OPINION
Many West Ham fans will be echoing Michael Owen’s concerns about Felipe Anderson’s latest displays as he has been worryingly quiet.
Owen put the spotlight on the 25-year-old attacker’s current form when backing the Hammers to beat Newcastle United on Saturday and pointed out that Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping the Brazilian gets back to his best in that clash.
“Felipe Anderson was outstanding for West Ham in their 3-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign and Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping the Brazilian recaptures his best form given he has been relatively quiet in recent games,” wrote Owen in his predictions for BetVictor.
Hammers supporters have no doubt notice that Anderson hasn’t been stealing the show in recent weeks like he did earlier in the season and will be worried about his dip in form.
The attacker has scored eight goals and registered three assist in his 28 league outings this season and has proven that he is good enough for the Premier League.
However he has only been involved in one goal in his last nine league appearances, he got an assist against Liverpool and in his latest outing against Manchester City it was a poor night by all accounts for him.
Anderson barely got a kick of the ball and then was clumsy in his own box as he gave away the penalty that Manchester City ended up scoring from to get themselves a 1-0 win.
With the 25-year-old winger not convincing as of late and Pellegrini actually having a lot of options when it comes to his flanks, the Brazilian should be fearing the axe.
This is because the Hammers boss is no doubt aware that dropping the player to the bench could be the spark to see his form restored to where it was earlier in the season.
While dropping Anderson may not work, Pellegrini has to try as he alongside many Hammers fans and Owen will be wondering how to get Anderson on song again.