Sue Smith slams ‘poor’ moment from Mohammed Kudus in West Ham v Manchester United, Sky Sports News pundit Sue Smith slammed a “poor” moment from West Ham ace Mohammed Kudus in the first half of their clash against Manchester United on Saturday (23 December).
The Ghana forward gave the ball away cheaply and that led to a break from the visitors at the London Stadium.
Alphonse Areola prevented Alejandro Garnacho from getting on the scoresheet, with Smith flummoxed as to how Erik ten Hag’s side did not go ahead.
West Ham
Speaking on the Soccer Saturday pre-show (23 December, 13:05), she said: “Manchester United have to score here, it’s poor play from Kudus initially he gives the ball away and straight away Manchester United break.
“It falls to Antony and he plays it through to Garnacho on the left-hand side, he times his run really well – his first touch he’s trying to get it on his right foot – but his first touch is straight at the goalkeeper Areola, poor from Manchester United they have to score.”
Need to stay concentrated
Kudus has been in excellent form lately for West Ham, so most supporters will be more than willing to forgive a rare blip, though they will be keen for him not to give too many gifts away – even if it is Christmas.
It just shows you that no matter how good you are, you have to stay switched on at all times, especially against the so-called “bigger sides”, who have the quality to punish you even if they are not exactly in full flow themselves.
On this occasion, Areola stepped up when needed, and that is what you want from your teammates, to be there to help you out if you have made an error, so fair play to the Hammers goalkeeper for standing up and being counted.
There’s really no need to dwell on it, though, Kudus is an attacking player, he is going to lose the ball, but you want your forward players to be brave and try and make things happen, they shouldn’t be chastised too much.
In other West Ham news, Michail Antonio tells Jurgen Klopp what to do if he wants to sign Jarrod Bowen.
