Few could have any complaints with the starting eleven Nuno sent out to play Wolves tonight. With the possible exception of Kyle Walker-Peters – in for Wan-Bissaka – this was West Ham’s strongest first team, in effectively a 4-4-2 attacking line up. A strong bench, too, with Callum Wilson and Adama Traoré both available should Nuno need attacking options, interestingly no Kilman, Mayers or Herrick in the squad.
West Ham’s duo in midfield struggled in the early stages as Wolves outnumbered Soucek and Fernandes: Would Nuno move to rectify the situation as the Hammers looked disjointed – and second best for much of the first half? In fact it looked as if Summerville and Bowen were both pulled back 10 yards to bolster the midfield and counter Wolves’ early ascendency.
Mavropanos’ top drawer almost ‘Shearer-like’ bullet header put the Irons in front just before the break after the Hammers had been second best and Pablo almost broke his Hammers duck: Despite being second best in midfield, West Ham went into the break 1-0 ahead. No changes at half time.
Both teams hit the post early on as the game opened up, Gomez time troubling the Irons from direct free kicks. Wolves changed first at the hour mark, how would Nuno respond..
A breathtaking two minutes later and the smiles were breaking out as two Taty goals gave the Irons breathing space and the ‘West Ham are massive‘ choruses broke out. 3 – 0. Bowen’s 8th assist.
77 minutes saw the change with Pablo giving way to Traore, Freddie Potts on for Summerville. Sensible. Important few minutes for Potts, a chance to get some confidence back. Good call from Nuno who gambled on a lightweight 2-only in midfield and it paid off. Taty subbed off to a standing ovation for Wilson on 81 minutes.
Man of the Match Mavropanos’ 4th was the icing on the cake: Traore missed a sitter but nobody was leaving early tonight: Nuno Espírito Santo got a clean sheet, a big shot in the arm for the Hammers’ goal difference and three vital points. Smiles from the Hammers manager at last, Nuno rating: 8/10 tonight.
Glad to see Potts come on. Been critical of him, but obviously NES knows 2/3 poor games don’t define a player. Anyhow, going to look forward to seeing him develop over the next couple of seasons.
Wonderful to see manager being brave, because 4-2-4 (as I see it) is a gamble, but at the same time, plays to this team’s strengths. Saw some good combinations and in full flow, there is a lot of movement upfront, tough for any defensive lineup to cope with. Did not realise that Summerville and Bowen were pulled back 10yds to help midfield, as mentioned – that’s interesting, very flexible.
Then switching to 3 or 4 midfielders, with Magassa & Potts, worked well, just as it has before. Although Magassa is a bit reckless.
Another good game from JWP and Fernandes managed to do everything: defend, close down, cover & slow down Wolves attacks, as well as be creative occasionally. I guess, alongside Soucek, these two enable NES to play this attacking formation. Glad NES is not heaping pressure on Fernandes, stating he is a ‘key player’ and so on.
10 out of 10 for not having Kilman in the squad. Numo must keep him as far away from the squad as possible. Dino is beginning to show us what we have been missing. He has been relieved of baby sitting duties covering for Kilmans total lack of ability and positional acumen and is now able to play his own game . COYI ⚒️⚒️.
Hmm. Not a bad result. I think we can do this thing you know.
What really impressed me tonight (apart from the result) was the obvious camaraderie shown by the players at full-time, and the clear rapport with Nuno.
Two for Taty, two for Mavropanos, Tottenham in the relegation places, what’s not to like ?