Paul Merson suggested that he was surprised to see Manuel Lanzini not starting for West Ham against Brighton today, when speaking on Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Saturday programme (Saturday February 1st, 14:50).
The Hammers threw away two points against the Seagulls. They led 3-1 after 57 minutes and were actually playing very well.
But everything fell apart after David Moyes decided to bring Arthur Masuaku on in place of Michail Antonio after 74 minutes. And Brighton went on to peg the hosts back to 3-3.
In fact, Graham Potter’s men deserved to go on and win the game.
Merson suggested that West Ham should have set up differently from the start, however, when speaking on Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Saturday programme (Saturday February 1st, 14:50):
“I thought Lanzini would have played today. He gives them something a little bit different. Don’t keep playing safe with steady eddy players, You’ve got to take a chance.”
Our View
Merson obviously hasn’t watched West Ham much this season. Lanzini has been absolutely atrocious.
The 26-year-old has made 19 appearances this season, racking up just two assists and no goals (premierleague.com).
He has attempted just five through balls, has a cross accuracy rate of 38%, whilst only creating two big chances (premierleague.com).
West Ham’s problems stem from David Moyes’s questionable in-game management and their shambolic defending.
And if the Hammers are to turn things around, they need to start playing better as a team, both defensively and in the final third.
Manuel Lanzini will not be their savour this season. He is quite simply a shadow of the player he once was.
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