Harry Pratt
REPORTING
DAVID MOYES warns his new-look West Ham are only just clicking into gear – and have plenty more to go through.
A month ago the Hammers, despite spending big sums in the summer, were languishing near the foot of the table.
But, following six wins from seven games, they were 13th coming into the weekend and flying high at the top of their Europa Conference League group.
That is their best run of form in 13 months and a timely reminder that, when they have momentum, Declan Rice and Co can do serious damage over a sustained period.
And Moyes, armed with an array of additional talent, reckons it is the tip of the iceberg in terms of what can be achieved moving forward.
Ahead of today’s trip to Southampton, he said: “Runs like this build your season. There’s a feeling that we can keep doing this regularly.
“Of course, somewhere along the journey, you get a defeat but then you get another run of four or five going.
“The European games have helped but we’ve had near misses in the Premier League. We’ve not been that far off it but, in the same breath, not quite on it.
“We’re striving to get that feeling and keep it. I’m trying to put everything in the pot for the right mix.
“We’re getting there, we’re that bit closer but I believe there’s lots more to come – a lot of improvement to come. The boys are all in great spirits.”
That upbeat mood is reflected in the battle for the striker role between longtime hitman Michail Antonio and new Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca.
Moyes can now ease the hefty workload on Antonio, 32, by drafting in the in-form Scamacca, 23.
Being benched often upsets the senior pro but not Antonio, according to Moyes.
The Scot added: “The truth is Mich’s been great.
“There will be some games where Mich’s more suited on his own. There’ll be times when we play both together.”
Antonio missed Thursday’s win in Europe over Anderlecht with flu and is touch and go to face Saints.
Defender Kurt Zouma is also struggling with a cold and Moyes fears outbreaks of illness, including Covid, will become a big factor in a chock-a-block top-flight calendar.
He added: “Kurt’s got a sniffle, for example. In the past you might have said, ‘Ah, you’ll be alright in a couple of days, take a couple of paracetamols’.
“Now clubs are sending players like that home immediately, to keep it away, so it doesn’t spread.
“It’s interesting that nobody has considered what we’ll do if we get a bit of Covid back in the camps or even flu.
“It’s going to be very difficult with the amount of games we’re playing. It could have an effect on the Premier League. Just a thought.’’