West Ham United kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 2-2 draw against Ferencvaros in Austria on Monday.
A warm sultry afternoon in Austria saw the Lopertgui led Irons come back to nick a 2-2 draw with the hosts
Our new Head Coach Julen Lopetegui set out with a 4-3-3 formation, with Cornet leading the line, while Mohammed Kudus and Luis Guilherme were on the flanks.
Not a match that would live long in the memory, as the game had all the hallmarks of an early pre-season match, with the Irons struggling with fluidity
The Hungarian side struck first just past the midway point of the first half. Ghanaian international Owusu Kwabena unleashed a stunning half-volley that looped over Lukasz Fabianski and nestled in the net via the underside of the crossbar.
West Ham looked to respond immediately but Aaron Cresswell’s free-kick was blocked by the Ferencvaros wall. Moments later, Mohammed Kudus created a chance for James Ward-Prowse, but the midfielder’s effort was denied by Ivorian defender Habib Maïga. Maxwel Cornet also failed to capitalise on the rebound, firing over the bar.
The Hungarian outfit pressed home their advantage just before halftime. Cebrail Makreckis found Aleksandar Pesic with a clever through ball, and the striker made no mistake, slotting the ball past Fabianski to extend Ferencvaros’ lead.
New West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui opted for a complete overhaul at halftime, making nine substitutions. This included a debut for summer signing Wes Foderingham in goal.
The changes paid immediate dividends. Just three minutes into the second half, substitute Danny Ings stepped up and curled a beautiful free-kick over the wall and into the top corner, pulling the Hammers back into the game.
Both sides continued to create opportunities throughout the second half. Adama Traore missed a golden chance for Ferencvaros, while substitute Fortune Bassey also threatened for the Hungarian outfit.
With seconds remaining on the clock, a glimmer of hope emerged for West Ham. A free-kick was cleared, but the ball fell to our forgotten man, midfielder Andy Irving. He delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, and Nayef Aguerd rose highest to volley the ball home with his left foot, snatching a dramatic equaliser for the Hammers at the death.
West Ham will continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to face National League side Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.
Even though it was not a great game, it was refreshing to see the fighting spirit instilled by new manager Julen Lopetegui. Despite conceding two early goals, West Ham never gave up and were rewarded with a dramatic late equaliser. The Hammers will look to build on this performance as they gear up for the upcoming Premier League season.
West Ham United: Fabiański (Foderingham HT), Kodua (Marshall 60), Mavropanos (Zouma HT), Kilman (Aguerd HT), Cresswell (Emerson HT), Orford (Earthy HT), Potts (Moore 68), Ward-Prowse (Irving HT), Guilherme (Kelly 54), Kudus (Casey HT), Cornet (Ings HT)
Subs not used: Terry (GK), Herrick (GK), Robinson
Goals: Ings 48, Aguerd 90
Last gasp equaliser? It was a pre-season friendly to give players game time in preparation for the new season.The scoreline really didn’t matter, did it?
I thought the passing was a lot faster and as you say one touch. The other main thing I noted we were playing much further up the field especially when the opposition had the ball, much more pressing as opposed to all 11 players constantly in our own half. Difficult to read to much into this. I didn’t notice Max or Guilherme do much but thought the young lad # 56 was decent as was George Earthy
You will find the complete opposite of Moyes game with J Lo. We will be doing just what you have written. Pressing higher up and faster passing
Refreshing to see some speedy one touch passing as mentioned by others. Great opportunities given to our young players…A happy Hammer this evening.👍🏻
Ferencvaros are close to starting their season, we’re only just into pre season. We weren’t too bad considering. It’s 45 minutes into those who played.
The biggest change I noticed was passing was one touch particularly in the 2nd half so the ball moved around so much quicker. It will take awhile for the team to get use to this big change but was much more pleasing on the eye.