Yesterday evening plenty of West Ham fans were given an extended start to their perfect year. 2020 has delivered the Irons with two wins, six goals scored and none shipped, and to make things even better they’re in the 4th round of the FA Cup now too, and a lot of that is down to David Moyes setup.
Our team to take on Gillingham this evening #GILWHU #FACup pic.twitter.com/39jqzYQILv
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 5, 2020
The fact that the Scottish tactician went from a four-man defence to a three-man defence is one thing, but the main talking point was the personnel that he opted to use at Preistfield Stadium, as the Hammers made just three changes from the side that clubbed Bournemouth 4-0 on New Year’s Day.
The fans absolutely adored it when the team news came through and they got to see how seriously this game was being taken. As far as they’re all concerned it was a far cry from the Manuel Pellegrini days of losing to both Oxford United and AFC Wimbledon in the cups, and long may this continue.
How important is a cup run this season?
Very important, we're staying up anyway!
Focus on the Premier League!
You can read the Irons’ thoughts on their lineup here:
Credit to moyes for seeing this could be a genuinely great formation for our squad of players, and double credit for trying it in a game against a lesser team to break it in gently. He is… he is the moyesiah!!
— Lawyerings (@BirdLawExpert1) January 5, 2020
Must admit im surprised at the team selection as I wasn’t expecting us to go with such a strong side. Moyes played 3 at the back a lot last time so no surprise he is giving this another try
— mark speller (@supersonic_mark) January 5, 2020
I don’t think I’ve ever seen this strong a line up in cup game against lower league
— Chris (@rsstanford88) January 5, 2020
Well done to Moyes, a very strong team. About time we took the cup seriously.
If we lose, we can’t blame team selection as we have done for the past 2 years. #COYI #GILvWHU— Chris Newton (@five0123) January 5, 2020
I feel pity for Gillingham . Moyes taking no prisoners on this one. Avoiding replays at all cost
— GGZ4 (@GannieZigwa) January 5, 2020
Lovely stuff, taking it seriously going for a win.
— Ryan (@ryansmith15_) January 5, 2020
The Hammers adored seeing a strong eleven in the FA Cup and will be desperate to progress even further now.