West Ham’s 2-0 win against Bournemouth was far from perfect—despite what the scoreline might suggest.
There remains a lack of pace in the side, particularly in midfield, and I’m still far from convinced that Jarrod Bowen is being used correctly. Alphonse Areola continues to raise concerns and seems to make his defence look nervous—but there were some promising signs.
In truth, Bournemouth could—and probably should—have been 2-0 up before West Ham opened the scoring with a Niclas Füllkrug tap-in on 24 minutes.
The architect of the goal was El Hadji Malick Diouf, whose delivery also set up the Hammers’ second for captain Bowen.
The 20-year-old summer signing produced an outstanding display and was the real difference-maker between the two sides. On three occasions, he delivered crosses with such swerve and accuracy they were virtually undefendable.
Of course, it’s early days—and yes, it was only a pre-season friendly with all the usual caveats. But West Ham look to have a serious player on our hands. Diouf could finally be the one to provide consistent attacking threat from the left-hand side—a problem area for the team in recent years.
Is no one else worried that our formation has no natural wingers ? Bowen is wasted up top where is summerville going to play now we have our prefered wingbacks, I don’t know im a bit concerned our shape is a bit to defensive
Potts looked to a have a bit of pace I thought and if we had Earthy in the team and Marshall too I think we’d be scaring defences up and down the country.
It is a breath of fresh air with Majik, Potts and Marshall in and around the team.
I’m hanging out to see Earthy involved (once fit) I think he will benefit Potts and the team no end.
Outplayed for 25 minutes agreed, but then I thought fairly even. Every near goal was Bournemouth’s, but the back of the net was ours. Diouf looked sublime, and should be any dream team managers secret weapon. Kilman, Aguerd and Todibo, just enough, Ward Prowse, grew 2nd half, Potts, scrappy, then silky, Pacs, decent, Areola is returning to backup, AWB A-ok, BFG is evolving nicely, Bowen grew, and maybe we can find safety !
I would prefer to see Alvarez as defensive midfield, alongside Potts and Irving, worth a look as Potrs looks good going forward and seems to link up well with Paqueta
Spot on Gonzo , he looked a real player. As you say though for long periods we were totally outplayed & must agree that the midfield still looks pedestrian. Still, a wins a win ⚒
Yes indeed Steve, it had me wondering where Summerville fits in this system and whether he’s a starter?
Great statement Steve and gonzo, but surly Summerville has to fit in with his pace. Also with Potts, something has to be done to accommodate the pair of them ⚒️⚒️
Hope he will be. I would personally go with a 3-4-3 / 5-3-2 (whatever way you see it) with the players we currently have and all fit
Areola
Todibo. Kilman. Aguerd.
AWB and Diouf wing backs
Potts and Paqueta CM’s
Bowen RW
Summerville LW
Can’t decide between Wilson or Fullkrug for striker. With Diouf’s magic wand of a left foot think Wilson may benefit more from it but Fullkrug starting to look fit but is more of an impact sub.
Agree Gonzo the midfield is a huge problem. We really need some new recruits in there desperately. Thought it was almost a Moyes type performance where we were under the cosh for most of the game but sneaked two breakaway goals. If Potter wants to play out from the back we definitely need a keeper who’s more comfortable with the ball at his feet. I don’t really like the 5-3-2 formation, would much prefer 4-3-3 with Bowen in his best position on the right cutting in. Anyway they must surely have noticed how badly we need at least one, ideally two centre mids.
I really hope so Ray, I don’t think we’re too far off if we can sort midfield and keeper.