Monday, May 23

Irons blow chance of sixth place

Brighton 3 West Ham 1

It was always going to be tough to be playing our unlikely bogey team in the 56th game of a long season. But with Man United losing at Palace it all seemed to be set for West Ham to sneak into sixth spot after Antonio took advantage of a slip by Dunk and turned to fire a rocket into the top corner. 

But Graham Potter brought on Maupay at half-time and the re-jgged Brighton side quickly equalised as Veltman's shot crept under Fabianski, a rare ricket from the Hammers' keeper that changed the game. The second arrived after some nice football and a turn and powerful shot into the top corner from Gross — though Soucek could have been tighter. Mark Noble at least gets some minutes for his final match, but the third is scored in added time as Welbeck rises between Zouma and Dawson to score a too easy goal.

Moyes was rightly angry after the players' second half performance and this is yet further evidence that a much larger and better squad is needed. Fatigue undoubtedly played a part, though in the big picture it's still been a good season to finish seventh and make the Europa Conference. And while many wondered if we'd make it out of the group stages in the Europa League, it's been quite something to get to the semi-final. Even if the season has ended with two big disappointments.

This summer is vital for new signings with Noble, Yarmolenko, Kral and Fredericks leaving and a few others likely to follow. Rob Newman and David Moyes have to get this right if the club is to continue progressing. And now it's time for a rest after a relentless round of games. We're all going on a slightly budget European tour. Come on you Irons!

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