West Ham United manager update
West Ham have issued a managerial update, stating that a decision on David Moyes’ future is unlikely to be made until well after Christmas. The Hammers have only a remote chance of finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League while reaching the last 16 of the Europa League this season. Furthermore, the club is in the Carabao Cup, with the FA Cup still to come. Indeed, as things stand, it appears that the manager will be able to make his own decision about whether to stay or go.
Much has been made of his relationship with technical director Tim Steidten, but it appeared to be in good shape ahead of the game in Serbia this week. The pair were seen laughing and chatting freely, implying that an agreement had been reached.
Much can happen before the end of the season, but it is clear that as things stand, the board – of which Tim Steidten is almost seen as a member – is justifiably pleased with the situation while wishing to see a more appealing brand of football played.
READ MORE: West Ham 1 vs. Crystal Palace 1: Player evaluations
Crystal Palace 1 West Ham 1
Areola:6 The goal was not given much of a chance. Olise’s tame shot was saved.
Coufal:7 Kudus scored after a nice cut-back. Soon after, you put in another good cross for Bowen. I made a few timely blocks.
Mavropanos:5 His challenges were well-timed. Coufal always seems to pass in front of him, prompting the full-back to advance forward. Unfortunately, he also passed the ball in front of the Palace attack, allowing the Eagles to equalize.
Aguerd:7 Bowen’s magnificent ball forward created a good opportunity. Outstanding passing.
Emerson:6 A strong solo slalom run in the first half forced Palace to retreat. I had a huge test against Olise. In the box, I squandered a chance.
Alvarez:6 I returned to block an Ayew cross. On a couple of occasions, I lost possession far too easily.
Ward Prowse: 6 points For the first goal, he made a great long pass to Coufal. When the ball unexpectedly deflected off his head, he was fortunate not to score an own goal.
Soucek:4 Deployed as a number 10 in the first half, but much deeper in the second.
Kudus:8 Scored the game’s first goal to cap off a good move. Despite some stern attention from Palace, he appeared to be having a good time. Another attempt was ruled out due to Soucek’s offside.
Paqueta:4 Mostly inactive in the first half, wasting out wide on the left. His highlight was a fantastic pass to Emerson.
Bowen:5 For the first 77 minutes, he was given the West Ham graveyard shift up front. With his back to the goal, he is ineffective. Bowen dropped so deep to get the ball in the second half that he was standing next to Aguerd. What a waste of a talented player. I only had one chance.
