West Ham United boss David Moyes has been criticised by Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell for a key tactical decision.
The Lowdown: West Ham struggling
The Hammers have endured a difficult start to the season, despite strengthening their squad significantly in the summer, signing eight players and spending in excess of £165m.
Not only that but Moyes’ side were last night knocked out of the Carabao Cup, after a 2-2 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers was followed by a defeat on penalties.
Now, Campbell has given his view on a mistake Moyes is making in his selection of the team, highlighting issues surrounding Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio.
The Latest: Campbell’s comments
As per Football Insider, the former top-flight striker said:
“Scamacca needs time to adapt to the Premier League.
“No disrespect to Serie A but it is not as physically demanding as playing in England. Scamacca has only been here for a few months. He has to be allowed time to adapt.
“The problem for me is that David Moyes appears unwilling to use Scamacca and Antonio together. I want to see them both on the pitch at the same time.
“They rarely get that opportunity. It is usually one of the other. There is a frustration around that.”
The Verdict: Change needed
Although Scamacca has been underwhelming since arriving for £35.5m in the summer, bagging just two Premier League goals, Campbell is correct in his assessment that he needs time to settle, as it can be difficult to adapt to a new league within such a short time-frame.
However, what does not help is the constant chopping and changing, and the “wonderful” forward – in the words of journalist Josh Bunting – has been substituted seven times in the league this season, the second-highest amount of any West Ham player.
Given the creative exploits of Antonio, with the 32-year-old weighing in with eight assists last season, a figure only bettered at the club by Jarrod Bowen, he could be the partner that the Italian colossus needs.