West Ham must stop Swansea’s attacking threat at source when the two sides meet in Saturday’s Championship showdown. Striker Žan Vipotnik will inevitably be identified as one of the principal dangers, but I am not particularly worried about Mads Hermansen’s ability to deal with him aerially.
The Dane’s reputation for being uncomfortable when claiming crosses is probably a little unfair. One of the first things Hermansen did during Wednesday’s 6-0 win over Lincoln City was confidently leave his line and collect one of Tom Hamer’s customary howitzer throw-ins.
That was a small but encouraging example of the goalkeeper commanding his area under pressure. Vipotnik undoubtedly warrants respect, having scored 23 Championship goals last season, although his current return is a more modest two goals and one assist from ten league appearances.
West Ham Cannot Keep Gifting Opponents Chances
However, West Ham’s biggest danger may be self-inflicted.
The Hammers have developed a nasty habit of gifting possession to opponents in dangerous areas. Konstantinos Mavropanos has been excellent overall and must retain his place alongside Maximilian Kilman, but his passing can occasionally become extremely careless.
One badly misplaced ball can present Swansea with precisely the counterattack they have not earned. Against a confident side enjoying its best start to a season in 103 years, West Ham cannot afford to manufacture chances for them.
The more significant weakness may be on the right side of the defence. That remains a concern irrespective of whether Nuno Espírito Santo selects Kyle Walker-Peters or Joël Veltman at right-back.
Neither has completely convinced defensively, and Swansea possess enough quality in the wide areas to exploit any space or hesitation. If the hosts are allowed to advance comfortably and deliver crosses, Vipotnik’s physical presence and movement could become a serious problem.
West Ham Must Cut Out The Crosses
Therefore, the priority is not simply asking Hermansen, Kilman and Mavropanos to win everything in the penalty area. West Ham must prevent those deliveries at source.
The right-back will need help from whoever plays ahead of him, while the midfield must avoid cheap turnovers that leave the defence scrambling towards its own goal.
Vipotnik may be the obvious headline threat, but stopping Swansea will require West Ham to protect the ball properly and defend the width of the pitch.
Do that and Hermansen should be capable of handling what reaches him. Keep handing Swansea unearned attacks and even the best-organised defence will eventually buckle.
Fair assement Gonzo, I would also like a sharper quicker movement of the ball. We have been too slow!