Having been hugely critical of West Ham’s manager over the disappointing first few games of the season, it is only fair to credit the Hammers boss with a job well done this afternoon as West Ham ran out three-nil winners against a bang average Derby County.
Seven goals ‘for’ and two goals ‘against’ in the last two games brooks no argument, really. ‘Defensive Nuno’ appears to have taken a break.
Whether he’s listened to his critics, his assistant coaches or his senior leaders, the Irons boss appears to have learned from his mistakes and today avoided slipping back into the defensive mindset with which the Hammers started the season, most likely a wholesale relegation hangover after the relentless battering last term.
True, today West Ham were nervy in the second half but largely through their own poor passing and sloppy play rather than through Nuno’s tactics.
To his credit, the substitutions in the last two games have been like-for-like, midfielders for midfielders, defenders for defenders.
Two of Nuno’s subs came off the bench to score
No parking the bus or hanging onto a slender lead this afternoon as two of Nuno’s substitutes came on and promptly scored.
The Hammers looked to move towards a 4-3-3 still aggressive playing style, Edvin Austvø popping up and showing maturity by keeping a cool head to connect with Arne Engels’ cross and then Kanté blasting in the goal of the game in stoppage time.
Now West Ham have momentum: Eighth place, just two points off the top of the table for the time being, and Nuno will have to work hard and continue to counter his defensive instincts week by week and stay on the front foot. A couple of wins under the belt feels excellent but he’s got a long way to go yet.
Time to give him a bit of break, celebrate two wins and look ahead with a more positive outlook to the season unfolding.
If we could just keep Nuno out of the dressing room at half time when we are leading , we’ll be fine.
If you can get out of his mind parking the bus and replace it with more attack great leads to more entertainment.
Squad rotation is going to be a necessity and players will need to accept it.
Moyes particularly in his last 6 months tenure run the legs off same 12-13 players at a cost of European football and his job.
Nuno has to incorporate ALL players at his disposal and needs to bury the hatchet with certain players.
It will be a mistake to continue with any bad history getting back to premiership is the only object.
Getting back to premiership will increase fees for players he wants to move on.