Mark Noble has finished the decade the same way that he started it. A mainstay in the West Ham first team and he’s not going anywhere soon.
Whether that is a sign of his ability or more so a sign of the lack of investment pumped into the squad down the years, is open to interpretation. The West Ham captain has never relied on pace in the center of midfield as, quite frankly, he has never possessed any.
He has generally gone about his business with a great understanding of his role, such as the discipline needed to be in position. But this season, that discipline has somewhat escaped him. This is likely down to now ex-manager Manuel Pellegrini’s instructions.
However, he has found himself wandering too far upfield far too often, leaving midfield partner Declan Rice lonely and isolated. His form can’t be solely blamed on just Pellegrini though, as his better games during the campaign such as his Man of the Match display in the Hammers’ 2-0 home win over Manchester United, have come too few and far between.
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On Boxing Day’s 2-1 loss at the hands of Crystal Palace, Noble chose to – for reasons unbeknown to everyone – ignite a war with Angelo Ogbonna. After his own sloppy back-pass which led the Eagles to nearly scoring, an enraged Noble had to be held back by teammates.
Both Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio stopped the blow between him and Ogbonna’s war of words. This triggered many to question his leadership qualities. These issues have been roundly criticized by the Hammers faithful, leading to fans questioning whether he should be in the starting XI.
His lack of competition, an even slower and older Carlos Sanchez and perma-crock Jack Wilshere, makes this question harder to answer than it possibly should be. Now David Moyes has returned to London Stadium, this time on an 18-month-contract, many will expect Noble to return to his more disciplined position of sitting next to Rice, which would hopefully assist the defense with greater protection than they have had the displeasure of thus far this season.
It is not likely that Moyes will be given any funds in the January transfer window to provide depth in this area of the pitch, so he will likely have to make do with what is already at his disposal. Perhaps this will ignite a rejuvenated Noble for the remainder of the campaign – the one West Ham fans all know and love.
There is no question as to whether the Hammers’ are now fighting for Premier League survival, as they sit just one point above the dreaded drop zone, so there is no better time for the great Hammers servant to roll his sleeves up – Billy Bonds style – and lead by example.
If West Ham’s status as a top-flight football club is assured by the end of the season, David Sullivan and David Gold then need to seriously think about this position in the squad that West Ham is so vulnerable in at present time.