Former West Ham striker David Cross has urged fans to remain patient with Sebastien Haller as the Ivory Coast frontman continues to struggle in front of goal.
The 26-year-old was disappointing on Friday night despite David Moyes’ side claiming a 2-1 victory over Leeds United. A week earlier when the Hammers were punished for their missed opportunities in defeat to Manchester United, Haller was also accountable for a host of glaring misses.
However, the 1980 FA Cup winner believes the Ivorian must be given more time to prove himself. Replying to a West Ham fan on Twitter, the Hammers legend said said: ”Felt sorry for him last night. Little went right”, adding: “We’ve all been there. I thought he worked hard to get chances and that’s good.”
The 70-year-old feels that just one goal “will change things” for Haller, who he hailed as “a talented player”.
Felt sorry for him last night. Little went right, + we've all been there. I thought he worked hard to get chances and that's good. If a striker stops going into goal scoring areas it's a downward spiral + he kept trying.1 goal will change things for him ! He's a talented player.
— David Cross (@DCross_psycho9) December 12, 2020
Haller’s blank on Friday left the striker on six goals in 14 appearances across all competitions this season, having started more often than not of late with Michail Antonio sidelined.
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Whilst Cross makes some credible points on Haller’s work ethic – he would know what it takes to become a top marksman – the Ivorian isn’t exactly a few weeks into life in east London.
Perhaps hamstrung by expectations brought upon by his lofty £45m price tag, the powerful target man has failed to recapture the form he showed at Eintracht Frankfurt which earned him his move to the London Stadium in the first place.
Albeit not last-chance saloon time in terms of Haller’s career as a Hammer, David Moyes will need to see a far more consistent performer if the 26-year-old is going to be a part of the long-term plans at the club.
