Hammers Chat

A Deep Dive into West Ham’s Tactics: How the Hammers Are Shaping Up This Season

|
Image for A Deep Dive into West Ham’s Tactics: How the Hammers Are Shaping Up This Season

West Ham United’s 2024/25 season has seen significant tactical changes under new manager Julen Lopetegui. Known for his success with Sevilla, Lopetegui brings a methodical approach centred on possession and tactical discipline, a marked shift from the defensive resilience previously established under David Moyes. His philosophy leans toward balanced play, prioritising structure in both attack and defence, which has impacted the team’s overall strategy this season.

Statistical Overview

Stats sourced from FootyStats.

Possession and Passing

  • Average possession: 58.3% (up from 45.7% last season)
  • Pass completion rate: 84.2% (increased from 78.9%)
  • Short passes per game: 412 (compared to 325 in 2023/24)

Defensive Performance

  • Goals conceded: 1.4 per game (slight increase from 1.2 last season)
  • Clean sheets: 2 in 10 matches (down from 4 in the same period last year)
  • Tackles per game: 15.7 (decreased from 18.3 under Moyes)

Attacking Output

  • Goals scored: 1.2 per game (marginally down from 1.3 in 2023/24)
  • Shots on target: 4.5 per game (up from 3.8 last season)
  • Expected Goals (xG): 1.45 per game (increased from 1.32)

Formation and Key Players

Lopetegui frequently utilises a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, allowing flexibility to adapt to different match situations. This setup leverages key players like Lucas Paquetá in the central role, orchestrating the midfield with creativity, although he has had his struggles on and off the pitch. While summer signing Niclas Füllkrug has been a vital addition upfront. Füllkrug, along with returning players like Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, contributes to a varied and dynamic attacking style. Additionally, newcomers such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo have bolstered the defence, addressing some vulnerabilities from last season.

It’s fair to say it’s looking like quite the overhaul compared to David Moyes time at the helm. If you want to come along for the journey, then you’ll have to secure some West Ham tickets. You can get the best West Ham ticket prices at Ticket Compare. Shop around to get the best deal and get yourself to the London Stadium.

Defensive Structure and Challenges

The defensive line, strengthened by Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo, aims to reduce conceded goals through improved organisation and ball control. However, the transition has not been without challenges; defensive missteps have occasionally cost the team, as seen in recent games against top opponents like Tottenham, where lapses led to a 4-1 loss. This underscores the adjustment period necessary for Lopetegui’s more controlled, possession-based style, as defenders adapt to a more involved role in the team’s build-up play.

Tactical Adjustments and Season Outlook

While the team is adapting to Lopetegui’s tactics, the manager’s intent is clear: to create a “complete team” that can adjust to various play styles and maintain consistent performance. With a mix of seasoned players and impactful new signings, West Ham remains focused on securing a strong finish, aiming for stability and a potential European spot if tactical cohesion is fully realised.

The season continues with upcoming matches against Manchester United and Everton, where Lopetegui’s strategies will be put to the test, offering further insight into the effectiveness of his approach and squad adjustments.

Offensive Play and Key Attacking Players

In Lopetegui’s system, offensive players like Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paquetá, and Mohammed Kudus play crucial roles. Bowen, who emerged as one of the top scorers last season, continues to drive West Ham’s attack. His versatility in playing both as a winger and forward gives Lopetegui flexibility in offensive setups, while Paquetá’s role as a playmaker centralises West Ham’s attacking play. Mohammed Kudus, signed from Ajax, adds further depth with his ability to dribble past defenders, create opportunities, and finish effectively, positioning him as a rising asset in the team.

In addition, Niclas Füllkrug’s presence upfront has provided a physical and technical forward option. His experience and goal-scoring instinct complement Bowen’s pace and Kudus’s agility, allowing Lopetegui to experiment with fluid, attacking movements. The 4-2-3-1 formation often accommodates these three attacking threats in various roles, with Bowen and Kudus switching wings to confuse defences and Paquetá supporting from the midfield.

Midfield Dynamics and Tactical Balance

Lopetegui’s approach to midfield play focuses on control and precision. Edson Álvarez, positioned as a defensive midfielder, provides a solid foundation that balances Paquetá’s forward tendencies. Álvarez’s physical presence and tackling ability relieve some defensive pressure, enabling Paquetá and other midfielders to support the attack more freely. Meanwhile, James Ward-Prowse, known for his set-piece expertise, adds an essential dimension to the midfield, contributing both to defensive efforts and goal-scoring opportunities from free kicks and corners.

This midfield setup is designed to create a well-rounded team that can press effectively and recover the ball quickly. Lopetegui’s emphasis on tactical discipline ensures that the midfield operates as both a defensive buffer and an offensive link, adjusting fluidly depending on the game’s demands. This setup has improved West Ham’s ability to maintain possession, a key element in Lopetegui’s style, although mastering this balance remains an ongoing process as players adjust to new roles and expectations​.

Performance and Future Prospects

The 2024/25 season has been a transitional period for West Ham, with the squad showing potential yet struggling with consistency as they adapt to Lopetegui’s structured, possession-focused game plan. The team’s current position, around mid-table, reflects both the successes and challenges of the tactical shift. West Ham’s recent fixtures have included a mix of competitive performances and costly errors, suggesting that while Lopetegui’s methods are influencing play positively, they require time to be fully integrated.

As the season progresses, the upcoming matches against high-ranking teams like Manchester United and Arsenal will be critical tests. These games will gauge West Ham’s tactical adaptability and defensive resilience under Lopetegui’s management, offering insights into the team’s potential to break into the upper echelons of the Premier League. With continual improvements in execution and cohesion, West Ham aims to establish a stable footing and position themselves for European qualification, which remains a realistic goal if the squad capitalises on its strengths and addresses defensive lapses.

Overall, West Ham’s transformation under Lopetegui points to an ambitious long-term vision. By instilling a balanced and disciplined style, the manager aims to create a West Ham side capable of competing consistently at higher levels, while also embracing a more modern, possession-oriented approach that appeals to fans and aligns with the club’s ambitions.

Image Source: unsplash.com

Share this article