Following West Ham’s 2-1 comeback victory over Wolves, David Moyes was ebullient and revealed the result to a few stars.
Call them Jekyll and Hyde, games of two halves, or topsy turvy, whatever you like. That was all that and more in West Ham’s victory against Wolves.
The team that Wolves had fielded against the Hammers was among their poorest in recent memory.
However, West Ham’s lackluster first half resulted in a 1-0 deficit at the half due to team selection, tactics, and fatigue.
For West Ham, however, the second half was essentially all change.
At Wolves, West Ham rallies from behind to win
In the midweek 1-1 draw with Spurs, David Moyes made no substitutions.
But no one could have protested if the manager had made all five against Wolves at halftime.
After Jarrod Bowen left the game hurt, Moyes made two further changes for the second half and a third overall.
The Hammers were able to take control of the game and win it thanks to the substitutions and form adjustment, albeit with some unusual luck.
Moyes has now issued a warning to some stars and singled out three West Ham players for praise.
Moyes singles out three players to commend
The impact left-back Aaron Cresswell, right-back Ben Johnson, and striker Michail Antonio made were all praised by the Scot.
Additionally, he argues that his regular players should no longer take their positions for granted because of the trio’s performances.
Moyes said on the team’s official website, “I’ve got to praise the players but more importantly I’ve praised the three boys who’ve come on as sub today.”
“I believed that Ben, Micky, and Cressy were all excellent today and that the team had improved significantly from where we started.
Furthermore, the team members are not who they claim to be if they believe they are there and that’s who they are. They won’t be playing if they can’t perform well.
Leader cautions rising stars not to take opportunities for granted
“They have to play well and hold themselves to a high standard; things did get a little better in the second half.”
Moyes has good reason to single out Antonio, Johnson, and Cresswell for appreciation.
When they first appeared, they were all angular and ravenous.
They were outstanding to a man and helped swing the game in West Ham’s advantage.
However, it raises the question of why Moyes hasn’t used his team more throughout the campaign.
Even before the game, he acknowledged that he had not given team rotation any thought.
Perhaps today will change his mind and give him more trust in those back-up players.
