Honest Flynn Downes is the latest West Ham star to deliver a damning dig at David Moyes’ tactics whether he meant to or not.
West Ham fans are not alone in feeling their team have become a hard watch under David Moyes.
Just ask Tony Gale who has been heavily critical of the style of play under the Scot of late.
The Hammers are right in the thick of a Premier League relegation battle.
And while West Ham got two vital 1-0 wins over Saints and Fulham last week – the performances were far from convincing.
West Ham have taken solace in their European matches this season against vastly inferior opposition.
But if Moyes was looking for an improved performance from his side, he didn’t get it in Gent.
The Hammers could barely string five passes together yet again and were lucky to come away with a draw.
Many had predicted that when the level of opposition stepped up in the Europa Conference League, West Ham would be found out – as they have been domestically this season.
That certainly appeared the case on Thursday night.
And it is not just a growing number of West Ham fans who feel that way.
Senior players such as captain Declan Rice and Vladimir Coufal have repeatedly questioned Moyes’ tactics and approach this season.
Now honest Flynn Downes is the latest West Ham star to deliver a damning dig at Moyes’ tactics.
Speaking in an interview with the club’s official website, Downes praised Gent’s style, setup and approach.
But the midfielder effectively admitted West Ham were completely under prepared. And he even said they ‘didn’t know what to do with the ball’ when they had it.
Honest Flynn Downes is the latest West Ham star to deliver a damning dig at David Moyes’ tactics
“I think they (Gent) set up really well, to be fair to them,” Downes said.
“They were very aggressive and when they got the ball, they kept it. We didn’t, it’s as simple as that really.
“We got the ball and we didn’t know what to do with it, which isn’t ideal. But we go back to the drawing board, go back home now and get back to work and look forward to next week.”
Yes West Ham’s players must take more responsibility for their own performances. It can’t all be put on the manager. And Downes also did that in the interview.
However, this just smacks of rank negligence from Moyes and his coaching staff.
We’re all trying to be positive and will the team on to better performance levels, as difficult as that has been for a long while now at West Ham.
But when the club’s own players are making such damning admissions and questioning tactics, is it any wonder supporters feel so despondent.
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