As always, writing these considered thoughts ‘the morning after’ allows a certain perspective to be put on yesterday’s Boyle Sports cup draw and penalty shoot out pre-season friendly.
True, the Hammers didn’t get spanked as did rivals Tottenham – Mohammed Kudus and all – in their 0-4 pre-season dismemberment by Bayern Munich.
Four ‘proper’ pre-season games against decent opponents has yielded West Ham two wins, a draw and a narrow loss. The spirit in the camp seems high and the team appears to be playing with a smile.
There were moments yesterday during the second half when Todibo, Kilman and Aguerd all carried the ball forward out of defence – on each occasion an attack on the opponent’s goal resulted.
With three at the back, one of the trio needs to be more adventurous rather that have all three process the ball back to the ‘keeper, whether it is Areola or Hermansen between the sticks. Hopefully the slightly more adventurous moves from the centre-backs which we saw early in the second half will be repeated and developed throughout the season.
Nayef Aguerd, the ‘rejuvenated’ left-sided component of the back three, actually slotted in well and worked with other ‘new boy’ Diouf in a manner which looks quite promising. Important to remember they’ve only had a month together.
Perhaps Graham Potter, even without the promised yet ‘mythical’ pending midfielder signing, still has an ace up his sleeve with the return from injury of George Earthy and Crysencio Summerville not too far away.
Much to look forward to, and keep the faith until proven otherwise. Roll on 2025/6.
I don’t think you can play Alvarez and Potts in the same team !
They both do the holding role and if you want more creativity definitely not .
I think Alvarez will be sold ….
I’ve said it before – he’s a liability in the premier league with and without the ball …
In my view we still need a proper no 10 who can link midfield with attack ….
Perhaps Summerville could play there as I just don’t see wingers being needed under Potters wing back system
Yesterday was the first preseason game season match I have seen and it’s difficult to read too much into them.
If we play like we did in the first half we will be relegated, absolutely dreadful . The second was vastly better. What worries me is this manager continual picking of JWP, in fairness what he did yesterday wasn’t too bad but he adds absolutely no bite. How he can play and Alvarez doesn’t is a joke.
The team spirit does seem decent and I thought Bowen Fulkrug and Killman played decent. But as I say trying to read anything into these matches is pointless. I think we won all our preseason games under Avram Grant, and I think we lost all our pre season games back in 1985/86 when we finished 3rd
Our recent pre season friendly record is DWWLW so why state we only won a single game? This has been our best results ahead of a season for many a year against decent opposition. Far from perfect performances but if this set of results was mirrored in PL as fans we’d all be a lot happier so there’s room for optimism for once! A more positive spin would be welcome amongst all the transfer rumour chaos and negativity, let’s hope this season is a lot better than last year
2 wins a draw and narrow loss Martin
Oops – Thanks. Way to early to be writing.