Notable for a Kyle Walker-Peters debut in Claret and Blue, this far from friendly encounter in Chicago illustrated further the way in which Graham Potter wants his West Ham side to play. The three-at-the-back plus wing backs formation, although with different personnel, was a continued theme from last weeks loss against Manchester United.
With Freddie Potts anchoring the midfield, West Ham looked more secure in possession and solid – until the moment when centre-back Kaelan Casey misplaced a pass allowing Everton to score the opener. No matter, it’s the young man’s first appearance and he did look as if he was struggling to adapt to the pitch and conditions. A number of feisty encounters across the pitch from the get-go means there’ll be some ice packs in evidence today.
Freddie Potts and Idrissa Gana Guey both required treatment after a particularly crunching encounter, such was the intensity of the occasion.
A couple of clear ‘good news’ takeaways: Callum Marshall continues to grow into the striker role, and pounced early on to get off a well-saved snap shot. An effort on target inside 2 minutes – most un-West Ham like, Marshall was a constant threat to the Everton defence, running behind the centre- backs and pressing well. Defences will struggle with his pace if he gets the chance to wear the shirt in earnest.
And most importantly, Lucas Paquetá looked like a man without the weight of the world on his shoulders again. A couple of Prague-like through balls, popping up all over the pitch in his free rein role, the Brazilian seemed to be running on brand new Duracell batteries again. More a sign of mental revitalisation rather than mere physical presence, being in the right place to pounce for the equaliser-Paqueta looks as if he cares again. Which can only be good news for the Irons with just three weeks before the Premier League gets going once again.
Plenty of other good points – simply coming back from a goal down to win was evidence of a greater resilience, Niclas Fullkrug’s evident return to fitness with a run on goal and a well taken winner. .
Lots to be positive about providing the Irons do get a new keeper deal over the line because Wes Foderingham is fooling nobody: Lovely guy he is but Premier League quality he is not. Graham Potter would surely have been the happier of the two coaches after the encounter, it does look as if there is a definable ‘Potter’ style emerging.
Onto the finale against Bournemouth on Saturday with, hopefully, a fully intact squad, albeit a bit black and blue.
There is no doubt after last nights display that we have got to try and keep Paquetta
He is irreplaceable,he looked hungry for the ball and got the team ticking
Selling him could could very well get us relegated
We need so cash injection from somewhere that can allow us to bring Elliott and a couple more in.
We knocked the ball around well
Walker peters was very off the pace, a bit of a worry
Team looked very together and Fulkrug had a excellent game with a very well taken goal
Loved seeing the ‘zip’ and composure in Potts – he looks every inch the Mark Noble of today, and I cannot see a single reason why you’d ever play either Rodriguez or Soucek (who was abysmal) in the midfield again. Orford too, as well as Guilherme and a very exciting Marshall showing that we have much to look forward to.
I hope they can continue to push for more regular time, and will be very disappointed to see them go out on loan. Sure, it’s only a friendly, and the EPL is different – I get that – but we need youth, they need game time, and we have plenty of experienced professionals around them, so come on, let’s go with the kids.
Watching the highlights it is difficult to judge but have to agree Paqueta seemed more up for it and hopefully now those foolish charges are gone he will get back to his old self…Marshall just looks a natural and if not a starter he certainly deserves to be on the bench and get game time from it…..Casey it was a good lesson to learn and show how much difference there is to the u23’s but again this will help him and others in the long run.
Finally despite all the moans and gripes we fans have(and i have had a lot!)if we can come from behind against Everton and win what does that say about them?..this is a team who will be in the same kind of area in the league as us next season and they did not look great.
Fair summary Martin ….
I thought we played well too .
Maverpronas did well when he came on as did Aguard .
Paqueta ran the game and looked good .
Potts looks a really good player as did Lewis Orford for his cameo 10 mins .
Fulkreg looks a different player and notably is playing “harry Kane style “ in coming deeper to collect the ball …
But he looks so much quicker and fitter ….
Diouf is going to need time but is a young player with lots of potential ….
Apart from his poor save Foddingham did alright and his kicking was far better than Areola ….
Agree I thought there was a style starting to emerge but let’s not get carried away .
Moyes Everton were very very poor and will struggle next season for sure !