Obiang Injury Opens Door For Noble In Crucial Game

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Wed, 20/09/2017 - 22:13

To some West Ham fans suggesting 'one of aar arnne' Marky Noble should not start against despised london rivals Tottenham is little short of heresy, but others see his lack of mobility as a liability, no one can doubt the Hammers captain has claret and blue running through his veins and that his heart and soul is fully in every step of every match he plays in. Slaven Billic has a similar affinity with Mark Noble to that of Sam Allardyce and his captain Kevin Nolan, both ignored the fact that their 'special one's' legs had gone! Ironically it was Noble who replaced Nolan, and unfortunately the time is fast approaching when Noble will not be the first name on the team sheet, fit or not!

Slaven Billic faced an enormous decision ahead of the early saturday kick off against Tottenham at the London Stadium, start his captain or the player who is currently far better than Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang. News that Obiang could be ruled out due to an ankle injury has spared Billic that decision, but many think there are still other options rather than selecting Noble. The Hammers midfield that was completely over run in the opening three fixtures of the season looked far more efficient when Noble did'nt feature, which of course co-incided with the first points achieved on the board.

Noble will most likely start the match on Saturday, unless he picks up a 'tactical injury', the thought behind selecting him as opposed to other team members will probably that he will run his heart out for the cause, after all, in the corresponding fixture last season he played with a bloody hernia that was waiting to go 'alien' on him! His commitment is without doubt, but commitment alone does not win modern day football matches, and times have moved on since 'Arry gave Mark Noble his Hammers debut.

It is not a comfortable feeling criticising 'one of our own' and suggesting his time is up, but if Slaven Billic doesn't wise up to the situation he might find himself the subject of a 'managerial tactical injury' that leads to HIS time being up!.- Ed

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fred149

Wed, 20/09/2017 - 23:45

Absolutely moronic post

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Dicks is the man's picture

Dicks is the man

Thu, 21/09/2017 - 07:04

seems pretty accurate and balanced?

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Burkie 1's picture

Burkie 1

Thu, 21/09/2017 - 07:23

Why is it moronic to suggest that a players time might be up

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Burkie 1

fred149

Fri, 22/09/2017 - 00:22

Because itsn ot just stating his time may be up its claiming we shouldnt play him in the free space now obiangs injured. Its also ridiculous at how much Noble is being criticized and how much Obiang and Kouyate are allowed to get away with. Out of the 3 Noble is still the only one this season who actually creates chances.

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The Regulator

Thu, 21/09/2017 - 09:51

I think it is moronic to suggest the article is moronic! It's just stating the obvious

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Dartford Bhoy's picture

Dartford Bhoy

Thu, 21/09/2017 - 09:58

Well this a real opportunity for Bilic to show his colours as a manager or nice guy. Managers have to take difficult decisions or shirk the responsibility. Bilic knows in his heart of hearts that Noble is not the correct choice but lets see what he does. His career is in the balance and theres no room for sentiment. Needs to bite the bullet or sit on the fence and appease the sentimentalists. I think he will sit on the fence, his appointment of Julian Dicks was purely for the fans and not a good rational appointment. Dont get me wrong, loved The Terminator and love Marky, even went to his testimonial which normally I avoid at all cost... cos thats just what it is...cost!

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boogerscaravan's picture

boogerscaravan

Thu, 21/09/2017 - 10:03

I have my own thoughts on this and hope they come to glorious fruition....

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Betty Swollox

Thu, 21/09/2017 - 12:07

Obiang didn't impress me against Huddersfield, he now has a knock. There's fernandes who's not had a good start to the season, there's Rice who is a natural CB and had a great game on Tuesday, or there's Noble.? Out of those on offer Noble is your go to guy. It's a bit of the same conundrum as Bilic out argument, who you going to bring in instead?

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Burkie 1's picture

Burkie 1

Thu, 21/09/2017 - 13:26

I dont get this natural positions lark whos to say players arnt more versatile, ?for instance i think Elbow would be much more effective coming inside hes looks to me a a centre forward ,Masu is made for out there ,and dont get me started on Chic pea

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Burkie 1

Dicks is the man's picture

Dicks is the man

Thu, 21/09/2017 - 14:09

I agree about arnautovic. I dont see him as a winger. he doesnt put in a good cross or have great pace. hes strong, built like a cf. I also dont get this continuous argument that we cant sack bilic as theres no one better. sounds a lot like the allardyce argument

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Burkie 1's picture

Burkie 1

Thu, 21/09/2017 - 22:58

Give it a month or two dicksy the way things are goin there should be plenty to choose from

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Burkie 1

Betty Swollox

Thu, 21/09/2017 - 23:11

But on Football Manager he's a LW so how could he possibly play CF!?

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Burkie 1's picture

Burkie 1

Fri, 22/09/2017 - 19:30

Thats exactly what i mean Betty ,im not saying he could im saying wheres it written he couldn't

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Burkie 1

moore2come's picture

moore2come

Fri, 22/09/2017 - 00:23

Burkie, I think Bilic has tried the versatile option with a number of players and they haven't worked out. Are we still after a RB?
As for Noble. I think the upcoming game is taylormade for him. I believe he should be limited to certain games and passionate London derbies against the Spuds in particular are games where his leadership and commitment can shine. Of course the flip side is he can commit ridiculous fouls in dangerous areas like no other man i can remember so needs to keep the silly incidents that can cost us in check.

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plaistow-man's picture

plaistow-man

Thu, 21/09/2017 - 13:19

If Mark is to play and Hammers at the mo play with a back 3 with two wing backs I would play him there.
His distribution is better than most and it frees Kouyate up to burst forward , this is the kind of match (IMHO) that suits him.

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asheshammer's picture

asheshammer

Fri, 22/09/2017 - 04:43

Not as a sentimental favourite, but on the basis of his experience. Fernandes or Rice wold be good if our opponent wasn't Tottenham. Kouyate will play anyway, no? -- Hart, Zabs, Oggie, Reid, Fonte, Cresswell, Kouyate, Noble, Elbow, Chic Pea, Carroll.

What bothers me most is not the midfield but Bilic's insistence that he KNOWS it's not the right place for Chic Pea, but he will play him on the wing anyway. Same with Elbow. IF any two of those three up front could form a partnership, why not do it? How could it be worse to have two forwards who can both score goals in position rather than three forwards (Billic insists its "three up front") where two will never score???? Total CRAP.

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mcbikeman's picture

mcbikeman

Fri, 22/09/2017 - 06:00

Ashes mate what about Antonio he has to play

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asheshammer's picture

asheshammer

Fri, 22/09/2017 - 12:37

I think what mixed me up was that Antonio was moved to wingback when Collins came off at WBA -- so it was like he wasn't even there! Bilic again. But given that, I'd play Kouyate over Noble.

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Burkie 1's picture

Burkie 1

Fri, 22/09/2017 - 07:25

So now we've got three left wingers ?gona get a bit congested out there

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Burkie 1

torontofan

Fri, 22/09/2017 - 08:29

He probably is the most skillful player in the squad, and along with Antonio they could rattle a number of teams. Masuaku scored a stunner against Bolton. That kind of a goal is only possible by Lanzini who will be seriously missed. Noble should be on the bench. Elbow should be on the left wing, Antonio on the right wing Chicharito in front of Carroll. Masuaku and Kouyate in the midfield. Kouyate should have a holding role while Masuaku pushes further up. Cresswell, and Zabelata are the two wing backs, with Reid and Fonte at centre backs. Will Hart keep a clean sheet? Did Bilic have to mention that Spuds are the best attacking team and the title contenders?

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asheshammer's picture

asheshammer

Fri, 22/09/2017 - 12:39

But Bilic will never play them that way.

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