1) Aguerd providing Hammers steel
The pressure on David Moyes has eased before West Ham host Chelsea. The east London side remain in relegation peril but recent performances have been more encouraging. Last month’s victory over Everton featured Jarrod Bowen at his driving best and last weekend’s gutsy draw with Newcastle saw West Ham return to the qualities that once made them so effective under Moyes. There were players running for the cause and the defence stood firm. Nayef Aguerd is beginning to look like a very smart buy. The Morocco centre-back missed the start of the season after suffering an ankle injury during a pre-season friendly but he has been excellent since returning to fitness. Aguerd was impressive during Morocco’s run to the World Cup semi-final and has been very good for West Ham lately. Most impressive was his brilliant tackle to deny Callum Wilson after the Newcastle striker went through on goal. Moyes will want more of the same against Chelsea. Jacob Steinberg
