Changed Hammer finally shrugs off Moyes’ shackles. The six-week transformation under Graham Potter has saved every Hammers’ fan from casting a worried eye down the table in silent calculation as to the likelihood of being dragged into a relegation battle. Six points in the last two games have enabled everyone associated with West Ham – me included- to breathe easier knowing that barring a miracle, three of the bottom four are all but doomed and the Irons are safe.
Noticeable in Potters’ ‘same again’ squad against Leicester was the increased input from returned ex-loanee James Ward- Prowse.
Responsible for a series of ranging passes out to both wings, and actually for starting off the move with an incisive forward pass which led to Tomas Soucek’s opening goal, JWP has grown almost visibly in confidence and influence since returning from half a season at Nottingham Forest.
James Ward Prowse can finally lose the shackles imposed by David Moyes
Last season the shackles were clearly applied to him: Hammers fans had to endure the side-side-back passing from the dreaded ‘double pivot’ of Soucek and Ward Prowse in midfield ,but as reported by the standard.co.uk, things are vastly different now.
“James Ward-Prowse has thanked West Ham manager Graham Potterfor giving him “freedom” on the pitch.” the article reported, quoting JWP as saying:
“The manager’s style definitely suits me. He’s given me the freedom to go out there and get on the ball and express myself. I’m just enjoying playing my football again, and I just love being out there.”
Which for all of us to watch is a breath of fresh air compared with Moyes’ restricted role the £30 million signing was asked to perform. Probably there is much more to come from
Ward-Prowse, growing in influence from open play as much as he already changes games from set-pieces.
Repeat performances of the Leicester game, when he was constantly starting attacks with long ranging passes to both wing backs and the odd incisive through pass will help West Ham make up for the lack of creativity in the current squad in the centre of the pitch: Without Paquetá, the Hammers look two dimensional so a resurgent JWP can only help the creativity and the goal threat.
