West Ham boss David Moyes has cited the long lockdown period as a key factor in the Hammers’ resurgence.
Moyes – who was re-appointed as manager last December – had overseen just one Premier League victory in West Ham’s last nine games before the March lockdown, before he returned to the top flight. Had 12 points since June’s restart to maintain their status.
The Hammers came close to the drop in the final term / Richard Heathcote / Getty Images
And after a rather chaotic start to 2020/21, which saw them lose their opening two games of the campaign, the east Londoners have since enjoyed a six-game unbeaten run and currently sit 12th in the table. are on – five points behind fourth-placed Southampton. .
Speaking to Sky Sports, Moyes believes the three-month break earlier this year was crucial in West Ham’s return to form: “I think we’ve improved a lot since the lockdown.
“The lock-down period, I could almost call it a long pre-season. When we got the players back, obviously it all started in one and two but it gave me a chance to be close to the players and it Gave me an opportunity to try to build team spirit, which I thought also needed help.
“I think since then, we’ve grown. We’ve scored a lot of goals and I think we’re off to a good start again this year. Last year we had a bad defensive record, and we worked hard to find a way. to eliminate it or certainly improve it, and we are currently doing something better in that area as well,” he added.
Their fightback from 3-0 down in the last ten minutes at Tottenham was testament to their new-found steel/Poll/Getty Images.
After his strong finish to the 2019/20 season, Moyes opted for a permanent system switch to 3-4-3 – which has helped bring balance to West Ham’s side.
“I think the change to the 3-4-3 we had, trying to score less goals, trying to score more goals and getting players into the team – and I have to say, since we’ve played it, go” Very well,” said Scott.
The Hammers return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon with a trip to struggling Sheffield United.