THOSE who saw West Ham’s 4- 0 victory over Wolves last week will well remember the unlikely turnaround during a first half when the Hammers were outplayed for much of the 45 minutes.
The admittedly ‘lucky break’ to be awarded the corner from which Mavropanos subsequently scored meant the Irons went into the break ahead and went on to capitalise fully in the second half.
The victory won’t stop Nuno from fretting over that first half: Against a Crystal Palace side who are lethal on the counter the Hammers boss might well consider a less attacking set-up to start the game.
Replicating the low intensity of that Wolves first half and allowing ‘Palace that much space in midfield would surely gift the Eagles a couple of goals, which the Hammers can ill afford to concede.
Nuno has to find the key to unlocking a full 90 minutes of high-level performance from his Hammers side
As he admitted in the press conference, West Ham need to hit the ground running and create that second half intensity from the off.
“This is the big challenge, to see if we can go not just in parts of our games, but for 90 minutes. Against Wolves, the first half was not so good then there was much improvement, and in other games we have started very well, so there is always to find a balance. We have a big challenge ahead of us.
“In other games’; Nuno has sometimes opted to start a stronger midfield, shifting formation to a three across the park. Perhaps then, at Selhurst Park he will consider starting the game by adding one of Potts, Magassa or Kanté to stop Soucek and Fernandes getting overrun in that first half.
It would mean sacrificing Pablo Felipe from a front four, but that may well be a trade off worth making if it keep the Hammers’ goal intact in the first 45 minutes. Taty with Bowen and Summerville still makes a pretty mobile, attacking unit for a starting line up.
The other factor that comes into the equation is Spurs’ result tomorrow: If they take three points then Nuno has to throw caution to the wind and respond with his own all-out assault to take three at Selhurst Park. That’s why Nuno gets the millions. ‘Tough decisions’, as he’s fond of saying.
I wonder if Soucek, Kante & Fernandes would work? The idea being S & K would free up F, for him to have more time on the ball and be a playmaker, thereby enabling a 4-3-3 formation which still carries a threat and can be defensive too?
Tough one and wonder the same thing, but WHU are best when attacking, pressing high and when taking the game to the opposition, with occasionally 4 in attack. Cannot do it for 90 mins, which is why later NES switches formation. Pablo & Taty play well together, have a good understanding and taking Pablo off subtracts this from the team.
Midfield can be overrun as mentioned, but also difficult under that pressure to make assists – that Fernandes still manages to, is incredible. Which is why many goal chances are created by wingers Summerville & Bowen, or Traore against Wolves.
I feel sure, Potts & Magassa could become very good PL footballers if they continue developing their game, but right now, I don’t feel they bring enough onto a pitch. If Potts were hitting passes, making assists, then 4-3-3 would be a good tactical setup. Unfortunately, it is not happening so far – hopefully working on this in training?
Kante to me, does seem to make a difference as soon as he comes on, because he tackles and wins the ball back& immediately looks to play forwards and follows that up with forward runs – but that is just an impression. Nice to have though!
I remember you yourself Martin, saying that NES tweaked team setup mid-match by getting Bowen & Summerville to drop back about 10 yards to help stop midfield being overrun (against Villa or Wolves, not sure). Maybe that is the best way, mid-match, while maintaining 4 forwards on the pitch, pressing the opposition at the start of the game when legs are fresh.
Potts and magassa aren’t good enough stick to 4-4-2 and attack
I think he (Nuno) would be mad to change a winning side. We played Potts Magassa and souchek against Villa and that was our worse performance of 2026. Plus I think Adam Wharton is injured who I thought was Palaces engine room