West Ham United’s second goal against Burnley last Saturday had all the hallmarks of a move perfected on the training ground.
There were clues for Scott Parker’s side in the build-up too, because eagle-eyed supporters will have spotted the same manoeuvre unfolding in West Ham’s pre-match training footage on the club’s official channels.
The pattern was clear: players receiving the ball centrally, flicking it wide for an overlapping team-mate, before a dangerous delivery into the box.
And that’s exactly what played out for the Hammers’ second goal.
El Hadji Malick Diouf collected a clever flick from Crysencio Summerville, before whipping in a pinpoint cross for Taty Castellanos to power home with his head.
The biggest giveaway of all? The clearly rehearsed celebration between Diouf and Castellanos — just as choreographed as the move itself.
And Castellanos later confirmed as much when speaking to the club’s in-house media:
“Malick told me before the game that he was going to give me an assist, so I’m very happy for him! I only had to put my head forward to score because he put in a great cross, so I’m very happy for him as well.
My job is always to help the team, giving all the energy I have, so I’m very happy.”
Taty and Magic Diouf celebrate after scoring against Burnley
Practice Paying Off for West Ham
Humble Castellanos is probably selling himself a little short there — because his header was excellent.
But what really stood out was the preparation.
That goal doesn’t happen without work on the training ground, and it’s encouraging to finally see West Ham putting theory into practice on matchday.
If this level of organisation continues — and those attacking patterns keep being repeated — we’ll hopefully be due a few more celebrations before the season is out.
Great spot Gonzo. Great to think that we can practice this kind of move.
Let’s be offensive. Let’s move it quickly – forwards. Let’s do it as a team. Let’s expect this style and support it.
Lone target men holding the ball up are a failure of the past. Ten men back in the box hoping to defend the indefensible should also be a thing of the past.
Really hoping we give Manchester United a torrid time and show our new found mettle. Really don’t care if Man U ‘win’ the possession stats – just as long as most of it is in their half.
West Ham fans can now begin to practice smiling and cheering.
COYI