Hammers bar could be too high
DAVID MOYES has told Declan Rice and the rest of his West Ham stars to be as consistent year in, year out as they were last season.
The Hammers surprised many by finishing sixth and claiming a Europa League spot after producing a fantastic campaign.
The trick now is to prove they weren’t just one-season wonders.
“Progression now means keeping that level of consistency,” Moyes said ahead of today’s trip to Newcastle.
“We took a humongous leap last season – probably nobody expected us to be where we are.
“So we do have to be careful that expectations put on us on are not too great to match. But we are positive – we fancy our chances at the moment and are in a good place.”
Goals
Another element from last season Moyes hopes will continue is goals from Michail Antonio. The Irons boss added: “Mic has been great for the team. He leads the line well and helps us in different parts of the game.
“Don’t forget this is a boy not long turned a centre-forward, just over a year-and-a-half ago.
“He has got a few goals in that position and he should score more this time, but Mic’s biggest thing is getting his fitness right so that he can play more games than he does.
“His number of games-to-goals is actually not so bad. It is just keeping him on the pitch.
“But also there is a new Michail Antonio out there now who is fitter, more professional in his day-to-day work and how he is preparing himself for the games and understanding what he has to do to be in a good condition.”
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who has joined from Paris Saintgermain on loan, is West Ham’s only signing of the summer. Moyes said: “It’s getting the right players that’s important.
“I am not going back to the days of
getting players in who are only here because it makes the media and supporters feel good, because
that doesn’t work.”