Premier League

Glen Johnson’s grim West Ham verdict

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Glen Johnson delivered a grim verdict on West Ham’s current problems, when speaking exclusively to the Daily Star.

The Hammers are currently embroiled in a real relegation battle. They are sitting in 18th spot in the Premier League table, and are one point adrift of safety.

David Moyes’s men face an absolutely torrid run of fixtures over the course of the next six weeks or so, starting with a trip to the Etihad to take on Manchester City today.

It’s not all doom and gloom for West Ham, however.

West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
David Moyes (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Moyes brought in some exciting signings in January. Aside from Darren Randolph, Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen arrived at the London Stadium.

But Johnson, who began his career with the Hammers, told the Daily Star why he believes that Moyes’s side have their work cut-out if they are to stay up:

Stoke City v Liverpool - Capital One Cup Semi Final: First Leg
Glen Johnson (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

“He’s (Bowen) going to have a lot to learn. It will take time and hopefully he’ll be a great prospect a few years down the line. But I don’t think they can rely on him too soon. West Ham are going to have to perform in a way they haven’t done for three months against City today. The only chance they’ve got is if they find the level they found against Bournemouth. Not necessarily the level in terms of how they played, but the enthusiasm, energy and passion. If they get that back, they’ve got half a chance. But if they don’t, well, it doesn’t look good.”

Johnson is spot on. West Ham need to match the determination, fight and energy that they displayed against Bournemouth on New Year’s Day. That is the bare minimum.

And considering some of the fixtures that lie ahead of them, even that might not be enough. All they can do is try, however.

At least the Hammers have genuine quality in their squad. Moyes has numerous game-changers at his disposal. And the Scot really needs his big names to start performing.