West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

‘Just the starter’ – Moyes admits his West Ham focus drifted but points to rejuvenating factors

David Moyes on the West Ham touchline

David Moyes admitted that his mind may have been drifting to upcoming European commitments during West Ham’s win over Everton, but welcomed the return of Jarrod Bowen among other important factors.

West Ham returned from the international break with a 2-1 win over Moyes’ former employers Everton. Aaron Cresswell and Bowen scored either side of Everton’s only goal, via Mason Holgate.

It was a positive outcome for a West Ham, who in the build-up had to avoid the distraction of Thursday’s glamorous Europa League quarter-final against Lyon.

Moyes admitted after the game that it may have been playing on his mind after all. That said, he was pleased with the application of his squad after a break – and particularly the impact of Bowen after a longer spell out with injury.

The manager told Sky Sports: “It was a really good win and I thought the players did a really good job.

“I would like the standards and levels to be better. Coming back from international duty and getting the players back on it is never easy.

“It was a tough game, we huffed and puffed at times. We had opportunities but so did they.

“We have a huge game coming up on Thursday night. I would like to say that wasn’t playing in my mind, but it clearly was. I’d like to say all the players have come through OK, Jarrod Bowen included.

“We know that Jarrod has goals in him. It was unfortunate the injury he got as we could have found him being part of the England squad. Gareth [Southgate] may look at him again in the summer if he keeps his form up.

“But for us he does a great job. Hopefully he is rejuvenated after the break and can play even better.”

Moyes glad to see Cresswell score

Aaron Cresswell, West Ham, April 2022.

West Ham took the lead in style with Cresswell’s free kick. It was a welcome sight for Moyes, who has wanted to see the left-back score more from such a method.

The Scotsman said: “We give him a lot of stick because he practices free-kicks so much and has not had many goals.

“He has had a lot of assists in other ways. It was a real good free-kick today.”

Also coming in for praise from Moyes, despite going goalless, was striker Michail Antonio.

Moyes added: “Michail plays on the edge and it was more like a Michail Antonio performance today. We have big games to come and hopefully he gets goals in the coming weeks.

“This is just the starter. We have the main course coming up on Thursday and hopefully we can be quicker and sharper.”

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