David Moyes urges Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller ‘to make a difference’

West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth – Premier League – London Stadium
(Image credit: Bradley Collyer)

David Moyes has challenged Sebastien Haller and Felipe Anderson to make a difference for West Ham this season.

The duo had to settle for a spot on the bench against Newcastle in the Premier League last weekend and may be named as substitutes again on Saturday at Arsenal.

Haller moved to London last summer for £45million and Anderson cost £36million in 2018, but both have failed to justify their price tag so far.

He said: “I inherited both of them, both had big reputations and I think the games they have played everybody had the chance to see their performances.

“I’ve got to say the two of them are great to work with, the two of them are really good lads – I like them a lot.

“Felipe is a terrific lad, so is Seb but what I want them to be is terrific players every time they play and I want them to make a difference.

“They were bought by the club to make a difference, one to be a major goalscorer and one to be a major assist maker.

“I think both in midweek showed a little of that but you have to be doing that regularly and you have to be able to show it in the major games. Both have got a bit of competition to get in the team.”

“Suddenly now we have got competition for Felipe’s place,” Moyes added.

“We’re looking for goals and assists from Felipe and to be fair he got a goal in midweek, so that was good.”

“I admired him as a player and I have certainly admired him in his start in management because he’s had such a good start with two cups,” Moyes said.

“But what he’ll find is as he goes on, is it becomes more difficult. The expectations rise.

“When you’re at big clubs, you’re expected to win every week and then you’re not only expected to win every week, you’re expected to play very well, then you’re expected to score lots and lots of goals every week.

“Whatever club you’re at, the level of pressure comes on, especially when you’re at the big clubs.

“It becomes a real higher level of intensity and pressure, but Mikel will have seen it working under Pep (Guardiola).

“Manchester City were under pressure to win all their games, play with a great style and win every competition they’re in, so he’ll have had a chance to see that.”