Ipswich Town 1 Hammers 2
Well we got away with it but whether we should have done is questionable: the answer, though immaterial, is probably NO!
A third minute header from Felipe Anderson off a fabulous Fredericks cross and an Arnie effort off 70 following an Ipswich mistake at the back saw us home but we were second best for long periods.
The hosts had equalised through the very lively Harrison who also hit the post and caused all sorts of issues although despite their quick movement, the Town forwards created little beyond that to worry a usually well marshalled Hammers defence.
We had started well and the goal should have given us the inspiration to press forward but instead it was Town who picked up the pace with plenty of quick passing and probing.
That may well have been as a result of the Hammers boss starting with last season’s midfield pairing of Obiang and Kouyate – playing his first pre-season match.
As was the case last season it was all too slow and predictable and the pace came from the likes of Masuaku, Yarmolenko and Anderson out wide but through the middle it was all far too predictable.
That changed a bit with the arrival of Declan Rice in the 71st minute taking over from Obiang and he was all endeavour, gule and clever twists and turns as the Irons started to take charge of the closing encounters.
Beyond their goal The Tractor Boys created little and the Hammers defence – a key priority for the manager this summer – looked secure with the starting back four being Fredericks, Balubuena, Ogbonna and Masuaku.
Sead Haksabanovich – who has obviously impressed the manager this summer – got another 27 minutes and Snodgrass 45 – but the boss will want to see a more positive Hammers in the last two friendlies of the pre-season and can’t have been more than 50 or 60 per cent happy with what he witnessed today.
Fabianski, Fredericks, Balbuena (Diop 71), Ogbonna, Masuaku (Zabaleta 71), Obiang (Rice 71), Kouyate (Noble 46), Yarmolenko (Haksabanovic 63), Wilshere (Snodgrass 46), Felipe Anderson (Martinez 63), Arnautovic © (Cullen 81)
Subs not used: Adrian (GK)
If he wants to see a more positive Hammers for the last 2 pre-season games, he just needs to start with Noble and Rice instead of Kouyate and Obiang. It shows we need to get someone in to replace them in the squad.
The defense for the last 2 needs to be his first choice so they can play more together. I would imagine Balbuena and Diop/Rice would be there as it stands.
Is it just me, or did Snoddy look half decent again today?
Doing okay
Did nothing today strolled around had no affect on the game – I would accept a good offer for him.
I think Snoddy is looking very relaxed and performing well. He seemed to be deeper today in MF.
Might just be me (and John), but I thought he was on the same level as Kouyate and Obiang pretty average and not at the level of the new look Hammers. I don’t remember him doing anything special, but do remember him giving the ball away. I think we’re all willing him to succeed, but he still seems tentative, rather than the marauding forward we saw before his move to us…
I watched the full game and I was very disappointed with the performance of many players with the exception of Arnie, despite spending 85m he is still the only player that gives us hope. I really worry about some of the signings, I am going to excuse the foreign players as they will need some time to get up to full speed but I have to say Yarmolenko was very poor. I don’t believe Fabianski is a better keeper than Adrian he has a major fault in that he stays back on his line and does not sweep in behind his defenders. However my biggest rant goes on Fredericks, he is terrible, has no composure and is not effective in back 4. He was a terrible signing and I have to say we are in big trouble at RB. Secondly Wilshere is also not going to improve the team – what was obvious today is that we have no 10 – no playmaker who will release the front 3. After spending 85m we still have no replacement for Lanzini. We are also in big trouble here. Thirdly we need an outstanding CM. And finally we need another forward option. Otherwise I believe we are in big trouble. I would sell all the following, Obiang, Cullen, Snodgrass, Byran, Hugil, Martinez etc. They are no where near this level. I am concerned despite spending 85m. I hope I am proved wrong.
I was at the game and disagree with most of your comments, mate. You don’t know what you’re talking about and will be proved wrong.
Look forward to being proved wrong, and trust me I don’t want to be proved right but if I am right then I hope you will accept that know a lot more about footballers than you give me credit for (and I will admit the same if the opposite is true).
Hmmm, not sure about your comments. Remember it was a friendly and nobody is going to risk injury. I like Fredericks and thought he did ok, even when moved out to the left. Fabianski I’m not convinced by yet but personally don’t rate Adrian either. I’m willing to see how that one goes. Yarmolenko was the only one that didn’t do a lot for me of the new players.
Hopefully he can see that the glaring problem is a midfield with Kouyate and Obiang in it.
If Ipswich show that commitment in every game in the Championship they will be a fair bet for promotion. They closed us down well and won plenty of second ball but we went on to win what was a difficult game. Early days for all the newcomers to bed in and the team to gel. personally I can see lots of potential in this squad of players for the new season and as the old saying goes “patience is a virtue” COYI
I saw the game similar to you Ozzie, Ipswich were fully committed, it was the first test for us and we came through it, earlier there was a post by Sean, Rome wasn’t built in a day, seems appropriate in this case, agree though about Obiang And Kouyate not their best games but everyone is learning how to play the new style it will take time.
It was nothing more than a pre-season warm up game for West Ham which gave Pellegrini a further look at the new signings, the more experienced Hammers like Ogbonna, Kouyate, Obiang, etc…… plus some of this fringe or Under-23’s like Snodgrass, Haksabanovic, Martinez and Cullen. Pellegrini will be formulating his first starting XI in his mind knowing that there’s Chicharito and Antonio to consider as well. Let’s trust him to get on with it with the knowledge that WHU will do well this season.
I was at the game y/day it’s a kick about were not playing to qualify for champions league football in friendly games have to admit I like the football were playing now rather than the last couple of seasons where it’s been no plan b the new players will take time to adapt apart from Fabianski & Wilshere as they know the premier league in Pellergrini I trust could be worse & still have the dinosaur in charge playing hoof ball roll on a new beginning COYI