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David Moyes expressed his disappointment in not being able to select Mohammed Kudus for West Ham’s scoreless tie with Brighton.
Kudus, a Ghanaian player for West Ham, has been performing exceptionally well this season. However, he was unable to play due to his upcoming involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, despite the deadline for players to join their national teams, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah from Egypt was able to play and score two goals in their 4-2 win against Newcastle, 24 hours prior.
Moyes subtly criticized the Premier League’s schedulers for postponing this match for television, stating, “It feels odd to be playing on January 2nd.”
“Would it have been possible for us to play on the first day and allow our African players to participate, as they are unable to play today?”
I believe this is an issue that needs to be addressed. I question why our African players cannot be treated equally to others.
Brighton may have had team members participating in the Asian Games, but I am aware that Kaoru Mitoma is currently injured. They could potentially share the same sentiment.
The outcome was not influenced by our abilities; both Brighton and our team were missing several key players.
“I fail to understand why one would choose to participate in a game where some players are unable to play and face a disadvantage. I will refrain from saying anything further.”
The choice to reschedule the game for TV appeared even more perplexing as both exhausted teams played out a dull 0-0 tie.
Considering that it was the ninth game in a month for West Ham and the eighth game for Brighton, the managers likely would have agreed on a tie before the start of the match and opted to watch darts instead.
Tomas Soucek missed West Ham’s greatest opportunity by shooting wide, but Brighton dominated in the second half. Hammers’ goalkeeper Alphonse Areola made impressive saves to stop Danny Welbeck and Adam Lallana.
“In terms of points, we have had a fantastic Christmas season,” stated Moyes, whose team started the new year in the top six. “I am ecstatic to have won three games, including against Arsenal and Manchester United, and to have drawn one. Our point total has been impressive.”
This is the first instance this season where we seemed exhausted and worn out tonight, but the team has performed exceptionally well. Brighton has been our problematic opponent in the past, yet we have secured four points against them this season. However, I am striving for improvement and I understand that it is necessary.
Roberto De Zerbi, the manager of the Seagulls, was certain about the one thing that his team was lacking.
He simply replied with a goal.
Today, we were deserving of a victory, but we played an incredible game, possibly one of the best during my time here.
I am pleased with the performance of my players, as we played strategically against West Ham’s strong counter-attack. I have no criticisms to offer regarding my team’s performance.
Despite having injuries, our team possesses strong character and a positive attitude.
Source: independent.co.uk
