Many West Ham United fans are concerned over longtime servant Mark Noble’s current dip in form.
He started in the 3-2 loss against Newcastle United on Saturday but finished the game with an awful WhoScored rating of 5.7/10, which is the lowest rating by any player in the match.
The 32-year-old Englishman has played an impressive 718 minutes already this season, making him the seventh most played Hammers player, despite only averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.44/10.
Also, I find Mark Nobles form concerning.
Thought he began the season well but think he was average at best for a few games and was awful today (not the only one, I am aware).
— Geo Mackie (@redhammer8) November 2, 2019
To rely on Mark Noble week in week out at this stage in his career is a problem because he just can’t do it every week. I doubt even Noble himself expected to be a permanent fixture in the centre of midfield. Wilshere is never fit and Sanchez isn’t good enough.
— VINNYWHUFC (@vinnywhufc) November 3, 2019
Could not agree more Geo. Mark was shocking. The manager also likewise shocking and woryingly seems to have no answer other than take the money.
— Stephen Watkins (@SeahagW999) November 2, 2019
Since the 2009/10 season, Noble has played 283 games for West Ham, totalling to 23240 minutes, according to WhoScored.
Not only that his usual solid passing is all over the place. We improved massively when he went off.
— Dan Ellis (@xDellisOfficial) November 2, 2019
Legs have gone
— Graham Buckle (@GrahamBuckle1) November 2, 2019
Nobes is three years past his sell-by date. Him and Zab are snails.
— Joe Emery (@00emmers) November 3, 2019
What Do We Think?
Given Noble’s age, it’s a big surprise that he’s one of the Hammers most played players.
The Englishman is yet to make any real impact, scoring just once this season and failing to register an assist so far.
The Irons are lacking when it comes to defensive-midfielders, with Jack Wilshere injured again and Carlos Sanchez failing to impress, the only starters are Declan Rice and Noble.
Perhaps in January, this is an area the east-London club will be looking to improve, maybe even calling back Grady Diangana from West Brom could be the solution.