West Ham are in new waters following the international break, after a drop into the Premier League’s relegation zone two weeks ago saw the Hammers axe Slaven Bilic from his position.
David Moyes has been drafted in until the end of the season, with the former Sunderland and Manchester United boss bringing Alan Irvine and Stuart Pearce in as assistants, but he has a lot of critics to overcome if he’s to be successful at the London Stadium.
After being relegated with the Black Cats last year, many are questioning whether Moyes has the capability to stop the rot in East London and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is amongst those expressing concerns on his appointment.
Predicting a 1-1 draw against Watford this weekend, Merson expressed his belief that the fans will be on Moyes’ back from day one.
‘David Moyes is in a catch 22 because the fans are going to be on his back from day one. I do not think he was a great appointment for the West Ham fans and to the end of the season does not give you much leeway, and where is the club going?’
‘He will have to go out and have a go at Watford, if they sit back and draw 0-0, the fans will not be happy at all. And I think it will be a hard game as Watford are one of those teams that are alright if they are not expected to win, but when they are expected to win I think they crumble under the pressure. And again, I am going for a draw.’
A point may not be enough to lift the Hammers out of the relegation zone due to Bournemouth’s superior goal difference but it would at least provide some improvements.
