The curious case of David Moyes and the West Ham fanbase: Part 2
By Ryan Nassau
After a hugely successful campaign in 20/21, the Hammers fanbase returned to the London Stadium in their droves for another memorable campaign under David Moyes’ stewardship. However, there were still murmurings surrounding the fan’s satisfaction with David Moyes despite West Ham’s fabulous campaign. In this piece, we will be looking back at the first half of the 21/22 season.
Before the campaign began, Moyes signed the now skipper, Kurt Zouma, Nikola Vlasic and Craig Dawson whilst also acquiring the services of Alphonse Areola and Alex Kral on loan deals. However, despite the signings, many supporters voiced their concern that a new striker was not brought in to challenge Michail Antonio for his place in the side whilst also being disappointed that Jesse Lingard did not return to the club despite an extremely successful loan spell in 20/21.
Despite the lack of a striker signing, West Ham (and Michail Antonio) started the campaign in blistering fashion with wins against Newcastle (A) and Leicester (H). Antonio and Said Benrahma were the stars of the early season as Antonio bagged 3 goals in 2 games whilst Benrahma started the season with 2 goals from his first 2 appearances.
Back to back draws ensured the Hammers remained undefeated with the Hammers then hosting Manchester United in the Premier League. Benrahma opened the scoring with a deflected strike before United struck back courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo and ex Hammer Jesse Lingard. The Hammers were then awarded a penalty with Mark Noble failing to convert from the spot to end West Ham’s undefeated start to the season.
Nevertheless, West Ham bounced back with a big away win at Leeds with the London side’s Europa League form and Carabao Cup form also being superb. The high flying Hammers recorded back to back 2-0 wins to start their group stage campaign whilst also defeating Manchester United and Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.
After a disappointing home defeat to Brentford, West Ham returned back to back 1-0 wins away to Everton and at home against Tottenham. After sending the Hammers fans home happy by defeating their arch rivals, West Ham lit up Super Sunday live on Sky with a virtuoso 4-1 away win against Villa with Declan Rice scoring from range. With Hammers fans scratching their eyes at their lofty league position (4th), West Ham welcomed Liverpool to the London Stadium with Kurt Zouma scoring his first Hammers goal in a memorable 3-2 win over Jurgen Klopp’s men. At this point, there were few Hammers fans who questioned Moyes with his counter attacking style causing mayhem for the Premier League.
With the Hammers performing above expectations in the league, they were also taking to their first season in the Europa League like ducks to water with 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat which saw the club top the group and automatically qualify for the last 16.
After back to back league defeats against Wolves and Man City respectively, West Ham picked up a battling point against Brighton before a big 3-2 win over Chelsea with Arthur Masuaku scoring a freak winner in East London.
Next up, the Hammers travelled to a Nick Pope inspired Burnley with the English stopper keeping the Irons at bay to ensure his side got a point at Turf Moor. With the busy Christmas period upon us, the Hammers suffered 3 defeats with 2 league defeats at the hands of Arsenal (A) and Southampton (H) whilst Tottenham gained a measure of revenge for their league defeat with a 2-1 Carabao Cup win against Moyes’ men.
With 19 games played in the Premier League, West Ham found themselves in a healthy 7th position on 31 points, (4 points off 4th) but still, some fans were slightly concerned with the size of the club’s squad ahead of a busy second half of the season. Additionally, supporters were also disappointed with Moyes’ apparent lack of a plan B with supporters upset at the defeat to Southampton when the side appeared to struggle with breaking down an opposition intent on counter attacking the Hammers.
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