https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JCaUf4CWSU
It’s a well known fact that I have not been a great admirer of Andy Carroll’s game in the past but I owe him an apology.
For having viewed last night’s s match – or the goals from it several times – I have clearly missed much that’s in his game and thus this blog.
If you follow the build up to the three Hammers goals it’s clear that the big man plays a crucial part in all three, either by mere presence, an important pass or – as in the third – by his absence.
During the build up to the game I felt it difficult to subdue a smile when he said that there was more to his game than goals and the normal sarcastic mental attitude kicked in.
But a close study of last night’s game and those three crucial strikes proves him right and you can take a look for yourself in the video above.
Goal 1 shows a minimum of four Spurs players – one holding him – marking AC at the near post as the corner comes in demonstrating the danger he represents and the attention he receives as a matter of course.
Having seen the ball cleared and a shot fired to the far post they are all out of position to deal with the spilled ball by the goalkeeper which falls to Ayew to score.
Goal 2 sees Carroll again helping out with the headed flick which allows Lanzini to set up the assist for Ayew’s second.
Goal 3 shows him seemingly playing no part and that is a clever ploy as it allows Ogbonna to arrive very late into the position he would normally occupy and score with a great header.
The point is though that with no Carroll to mark the defenders look in far more relaxed mood – leaving far too much room for Oggy to cash in via a top piece of tactical thinking.
So sorry AC you win your case as far as I’m concerned your case is proved.