Manuel Lanzini’s West Ham United career looked all but over but has he turned things around.
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Lanzini has been linked with a move away from West Ham after struggling to recover from a serious knee injury (Evening Standard).
Scoring that last minute screamer in the 3-3 draw at Spurs may have restored Lanzini’s fading reputation among West Ham fans.
Wonder strike did little to get Lanzini more game time
But it did little to get the midfielder increased game time under David Moyes as West Ham made their best start to a season for five years.
Lanzini was one of the bright sparks in West Ham’s lacklustre 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, though.
The Argentine came on at half-time in place of Pablo Fornals.
And he looked like the Lanzini of old.
The little Jewel – as he is affectionately known – got on the ball and drove West Ham forwards.
It was the timing, angle and weight of his pass to Vladimir Coufal which helped set up Sebastien Haller’s breathtaking overhead kick equaliser.
Little Jewel shines in West Ham comeback as Fornals falters
Lanzini’s performance – and the dip in form of late from Fornals – has seen West Ham fans coming together in agreement.
They want Lanzini to start against Chelsea next Monday night.
Many West Ham fans took to social media to call on Moyes to replace Fornals with Lanzini in the starting line-up against Frank Lampard’s side next time out.
Lanzini has a good record against Chelsea too.
West Ham have won four of the seven games Lanzini has played against Chelsea, drawing two and losing just once.
The playmaker has two goals and an assist in those matches against the Blues too.
The only issue for Moyes will be match fitness and stamina.
West Ham fans in agreement as calls grow for Moyes to start Lanzini against Chelsea
West Ham will have to defend from the front against wounded animals Chelsea who have lost their last two games.
And Lanzini’s lack of match action this season raises doubts over whether he would last the whole game.
Moyes may feel it is better to start with the hardworking Fornals and bring a fresh Lanzini on as the Spaniard – and the opposition – tire.
Although the Scot did remark how impressed he was with Lanzini’s performance and insists he has never given up on him (Football London).
If Lanzini does start, it would mean Said Benrahma would move out to the left up against the impressive swashbuckling right-back Reece James.
Here are a selection of Tweets from West Ham fans about Lanzini after last night’s second half showing.
‘Different gravy… must start against Chelsea’
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