Manuel Pellegrini should strongly consider starting Issa Diop over Fabian Balbuena against Arsenal on Saturday.
West Ham were beaten again at the weekend; this time by Bournemouth 2-1 at the London Stadium.
The game was a great opportunity to bounce back from the opening 4-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Second half goals from Callum Wilson and Steve Cook cancelled out Marko Arnautovic’s opener.
It was a disappointing result, and Pellegrini will surely feel let down with the defending on show.
Wilson’s goal was particularly avoidable; the Englishman carrying the ball straight through the midfield and defence.
Although it would be harsh to take anything away from the Englishman, it has to be said the goal shouldn’t have been allowed to happen.
Balbuena at fault?
Wilson was able to skip away from Balbuena easily for the Cherries’ first goal.
It was a concerning piece of defending from the Paraguayan, who did look solid in pre-season.
The 26-year-old was clunky and perhaps should have conceded a foul rather than let the 26-year-old waltz through.
That said, both Mark Noble and Pablo Zabaleta might have helped their colleague out more on another day.
Time for £22 million Issa Diop
West Ham face Arsenal on Saturday, who are yet another team with frightening pace in the final third.
With that in mind, Pellegrini should certainly be considering swapping out Balbuena for Diop.
The £22 million signing from Toulouse hasn’t featured in the Premier League yet.
Pellegrini appears to be managing the 21-year-old carefully, but now could be his time.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang threat
Diop would certainly be a better match-up against Arsenal’s Aubameyang.
The Gabon striker is well known for his electrifying pace, and the thought of Balbuena up against him doesn’t bear thinking about.
It could be a great chance for Diop.
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