FIGHT HOTS UP FOR SILVA SERVICE..
Big Sam & Moyes face axe.. former Watford boss waits in wings
IT was a tale of two managers at London Stadium – and between them they enjoyed the best and worst of afternoons.
West Ham fans taunted Everton supporters with chants of “You’ve got Sam Allardyce”, as strikes from Manuel Lanzini, twice, and Marko Arnautovic ended the Hammers’ difficult season on a high.
But both clubs might yet have new head coaches for next season, with widespread reports that Allardyce and David Moyes could be off. There is even talk of a tug of war for exwatford boss Marco Silva.
Home fans certainly didn’t hold back towards their former manager, also unloved by Toffees supporters for his style of play.
Allardyce – a manager with a year’s contract still to run – gloomily admitted he was “not confident” he would get to see it out.
On the other hand, there was a beaming David Moyes, now out of contract after a job well done, a club saved, and a scintillating display from his rejuvenated side.
Crunch talks with respective boards will decide both men’s futures this week.
Testy Allardyce said: “Where does this leave me? With a contract for next year. I can’t quite say I am confident I will see it out because of all the rumours I am reading in the papers.
“Generally, people think there is no smoke without fire, but we’ll wait and see. I will know more when we meet up this week. And I wouldn’t be telling you when that was if I knew.”
And on the possible move for Wayne Rooney to DC United, Allardyce added: “It is up to Wayne and his representatives, and the board of directors.
“Everyone will know by the end of the week and, just to stop everybody talking and writing nonsense, there is no problem between me and Wayne.
“We have been very professional and adult in our conversations. So either you have all been misled by somebody, or just decided to make it up yourselves, I’m afraid.”
Lanzini coolly fired in a classy left-footed opener past Jordan Pickford after 39 minutes.
Arnautovic, the first Hammers player to score 11 Premier League goals for more than a decade, embarrassed the 24-yearold keeper from 20 yards after 63 minutes. Oumar Niasse briefly gave Everton hope, but Lanzini curled in a third for the hosts, despite Pickford getting a good hand to the ball.
A delighted Moyes said: “It was close to the best performance of the season today, we played really well with the ball. The team have improved.
“I can’t say if it was a glorious farewell or not. We are no further forward, but will meet and talk more next week.
“I would hope today’s performance wouldn’t influence those at the club, they have had six months to see us work.
“My thinking? The improvement in the players. When you see good performances, you think maybe there is something to build on here.
“I believe my contract is up at midnight – but even if it doesn’t work out here, I’ll have options.”