Hammers boss David Moyes insists a big change coming next week will get a reaction from underperforming West Ham players.
West Ham put in another below par performance as they drew 1-1 at home with Newcastle.
The nature of recent displays – pretty much since that momentum killing November international break – have led many to suggest West Ham’s small squad is tired and overstretched.
David Moyes insists big change coming next week will get a reaction from underperforming West Ham players
After watching the likes of Tomas Soucek and Michail Antonio toil again while even Declan Rice appears to be flagging in recent matches, it is difficult to argue with the assessment the Hammers are fatigued.
But West Ham boss David Moyes did just that when it was put to him that his players looked in need of the week-long rest they will get before facing Wolves next Sunday.
Instead Moyes insists a big change coming next week will get a reaction from underperforming West Ham players as three-game weeks start to kick in again.
“I’m more miffed that we’ve not played well again,” a clearly agitated Moyes told the club’s official website after the draw with Newcastle.
“I’m pulling my hair out that I just can’t get one or two players back at it, or closer than they are. So we’re going to have to look closely to see what we can do about it.
“There’s no questioning anybody [in that regard]. If anyone questioned any of our players on their effort or commitment, I’d back the players up 100 per cent…
“I thought that (a week’s rest would do us good) until we had it this week, we had a few days off.
“Didn’t work this week. So maybe we’re better getting back into games and playing every three days.”
West Ham face a six-pointer in the race for the European spots when they welcome Wolves to the London Stadium next weekend.
The Hammers then travel to Southampton for an FA Cup fifth round clash on the Wednesday before a daunting trip to title challenging Liverpool.
Five days later West Ham travel away from home for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 opponents before a home game against Aston Villa on the Sunday.
West Ham then have the home leg of the last 16 tie on the following Thursday and either an FA Cup quarter-final at the weekend or – depending on their progress too – an away game at Spurs on the Sunday ahead of the international break.
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