OPINION
West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has not held back from making the difficult decisions needed to try and change his side’s form, and it is clear that a poor performance is enough to see the axe brutally drop on anyone’s head should it be warranted.
The Hammers started off extremely poorly this season, which led to the likes of Declan Rice and Carlos Sanchez finding themselves hooked from the side, although the young enforcer has battled back from his nervy performances.
Their recent resurgence, which included victory over Manchester United and a draw with Chelsea, has ended with them coming back down to earth with their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton, and there was one man who left fans – and no doubt Pellegrini – demanding much more.
Step forward Arthur Masuaku, the left back who has perhaps escaped the axe when it has been warranted, but after another disappointing showing against the Seagulls, he is risking the wrath of his boss’ brutality.
He was culpable for the winner in the 1-0 defeat, failing to follow Glenn Murray as he netted the only goal of the game, and while his attacking threat is unquestionable, doubts must be raised over whether he really has the defensive side nailed down.
He has Aaron Cresswell – a dependable performer at the back but lacking the same flair 24-year-old Masuaku possesses up the other end of the pitch – breathing down his next, and when one goal can win or lose you the game, Pellegrini would no doubt want his defenders to keep the opposition at bay.
It was another suspect outing and one which has to plant the seeds of doubt in his manager’s brain, for the axe must be getting sharpened if it is not yet ready to be swung.