Pundit Michael Owen did not feel the 1-0 defeat in Freiburg was harsh on West Ham due to the approach of David Moyes.
West Ham were beaten 1-0 away at Frieburg in the Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday night.
But it is a game the Hammers could and should have cruised through against the distinctly average German side.
Much of the talk after the game focused on a last gasp penalty everyone except referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez felt should be given.
It wasn’t but the referee cannot be blamed for a lethargic display which became an all too common theme in the first two months of this year.
West Ham weren’t playing Real Madrid says Owen
West Ham now have it all to do in the second leg at the London Stadium next week.
And David Moyes and his side only have themselves to blame according to the TNT Sports pundits covering the game.
Michael Owen says West Ham got what they deserved for the manager reverting to type.
Owen does think West Ham will turn it around in the second leg. But he feels they shouldn’t have to.
Indeed he and Steve Sidwell believe it is a big opportunity missed, though, with ‘the game there to be taken’ against a team who are ‘no Real Madrid’.
‘Safe West Ham made to pay for reverting to type’
“I thought they were just a bit safe,” Sidwell said on TNT Sports.
“I thought it was just an away performance where it was ‘well if we go home with a 0-0 it’s ok, if we create a few chances and nick a goal then great’
“Whereas now being on the front foot having to score I think that impetus… I fully expect them to create chances and score.”
Owen said it was frustrating to see Moyes revert to a risk averse approach having recently taken the shackles off West Ham.
“It’s a little bit frustrating because they’ve been creating chances, scoring goals, (Lucas) Paqueta back in the team, recently they’ve actually let the shackles off a little bit.
Owen: ‘It was back to that frustrating Moyes style’
“When you look at their team, they look really good in attacking positions and you think to yourself ‘that’s your strength’ and tonight they’ve gone back to type in a way, back to that frustrating style that the fans accuse David Moyes of having.
“You get it, away in Europe, but it’s not like they’re away at Real Madrid. They could have gone and scored a goal or two tonight. That’s frustrating but there’s no doubt they’ve got the tools to turn it around.”
We make Owen spot on.
And that’s why so many West Ham fans are waking up feeling angry and frustrated this morning.
West Ham strengths are very much in the attacking line. So Moyes must start playing to them in every game.
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