Javier Hernandez is West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League this season, but their first win coincided with him stepping out of the limelight.
Slaven Bilic would have breathed a huge sigh of relief as West Ham United finally tasted victory in the Premier League on Monday, seeing off Huddersfield Town with two second-half goals.
The Hammers boss opted for a change in formation, favouring a 3-4-3 with Michael Antonio, Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez in attack, but the home side were not sparked into life until the introduction of Andre Ayew from the bench.
Ayew arrived in place of Hernandez before Pedro Obiang’s deflected strike opened the scoring – the former Swansea City forward then doubling the lead.
West Ham had earlier looked dangerous with Antonio pushed into a more attacking area and allowed to roam, while Carroll impressed, but it was a worrying evening for Hernandez.
Not only did his substitution precede West Ham’s goals – one of which was scored by his replacement – but the Mexico international is badly out of position on the left.
While he is a striker that thrives on scraps in the penalty area, he cannot offer the same attributes as Carroll – attributes that were key at London Stadium.
Not only would Hernandez find himself behind Carroll for the main striking role, Bilic must also consider that Ayew, Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini are all better options on the left.
West Ham have a wealth of attacking options and, while Carroll is fit, their new system might be better suited to other players.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
