First and foremost, the starting eleven could draw no realistic criticism this week. The Potts- Magassa – Fernandes trio started in midfield – four at the back without Max Kilman and a front line of Bowen, Summerville and Paquetâ was about as good as any Hammers fan could have predicted.
Callum Wilson’s game time is obviously being managed and Niclas Fullkrug looks to have failed the Nuno audition along with James Ward Prowse – so it could well be we’ve seen the last of the German in a Claret and Blue shirt. As far as the bench is concerned – No Earthy or Fullkrug but Kanté and Wilson included.
The Hammers’ aggressive start with a high press certainly caught ‘Villa out for the opening goal .
West Ham had been the least proficient ‘pressers’ in the league – up until now.
Blocking up the centre of midfield was the plan, forcing Villa wide. Which was all well and good but led to Mavropanos’ own goal from – a wide position.
Watching Nuno after West Nam got their second there was a definite change with Bowen and Summerville being pulled back about 10 yards into more defensive positions to try and keep the lead – second time around – at least until half time. Mission accomplished. No shots on target for Emery’s side in that half – surely he’d be ringing the changes for the second ’45.
No changes but Villa’s equaliser came from Paquetá losing possession – frustrating as they’d been keeping it tight before that with the same energetic high press as theystarted the first half. Onana gave way to Donyell Malen as Villa’s first change. Interesting to see Magassa and Fernandes pushed higher as the Hammers pressed – higher risk any Nuno against this Villa side who seek to draw midfielders out.
How would Nuno respond to Villa’s two further changes on 75 minutes: Callum Wilson readied after West Ham went behind with 10 minutes to go, replacing Magassa. Soucek, Rodriguez and Kanté added for the last five minutes. Window dressing on a loss after twice holding the lead.
Nobody left on the bench to add as an attacking option. Potts, Summerville and Paquetá withdrawn. Whilst the squad make up is not Nuno’s fault, the lack of a Callum Marshall or Earthy on the bench to throw on as attacking options is a mistake. Best starting eleven, decent tactics but failure to twice hold a lead. 5.5/10 for Nuno this week.
Paqueta could draw no realistic criticism this week! Well, I beg to differ. The odd flick and up-and-over pass attempt per game is not what is so desperately needed. We need another Magassa or Fernandes “blood and guts performance” instead of Paqueta. Both of them are a country mile better than the Brazilian.
I doubt that some of the comments are comming from proper West ham.Nuno has made this team hard to beat yet you still get people complaining.What this team has done against AV was something I never expected because Villa are that good.The Hammers played thier hearts out.Time for people to start recognising what Nuno has brought to this team that was looking frankly useless before he came in.
100% agree. It’s the best we’ve been over the last 2 years.
Sadly we have become a supporter base of eternal whiners.
EG.
Worst comment of the season.
We are worse under Nuno.
It’s uou that is a Leeds fan
2 wins in 11
Nuno haa had loads of time to see that he has to change. How he can’t see that he has better hungier alternatives than that bench.
Same mistakes virtually every game.
He can’t be watching the youth as he puts in a player who had his worse game for them wherst the best player for 3 games is ignored. It’s like he’s doing this on purpose.
As for Paqueta on this form he can’t play against City
Yes come on Nuno explain why no Marshall or Earthy. You started well with bringing in the the youth and that needs to continue. I know it’s a tough set of games but late on on games seem to be the problem so need that strong bench. Oh and if you get the chance to sell Peaquta do it!
Went today. Played well But all three goals were avoidable You see things live that you don’t see on TV
Silly mistakes cost us today. I’m not despondent yet. Oh Brentford have just scored !
Compared to some of the games I have seen since Conference win, a much better performance. But we led twice and didn’t secure the draw!. Nuno at least 20 minutes late bringing on Wilson. I wouldn’t have started with Pacqueta, over 90 minutes he is usually a net liability.
I think we will just stay up 🤞
Marshall for Summerville, Earthy for Paqueta at the right point in the second half when we was pressing high and we would have won this game.
Absolutely.
We didn’t lose today because Nuno didn’t have the strength in depth on the bench, we lost it because we have a clown in midfield who gives the ball away for fun. Time Paquetá strengthens the bench until January when he can go because he ain’t helping us when he starts.
StartIng team, as suggested, was probably strongest Nuno’s best options.
It’s the bench that’s a problem.
Villa brought on Maalen who nearly scored within five minutes.
Whu haven’t got any game changers and those which might help he doesn’t play.
Kante (earlier) / Earthy / Marshall / Orford. Why put Rodriguez on bench when is looking to be offloaded?
Cummings / Guilherme both promised first team play must be p!ssed off.
Nuno is getting with it,he’s terrible with being proactive with his bench,so many desd end players. What he did today he’s repeated every frigging game,Rodriguez,given minutes ahead of Earthy or Marshall. This guy usn’t learning.11 games in and he’s no better than Potter.
God help us,Forest demolish another CL team.
We’re doomed.
Good performance Dont blame the manager or the players These poor results are the boards own doing Sullivans reluctance to add to 5he squad when needed are now showing our weakness THIS IS ALL DOWN TO HIM
In the last five games we scored 6 goals we led 4 times and have got 3 points there has to be serious questions about our defending or lack of it . I think the jury is still out on Nuno.
I hate to say it, I can not see us getting out of this
All the other teams are now playing well. We just can’t get a win under our belts. Played well against villa,but again with a bit more drive the game was there to be won. Lost 3 points today. All due to lack of a descent strike
Why can we not play Marshall or Cummings I really don’t know
They would bring some pace, hunger and energy to the attack I am usually so optomistic,but I am flat and feel the worst
Not looking to the Manchester game at all, could be a cricket score