West Ham’s Moyes targets shift from defence to attack in next matches

LONDON: West Ham have the chance to develop their attacking threat against fellow English Premier League strugglers in the next few matches after coming through a recent run of tough fixtures with some decent results, manager David Moyes (pic) has said.

After a narrow defeat to leaders Manchester City, a shock win over champions Chelsea and a draw with Arsenal in their last three games, 19th-placed West Ham face teams from the bottom half of the table in seven of their next eight league games.

Moyes is expecting a tough test against teams desperate for points but is keen for his side to play more attacking football.

“We’ve got different challenges coming up now because we’ll be coming up against teams who we might be expected to show something else when we come up against them,” Moyes said.

“I don’t think it’s a case of needing to get the players up for it but more about if we can be good enough to take the ball, play more, be braver in possession and create chances.

“Those are the things we need to come to the fore.

“We have organised really well to be good defensively and now we have to show we can put players in attacking positions, get them on the ball and take our chances when we create them.”

Moyes added that not conceding was as an important a priority for West Ham and challenged goalkeeper Adrian to maintain his solid run of form.

West Ham host 15th-placed Stoke in the league today. — Reuters