After a resolute win over Charlton, the rotational team selected for the Carabao Cup match is giving David Moyes questions about his first-team selection, including Robert Snodgrass.
West Ham professionally took Charlton to task in their first Cup match of the season with a comfortable 3-0 victory. The attack was certainly stronger than the defence, and the midfield shined as well. For David Moyes, the success breeds further questions about his first-team selection for Arsenal.
The headlines will swing towards Sebastien Haller who scored twice, Felipe Anderson who looked back to his best at left-mid, Arthur Masuaku’s strong showing at left-back, and Josh Cullen’s Man-of-the-Match game at central midfield. While all of these were impressive, don’t forget about Robert Snodgrass.
Sidelined at the end of last season with a back injury, Snodgrass also missed out on the preseason with extended rehab but made his debut against Charlton. Playing centrally in a midfield three, Snodgrass was essentially a box-to-box, free-roaming player who supported Lanzini in the 10 role, while drifting wide to support Yarmolenko and Anderson, too.
Snodgrass played 84 minutes before making way for Conor Coventry. In his time on the pitch, he contributed one superb assist with a left-sided cross over the top which found Haller for West Ham’s second goal. The cross was perfect and Haller was clearly thrilled with the quality of service he received… finally!
Last season, Snodgrass was no slouch. He notched five goals and five assists in an injury-marred 24 game year, carrying the team offensively when the big-name players failed to show up. Reminiscent of his 2018/19 season where he had two goals and nine assists, Snodgrass consistently proved he is a key contributor off the bench and in a limited role.
Now, the question becomes: what should West Ham do with Snodgrass? Coming off of a strong Charlton match, many would suggest he should start against Arsenal due to his service and setpieces. This, however, likely won’t happen.
While the Scot did look good, he is still fresh off of his return from injury. With Hull City coming to the London Stadium on September 22nd adding to a compacted schedule, look for the Hammers to use Snodgrass again as a veteran leader in what should be a chippy Cup match.
He’s no longer in his prime, shouldn’t be starting, and isn’t greater than his competition in his position, but these are not slanderous comments to Robert Snodgrass. The veteran midfielder will bide his time and make an impact when selected, just like he did last season and the year before. A leader and a reliable option for West Ham.