In the context of the first weekend of the Championship. drawing away at Burnley might not be considered a disaster.
Promotion rivals Wolves escaped with a late draw themselves whilst many people’s favourites Southampton also struggled and lost to Watford. It was more the manner of West Ham’s failure to leave with three points, after losing a two-goal lead, that was so maddening to players – and fans- alike.
Old, familiar defensive frailties emerged when Nuno changed tactics and decided to try – once again- to sit back and soak up pressure. With the result that millions on Sky could see unfolding before their eyes.
A fact not lost on their newest recruit Manor Solomon who, whilst he chose his words carefully, made it clear where the Irons came up short:
In the second half, we didn’t play as we should have. We were leading and the game was in our hands, but I think we lacked control. We didn’t dominate or play with the ball, and we didn’t create enough chances.”
Solomon’s debut – in the context of a disappointing draw – was impressive
And then the blunt summing up of the Hammers’ second half strategy that, perhaps, will have Nuno reflecting on the wisdom of his own flawed tactics, highlighted by his newest signing’s honesty:
“I think we invited some of their attacks, so overall we’re disappointed”
“We knew it was going to be a tough game against Burnley, but you still need to control the ball and have more maturity, so we’ll take the point today and go away and keep working.” (whufc.com)
Solomon’s debut, under the circumstances, was impressive. Considering he was following in the footsteps of West Ham’s £60m winger Crysencio Summerville, the former Spurs man looked straight at home and full of running, until he ran out of juice with about five minutes to go.
Which seems to suggest the Hammers have got themselves a pretty decent player for £5 million provided they can keep him fit: For as it stands, with just two weeks left of the transfer window, West Ham’s winger options are precisely … Zero.
Sack nuno
Bring back Paco and say good bye to Nuno.
Note that several players, I think Bowen included, made an identical comment last season.
There’s the proof if anyone needs it.
Go get Eddie Howe
NES repeated exact same mistakes as last season switching to an overly defensive setup, inviting Burnley players into our penalty area like a doorman ushering customers into a hotel lobby.
I like the 4-2-1-3 setup with a ranging Pablo pressing high, but it has its limitations and drawbacks, so you change, switch in, switch out.
One limitation is that apart from Pablo, LB & RB, everyone seems tied to their position by a string about 15 yards long. Except unsurprisingly new boy Solomon who automatically covered ground, came inside, swapped positions momentarily. Taty was like Solomon when he joined, dragging defenders out of position, swapping places with Pablo who would become a no 9, Taty no 10. Have not seen any of this in ages, it seems to have stopped. Because players are prohibited from playing freely, the football played is predictable and Taty who is not a big no 9 and needs balls threaded through to him, will not get much joy except occasionally.
Secondly, with Pablo pressing high, (which granted is effective), Orford & Kante are DMs who cannot go forwards but must stay back to keep a defensive line. Kante has made 2 assists in 2 games, but ONLY once there are 3 in midfield. Midfield is effectively bypassed through necessity, ball played out wide to WBs. Rarely much play through the middle of the park when playing 4-2-1-3, so team lacks creativity & inventiveness. Even Fernandes rarely had a chance to show what he could do.
If Pablo sidelined for a bit, I hope manager will now have to change his approach and this is a good thing. There really are limitations to this style of play, it is not fluid nor entertaining, nor is it getting the best out of our players. Burnley were poor and NO a draw was never enough, because we kept our best players.
It seems the only person Nuno listens to are the voices in his head, and Pacino, but he was replaced by Rui and now Nuno only has those voices telling him to do the same as last year.
He’s not wrong Martin that’s for sure