Hammers fans pinpoint midfield as weak point amid run of poor form
Things were going smoothly for Manuel Pellegrini and West Ham United but back-to-back Premier League defeats and a four-game winless run in all competitions has supporters debating over where it’s going wrong.
After scoring just 11 goals in nine games this season, many pointed fingers at underperforming attacking stars, most notably Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini following the 2-0 loss at Everton on Saturday.
However, West Ham’s lack of midfield options has led to a heavy reliance on 20-year-old Declan Rice to perform week-in-week-out and when he struggles, as he did at Goodison Park, disaster follows.
Many supporters have voiced their concerns over how the club haven’t yet addressed the thin depth in midfield, whilst there’s a strong belief that the area is the team’s weakest area…
Twitter: Anyone who thinks our midfield is good enough needs too watch the top teams and see how quick they press players.… https://t.co/V3ONpOYVta (@RockyWhu)
Twitter: @RockyWhu It should have been sorted last summer.
Scandalous it hasn’t been addressed. (@Richardod64)
Twitter: @RockyWhu Ha just saying the same thing. The work rate off the ball of top sides is immense. Sterling yesterday did… https://t.co/4tfb4tkdUa (@36Ironfists)
Twitter: @RockyWhu @whufc_news Also why do we drop back on opposition goal kicks when all other prem teams press and try and… https://t.co/Z31rtVAcTp (@DanBPGC)
Twitter: @RockyWhu Spot on. As soon as a team presses us in the middle we get run all over. (@tekkers44whufc)
READ WEST HAM’S VERDICT
You look at the current options and it’s clear to see that West Ham are an injury to Rice away from serious problems in the middle of the park.
It’s certainly an area the Hammers must look at addressing as soon as possible, and the January transfer window could be the perfect time to do so.
Many would argue that Carlos Sanchez isn’t Premier League quality and as Rice’s primary back-up, there’s an issue there in itself and it’d be surprising if Manuel Pellegrini didn’t act on it.