West Ham must now truly unleash Scamacca


West Ham United survived a scare on Thursday evening to maintain their winning start to their Europa Conference League group stage campaign, having seen off a resilient Silkeborg side to clinch a narrow 3-2 victory.

The unfancied, Danish hosts had provided David Moyes’ side with a real stern test on the night, having even taken the lead early on through a composed finish from forward Kasper Klusk – much to the delight of a jubilant home crowd.

The Hammers swiftly hit back through Manuel Lanzini’s somewhat fortunate spot-kick, before Gianluca Scamacca and Craig Dawson saw the east Londoners take control of the tie, as they managed to hold off a late fight back to secure all three points.

Having named a relatively strong lineup on the night – including the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Declan Rice – it would have been something of a concern for the Irons boss that his side were somewhat underwhelming, following what’s been a tricky start to the season on the whole.

Domestically, the London Stadium outfit currently find themselves in the relegation zone having picked up just four points from their opening six league games, with the club’s extensive recruitment drive having yet to bear fruit.

One man who has perhaps shown early signs of promise is the aforementioned Scamacca, with the towering Italian having already netted three goals in just eight appearances for the club so far this term.

As per Liam Brignull, the 23-year-old was arguably the “big positive” during last night’s victory, having fired in a devastating finish midway through the first half as a marker of his undoubted talent.

Should Scamacca start on Sunday vs Everton?

No, not convinced

Yes!

Yes!

Such quality has yet to be seen in the Premier League, however, with the former Sassuolo man – who signed on a £35.5m deal over the summer – having been handed just a solitary top-flight start thus far.

While illness has played a part in that reduced role, the seven-cap gem had only featured off the bench in the opening three league games of the season prior to that, with Moyes seemingly keen to ease the forward into life in England.

Although that may be a commendable approach, the striker is only set to find his rhythm by being handed an extended run in the side, with the £90k-per-week colossus needing a consistent run of league games.

As his European exploits have shown thus far, the 6 foot 5 menace offers real quality in front of goal, having previously netted 16 league goals in Serie A last term for his former club.

If the £27m-rated man is not handed a proper chance to impress he runs the risk of joining the catalogue of forwards who failed to deliver for the club over the years, with it now time for Moyes to truly unleash him in the top-flight, ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Toffees.





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