OPINION
Andy Carroll makes only sporadic appearances these days as he winds down to the end of his time at West Ham – his contract expires at the end of the season – but his capacity for causing destruction and attracting negative headlines remains fully intact. The giant striker was introduced as a substitute 55 minutes into the Hammers’ 2-1 win against Southampton on Thursday night and it did not take long for him to make his presence felt, committing a number of fouls in sharp-elbowed aerial duels. His performance showcased the old West Ham, while the flamboyant Felipe Anderson – who scored both of his side’s goals – was the new. It appears that many Hammers fans are ready to move on from Carroll’s physical style, which has been seen on only six occasions anyway this season, as the team evolves under Manuel Pellegrini’s progressive leadership. Judging by many of the comments on social media during and after the match, they believe Carroll’s time could soon be up.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets below:
Carroll going up with his elbows already. Useless.
— IRONS (@IRONSSSS) December 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/damndiop/status/1078394562698186752
Carroll that was very slow and lucky not to walk. #SOUWHU #WHUFC
— Ricky Rayner (@17Rayner) December 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/FootballEars/status/1078394602665713664
Has anyone seen Andy Carroll?!? #WHUFC #COYI #SOUWHU
— Travis Newton (@ntrav99) December 27, 2018
Andy Carroll has returned from injury with all the mobility, touch and general footballing sense of a drunk wardrobe
— Dan Silver (@dansilver_) December 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/dangerous007uk/status/1078404003954868225
I don’t quite get what’s Andy Carroll’s role is he is never where he should be? In the middle would be a start !
— ?Brighty? (@TweezerGeezer) December 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/LParr94/status/1078401192781320192