Keeping it simple has paid off for Moyes so far

So far David Moyes has delivered simple instructions well. Mark Noble is never going to criticise a West Ham manager, but he was pretty fulsome in his praise in his Evening Standard column, writing of Moyes: "He tells you what you need to do well, but also how you can improve. He is direct but never personal. He's the best I've ever experienced at telling you exactly how it is — but not belittling you."

The players had clearly been told that more commitment and pressing from the front was required. It was heartening to see Anderson, of all people, eagerly closing down centre backs along with a rejuvenated Haller. Playing Felipe behind Haller was good tactics and what many of us wished Pellegrini had tried. The side also looked more solid defensively with Snodgrass and Fornals tracking back, while WHU were still able to use Fredericks on the overlap.

If Moyes wants to build on his good start he should name a strong side at Gillingham today and aim to get a run going in the FA Cup. Survival is undoubtedly his first priority, but he also needs to remember that winning is a good habit — and that Pellegrini's woes began with the 4-0 capitulation at Oxford in the League Cup.