Manuel Pellegrini was an angry man during his post match press conference following West Ham United's 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth at The London Stadium, he blamed the players for 'feeling the fear' and the fans for deserting the ground in their droves well before the match was due to end. However the 64year old Chilean reserved his most scathing criticism of his players for the spanish speaking media, he declared that apart from showing fear some of the players believed that the match was won by half time, and that his warnings were ignored by 'some players who should have known better'.
Pellegrini, whilst not naming names, went on to say that no player's position is 'safe' and that irrespective of who they are and what they have done in the past they will have to earn their place in the starting line up! This mini outburst was aimed at those players who should have done better, the midfield was woefully exposed on numerous occasions, the warning signs were there in the opening minutes as Bournemouth cut through Hammers defence twice. The problem with such a weak midfield is in the collateral effect it has on defenders who end up being constantly under pressure without a breathing space, Jack Wilshere and Mark Noble were in each other's pockets so much that they were in danger of tackling each other! Both players have a similar game and realistically there is only room in the starting line up for one of them, sooner or later Noble will have to be benched!
We know it seems like open season for 'Noble bashing', but Mr West Ham himself will admit his last two performances have been woefully short of the high standards that he has set himself over the many years of service he has given the club, and time does move on. Given the fact that Wilshere is only one tackle away from a lengthy lay off, Noble shouldn't be too disappointed at being dropped, because his services will undoubtedly be required during the season to cover injuries and suspensions.
Perhaps Pellegrini intends to have Felipe Anderson play a more central role in the pocket behing the front players with Wilshere playing a deeper, sweeper position in front of the defenders. Anderson's pace and ball control would scare the hell out of most Premier League defenders, he would also be able to draw free kicks in dangerous areas in a similar way to that of the injured Manuel Lanzini, however Anderson moving to the middle would definitely close the door for Noble, it is perhaps inevitable this would happen especially as El Pel finished his spanish language media talk by repeating that 'no player, no matter what he has done in the past, is assured of his place in the staring line up.
The writing is on the wall for at least one Hammers' stalwart, more to follow? - Ed
Comments
Anderson and Obiang in the centre
It's a no-brainer.
totally agree!
totally agree!
Not meaning to hijack this
Not meaning to hijack this Thread. But watching the Crystal Palace v Liverpool match, all I can say is that we have a real uphill struggle even against teams like Palace. Liverpool were really lucky to win this game. Although they controlled the first half, Palace were well organised in midfield as well as defence. Why did we sell Tompkin, as he looked immense there? Palace really were the better team in the second half and although down to ten men in the closing stages, they looked like a real threat. But back to this topic, I would like someone like Yarmelenko to start up front with Arnautovic in a more right sided role, and Cresswell to move into left back position, with Masuaku on the left wing and Antonio on the right wing. The reason I say this, is because we need to energise the midfield. Obiang can play in front of the two centre halves. Anderson should try to form a partnership with Wilshere. Drop Noble and bring Him or Rice on as a sub if necessary. Chicharito can poach some goals but he does not work to defend at all, when The Hammers are on the back foot. This will address the most critical problems with the Hammers. Fitness and Pace!!
I was thinking the exact same
I was thinking the exact same thing Toronto ,can you imagine our so called midfield duo in the middle of this match ,we would have been obliterated ,this match was as fast as lightening , Scarry shit
My fear with Anderson already
My fear with Anderson already is the play acting. He has gone down too easily on a few occasions in his 2 games including in the box angst Bournemouth. Last thing he needs is to gain a reputation and cost us free kicks when they actually are!
Lets hope he goes down as easily
As salah last night,then at least we have a chance of winning a game!!!