West Ham went into the break 2-0 down at St James’ Park after a disastrous opening 20 minutes which saw Nuno’s tactical gamble backfire horribly against Newcastle United.
The decision to shuffle the back line and deploy players in unfamiliar positions created chaos almost immediately as the Hammers looked completely disjointed defensively. Newcastle sensed panic early on and ruthlessly punished West Ham’s confusion with two quick-fire goals which threatened to turn the match into a humiliation before the game had even settled.
A much-needed tactical rethink midway through the half at least restored some shape and stability, but the damage had already been done.
Nuno’s defensive experiment falls apart
West Ham’s problems started with a dreadful mix-up involving Mads Hermansen and Jean-Clair Todibo for Newcastle’s opener. The goalkeeper’s poor distribution invited pressure and the uncertainty between defenders allowed Nick Woltemade to capitalise.
Things somehow got worse minutes later as Newcastle doubled their advantage with the Hammers once again all over the place defensively. Todibo looked uncomfortable on the left side of the back three and Diouf appeared unsure of his responsibilities throughout the opening stages.
Wan-Bissaka was caught too high up the pitch on several occasions while Fernandes was far too passive in the build-up to the opener. Bowen also looked unusually off the pace early on as Newcastle overwhelmed West Ham physically and tactically.
The warning signs had been there almost immediately and Nuno eventually acted after just 25 minutes by hauling off Todibo and abandoning the experiment altogether.
Formation switch finally settles West Ham
The introduction of Castellanos and the switch to a more traditional 4-4-2 instantly improved West Ham’s shape and attacking threat.
Castellanos brought energy and urgency to the forward line, while Wilson finally started receiving support instead of being left isolated against Newcastle’s defence.
Summerville had the brightest attacking moment of the half and produced excellent wing play to create West Ham’s best opening, only for Castellanos to fire straight at Nick Pope.
Defensively, Mavropanos gradually steadied himself after a shaky opening and produced several important headers, interceptions and blocks to stop Newcastle extending their lead further before half-time.
West Ham remain in the contest just, but only after surviving one of their worst opening spells under Nuno. It was the equal of anything we saw under Potter and Lopetegui.
No fight and no leadership. Can you imagine what would have happened for the first goal if Julian Dicks was at left back and not Diouf? The ball and Harvey Barnes would have been consigned to the first row of the stands.
I can not believe what I am watching.
Nuno got starting line up totally wrong
Not a player out there looking as though they care
A totally gutless performance from players knowing they had to win to stand any chance
On that display you will get what you deserve, relegation
No one can complain, just not good enough and all those players looking to jump ship,your display today makes you worthless and will be better off without you.
Need players willing to fight for our wonderful club.
The fans have been so loyal and must be commended for their superb support
From a very sad and upset fan of 50 years
3-1 down and out and all that can be heard is the away support….
Yet another negative line up and tactical display from Nuno, was screaming it before kick off. Idiotic decision again.
This wasn’t Arsenal why is he playing three at the back. Why did he cave to the media asking him why he doesn’t start Wilson all week. Our most effective team all season is the one with Pablo and Taty in it. Five at the back is just asking them to sit back and defend and it doesn’t work. Sad to say but we’re going down.
When I saw the stat that Mags Woltemade hadn’t scored in 17 games, I thought, yeah he’ll notch today!
Roll on second half, score first and go from there.
All is not lost, it looks bleak, but there remains a small chance that Hammers can salvage something.
COYI
Nuno should get more animated and tell the players to keep the ball on the ground and stop kicking the ball in the air giving the ball back time and time again
IS NUNO TED LASSO IN DISGUISE
setting up defensively when we needed to attack
I’m just hoping on a second half miracle !
Numo has just made too many poor poor decisions this season .
Why move Tobpido to the left when Diassi has played there all
All season ? Crazy
Why play a back 3 with Wilson isolated upfront ….
Do we never learn ??
I’m lost for words
Numo has to go end of season –
Just so so negative
Nightmare, lose this and one point for Tottenham puts us down.
We needed to win it really has almost certainly already gone.