David Moyes has acknowledged West Ham supporters for their unwavering loyalty after the team’s impressive performance against Arsenal.
The relationship between Moyes and some West Ham fans has been fraught this season, with fans often complaining about the team’s passive style and the manager’s risk-averse tactics. Last week, some supporters displayed a ‘Moyes Out’ banner during a match and jeered at the manager.
However, the team’s recent 2-2 comeback draw against Arsenal showcased a noticeable change in tactics and approach, with the players exhibiting more aggression and a willingness to attack.
Moyes utilized Michail Antonio to his full potential, which was a tactic that the club’s frustrated supporters have long been calling for.
The Hammers had become predictable, often attacking only down the wings. However, against Arsenal, they mixed up their game and played more directly, often employing balls in behind and over the top.
The team showed greater penetration through the center of the park and on both flanks, with the full-backs becoming more involved in the game.
The players were positive and anything but passive. This was a marked difference from their usual approach, which many supporters found frustrating.
The fans have been calling for the team to play more aggressively and on the front foot for over a year.
Under Moyes, West Ham has been known for being organized, miserly, and resilient. However, the team’s recent performance against Arsenal proved that the fans were right all along.
While the fans would rather see the team lose while having a real go than sit back and be passive, the recent performance has lifted the mood and atmosphere around the team.
Whether this was all by design or the result of the manager and players finally waking up and smelling the coffee remains to be seen.
“We lost two goals in the opening ten minutes, but I actually didn’t think we played that badly and I think that reflected in the supporters – they were great today, they kept with us, never gave up and I think that’s because they saw how the players started,” Moyes said.
The media is likely to resort to the usual criticisms of West Ham fans for being too harsh on Moyes.
They may suggest that the fans are not knowledgeable enough and that Moyes was always going to turn things around.
However, it is the fans who should be given credit for being the driving force behind the team’s recent change in approach.
They demanded a more aggressive playing style, which the team showcased in their recent match against Arsenal. The hope now is that the Hammers can continue to play in this vein for the remainder of the season.
