Five Post-Match Thoughts: West Ham v Manchester City

Another great performance saw West Ham take a point against another ‘Big 6’ Club.

Despite West Ham’s tough fixture list, the Hammers have come out of their first six games relatively unscathed. Last time out the club earned a 1-1 draw against Manchester City thanks to a Michail Antonio overhead kick.

Here are five thoughts from the match

1 – The ‘Moyes effect’ has become apparent:

After being the manager for nearly an entire year (more than that if you include his first spell with the club), the positive effect Moyes has had on the team, especially the defence, has become visible on the pitch.

The club have allowed one goal or less in a majority of their games in all competitions this season, not losing a single one of those matches. West Ham have also enjoyed two clean sheets in the league and held high-powered Manchester City to just one goal.

Furthermore, players seem to have really bought into Moyes’ philosophy and style of play, as seen by their effort and production on the pitch.

2 – Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell are enjoying West Ham renaissances:

Aaron Cresswell is relishing his new role for West Ham. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

While lacking depth, the left side of the Hammers defence has been extremely solid this season. Not since the Newcastle match has an opponent’s goal originated from the left side of the team’s defence.

Both Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell have complimented each other nicely. Cresswell provides extra defensive cover for Masuaku while Arthur’s pace helps negate some of the speedy fullbacks Cresswell would otherwise face alone.

In addition, both have had key roles in the attack. Masuaku’s natural dribbling talent has forced opposing defences to keep honest while Cresswell himself has produced three assists so far.

3 – Behnrama should be next up on the winger depth chart:

While David Moyes felt uncomfortable putting new signing Said Behnrama on the bench due to a lack of match fitness, the Algerian surely needs to be in consideration as the next winger on the depth chart.

The Manchester City match was the second straight game where neither Jarrod Bowen nor Pablo Fornals played any significant role. Substitute Andriy Yarmolenko also failed to provide any sort of impact after coming on for Michail Antonio.

The natural talent Behnrama showcased at Griffin Park will certainly give the attack a boost and he should be considered for the starting lineup in the near future if Fornals or Bowen can’t get it going quickly.

4 – I continue to question Antonio’s contract situation:

Michail Antonio’s game against Manchester City was a microcosm of his West Ham career. Antonio saw his good form continue, scoring an excellent goal to put West Ham ahead in the first half. However, Antonio came off injured and now sees potential time in the training room instead of on the pitch.

Antonio has been an excellent signing for West Ham since he came over from Nottingham Forest in 2015. He has scored forty-one goals in all competitions, along with providing fifteen assists for the Hammers. He is fourth all-time among the clubs Premier League goal scorers and has a good chance to be our all-time Premier League goalscorer by the time his West Ham career is done.

Michail Antonio's overhead kick gave West Ham the lead against Manchester City — Michail Antonio’s overhead kick gave West Ham the lead against Manchester City. (Photo by Justin Tallis – Pool/Getty Images)

But he has only played in thirty or more league games once in his West Ham career, with injuries – especially hamstring injuries – hindering his full potential. Antonio’s contract ends after next season (assuming West Ham opt in to his contract next season), which begins to beg the question of whether or not Antonio is to get a contract extension.

While I do believe he deserves an extended contract, by how much – both in the length of contract and salary – will be the ultimate question, especially due to his injury history and age. Antonio will be 32-years-old when his current contract ends and his currently on £70,000 per week.

5 – Moving forward, West Ham must not play down to the competition:

West Ham have had an extremely difficult start to the season. The Hammers will have faced five of the top seven from last season through their first seven matches, including the last two champions in Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Hammers have found a way to play up to their competition. Playing a three at the back system has allowed West Ham to sit back, absorb pressure, and counter-attack successfully.

However, clubs that are normally below West Ham in the table have caused past East London sides trouble, mainly due to the fact these sides force the Hammers to break them down tactically, something West Ham players have been unable to do consistently.

It will be important to take the positive momentum from the first part of the season into the rest of the season and realize that the game plan may have to be different in order to beat teams lower down in the league.