West Ham’s daunting challenge at Liverpool on Sunday will be played out live on Sky Sports’ super Sunday as the Reds try and put last weekend’s defeat by Fulham behind them. West Ham themselves discovered a little bit of attacking form again, with two second half goals putting the Hammers ahead against Bournemouth before the Cherries rallied and grabbed a point.
Much of the media spotlight fell on Niclas Fullkrug whose impact as a substitute was significant: More so in showing the Hammers what they have been missing by playing without a number nine for the whole of Graham Potters’ tenure to date.
Fullkrug himself is experienced, physical and skilful without being a world beater. His successful introduction last week does highlight the dearth of talent available to West Ham since Michael Antonio’s accident – Graham Potter has favoured his less adventurous set up with just two attacking players.
The Manager’s press conference this afternoon was the usual series of truisms and platitudes but hidden away was one significant comment regarding his German striker. Reported on whufc.com, it seems clear that Potter finally ‘gets’ Fullkrug and the importance of having an attacking threat to keep an opponent’s defenders tied down.
“Clearly he’s a top player, and you can see that with the impact he had against Wolves and Bournemouth. He gives us a different outlet.”
At the same time, Potters words that followed indicate that Fullkrug, at 32 is not physically up to playing ninety minutes:
“He’s got a great personality, and we like him a lot, but he’s had a complicated season. We’re trying to manage it so he can play as many minutes, safely.”
Which raises the spectre of Jarrod Bowen having to start as the front man again, immediately diminishing his impact.
Bowen looked liberated when freed to return to his favoured ‘winger’ role when Fullkrug entered against Bournemouth: Potter again has to choose between starting Bowen up front or persevering with Evan Ferguson as centre forward, sharing the role with Fullkrug to manage the German’s minutes.
The likelihood is that away at Anfield he’ll revert to type and go all defensive, starting with just Kudus and Bowen up front. Not something to look forward to as a Hammers’ spectator.
If he does that again with fulkirg and Fergeuson on the bench. And play bowen and co out of position again..then the blokes and idiot…they have had over 2 weeks international break…come on. Ffs
The Hammers should be full speed ahead from the start, not half asleep like we usually are. Fullkrug should be full on from the start, if he’s spent by the break then Halfkrug off at half-time. Then maybe Ferguson on. What have we got to lose except another 5-1 thrashing? Maybe any of Fullkrug, Bowen, Kudus or Soucek can score. And I think Fabianski should be in goal. I don’t like us parking the bus as our defensive skills are not all that and we all know what happens. If we continue playing as we have lately it is inevitable we will finish in 17th place.
No doubt gentlemanly West Ham will gift Salah a hat trick to commemorate his new contract
No let’s go and have a go at Liverpool away from home. All out attack, I mean what could go wrong?
Like your optimism.
Sh!t or bust.
Attack is best form of defence.
Just need to convince Potter & Co.
Exactly what have we got to lose or play for …the Fergeuson loan was a complete waste of money…Brighton like dortmund mugged us of big time again……send us Fergeuson to get fit and we pay them ..😆😆now they have a fit plsyer back who they can play or sell 🤣..I mean ate our board that stupid