If West Ham United fans are wondering why George Earthy’s wait for a first Premier League appearance under Nuno Espirito Santo rumbles on, well, that question has already been answered.
After an ankle injury wrecked his hopes of making a positive impression in pre-season, Nuno then lost Earthy to a hamstring problem almost immediately after he replaced Graham Potter in the London Stadium dugout.
Earthy was Bristol City’s Young Player of the Year during last season’s play-off push. But, just as his career threatened to go into ‘fast forward’ mode, the luckless England Under-21 international was instead placed on pause.
Fortunately, the play button has now been pressed again.
George Earthy is back in action for West Ham United’s reserves. And unsurprisingly, considering that he looked the part at Championship level last season, the silky attacking midfielder appeared a man against boys versus fourth and fifth tier opposition in the EFL Trophy and the National League Cup.
Ironically enough, given that the Hammers’ youngsters tested themselves against far older opposition in those domestic cup competitions.
West Ham United fans want Nuno Espirito Santo to give George Earthy a go
Now, the question on the lips of many supporters, after watching Earthy gallop from one end of the pitch to the other before curling home effortlessly in Tuesday’s 3-0 win at Truro City, is when his first appearance of the Nuno era will finally arrive.
‘We should have loaned him out again,” one fan writes on X in response to Earthy’s fabulous solo effort. ‘Completely killed his momentum by keeping him at us to sit in the reserves.’
‘I was there last night. [Earthy was] way too classy against a poor Truro side and a good turn out from the fans,’ another says.
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‘I do hope Nuno watched this. He has to! Earthy should have started against Bournemouth. He has so much to offer across the park.’
‘Why is he still playing Under-21s?’
‘Cracking goal but he’s a Premier League player against Truro. Get him back in the first-team squad.’
Nuno is determined to avoid another Earthy injury blow
Patience, as they say, is a virtue.
That Earthy is back playing reserve team football in East London is not a sign of doubts from the Hammers coaching staff. Instead, reflective of a club who are determined to avoid risking another extended spell on the sidelines.
According to The Standard, Nuno is reluctant to throw George Earthy in at the deep end before he is back to full match sharpness. With a fabulous goal, a stylish assist, and a further 85 minutes under his belt during that trip to Cornwall, Earthy is surely now one big step closer to a first senior appearance since the end of 2023/24.
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Worry not, Nuno is determined to make the most of an exciting crop of young talents.
Airidas Golambeckis made the matchday squad against Burnley for the first time. Nuno is taking a closer look at Mohamadou Kante as well, alongside Ezra Mayers, Finlay Herrick and co.
Callum Marshall made his Premier League debut a few weeks back, and Freddie Potts is playing the sort of regular first-team football Graham Potter never seemed willing to provide him with.
Earthy will get his chance. Potentially, providing he avoids another spell on the sidelines, sooner rather than later.
‘Unreal from Earthy,’ another fan writes, while acknowledging the typically barnstorming run of Mo Kante in the build up. ‘But look at the other runners creating chaos to give him the shot. Look at Kante busting a gut. Great team work. Big up George for finishing that effort.’
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‘Good to see Earthy getting back to his best. What a run and finish. Cracking goal. Hopefully, we will see him back in the first team again soon.’
‘Sod loaning him out again, get him the first team squad! The lad is ready.’
‘Man, I really, really love this guy like my brother. I would never pass Nuno if he doesn’t give him a chance, like Potter and [Julen] Lopetegui.’
‘George Earthy is special. Really hope he stays fit and breaks into the first team this season.’
Earthy set up the aforementioned Marshall for the opener on Tuesday night before channelling his inner-Ryan Giggs. Kante then wrapped up the win in the second half.
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