Where have all the goals gone?

Some pretty damning statistics in the media after the Spurs defeat. Sky Sports reports that West Ham have yet to score from a cross this season despite having the third highest total of crosses. While WHU were the top PL scorers from headers in 2020-21, but have only scored one header this season, the worst total in the division. The Daily Mail also points out that we were the second best team at scoring set-piece goals in 2020-21 but are now ranking 18th. Though we are the best team at not conceding from corners. 

Jarrod Bowen has shown signs of improvement recently, but has been disappointing overall. Michail Antonio, while always putting in a shift, has only scored two league goals. The time has come to start Ings against Forest and maybe even ditch the back five and pair him with Scamacca. Should Zouma be fit, Zouma and Aguerd would finally be Moyes' preferred centre back partnership. Paqueta seems likely to be out so Benrahma and Fornals or even Lanzini could come in to provide some creativity.

The Times reports that Moyes could be sacked should West Ham lose at home to Forest. Though sacking the manager could result in a Southampton or Leeds situation where there is no obvious replacement. Rafa Benitez is reported to be interested and has a proven track record, though would the crowd take to another defensive gaffer? Meanwhile Moyes needs saving from himself. Surely Kevin Nolan and Mark Warburton should be using their influence to persuade him to not play three holding midfielders at once and make earlier substitutions? His teams can attack, back in 2020-21 we looked lethal counter-attacking away from home. But that all seems like a long time ago.

To be positive, there have been signs of improvement in the performances against Everton, Newcastle and Chelsea and of the final 15 matches only four are against the current top six. But we desperately need goals otherwise Moyes could be gone and the Hammers plummeting towards relegation.