David Moyes reacts to calls for sacking, issues ‘stick with us’ plea to fans after Wolves loss

West Ham United manager David Moyes remained calm and optimistic post-match despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, in a huge relegation six-pointer at Molineux. Daniel Podence’s sweet strike just after half time handed the hosts a vital victory, soaring them out of the relegation zone, but the Hammers crashed down into the bottom three.

The visitors put Wolves under heavy pressure for much of the second half as they pushed desperately for an equaliser, but they were unable to create any clear-cut openings. Moyes made just two substitutions as his team had the momentum heading toward the final moments, but they were unable to break through a resilient Wanderers defence.

West Ham are now without a win in their last seven Premier League matches and they have picked up just one point in that period. Their last victory was at home to Bournemouth on October 24, meaning they are well and truly in relegation form, to say the least. Moyes remains keen to carry on his job, though, as he believes this run is just a ‘blip’ that they will eventually get out of.

“We’ve probably risen expectations greatly in the last few years - we’ve been in Europe, in sixth and seventh in the Premier League the last two years, so I can understand the disappointment and the frustration,” Moyes said-post match. “But it’s quite often the journey you have to take when you’re trying to re-climb the tree and trying to get better.

“Every so often you can get a blip - we’re certainly in one at the moment. But probably what we’ve achieved in the last few years - avoiding relegation three years ago and building on means everyone is a bit disappointed now, which they should be. It’s right, [it’s about now, not the last three years.] That’s football management for you.

“But if you look at it, normally the clubs that stick with it get tend to get the best results. We have to look at the next game and move on, tidying up on the quality and getting some goals. What we’ve given West Ham supporters in the last three years I hope they can give back in a difficult period. I’m sure that will help us. You always want the backing of your home support and we’ve had it - let’s hope that continues,” Moyes continued.

West Ham take on yet another almighty relegation six-pointer next weekend as they play host to Everton at the London Stadium. The Toffees have also been very out of sorts of late and the game feels like a bit of a make-or-break prospect for both sides. Wolves, meanwhile, can move on with confidence, though they do have a tough FA Cup replay against Liverpool followed by an away trip to Manchester City. Defeat at the Etihad could throw them right back into the mix.