OPINION
Paul Merson took time to praise West Ham attacker Robert Snodgrass for giving his all during the 3-0 loss to Burnley and it was rather odd.
The Sky Sports pundit had previously ranted about the Hammers saying that every player may have as well been subbed once Mark Noble left the pitch due to an injury, but then sort of modified his opinion minutes later.
When Snodgrass’ name was mentioned on Sky Sports’ The Debate, Merson quickly praised him for doing alright on Saturday as he did give his all.
“He done alright Snodgrass, he did alright the other day, he gives his all,” said Merson on Sky Sports’ The Debate (22:35, Monday, November 11th).
While the Hammers winger was no way near being the worst player on the pitch for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, Merson is surely lowering the bar of expectations by simply praising for trying.
The minimum requirement of a footballer is maximum effort, and no one should simply be praised for giving a 100% as it’s just something that should be expected.
Merson may have wanted to clutch at straws to find a way to praise the Hammers, to lighten the mood, but it was just pointless.
Snodgrass failed to register any shots on goal, made only one key pass, completed just the one dribble and all seven of his attempted crosses failed to find the mark against Burnley. (Source: WhoScored)
The 32-year-old didn’t exactly wow from a defensive perspective either as while he did manage to make two interceptions, he didn’t register a tackle or make a clearance and there was plenty of opportunities for him to drop deep and help his side out.
So if that’s a performance worth praising…then Merson will struggle to find a player worth criticising.
