It is just as well the only thing that matters is the result because let’s be frank poor West Ham just about ground out a win against a team who simply came to park the bus. That is until the last few minutes when Olympiacos could and should have scored instead a header hitting an upright from very close range when it looked easier to score!
Poor West Ham: Paqueta scores-
And for once we were grateful for VAR as mine and no doubt the reaction of many was that Lucas Paqueta‘s winner was offside when in fact the Brazilian had timed his run for a sumptuous goal perfectly. Beyond that and some great play from Mohammad Kudus there was little to admire with the Hammers Hammers showing many familiar faults; passing sideways and backwards, losing possession and being guilty of some poor passing. Combine all that with an inability to make much happen in the final third and there is a problem.
However, in the end, as stated, only the result matters and we remain top of Group A with Freiburg who completed a thoroughly competent 5-0 victory over bottom of the table Backa Topola whom, we meet on November 20 before what looks likely to be a huge game against the Bundesliga outfit on December 14
Also, when JWP joined, he was taking the ball in midfield on the half turn a lot more, ready to look for a killer pass – the kind of pass that Bowen would feed off (because I agree Pete, he’s never going to win the hoof up top, but then Antonio doesn’t these days either!).
He doesn’t do that so much anymore. Gets it, passes backwards. Pointless. Turn, baby, turn!
I’d like to see the running stats for our games, because I don’t think that is the problem. They work hard enough.
And last night was arguably my strongest team, with only Benrahma’s position something I might change (based on our current squad). So that’s not it either.
For me, it’s the sheer lack of speed in our passing. Passes are soooo slow, and laboured and we’re pedestrian as we venture up the pitch. Moyes needs to speed up the tempo and get the guys fizzing balls into each other. It’s just too easy to defend against otherwise.
Well needed win although our style of play is not quite there. If we play Bowen up front, forget the long ball up, he won’t win it. Benrahma too predictable down the left with his cut inside and shoot (wide) option. We need to get down both flanks. Moyes predictable swaps with ten and five mins to go do not enhance the performance ever.