West Ham secured a vital three points at the weekend by defeating Newcastle United 3-0 at St. James’ Park, bringing a halt to the Magpies recent rejuvenation after a slow start to the season.
Victory for the Hammers provides a solid platform to build upon over the course of the busy festive season that lies ahead and Manuel Pellegrini’s side face another clash this evening against relegation candidates Cardiff City.
While the East London side are the favourites on paper, some fans are fearful that the wrong team selection from Pellegrini will cause problems – and plenty have called for Arthur Masuaku to be axed from the side.
After Aaron Cresswell limped off in Saturday’s victory over Newcastle, many fans on social media were fearful that 25-year-old Masuaku would be recalled to the side and pointed out that he has struggled for form throughout the campaign so far.
We have gathered some of the fans’ comments from social media below.
We will lose next game If Masuaku start
— East London Hammers (@EastHammers) December 1, 2018
@Ing_Pellegrini Please consider Ogbonba for left back v Cardiff if Cresswell is unavailable – Masuaku is too much of a liability, he can tackle but cannot defend – Always out of position & has questionable decision making.
— Timco (@timco20) December 2, 2018
Worried about Cress injury the thought of Masuaku playing on Tuesday doesn’t bear thinking about. https://t.co/G8vxiw6siL
— Mike Austin (@mikeaustin1404) December 1, 2018
I'm super worried, assuming masuaku and Antonio are our full backs, 2-2 I think.
— Will (@Kwi1197) December 4, 2018
Pls I can't take Masuaku for another 90 mins. Love the bloke but he's a winger…
— Luke Metcalf (@Lukemet02) December 3, 2018
Please be fit. Can’t have Arthur as a left back
— Paul (@Paulthehammer79) December 3, 2018
Masuaku LB = Cardiff 3 points
— Zack Walker ⚒ (@zackwalker2003) December 3, 2018