David Moyes bailed West Ham out when he returned to the club and does not deserve the scrutiny he is currently under, according to Chris Sutton.
The Irons manager’s career is once again in doubt after the Hammers were hammered 6-0 at home by Arsenal, but speaking live on BBC 5 Live’s Monday Night Club on 12 February, the pundit likened the Irons’ plight to two usually complimented clubs, Brighton and Newcastle.
The surprise contract extension that had materialised before Christmas is no longer forthcoming [Daily Mail, 12 February], and Moyes is once again facing calls for the sack [talkSPORT, 12 February], although Sutton hit back at the idea and indicated it was premature.
He asked (7.22pm): “Are we going to be fair?” So let’s take a look at the entire season. Everyone has been raving what a fantastic team Brighton is. Where is West Ham? Ahead of them at the table.
“Newcastle United have impressed many people. West Ham are equal on points. Then you have to look at the big picture.
“You’ve mentioned Manuel Pellegrini. He made an appointment to come in at West Ham and then play a different type of football, fantasy football if you will, and who bailed you out? David Moyes bailed you out.
Who got you sixth and seventh place finishes? Who won you a European trophy? And suddenly it’s, ‘Oh, it’s all [bad]’ after just one game?
Sutton firmly defends Moyes’ job at West Ham.
On paper, it’s difficult to disagree with him, but that is the conundrum that the Irons have with the manager: while things appear to be improving, previous history shows that they might also be far worse.
His achievements, including as the European runs and spurts of exceptional play, such as back-to-back victories over Manchester United and Arsenal at the end of 2023, are impressive.
His achievements, including as the European runs and spurts of exceptional play, such as back-to-back victories over Manchester United and Arsenal at the end of 2023, are impressive.
However, there are frequent occasions when performances are anything but, and it is difficult to dispute that many people are enjoying what West Ham is doing.
The board’s failure to make a firm decision undoubtedly fuels the unrest, as they appear to be as hesitant as anyone about keeping the Scot in place.
Moyes was nearly fired last season, only to be retained this season but without an extension to his contract, which expires in the summer, and with Tim Steidten arriving to develop an allegedly strained relationship, it gives the sense of a muddled strategy.
David Moyes led West Ham to the Europa Conference League title in May.
Given that West Ham have yet to win a game in 2024 and have been eliminated from the FA Cup during that period, it is quite remarkable that they are only slightly outside the European spots in the Premier League.
So there are grounds for and against the manager continuing, but if results do not improve, the case for his departure will strengthen.
In other West Ham news, there is an update on a potential replacement at the London Stadium who has won two Champions Leagues.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel to receive rapid updates directly to your phone.
Leave a Reply