Burnley 0 – 2 West Ham United
West Ham achieved their first clean sheet since September – ironically with the same much maligned goalkeeper in between the sticks this time around – as the Irons cruised past Burnley at Turf Moor this afternoon.
Couldn’t help feeling apprehensive for Mads Hermansen who had endured a torrid start to his West Ham career ,but he rode his early indecision to look reasonably composed throughout. The Dane came through just fine with a couple of decent saves – one high quality in the second half – and his trademark good quality distribution of the ball.
Freddie Potts’ introduction in the second half stopped Burnley’s resurgence just as the Clarets looked like they were going to get something from the game: Echoes of Stamford Bridge until Nuno brought Potts on for Callum Wilson which dealt pretty well with Burnley’s midfield domination: Potts strode around looking absolutely imperious as the threat was quickly dealt with.
Potts tackled with steel and Nuno should get the credit for making the right call this time round. Burnley’s recovery was snuffed out as Potts and Fernandes took back control of the midfield.
Axel Disasi ran into the Burnley ‘box in added time and launched a shot – just in case anyone was in any doubt as to the on-loan defender’s fitness. The confidence which had spread through the back line from Disasi’s solidity was palpable and if he stays fit, he’s guaranteed at least another thirteen games, justifying Nuno’s high risk selection strategy.
Hard work from just about every team member – defending from the front, closing down, covering each other: Just what the doctor ordered.
After Burnley’s ten minute second half spell during which there was a dreadful sense of dejà vu that conceding looked inevitable, West Ham were back in control thanks to Nuno’s changes and their game management was good enough to take the points.
Four wins in five and now three points separate the Hammers from safety. Singling out that trio this afternoon is not to ignore other efforts: Fernandes in his now Mark Noble-esque midfield role: Castellanos’ first goal in the Premier League, Mavropanos’ full game staying ‘in the zone’ and Summerville’s finishing were equally responsible for the three points.
Tougher test await but regardless, hope lives on.
Potts, as did Declan Rice, needs to learn to be more progressive. He is neat and tidy, quick passes too, not sideways like Rice but sometimes he will not take responsibility to look up and play a better pass. He does do it, but it is safety first; which is understandable.
All of this to say hope to see him become a bit of a playmaker too (like Orford in the U21s?), then manager will see him as a more complete player to bring on.
One step at a time in the PL.
So glad to Disasi play so well in an assured manner. The team needs him and he turned up as did Dinos! (MOM for me) Overlooked and too often misjudged. Thought both Potts and Scarles played solid games and helped the team a lot in the 2nd half, making sure there were no holes/gaps in defence and midfield. Pleased to see Scarles looking surer of himself, getting encouragement from fellow defenders – lovely to see.
After a few starting jitters Hermansen seemed determined to come out strongly and defend the 6-yard box. You know there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes when you see players focusing on improving their weak points. That central trio GK + 2CBsworked well and looked solid, in one of the easier games for sure.
Well done coaching staff and NES. I assume the latter is therefore willing to listen to advice and change/adapt. The team have been progressing for a long time now, this is not a brief spark. A comment did say the team were a bit ragged in the 2nd, giving the ball away – had not noticed (too elated) but guess that is true and dangerous against MU.
Tuesday will be a tactical battle as well as a midfield one. Apparently Carrick also has MU playing 4-2-4 in attack occasionally like WHU, which means bodies in the box. They have 2 of the best midfielders too – going to be intriguing especially as Carrick seems to be a student of the game.
I actually see it that we are really 4 points from safety, considering our goal difference is still 4 goals worse than Forest’s. Actually I will give credit to Nuno for deciding to start Disasi. He was impressive and seems to fit in quite well already. There’ll be a much sterner test in our next match though! Can’t see Man U’s forwards spurning opportunities like Burnley did.
Credit where it’s due Nuno made the right substitutions at the right times today. I was impressed with Mads he seemed composed and confident and how rare to see a WH goalie actually catch a ball?!
Martin I’m just going to whisper it, but this maybe the start of the great escape. Centre back pairing played well and now we have the option of back 3 or 2 with wing backs when Tollibo come back from suspension.
Pleased for Hermanson and the only two clean sheets we’ve had this season guess who was in goal. Yes Hermanson for both.
Cruising was the right thing to do this afternoon and luckily Burnley allowed us to do it. With a game coming up on Tuesday night we needed to make sure that we kept injuries and exhaustion to a minimum. I think this is why Pablo was omitted from the starting line up. He may be key on Tuesday.