Carroll fits the bill as he sparks Hammers into life
had criticised his team for losing the ball in dangerous areas. With the big man back up front, the West Ham manager decided to turn the opposition around by playing early, quickly — and long — to Carroll up front.
Huddersfield’s central defenders could not cope but when Carroll is fit — which has not been often enough — they are not the only ones who have struggled.
“We didn’t want to push Andy but he’s been training with us for four and a half weeks,” said Bilic.
“You know what you’re going to get when he’s on the pitch, not only good in the air but he’s giving the whole team energy, he’s giving you confidence, making the opposition a bit insecure.
“I’ve been saying that for two years now and the only thing is his availability for the games. Hopefully, we are going to manage him so he can be fit for the whole season. The crowd love him — but who doesn’t?”
In the end, it took 72 minutes to finally breach t h e Hu d d e r s f i e l d defence and then less than five more before substitute Andre Ayew put the game to bed. Bilic added: “I told the guys that even if we hadn’t won the game ‘well done’ because they gave everything.”
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