This 29-year-old form is a major concern: Three things we learned from West Ham win over Hull
By Amir Mir
Football Insider analyses the three major talking points as West Ham defeat Hull 1-0 at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Slaven Bilic has major defensive problems
The Hammers were all over the shop defensively and their backline will continue to be a major worry as the season progresses. Bilic needs to buy fresh defensive additions in January, else their problems will continue to mount up. Hull were second from bottom coming into this game, but they looked like a side chasing for the title at the London Stadium. Winston Reid is the senior defender in the back three, therefore, he needs to take control of his defenders and bring a much needed calmness to his backline. The away side hit the woodwork on at least four occasions and more than deserved a goal.
Mark Noble’s form is a major concern
Despite his well taken penalty, the form of the 29-year-old is becoming a major problem and concern for the home side. The club’s senior figure was unable to control the game from the middle of the park, as Hull produced attack, after attack throughout the match. The Irons are in a relegation battle this season and Noble is one of the reasons behind that. His form from last term has dipped significantly and a break from the starting XI is needed. You cannot question his attitude, nor his desire to win, but he is unable to break play up or bring calmness to his side, which is causing an affect on the team.
London Stadium is becoming toxic
The Hammers were very lucky to get away with a win against the relegation strugglers. Had they lost the encounter by three or four goals then you would not have been surprised. But, the home support were not too pleased with the constant threat the away side were possessing on the Irons backline. After constantly hitting the woodwork, the atmosphere, unsurprisingly, was becoming toxic. Regardless of the three points, West Ham are producing relegation form and they will need to get their fans on their side, if they want to move away from the danger zone.
In other West Ham news, Slaven Bilic should not have sold this 27-year-old international.