The faces of consternation and shaking of heads on West Ham’s bench when the Everton goal went in said it all. Whatever had been said in the build up to the game – in Nuno Espírito Santo’s brief training contact with his squad – had obviously gone unheeded.
West Ham had conceded again from a recycled corner, Areola punching the first kick clear only to see the resultant cross powerfully headed in whilst Mavropanos headed thin air.
So perhaps the Portuguese head coach now sees the magnitude of the problem. With only in-the-doghouse Jean -Clair Todibo available if the coach deems changes as being needed, the Hammers defensive options are not great. Espírito Santo was typically blunt when speaking to Sky after the game:
“We should have been more aggressive, more contact with the attacker.” However, the summing up was more positive: “The boys did well, not competing as a team was the problem, and that is changing. ” It is too soon for me to evaluate everything – it’s just three days”.
There were encouraging signs too: Maximilian Kilman being more demonstrative physically and getting the blocks in place throughout the second half showing Nuno can indeed get his message across quickly. We are none the wiser as to Igor’s suitability after a brief sixty seconds on the pitch but clearly the Hammers defence needs yet more attention on the training ground in the weeks ahead.
You do have to feel for the players who will now have to adapt to a fourth manager’s playing style and philosophy. However, what is certain is that there has been a much needed change in the playing style of the team as well as the selection of the team and the early signs are, indeed, encouraging.
Is it me? Because referees allowed Arsenal to obstruct and foul the keeper at every corner kick last season, as they have been trained to, now all teams are at and it is spoiling the game. I thought obstruction was an offence. At yesterdays Everton game Areola did well to get to the ball whilst being backed into in front and sandwiched from behind. It resulted in the Everton goal. Last season Fab was sent off for punching at the ball, missing and connecting with the guy trying to block his way. It is the keepers job to attack the ball when it comes in. If somebody wants to put their head in the way of his fist to obstruct him, they deserve all they get. I don’t recall it being this bad before the Arteta plan. As soon as a corner is awarded now, it is all blocking, pushing, shirt pulling and individual fights going on that should lead to any goal being disallowed. Half the team should be booked before the kick is even taken. It is at least one defenders job now to block the keeper to prevent him getting to the ball. They are playing the man, not the ball. Come on ref’s, sort it out.
We competed, the stats were very even and if anything we had the better chances. Many teams would take a deserved draw at Everton at the moment.
That’s with a manager in position for three days backed by the academy coaches. It was much better fare than for some good time.
West ham is West ham..
Don’t expect anything from them….when we do get something….its a bonus….years of same old same old ….and the board gets richer…
I wonder if Todibo is indeed in the dog house or if he was injured – I thought all players should start with a clean slate
Well done Hammers and well done Nuno for galvanising the team
COYI
Martin
Your constant criticism of Mavrapanos is getting tedious. I thought he played ok. We were caught out by an outstanding header.
Overall it was a great team effort. We should be congratulating C&H , most of the posters on here and the protest groups. We have succeeded in getting rid of the clueless Potter the worst manager in the clubs history.
I have no doubt we will be competitive this season and stay up. More than that we will be entertained. I have 2 season tickets but have not gone yet this season as I refuse to watch Potterball . Now I can’t wait to go
I’d love to see Mav do well but it’s constant. He’s got at least two major clangers in him per game and you can’t survive with that lack of concentration in the EPL. saw two poor decisions from Mav and the last could’ve cost us the game at the end.
It’s not unfair to call it out and clearly Nuno is well aware already. There’s a decent chance he might give him one more game but he’ll get murdered against Arsenal unless he ups his game levels sharpish.
Positive signs though after last night and much to be pleased about going forward.
Let’s hope Nuno can get a CB and striker in Jan…