There have been plenty of talking points around West Ham United this week.
‘Come and get them’ Manager openly admits West Ham targets are for sale
The club appears to be divided with players and fans rallying against unpopular co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold.
It comes after the controversial sale of young star Grady Diangana to West Bromwich Albion.
Mark Noble led a player revolt in protest to the sale with his much-publicised comments on Friday.
The skipper’s comments had the backing of the squad, media pundits and former Hammers – read full story here.
Unhappy Hammers have shocking lack of depth brutally exposed
West Ham’s lack of squad depth and quality was brutally exposed by Championship Bournemouth on Saturday.
Missing five players to international duty, West Ham were torn apart 5-3 by the Cherries in a display which had all the hallmarks of the struggling Hammers team of last season.
One player was particularly poor, right back Ben Johnson.
And some West Ham fans are adamant Johnson’s display was a protest at his fellow academy graduate’s sale.
Was Johnson performance a protest?
Johnson is seen as West Ham’s number one right back if David Moyes does not bring in another this summer.
But Johnson was all over the place against Bournemouth.
He missed a number of tackles, was caught out of position several times and committed numerous fouls before being booked for one particularly aggressive and poor challenge.
Johnson looked completely out of sorts.
And the fact was not lost on Moyes who substituted him after just 25 minutes.
Hooked after 25 minutes, fans raise grave concerns over youngster
There may be more to Johnson’s worrying display.
Perhaps he has heard Moyes is trying to bring in a new right-back.
Or maybe he was really close with Diangana and his performance became emotional as a result.
Here are some comments from West Ham fans on Twitter about Johnson’s display against Bournemouth.
Taken off after 25 minutes in a friendly…. what is our club
— O Fenômeno (@CallumSecret) September 5, 2020
Ben Johnson isn’t that good is he
— West Ham USA ⚒ #GSBOUT (@USAWestHamUSA) September 5, 2020
Wouldn’t even say Ben Johnson is championship level. Awful
— E7⚒ #GSBOUT (@IronsTID) September 5, 2020
Ben Johnson, cresswell and Diop need to get replaced ASAP
— Omar⚒ #GSBOUT (@WHUOmar) September 5, 2020
Ben Johnson has been horrendous. Defo not ready to be starting week in week out. We need a RB
— forbes #GSBOUT (@ovo_forbes) September 5, 2020
What’s happened to Ben Johnson? Doing himself no favours here. Hes been bloody awful
— Will Bellew ⚒️ #GSBOUT (@W_Bellew) September 5, 2020
Ben Johnson is protesting. You cannot convince me otherwise. Yellow card after three brutal tackles from the Academy graduate.
— Green St. Hammers (@GreenStHammers) September 5, 2020
My thoughts exactly. Horrid performance.
— Benjamin Haas (@BHaasTSD) September 5, 2020
‘Johnson probably missing Diangana, I don’t blame him for his performance’
Ben Johnson proving we need a new right back still. Add that to the list of CB and LB and Striker
— Gregg Richfield (@GreggRichfield_) September 5, 2020
Ben Johnson is really struggling
— Corey (@CoreyKemp_) September 5, 2020
Ben Johnson looking to set a record for the most fouls in a half here. Having an awful time up against Smith and Danjuma. #afcb #whufc
— Tom Crocker (@TomCrockerEcho) September 5, 2020
Dear God Ben Johnson looks like he’s trying to get sold with how bad he’s playing
— West Ham Yank #GSBOUT (@TheWestHamYank) September 5, 2020
Ben Johnson is probably missing Diangana, I don’t blame him for his performance today
— Ollie ⚒ #GSBOUT (@ManLikeNoble) September 5, 2020
We make our first change of the match with Ryan Fredericks coming on for Ben Johnson.@Betway | #WHUBOU 0-2 (26) pic.twitter.com/s3LGt3O8PB
— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 5, 2020
Ben Johnson isn’t the answer but subbing him isn’t going to do him any good! Confidence will be shot.
— Joshua (@JoshuaHearne) September 5, 2020
Ben Johnson’s day is done after a shockingly rough start to the game for him… only 25 minutes in
— West Ham Yank #GSBOUT (@TheWestHamYank) September 5, 2020