That was far more enjoyable than I was expecting, to be honest.
After we went behind thanks to the Emerson / Paqueta cock-up I feared the worst as the Stadium went quiet and you could sense the frustration of Lopetegui on the sidelines: Having set the team up specifically for this match, put three across the midfield to try and stop city from playing through us, a bad pass cost us a goal and it knocked the stuffing out of us.
Remember, this is the best team in the world that we are playing.
Lopetegui’s tactical change at half time pushed Alvarez into the back line and that made a much better watch. We seemed more comfortable for longer periods of possession: No surprise that the third goal was scored after ‘El Machin’ was substituted. The attitude we showed as the game went on impressed me, though.
We grew and played better football and refused to be intimidated. After the first 15 minutes I think we’d had about 25% possession. I’d like to have seen the stats for midway through the second half. This was no ‘backs against the wall’ park the bus performance. The defence started keeping the ball, there was a belief and later on both Kudus and Summerville hit the post.
My ‘take-away’s’? Wan- Bissaka is a very classy player, irrespective of the opposition he looks imperious in possession either on the left or the right: He carries more attacking threat on his favoured right hand side but what a buy. £15 million? A steal.
Bowen is back on the pace. Covered miles today. Great to see the goal come from his excellent wing-play. It was intriguing to see Bowen and Kudus interchange wings so many times in the first half. Mo Kudus has these ‘flashes’ of brilliance in each game. Could be the third or ninety third minute but – you can’t take your eyes off him. Should he be started- as some commented tonight – in the centre?
And another mini-cameo from Summerville who needs more time on the pitch please!
There is much to be optimistic about. This was not the ‘long ball’ West Ham of last week. Occasionally cultured. Too many mistakes. I haven’t enjoyed a three-one loss so much. Principally because I can see the improvement, most of the changes J’Lo made were effective and tactically astute. Sure, we have a way to go, the changes to personnel contributed to the third goal but Alvarez is still coming back from injury so has to be managed.
One big concern, though, is Lucas Paqueta who looks as if he’s left his ‘genius’ plug-in memory stick in the car and is playing without inspiration. J’Lo still has his work cut out.
We went toe to toe with the champions for some parts of that match. On our day I’m confident we don’t need to fear any other team in this league. Man City are just another class.
Treasons to be Optimistic
Totally agree
I concur in what you say here, yes it was a 3-1 loss but against one the best sides in the world but West Ham continued to press City urged on by Jlo on the line. Can’t remember when I last watched the Irons fall to a 3-1 defeat but still enjoy watching the game so much. If Paqueta continues in his current vein I can see Jlo turning to Soler then perhaps this might spark Paqueta. With Wan-Bissaka in his current form, can’t see how Coufal gets in other than a cup game against weaker opposition or injury to either Wan-Bissaka or Emmerson. If it is Emmerson though you have Soler who can play there instead. Would like to see Kudus playing a more central role and perhaps using Summerville who is a natural left winger.
Who writes this shirt?? We did well to get an og
I write this shirt.
We hit the post twice. Remember?