It’s no secret that defence is the foundation of any successful team. Yet, if we take a closer look at West Ham’s performance this season, it’s clear that something isn’t quite clicking at the back. Somehow David Moyes has gained the reputation as a defensive manager but he’s nowhere near as good as some would have us believe.
First off, the elephant in the room; penalties. Conceding ten penalties in a single season is no small feat, and it’s a stat that poses a lot of questions. When you’re consistently giving away opportunities for the opposition to score from the spot, it’s a sign that your probably inviting a bit too much pressure upon yourself.
And it’s not just penalties that are the problem. West Ham’s defence has been leakier than a sieve, allowing opposition teams ample chances to take shots on goal. In fact, only relegation-threatened Sheffield United have been as generous in this regard. That’s not the kind of company you want to be keeping if you’re aiming for European qualification .
Now, don’t get me wrong, Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola have are fine keepers. These guys have saved West Ham’s bacon on more than one occasion, pulling off some incredible saves to keep their team in the game. But relying solely on your goalkeepers to bail you out time and time again is a dodgy strategy.
Moyes often instructs Soucek to stay back but does it actually work?
Stats suggest it ain’t working Moyesie
So, what’s the solution? Well, as the old saying goes, attack is the best form of defence. It’s possibly time for Moyes to adopt a more proactive approach, focusing on controlling the game higher up the pitch and putting the opposition under pressure.
By pressing higher, winning the ball back quickly, and keeping possession in the opponent’s half, West Ham can stop some of the pressure on their defence and give the back four a rest.
Of course, it’s easier said than done, but with the attacking talent at Moyes’ disposal – like Antonio, Bowen, and Kudus – there’s no reason why West Ham can’t be a force to be reckoned with at both ends of the pitch.
So, here’s hoping that Moyes makes the necessary adjustments to shore up West Ham’s defence. Because with Leverkusen looming on the horizon, we’ll need to do something.
Once again, thank you for such insightful info.
Stats must be considered, and also helps when other WH supporters think one is negative, when speaking out.
As I have said before, all our current centre-backs are suspect and weak.
Since the Dawson/Ogbonna era we have no tuff and ruthless centre-back pairing that give their lives for the West Ham cause. Kurt Zouma cannot sprint a couple of yards before needing oxygen and oil transfusion and often not in position to diffuse opposition crosses or dribbles.
And then add to that a midfield which dont tackle and a forward line which dobt tackle or press … except Kudus, Jwp and our Mexican soldier.
So yes, we are seriously weak defensively.
Spot on analysis and not only have other top teams proved it, we have as well. We defend better when we attack. This crucially applies on transition, if we break forward quickly we are dangerous, if we hold it up, turn around, play across the back in our own half, we don’t get out and adopt the low block. That leads to pressure and we capitulate. Unhealthy signs? They are conceding first regularly, conceding frequent penalties by penalty area pressure, and conceding crucial goals in injury time. Back foot suicide.