Moyes needs Ange touch as launchpad for Hammers

West Ham boss praises rival’s impact but is unlikely to stray from conservative approach

- Malik Ouzia

ONE MAN says he won’t, one man knows he must. It could easily be the Don Lafontaine voice-over on the trailer for a plasticky action flick.

It would do just as well, though, as the tagline for tonight’s derby, where David Moyes takes a West Ham side still in search of the handbrake release to meet Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, who have been as good as their word in refusing to take a backward step through a challenging slump in form.

The question of whether either might be willing or able to stray from their signature philosophy has dominated both managers’ press conferences in recent weeks, Postecoglou facing an injury crisis that has ravaged his slick unit of the early part of the season and Moyes seeking a way to evolve his counter-attacking team to make best use of the rare talents of players like Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus.

The answers, though, have been broadly contrasting. Even after a run of three successive defeats, Postecoglou insisted ahead of Sunday’s meeting against Manchester City that his side’s approach was not for changing and found vindication in the form of a thrilling 3-3 draw away to the treble winners, despite missing 10 first-team players.