OPINION
West Ham put in a disappointing performance in a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield on Saturday afternoon, and there were plenty of players who contributed to their below-par display.
One of those most at fault was central midfielder Pedro Obiang, who looked totally lost against the Terriers before being hauled off by Manuel Pellegrini in the second half.
Instead of accepting the decision after a tough day at the office, Obiang then expressed his anger at being substituted by throwing a hissy fit in the dugout which will not have impressed his manager.
The Spanish-born midfielder was one of the club’s worst performers on the day as he struggled to get involved at all in the game, and it was a display which begged the question: what does Obiang actually bring to this West Ham midfield?
It was also a display which will have brought his place in the starting XI into serious question, and with the imminent return of two counterparts after the international break, that is something which Pellegrini must now consider.
Firstly there is captain Mark Noble, who will return from his red card suspension against Manchester City, and then there is Jack Wilshere, who is expected to return to full fitness over the break.
Both of those players look to be better options than the 6ft 1in Obiang [Transfermarkt] , especially against a City side who will give West Ham little to work with in midfield.
While Obiang may have the physicality to deal with City, his lack of form will mean that West Ham will essentially be playing with ten men anyway against the league leaders.
Pellegrini must now wield the axe on the hopeless Obiang over the break and bring back either Noble or Wilshere, if he is fit.