Irons Need Polishing

Steaua Bucharest were European Cup champions in 1986. Since that time; the team - now called FCSB - have gone on lesser times; and are currently only 14th in the Romanian Liga I. It is safe to say that their glory-winning days are far behind them.

But the current edition is doing quite well; and they are in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season. Stability though has been harder to find; and the team have used no fewer than 55 players in their current 13 matches of the season.

Against West Ham in the season opener; they acquitted themselves well; defending stoutly and putting in a committed performance. They even took the lead in the first half through right winger Andrei Cordea. Just when it looked like West Ham were running out of ideas though; they got a lifeline through a very debatable penalty; when goalkeeper Stefan Tarnovanu was adjudged to have clattered into Maxwel Cornet when going for a high ball.

After that; credit to West Ham; they did turn up the heat; and eventually won comfortably 3-1 after further goals from Emerson and Michail Antonio. But it must be said that the quadruple substitution from David Moyes changed the game; when their entire front-line was changed with Antonio; Lucas Paqueta; Jarrod Bowen & Pablo Fornals coming on. Overall; it must be said that the Hammers are still lacking rhythm & cohesion in their game; with players still not coming up to the form of recent seasons.