Hammers Slump To Third Successive Defeat As Young Ngakia Makes His Debut

Moyes set up the team to restrict Liverpool and the game plan worked until the penalty awarded to the opposition on 35mins. Until then the Hammers worked hard to keep Liverpool at bay and sit deep, venturing into wide and forward positions when able.

And it was this forward play that left us exposed at the back when on 52mins Oxlade-Chamberlain was able to strike into the bottom left hand corner after Henderson responded well from a Hammers corner. Liverpools pace and passing was too much for the committed team.

But, a lot of positives from the match in particular Rice being more involved and solid in midfield, defensively looking tighter – there are not many teams who will be able to stop Liverpool this season. But the big positive was the debut of Ngakia at right back. Pace, confidence, ideas and passing as well as running at players, willing to take them on and looking for a shot on goal as well. It was a wonderful first game for the lad and he showed his quality and what he could bring to the team in the future as he grew into his role. It was great to see Noble putting his arm around. him at the end of the game and having a talk.

There was a brief introduction to Soucek, signed from Slavia Prague, who must surely get some match time on Saturday against Brighton.