Moyes admits major West Ham issue clear ‘from January onwards’ and clarifies recent scathing criticism

David Moyes says the goalscoring concerns for West Ham have been present since January, while clarifying recent criticism of his players.

The Hammers are under pressure following a poor start to the Premier League season. Not only are they 18th in the table, but they have already suffered two losing sequences this campaign.

Their current position is in stark contrast to the past two seasons, when West Ham secured European football on both occasions.

Moyes insisted in his latest press conference that his side “feel as if we are quite comfortable here” and “we want to stay there”.

However, the London club have a lot of work to, especially on the goalscoring front. Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio have not enjoyed their regular top form.

Furthermore, new striker signing Gianluca Scamacca is still adjusting to the English top flight.

Moyes told reporters: “Every football manager I know works continuously on finishing, scoring goals, taking your chances, all of the actions that get you goals.

“We are no different to the rest and we are continuing to work as we have always done. We could just do with some of our top goal scorers coming up with some of the goals.

“Let’s be fair, we weren’t absolutely prolific from January onwards last year. We got goals, we got important goals, Jarrod Bowen stepped up greatly last year when maybe Mick [Michail Antonio] hadn’t scored as many.

“We need that to happen again, we need people to step up and get us goals.”

Bowen scored 18 goals and assisted 13 last term, but has only scored two so far this season – and none in the Premier League. Moyes insisted that the England international does not feel”frustrated” and is “doing everything he can” to improve his form.

Moyes clarifies key West Ham criticism

The manager slammed his side before the international break, into which West Ham went with a 1-0 defeat to Everton.

He claimed “the players I know about, they were the ones in the main who let me down at different times with poor play overall”.

Asked if he has spoken to those players during the break, Moyes backtracked on the comments.

“I don’t think any of my players have ever let me down, I don’t think I’ve ever used those words,” the Scot said.

“I may have said I was disappointed with some of the players who performed before, but none of the players here have ever let me down.

“They are really good players, great lads. I think that they’ve done a great job here over the two years.”

As for injury news, Moyes confirmed that summer centre-back signing Nayef Aguerd – who has yet to make his debut due to injury – is “doing a little bit on the grass” but is “nowhere near” full fitness.

Elsewhere, Bem Johnson is close to full fitness after over a week of solid training.

Hammers face key period

The key thing for West Ham as they look to get back into form is that they do not have an injury crisis.

Morocco defender Aguerd is the only player who stands out in that category following his big-money summer arrival.

It is more about being clinical for West Ham and taking their chances.

They have created more than enough chances to be the Premier League’s top scorers this season. But, they lack that clinical edge required to enjoy consistent form and climb the table.

However, they will be looking to correct that against Wolves on Saturday.

Bruno Lage’s side have not been in the best of form either and are there to be shot at – if West Ham have their shooting boots on.