Above all, the televised game which saw West Ham overcome a motivated, aggressive Bolton Wanderers was a great advertisement for everything which is good about this division. Fast paced, end to end, no VAR delays, ‘refereeing by one’ just as good as by Stockley Park committee and without the interminable delays, and an opponent for the Hammers who proved far, far more resilient than expected.
Bolton came into this game on three consecutive defeats and were widely expected to lie down in front of a West Ham side in good form.
Obviously they hadn’t read the same script. After going behind, the Trotters provided a strong fightback for their home fans to celebrate and the mad first half was captivating watching in spite – or probably because – of the errors and missed passes that made it more like a basket ball game at times.
Mavropanos looking a major goal threat this season
In the end West Ham prevailed because of the goal scoring ability of Bowen and Mavropanos, and because their bench was far stronger. Worries must remain about both full backs – neither Walker Peters nor Scarles looked secure and the right winger in particular had a torrid time without the pace to combat Kyliane Dong’s running.
And the understated excellence of Arne Engels continues to impress: Not just the creativity but the fitness and commitment.
There was a moment late on, perhaps almost at the 90 minute mark, where he completed a lung busting, all-out intercepting sprint assisting his defender, clearing the danger and hoofing the ball away for a corner. I couldn’t help comparing that to Wan Bissaka’s slouching, ambling, couldn’t care less defending in a similar moment last season.
And therein lies the difference with this group of players. They want it. And that proved enough to see the Hammers home.
The team is starting to learn how to play together. There is more fight, resilience and confidence coming into their play but also still regular moments that commentators yesterday rightly described as “sloppy” that we can tighten-up. So, still room to get better.
Clear we will get chances and can score 2+ goals a game in this league and that our opponents will waste a few chances in return so no reason why we shouldn’t be averaging 2pts+ per game.
I am pleased that the international break is coming up for Bowen to have a rest. I would like to see someone swap wings occasionally so he doesn’t play 90mins all the time at 2 games a week.
Scarles had a poor first 10mins conceding a yellow card, but he played really solidly for the next 70mins so I hope he builds from that.
Interesting question about Alvarez and Magassa coming back into the squad after the transfer windows shut and Soucek once fit. I think Alvarez and Soucek in particular would tighten up our centre mid but I wouldn’t want the reintegration of the former to disrupt what looks to be a nicely building team spirit.
Reasons for optimism – and oh, I love not having VAR!
Must agree with comments above.
Veltman was a good enough addition works well.
Like to say Pablo is work in progress but not sure thought being up front might have scored.
Instead he brought motivation from Nuno not through joy but frustration..
Whu seem to specialise in players who can’t last for 90 minutes.
Morato was wrong choice have enough centre backs to cover back line.
Largie Ramazini (linked) should have come in instead to give needed cover for Bowen.
(ding) Dong was forever trying to open whu door and causing problems.
every game is going to be a cup final.
i agree he must rest bowen- bench him for some.
the currentwide backs do look weak.
I thought Scarles had another good game. He kept calm after the early booking and did everything asked of him. Our problems were down our right side and Bolton seemed to have the better of the midfield at times.
Nice to get the result, another three points.
But am worried about the defending, for a period looked all over the show and panicky.
Lucky we can score goals, but should have scored more,
A better team up front will be worrying if we can not get this sorted,
Was too easy to score against us.
Need to sort this out in training.
Scarles looked very uncomfortable to start, but settled in eventually.
Fridays game will be a big test.
Four things stuck out to me
… Bolton showed what many other clubs will do this season, and that is be inspired to play against West Ham and we dont have a killer instinct
… as with the Wolves match, we had the rub of the green. We didnt against Charlton, and whilst we have definitely improved, I dont feel we are playing as a 2 points a game average team yet
… oh boy was KWP poor, (Scaries far better but I’d have still liked to have seen Boiro have a run oit)
… Bowen is goingto get injured if he continues playing and playing … and then we could have problems. It’s as if Nuno is flogging him to save his job
Ps… when the cameraman panned round to Morata getting up to come on, I had visions of a forward coming off !!!