Wolves 1 Irons 0
By Hughie Southon
We have become so used to watching the ‘new West Ham’ we had forgotten what the old one was like…sadly we got a stark reminder this afternoon.
Pedestrian, hesitant and with little creativity was the name of our game as Wolves – without looking especially great themselves, took the points.
But they had enough about them to ensure that we failed to score in a Premier League match for the first time since the 0-0 draw against Southampton back in September.
Jiminez’s 58th minute drive was enough to stall our hopes of going second and to be frank we rarely looked likely to do much about getting back into things apart from one Bowen shot which he put over the top.
Maybe international duties and a crowded calendar is taking its toll because there was most definitely a blunt edge on midfield where we were often outnumbered whilst up front everything happened far too slowly.
Probably Aaron Cresswell was man of the match defending brilliantly at times with any threat usually coming from him.
Ben Johnson again did himself no harm and Lukasz Fabianmski made three or four fine stops but by and large a very disappointing afternoon.
……..and like our dreams…
From my point of view we lacked creativity today. Dec and Soucek didn’t masterdominate the midfield which we have become used to, so think the break didn’t do us good this time. Bowen and Forbals both workhorses, with the former the most creative of the two; but when Benrahma has an off-day there is not much creativity in the team (hopefully Vlasic will gel and adapt sooner than later)… Moyes put in Vlasic, Yarma and Lanzini trying to get more creativity but in the end didn’t work out unfortunately. Those saying Lingaard is too little, too late might have to think again. I’ve been on the fence, but now I’m thinking it might be a good idea for more offensive creativeness. This would give more creative force, either in starting 11 or off the bench.
Agree with you lokfaen. It has also been in my thoughts regarding all of the speculation about Lingard and what I will say, is that IF he did arrive… he would most certainly bring out the best in Benni as he would need to step up a gear. Creative competition is also a good thing for this team… I also hope that Vlasic finds his feet soon.
We seem to constantly get to within touching distance then put in a frustrating performance like that. Won’t be too harsh on the boys though – Wolves are are decent side.
But… whilst I think Johnson is a good defender and an exciting prospect, he lacks the same marauding forward play that Coufal brings and, as a result, we are imbalanced. Opponents know that the threat will come from the left, and Bowen is left frustrated on the right.
I can’t decide if Soucek is tired – in which case how do we make him ‘not’ tired? – or if, as you suggest, Moyes isn’t playing to his strengths. I don’t care if Rice wants to get forward, he’s nowhere near as effective as Soucek is, and Rice is better in the role Soucek is now playing… I would’ve subbed him for Lanzini at 1-0 down.
Great points you make there, Buddy
I guess, that I was a little peeved with my earlier comment, but the truth is we were always going to stumble at some point and you have to be gracious in defeat also….ala Moyes….. NOT Klipety Klopp.
We know the manager and team that we have, and we know that they will work harder to change our fortunes next time around.
I’m gonna go away and lick my wounds for now…… but I’ll Be Back!
Got to agree with the Rice/ Soucek comments. Rice is a much better defender as he could always play as a CB. It’s great to see him get forward now and again but lets face it how accurate is his shooting? DM needs to get Kral upto scratch-the sooner the better. Soucek needs a rest. Lage certainly did his homework on us. Another tough game next w/e and Rapid on Thursday where we need to finish top of the table or face an extra game-like we need one!