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West Ham’s fixture with Manchester City would often be one to dread for Hammers fans.
This time around, however, optimism is high. Fresh off their comeback against Tottenham, which will live long in the memory, David Moyes’ team will now be backed to get a result against an out of sorts City team.
A man key to any positive result could be likely debutant Said Benrahma.
West Ham signed the Algerian on the EFL deadline after the deal looked to be off just hours earlier. The transfer is unlikely to quiet the ‘GSB Out’ brigade, but they’ll no doubt concede that they’ve acquired an exciting talent.
Moyes was keen to reiterate that the winger will need time to adapt to the Premier League:
“From what we’ve seen at the moment, I think there are good signs. We’re trying to get him a little bit quicker and ready for the Premier League and what’s to be expected. As I said before, I’ve done this with quite a lot of Championship players over the years so I’ll take my time, bring him on when I’m ready and hopefully get him in the right condition to start and play well when he does.”
Jarrod Bowen could represent the perfect model to follow. Brought in last January, the former Hull winger is now a fixture in the Hammers line-up and has netted three goals in five games this season.
Due to the form the 23-year-old, Englishman Michail Antonio and Spaniard Pablo Fornals, it’s highly probable that Benrahma’s match will start from the bench.
He could face compatriot Riyad Mahrez once he graces the London Stadium turf, the City winger an obvious comparison due to their style of play.
Asked about their similarities, Moyes pointed out the different stages of their career that the two men arrived at their respective clubs.
“I think there is a difference in the comparison as Riyad Mahrez came from the champions of England at the time, who were Leicester City. We’ve got Said Benrahma coming from the Championship and we’re bringing him on, we’re developing him and we’re looking to see him step up to the levels which are required.”
Both players are keen to get fans off their seat, and its a particular shame that the Hammers fans won’t be around to welcome his on his first appearance for the club.
With the team in such good form, the Algerian will be excited to contribute, and carry on the momentum gained in last weekend’s result at Tottenham.
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