Disappointed Moyes opens up on Zouma, makes West Ham transfer demand (original) (raw)

David Moyes has provided an update on Kurt Zouma and made a transfer demand after he came away ‘disappointed’ with a point against Crystal Palace.

Pablo Fornals gave West Ham the lead at the London Stadium with his second goal in as many games. Palace loanee Conor Gallagher levelled before Michail Antonio bagged his fifth goal of the season. However, just two minutes later Gallagher scored again.

His brace forced the Hammers to settle for a point and ended their winning start to the season.

Reflecting after the match, Moyes told Match of the Day: “The players are disappointed in the dressing room but that tells you the standards we have set ourselves.

“We just didn’t play to the standards we have reached in recent weeks.

“We scored another couple of goals and played really well at times in the first half, we have been good defensively but I was disappointed with the goals we conceded today.”

Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Off the pitch, West Ham have been working hard to negotiate a deal to sign Chelsea defender Zouma.

They have only three centre-backs currently so it is a very necessary signing. It was reported earlier today that he’d passed a medical.

And Moyes has now said a deal for the 26-year-old is “getting close”. But the Scot is not happy for the club’s business to finish there.

Kurt Zouma during the warm up before The Mind Series match at Emirates Stadium, London

He added: “We do need a couple of more in because we have a lot of games coming up. We have a good team and I like the players we have got.”

An attacking midfielder to fill the Jesse Lingard shaped hole in their squad seems to be one possible addition. They have sourced one option for that.

And the Hammers are still in need of a number nine to back up Antonio. A Ligue 1 striker has been considered.

Palace game plan works a treat

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira felt rewarded for the effective tactics he employed for the game.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “We knew it was going to be difficult. We came here with a really good game plan. In the first half we played with the hand break on, but we were brave enough to put the pressure on them in the second half.

“We deserved the two goals and the point. This game will give us confidence and belief for the rest of the season. There is more to come from this team.

“Conor Gallagher was fantastic. He worked really well and gave use a lot of energy.”