West Ham vs Brentford Preview
Graham Potter was the source of much chin-wagging when he was appointed West Ham head coach following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.
It seemed at the time as if the appointment created as much curiosity as it did excitement amongst Hammers fans who were crying out for change. Whilst many of us (myself included) were not hugely convinced by the former Brighton manager’s suitability for the Irons hot-seat, most people conceded that Potters’ teams played good technical football.
Therefore, it was probably something of a culture shock-albeit not a surprise-for Potter to take the reins at his new club only to find a paucity of attackers and a colander-like defence.
His first task was to stop us getting thrashed, which had become a regular occurrence over the past twelve months. To a certain extent, that has been achieved, with the team enjoying more control in football matches recently.
Unfortunately for the new gaffer, the need to plug a leaky defence and a lack of attackers meant Potter has been unable to play as much on the front foot as he might have liked.
Potter can now move on to phase 2
West Ham start to get players back
However, Saturday’s Premier League game against Brentford at the London Stadium will finally provide West Ham’s boss with a bit more ammunition.
January signing Evan Ferguson will be available to play some part in the proceedings, whilst arguably Potter’s best player so far—Lucas Paquetá—has returned from injury. Captain Jarrod Bowen made a goalscoring return to the team at Stamford Bridge, and Mohammed Kudus is reportedly firing and ready to go.
For the first time since taking the Irons top job, Potter has, at the very least, a team’s worth of attackers, which should allow him to select a more balanced side.
What he has achieved so far on scraps and rations has been impressive, but there is no substitute for quality, proven attackers. Therefore, I’d expect to see the first glimmer of evolution against Thomas Frank’s Bees this weekend, and I’m growing increasingly confident we’ll get the win
Agree, 65 years has taught me the same. Its a different proposition at home as the opposition, if not one of the top 4 or 5, will tend to sit in a mid or low block and look to press and counter. Palace did that very well and Brentford may well try the same thing. Im not confident we have the central midfield and team understandng yet to break thru an opposition press without risking a turnover and getting caught out. Like i say, Mbembo and co are quick and Brentford pass thru the lines well.
We have yet to see us really play well in the proverbial “front foot” and at home. The win against Fulham was about finishing 3 of about 4 clear chances and we played on the break or pressed them to create errors.
If Brentford take the game to us he same way we have better chance but im less confident if they dig in, defend deeper, narrow and counter.
Not quite 60 years of sufferance for me, however I clearly haven’t learned….I’m hopeful (not optimistic)!
Oh dear , as a West Ham supporter for over 60 years I’ve learned to never be confident of a win at the weekend 🤭 However let’s hope 👍⚒
So true Steve, it took me years to realise it wasn’t my fault when they lose 😊⚒️⚒️
You too huh?