How nice is it to watch a game of football with no VAR delays or controversies and without a dumb 4 minute water break in each half. West Ham’s preseason continued with a trip to Stevenage, League One opponents who narrowly missed out on the play-off finals last season.
First half goals by James Ward Prowse and Taty Castellanos with Bowen’s assist made for comfortable arm-chair watching as West Ham strolled through the first ’45 looking composed and playing joined up, fluid football at times.
Ward Prowse back on the Hammers score sheet
James Ward Prowse in particular looked in fine form as rumours of a reset between the midfielder and head coach circulate: West Ham’s number 8 certainly looked good and popped up all over the pitch in the first ’45 with a couple of excellent defensive blocks as well as some – surprisingly – dynamic runs forward and a goal taken at the second attempt after firing a shot at the ‘keeper’s legs.
Taty Castellanos buzzed around and looked strong, finishing well from Bowen’s lovely through pass whilst under pressure : You’d just sense the Argentine forward has the ability to make this a huge season in front of goal.
With no Potts or Earthy due to illness, this was, without several internationals, West Ham’s best XI who played the first half: Ten changes at half time with only Golambeckis staying on the pitch.
Second half line up: Areola, Golambeckis, Robinson, Mayers, Battrum, Casey, Orford, Fearon, Cornet, Ajax, Marshall. Stevenage upped their game to force three or four saves from Areola before they in turn made wholesale changes at 60 minutes.
Lewis Orford’s side footed shot bent into the far corner underlined an ‘effortless’ performance (according to James Collins commentating) – a brilliant third goal that put the game beyond doubt, Perhaps it has done enough to flag him up to Nuno as one to keep with the main squad this season.
In case we’d forgotten him, Alphonse Areola pulled off a really high class save late on to remind everyone that he’s still around. Casey’s shot cannoned in via Josh Ajala for the fourth. The only cloud on the horizon was Golambeckis’ ankle injury following a bad landing: Fingers crossed it is nothing too serious to spoil a pretty satisfying evening for Nuno and fans alike.
Fearon turned creator for Jet Murphy to tap in a fifth in the dying seconds: Job done for Nuno’s side and some impressive preseason contributions in front of a very vocal away end.
Top team Stevenage, seriously good …..🤣
Miss the game and they score 5, sheesh.
Wonder if Golambeckis (18) could be one of those to step up at such a young age, like Noble & Rice. As Cat says, Battrum has looked the part (in previous games obviously).
Nothing better than watching a blend of experience and youngsters playing in a same team. The youngsters bring commitment, character and a style of football to the whole team, that benefits everyone playing. Academy & youngsters are crucial to clubs such as WHU, not least because of the character, ability, but also the real potential they bring. Hope as many as possible make the cut.
Rangers will look to disrupt their passing rhythm and will not take kindly to being passed around, so will need to be prepared.
Did suggest a fan street party last season even if relegated – had no idea though, of how much good it could actually do (work in progress) for the club. Glad to see NES is willing to assess the youngsters and to make them part of the future. Guess showed that with Lamadrid already.
Hats off to those who talked of a club reset once in the Championship – they hit the nail on the head. Obviously a ways to go yet.
No VAR, no Cuccurella (tongue in cheek), … brilliant
Very impressive second half performance last night I can only echo what others said about Battrum. I also think Fearon and Orford looked good but a team with the ability to keep the ball and not lose it
Great performance by the whole team tonight, but a player who goes under the radar but is my surprise pick to make the grade is Ryan Battrum. I’ve watched him grow last season for the U21’s, and I feel that he doesn’t look out of place at this level and won’t let anyone down, if he is retained with the squad, rather than going out on loan.
The young lads did us proud tonight. Battrum stood out for me, decent in the middle of the park!
Well that was an easy watch Martin, lets hope the start of many.
bigger test to come against Rangers this weekend, I think..