West Ham must give chances ‘second team’ stars
West Ham’s demolition of Hull City, last night in the League Cup, was down to former star players who deserve another chance in the Premier League.
David Moyes has overseen two different sides of West Ham since the start of the season. One side has been cruising in the League Cup and one that has lost both of its matches in the Premier League. The opener against Newcastle was a poor all-round performance and. Even though there were moments in the game against Arsenal, the team still failed to take anything from the match.
Andriy Yarmolenko
The Ukrianian forward was excellent against Hull City, scoring two goals and assisting another two. Yarmolenko needs minutes in the Premier League to show just how good he is. Since arriving at the club, the forward has at times been the clubs best player but has seen these spells cut short by injury.
Injuries have hampered the 30-year-olds time in London, but it is clear for all to see how talented Yarmolenko is when the ball is at his feet. Moyes needs to find a way to fit Yarmolenko into his system if he does West Ham would benefit massively.
Yarmolenko can play as a striker and on the right-wing, so Moyes does have options to choose from when selecting the Ukrainian. One option would be to shift Jarrod Bowen on to the left-wing which would free up the 30-year-olds natural position.
Sebastien Haller
Currently the top goalscorer this season, Haller has scored five goals and assisted one in only 205 minutes. This record means the french striker has contributed to a goal every 41 minutes that he has played.
Of course, stats can make people fit a narrative, and Haller’s goal contributions have only come in the League Cup, but he has only played 25 minutes in the Premier League so far this season. This needs to change if the Hammers are to start getting points on the board.
The biggest issue Haller presents manager David Moyes, is what to do with Michail Antonio. Hammers fans all know the two can play well together, so Moyes will need to find a system then can fit both of them in soon.
Felipe Anderson
Now Moyes has decided to switch to a different defensive system with Arthur Masuaku back in the side; it would make sense to bring Anderson back into the team. The Brazilian has always played far better when Masuaku is behind him and providing support.
Anderson is an incredibly talented player on his day and can cause the best defences in the league trouble when he plays with confidence. With one goal and one assist to his name this season already he should be given far more time to impress in the League.
Currently playing in his position is Pablo Fornals. The Spaniard has excellent technical ability but lacks the pace of Anderson to be a devastating winger. Therefore Anderson should be given a chance to rediscover the League form that made fans fall in love with him.
Understandably, some fans will question their ability in the League after all their exploits have come in the League Cup. But this is not the player’s fault, they can only play the team in front of them, and scoring eight goals in two games is not easy.