Pablo Fornals is becoming something of enigma among us Hammers fans!
Work rate, energy, determination, enthusiasm – a big yes! But his ability to miss outstanding chances when playing in such an advanced role is a worry.
That once again it was Tomas Soucek who grabbed us a lead – effectively playing as a defensive midfielder – is telling and in the absence of any real threat from Seb Haller – more is required from the Spaniard.
Fornals withthe club until 2024
Moysie obviously loves him and he seems to be nailed on for a first team place game after game. I get that you don’t change winning teams but – although unlucky when he toe poked against post – he had a much better chance from a header that hit the side netting.
Poor attempt – no question about that. I was shocked when it happened so this isn’t a retrospective judgement and what with Haller falling over in front of goal the Hammers looked like a team that had used up it’s share of luck against Villa.
It wasn’t as though this was the first example/s of poor finishing from Fornals – he has been guilty of some terrible misses this season.
I liked the look of Benrahma yesterday as I had done his two previous appearances – he makes a beeline line for goal and his time may now be at hand although central striker remains a big problem.
Initially I’d though maybe Arthur Masuaku should make way for him but I think Fornals shold be the one to make way .
Views please!
The problem is not necessarily Fornals, with no Antonio we literally have no one up front, our midfield gets the ball, looks forward and see nothing.
I can’t think of another team that plays with no forwards with no options to pass to.
Man U had 3, Villa had 2, we are at home with none.
When Antonio plays the opposition have to drop off which creates space for the midfield and make them more effective, Sousek stops making runs because no one can hold the ball up to let him get past.
We are so desperate up front when Antonio is out, exactly the same as last season.
Agreed. Benrahma looks a real threat every time he gets the ball. He gives us something different to Fornals. Also, we definitely need a new central striker. Whichever camp people are in regarding Haller, nobody can disagree with the fact that he simply hasn’t scored enough goals.
I couldn’t agree more, Arthur is too valuable as defensive support on the left until we get another DM. But are overlooking a gift horse upfront with Jared Bowen? Am I the only one who thinks we’re looking at another Tony Cottee? The manager always plumbs for big strikers when clearly the modern game (and successful clubs) seem to favour quicker more agile players. If we played him as a striker then we need only find a winger, easier & cheaper.
I agree.. I like his work rate and he gives 💯 but he is not a finisher and benrhama will score 10 goals at least over the season if given a chance.. But let’s not gloss over the fact that we have no strength in depth just look at the bench yesterday noble lanzini and snodgrass says it all…lanzini did nothing when he came on yesterday but rash Ford and Fernando’s changed the game… Need king in January and then maybe we can play 2 up front when needed, ⚒️⚒️
Said it before Hugh I am in the camp that wants Said to play instead of Fornals. Firstly, I don’t want to stop the 3/5 at the back, and Arthur fits in there. Fornals finishing is a worry. He Ihas a lovely work ethic but in front of goal he rushes or crumbles – regularly. We cannot rely on Thomas and Oggy to get his quota! Striker coaching?
I agree hugh . I think Haller will benefit more with Benrahma on the pitch. Seb seems to get more service from him and there was a couple of moves between them that had they come off would have created at least a shot on goal
. The Leeds game would be a good test for them both . It would be good to see him start and see what he does over a whole game instead of the 10 or 20 minutes hes getting at the moment .
I really like Fornals, used in the wrong position for me but in the system we play right now I understand his use on the left. Not through any dislike or mistrust of him but I agree 100% with your piece, Hugh, everything you said mirrors what I think too. Losing his place might bring better from him but I’d be surprised if he gets back in the team any time soon if Benrahma gets in.
This is what competition for places is about after all.
Have to agree Hugh. Fornals is great, his work rate is fantastic and is clearly a really good player but if you go back over tha games we have played this season he is missing at least one really good chance per game. The city and Liverpool games he missed absolute sitters in both which could have us another 3 points and the header yesterday. We cannot afford to keep letting chances like this slip by. I still think he has a massive role to play for us but at the moment i would be looking to give Benrahma a go. I think Fornals time to shine will be when Moyes gets the defenders he wants to be able to play Bowen, Fornals and Benrahma behind a striker.
No matter which team you watch – Spurs, Man Utd, City etc. they all have strikers who miss the mark on a regular basis. If Said is to be wedged in, I’d rather see Haller dropped. Oggie and Soucek can give height for corners.
Completely agree with you.
I am a big Fornals fan. In spite of the frequent criticism by others here, he makes a difference through his defensive work. We cannot play three at the back without him.
Is it time to start 4-4-2 with Benrhama instead? Leeds is an attacking team and will have the majority of the possession. Creswell is not as strong with this shape so Ben Johnson on in his place (maybe why Soufal was subbed?). Like Pogba and Anderson, Benrhama can’t defend.
Start 3-4-3 with Fornals. Once we have the measure of Leeds switch to 4-4-2 with Benrhama.
Fornals positives – Hard work, commitment, the odd assist and goal .. Negatives – Poor finishing, loses nearly all 50:50 physical challenges, no left foot – Played on the left accentuates the negatives – He’s a No10 – Great passes inside the full back for Bowen’s goal v Leicester and assist v Newcastle away and to Bowen for his goal v Southampton shows he can see and execute a pass .. .. I like the idea put forward that when the defence has the pace to cope with a 4-2-3-1, we can play Benrahma, Fornals and Bowen, but until then and particularly with Antonio out, we can’t have only one forward with pace, so with Haller, we have to have pace either side, so it’s Benrahma and Bowen either side of Haller with 5 at the back for me ..
At least 4 chances on goal squandered in the first half. We presented Man U the opportunity and incentive to come back hard at us second half. Let’s be honest, the game should have been put to bed after the first 45.
You don’t; you simply can’t allow good teams that luxury otherwise they will hurt you – and they did. Big time.
What’s to say about Haller? Frankly, he ain’t good enough. End of. We should ‘rest’ Fornals and have Benrhama a go from the start. We need Mikey back ASAP; he is priceless to our style of play.
The writing’s on the wall; we need another striker as soon as the wallet can be opened in January. A hard worker such as Josh King is not only necessary; it’s vital.
Surely, we’re beyond believing will come good eventually? Personally, I think his time is up.
Baller not solely to blame, just mostly to blame. Fornals misses chances but he creates a lot of them in the first place. At least he is involved in key moments of the game, unlike Haller for the most part.
We are light up front.. Haller usually gets the ball behind him and he’s on the back foot. Ben rahma tended to try to pass to him or put something in front of him. We need a Fornals if only to galvanise the rest..He’s just not quite there quality wise. We still give possession away to easily and too often when attacking… And the opposition must love it when we get a throw on. We might as well just give them the ball. All that being said I think we are playing some good football this year with some confidence which we haven’t seen for some years.
I dont think we have to fear anyone, and can’t think when that happened last.
Lets be straight we should have been 4 – 5 0 up at half time, we missed 4 unbelievably good chances, Haller takes the ball around the keeper really well then inexplicably turns into Bambi, Fornals should have scored a couple and Bowen also, we still aren’t releasing the ball early enough although it was an improvement on last week. We have had a great run of luck, this week it went against us, how that Pogba goal was allowed to stand is a mystery it was at least two metres over the byline, the linesman wasn’t even looking… if Gary Lineker can pull up an image of it why the hell can’t the muppets in Stockley Park… to the naked eye it was easy enough also but Man Utd get more decisions their way than any club so we probably shouldn’t be surprised. The player we really need is someone like Bruno Fernandes, whether Benrahma is capable of that I am not sure but certainly he looks dangerous and can play a number 10 role, I would give Fornals a break next week and do everything possible to ensure we have Josh King on the first minute the transfer window opens. Antonio is going to continue to get these injuries for the rest of his career as he has done so far. He is great when we have him but thats a bonus we need to plan for when we don’t. I wonder if Arnautovic still wants to come back 😉
Fornals. I was, for a long time, less than impressed with his performances. In the last few games I have changed my opinion & now consider him as a first choice in the team. But, he really needs to sort out his finishing. I was celebrating a goal from his header yesterday , how did he miss it ?! And there have been a few other examples of lack of composure.
Haller. A lumbering giant who seems very immobile. I don’t think he is a Premier League class striker. Don’t start him in games bring him on as a second half substitute; or as a replacement for injuries .Ultimately, try & sell him.
Benrahma. Has given glimpses of his ability & could be an important player for us. But, he seems lightweight to me. Keep using him as a substitute & give him some starts in cup games & as a replacement for injured, or out of form, players.
No ones mentioned what Moysie did for Arnie, once a winger
Put Benrahma up front and get him running at the defences, iwhich if it works will create spaces for others to use.
Until Antonio comes back have Yarmo has the centre forward to come on when the lad tires
Shame about Anderson and Haller, was quite excited at one point, but we have to accept WHU are unlikely to get 10 million for either and that will hit our spending for the next couple of seasons