The Nuno revolution began against Everton with a hard-won point but reality returned as the Hammers were spanked in the most one – sided 2- 0 defeat witnessed in years: No shots on goal for the Claret and Blue reveals a huge gap in class between West Ham and their North London rivals and goes a long way to explaining why the Irons go into the break in 19th spot in the Premier League.
Sidelined through a three game suspension following his red card in the dying days of the Potter era, Tomas Soucek has had to turn out for the u21’s to keep himself fit and now disappears from the training squad at Rush Green for double-header Czech Republic fixtures against Croatia.
The Statistics that speak volumes
Stats highlighted in sportscasting.com make it clear why Nuno should welcome his ‘slow – horse’ midfielder back into the fold.
“The Hammers have accumulated a win rate of just 8.33% without the midfielder. Meanwhile, in Premier League matches that Soucek HAS started over the same time period, West Ham boast a much-improved 33.33% win rate, once again highlighting his importance.”
Indeed West Ham have managed just ONE win with Soucek absent since the start of 24/5 which was the ‘Danny Ings penalty’ win against Manchester United.
Indicative of dreadful form under Potter, yes.
But pretty conclusive evidence: The tall ever-willing runner Soucek may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but in a new-look West Ham midfield surrounded by willing pacy runners – there’s now a trio to choose from – Nuno Espírito Santo sidelines Tomas Soucek at his peril.
But he’s slow not creative and barring headers not defensive. He’s a might score sub at best surely?
Magassa is the future for sure…However Souceks experience is gonna be needed at the moment…Low blocking for Moyes was his game….Posession football is not…So yep he has been missed…Until Magassa gets up to speed.
Who are you suggesting he comes in for… coz he was woeful for the U21s
Ha ha ha haaaa! Sure thing, Martin.
You cannot honestly believe that? And as for those stats, they’re not worth the paper they’re written on.
One day, people will wake up to the fact that Soucek was yesterday’s hero, and today’s problem. The “yeah but he’s a nice guy and, you know, scores some goals” argument is lazy and constantly spouting about how important he is to the team is ridiculous. We need Magassa to be brought up to speed, not to rely on Tomas blooming Soucek. Goodness me.