilst others wanted former HOTY Cresswell. After the last few matches I don’t think there is any argument to be had. Masuaku has to be our first choice.

I did understand the arguments for Cresswell at the start of the season, but now I don’t. The only downside of starting Masuaku is that occasionally he doesn’t use his head. We saw it last season with the spitting incident and we saw it against Everton when he almost gave away a penalty by kicking Walcott in the head. Yes the England winger dipped his head, but a challenge like that is unnecessary if he gets his body in the right position early. Because he doesn’t, he almost lands himself in hot water.

Next. Player Grades as Hammers beat Everton. dark

On the opposite side Zabaleta came back in and did well, but I worry about his pace being exposed at times. He’s not the rapid fullback he once was and I hope we start to see Fredericks pick up tips and improve as a defender, because there’s very few wingers in the league that would steal a yard on the former Fulham right back.