David Moyes struck gold with James Ward-Prowse transfer decision after what he did v Nottingham Forest
West Ham United returned to winning ways against Nottingham Forest in an enthralling 3-2 win on Sunday and David Moyes must be beaming at his decision to purchase James Ward-Prowse during the summer.
Tomas Soucek grabbed a late winner as the Hammers came from behind to secure an entertaining Premier League win against Steve Cooper’s men at the London Stadium – their first league win since 30 September.
Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta were also on the scoresheet as West Ham were made to work for the three points from a resilient Forest side.
However, the Irons had the former Southampton man, bought for £30m in the summer, to thank for his match-winning deliveries.
BBC Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer (12 November) could not hold back in his praise for the England international and argued that West Ham will not have any shortage of goals when Ward-Prowse is around due to his set-piece abilities.
He said: “James Ward-Prowse is world-class. He is the best around and has been for a long time.
“When you’ve got players who can put it there, and when you’ve got players who are determined to get on the end of it, then you’ve got a fantastic chance.
“Two assists today, he’s got nine this season in all competitions, more than any other Premier League player. It’s a nightmare for defenders.
Ward-Prowse may not be getting the rub of the green when it comes to his England call-ups in recent months but there’s no doubt that the former Southampton man is making waves at West Ham United and proving that Moyes’ decision to buy over the summer was pure gold.
Two goals and five assists in 11 Premier League stars so far, and nine assists in all competitions [Transfermarkt] meaning he is well on his way to having his most productive campaign to date if this form continues.
Against Nottingham Forest on Sunday (12 November), the 29-year-old was simply flawless, registering five key passes – the most a registered in the Premier League all weekend, won 100% of his aerial duels, won three ground duels, recording 94 touches and successfully completed 96% of his passes as well as his customary two assists [SofaScore].
Neutrals may argue that Ward-Prowse isn’t the most appealing midfielder in the country but what he offers will be loved across East London and it’s why his transfer to the London Stadium is proving a masterstroke with every passing week.
Set-pieces have always been a big part of the way Moyes sets his teams up, with physical presences that will cause problems for any defence and a wicked delivery which is now being provided by one of the very best around. If that gets the Hammers to reach their targets at the end of the season, then Moyes certainly won’t care one bit.
In fact, he’ll be having the last laugh at signing the best around at what he does.
