West Ham United were unlucky not to beat Bayer Leverkusen by a few goals last night, after David Moyes set us his team to really go after the visitors.
The Leverkusen players squirmed every time West Ham pressed them high up the pitch, and were clearly uncomfortable with the way that David Moyes‘ side were putting them under pressure.
The Europa League quarter-final clash between the Hammers and Leverkusen really was a game of two legs.
Every single person involved with West Ham was right behind us last night, aside from Lucas Paqueta who was notable by his absence.
It was a high tempo performance from the Hammers that had the London Stadium absolutely rocking from the very first whistle.
It’s just a shame that Moyes couldn’t really change things from the bench because the boys ran out of gas in the end.
There’s no shame in losing to Bayer Leverkusen – they’re one of the best teams on the planet right now. However, our cowardly approach to the game out in Germany and the courageous way that we took the game to them last night could not have been any more different.
What fan wants to come and watch their team sit back behind the ball and defend for 90 minutes, without any kind of ambition to win the game?
That passive approach has driven the majority of West Ham fans to distraction this season. However, it all changed last night as Moyes sent out his players to take the game to the German side.
It’s just such a shame that we haven’t played like that all season long…
West Ham boss David Moyes has it easy
The Hammers chief has often come across as spiky in post-match interviews, when pushed on the style of football that he implements.
Pundits and fans of other clubs have criticised us as a fanbase, whilst the likes of Sam Allardyce and Stuart Pearce continue to wheel out the tired old ‘be careful what you wish for’ cliche when speaking about our feelings towards Moyes.
There are those out there who say we’re too harsh on Moyes as a fanbase. Some say that we demand too much.
However, as I’ve said on numerous occasions in the past, that’s complete and utter rubbish.
The way that those inside the London Stadium reacted last night proves exactly what we’re all about as fans.
After Jeremie Frimpong equalised for Leverkusen in the 89th minute, every single West Ham fan inside the stadium stood up and applauded the players and Moyes for their efforts on the night.
We all realised that the players gave everything for the badge and Moyes set up his team to go out there and put Bayer Leverkusen on the back foot.
That kind of performance is all we ask for – nothing more, nothing less.
All we demand from our team is for them to have a go. Last night’s performance was what we’ve been craving all season, for the last two seasons in fact.
David Moyes has it so easy at West Ham really doesn’t he. We don’t expect trophies or consistent European qualification – just a team that try to win the game and play with some intensity.
Maybe the Scot realises this now but I think it’s too late. I just can’t see him being our manager beyond the end of this season.
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