David Moyes had praise for the organisation of his West Ham United side at Manchester City on Wednesday night – but conceded that they needed to be better in possession if they were to claim a result.
The Hammers set out to frustrate their high-flying hosts and achieved that for a large period of the game, although goals in each half from Rodrigo and Kevin De Bruyne ultimately ensured the points would stay in the North West.
Moyes felt his team could have done more to put Pep Guardiola’s men under pressure, but could not fault their application.
These games were always going to be difficult for us but getting a good structure, especially defensively [is important], because if you don’t concede any goals you always will pick up points
David Moyes
“I thought the players did a great job in trying to be organised, disciplined and structured in a way that would make it hard for them,” he said. “We did it for long periods, but they move the ball so well. They advance the ball every time they move and put you on the back foot so many times.
“There were lots of good defensive moments in the first half when we had to defend when it looked as if they were in, but overall I’d have liked us to play much better, especially with the ball and on the counter attack. We had a few opportunities, and we didn’t take them.
“I want to be able to play, look forward and play good stuff. I think we showed really good organisational qualities tonight – we were disciplined in our roles, everybody knew what they had to do, and against these teams you have to be.
“There will be games coming up when we have the chance to play differently, but obviously we’re in a period of a couple of tough games.”
The boss believes that when his team marry up the structure of their game on show at Etihad Stadium, with that quality going forward, they will turn their form around.
“I’m confident [we can get of the situation],” he added. “These games were always going to be difficult for us but getting a good structure, especially defensively [is important], because if you don’t concede any goals you always will pick up points.
“We have to take that, try to improve our football, because we’ve got some good games coming up at home.”
