A bold call from Graham Potter. That defensive set up yesterday could have attracted huge criticism if it had not worked: Leaving out the experienced Emerson for Ollie Scarles was a big call. The youngster, however, did not put a foot wrong and thoroughly justified his inclusion.
At the other end of the age spectrum, Aaron Cresswell rolled back the years and looked composed and in control next to Max Kilman in the Hammers defence. Another big call from Potter: it would have been tempting to start Mavropanos alongside Kilman and Todibo but the Hammers head coach made another right decision. The manner in which West Ham overloaded the left hand side to combat Arsenal’s Ødegaard and Nwaneri’s threat was well planned and very well executed.
Reverting to three at the back with wing backs after last week’s tepid 4-4-2 performance was brave: For those of us who have watched Lopetegui tinker unsuccessfully with everything in the first half of the season, there was a worry that the team would flounder in an unfamiliar shape.
Either the team were better drilled or Potter’s coaching comms worked better, because there was no floundering or hesitancy. Well drilled and switching from a more aggressive shape into sometimes a line of seven when out of possession, here was a West Ham that inspired confidence in those of us lucky enough to watch.
If it isn’t too much, please can we have that level of performance every week?
Good call leaving Mavro on bench.
Only been on field a short time and committed foul edge of box giving Arsenal scoring chance.
Thankfully they didn’t make the most of it.
Bowen did look a bit perplexed when subbed off.
Well done everybody else style has been set let’s have more of it.
Good call leaving Mavro on phone bench.
Only been on field a short time and committed foul edge of box giving Arsenal scoring chance.
Thankfully they didn’t make the most of it.
Bowen did look a bit perplexed when subbed off.
Well done everybody else style has been set let’s have more of it.
Been a Hammer’s fan for sixty odd years, nice to have that winning feeling, you played well lads so keep it going for all us West ham fans. And keep it going for GP cos I think he’ll take us to new height’s ⚒️
We have reached the stage where Scarles has more than proved himself to be first choice. Emerson is a decent player but Scarles has played far better and can cross a ball.
Brilliant performance all round 👏. Todibo a class act ,Scarles what a confident performance, Kudus a top player ,Bowen leader and legend. Not a poor performance through the side ,do it again Thursday please
I was shocked how bad we were last week. I was amazed at how improved we were this week. That says it all really…
Agree with the comments but what stood out for me was the at which the players performed. Todibo is a class act ,We don’t or shouldn’t need to sell 1 of our rising stars, Kudus brilliant performance, Scarles must keep his place . The whole team got back to defend and closed down players quickly ,how they should every game. Last week against Brentford I was sitting next to a life long fan like myself,60years of hope and pain and he left before half time after I’d told him I was more positive under GP but yesterday is what I was hoping for. I wasn’t sure about Jarrod being Captain but has proved his leadership skills and commitment, how much is he worth, legend. Beat Leicester and I will feel comfortable and if we finish in the top half and I think GP will have done well.
Fantastic result, well earned by all the players and management.
Very much looking forward to Thursdays game, in which I’m hoping for more improvement and a comfortable win
So pleased with the performance. The team did really well. Let’s hope we can bring that level of performance into our next few games.
And a positive appraisal of our performance on MoTD. Don’t hear that very often. For what it’s worth.
Correct. I did have a double take on the personnel involved in West Ham praise.
For once, we actually got credit for a good performance rather than the usual worn diatribe of “Arsenal played poorly/ weren’t at the races today/ down to 10 men/ good fortune for West Ham” etc etc.
Highlight of my day football-wise was watching Merson on Sky observing the game ending in the pits of despair…….comedy gold 😆
Merson is a Chelsea fan, but I guess he still has a soft spot for the Arsenal.
Do any actual football fans still watch MotD?
Tired old pundits, spouting nonsense and platitudes that don’t reflect the games, what a waste of time.