West Ham 5/4 Build-Up & Match Thread

[Del Woppio]

He's got to stick with 4 at the back for me. It's a risk free opportunity for players to either learn how to do it, or fail their way into being replaced. I can accept wank results in a transition period when there's actual evidence of a transition being worked on.

Ultimately if the only way we ever look solid is by playing our patented 7-2-1 formation then there's major problems with coaching and recruitment. We've got to stick at it

 

[slink]

beat us 4-0 last time with us playing three CBs (one of which was Boly). They're a good team

Tactics again in that game. Ridiculously high midfield leaving space for Antonio to do what he wanted and no stopping of counter attacks

 

[Jinky]

Every time Podence wins a header:

Every single commentator/journalist on God’s green earth: “the smallest man on the field wins a header!”

 

[Derby Wolf]

With Antonio's heading ability you'd fancy him to bury that, let off that is.

 

[MARKakaJIM]

The whole team needs to play closer though. So far away, and not aggressive enough when pressing

It's poor all round, Nuno's approach to being more attacking and expansive remind me of Mick trying to go toe to toe with Stoke years ago.

It's all so half arsed and ill thought out, the midfield are pushing out a bit more to support the attack but they're still strung right across the pitch with minimal interaction. It's nigh on impossible for them to play any cohesive fashion when they're so far apart with such little movement.

Then when they inevitably lose the ball everyone is too spread out to rely on any sort of shape for solidity. Too many players lacking mobility, cynicism or physical presence to make up for that and so opponents run riot in large open spaces.

I'd much rather watch open expansive football but this Wolves squad isn't suited to it, and I'm not sure the manager is the one to change that either.

 

[slink]

Every time Podence wins a header:

Every single commentator/journalist on God’s green earth: “the smallest man on the field wins a header!”

He's genuinely better than WJ in the air.

 

[northfield wolf]

Tylerhas just said "West Ham look like scoring with every attack". I have to agree with him.

 

[t3ch]

He's got to stick with 4 at the back for me. It's a risk free opportunity for players to either learn how to do it, or fail their way into being replaced. I can accept wank results in a transition period when there's actual evidence of a transition being worked on.

Ultimately if the only way we ever look solid is by playing our patented 7-2-1 formation then there's major problems with coaching and recruitment. We've got to stick at it

exactly. people keep complaining that there's nothing to lose this season and to play some of the bench players, then scream FOUR AT THE BACK AHHHH FUCKING SHIT CHRIST at the first available second. can't have it both ways.

 

[YoungWolf]

I don’t even feel like we are struggling to open them up, and they play a very compact shape. We are just so bad defending the transition for multiple reasons

 

[big mean bunny]

I don't know, some of the attacking movement is better, the issue is you start to think you give the ball away you get scored against. This system could work with 2 better CBs and a more mobile box-to-box midfielder.

Yes I get that is overwhelmingly positive.

 

[NicholasG1973]

I’m glad Declan Rice isn’t playing.

You can tell they miss him.

 

[Deleted Cyber]

Brilliant let’s cross to 5 foot nothing Podence who nearly made it count.
Then crossing to one in the box

 

[prawnking]

Tactics again in that game. Ridiculously high midfield leaving space for Antonio to do what he wanted and no stopping of counter attacks

I know none of us are enjoying watching this, but Nuno has called the shots since the summer in terms of transfers in/out and attempting this evolution, so as Del said, I'd rather he and we saw where the squad is in actual games playing with this formation.

At least Nuno will know where we stand before next season

 

[EnglishBob]

We look well worth our bottom third position. Can't defend and no goals in the team. Much work to do in the summer, if the board permit it.

 

[Tredman]

exactly. people keep complaining that there's nothing to lose this season and to play some of the bench players, then scream FOUR AT THE BACK AHHHH FUCKING SHIT CHRIST at the first available second. can't have it both ways.

If that’s aimed at me I’m pretty sure I’ve been very consistent about never, ever wanting to see this god awful formation ever. Ever. Can caps that for you too if you like.

 

[Jeb01]

Ok forget tonight already. Need, say 6 points to limp over the finishing line.
Sheff Utd (surely?!) and one other.
I’m relaxed. Mind you, a bottle of wine and a healthy Irish whiskey to hand might be helping.
Dire performance thus far, of course.

 

[northfield wolf]

Why couldnt we have got Lingaard on loan ?

 

[redvictor]

4 at the back yes, if we had someone who could actually score..

 

[slink]

I know none of us are enjoying watching this, but Nuno has called the shots since the summer in terms of transfers in/out and attempting this evolution, so as Del said, I'd rather he and we saw where the squad is in actual games playing with this formation.

At least Nuno will know where we stand before next season

Play this formation all he likes, we can sign whoever he likes but play it this way we get beat. There's nothing when we haven't got the ball, the pressing is either non existent or very poor, the tackles are half hearted and the space between players and in particular in front of the centre backs is a joke. We look better with the ball but that's not enough for our approach and set up without it.

 

[t3ch]

If that’s aimed at me I’m pretty sure I’ve been very consistent about never, ever wanting to see this god awful formation ever. Ever. Can caps that for you too if you like.

I don't remember who says what consistently. If you 1) get mad bench players aren't being given a shot, and 2) get pissy we're trying to learn a new formation, then sure it applies to you.

Caps what you want mate. not gonna sit here and argue about 4 at the back being an inherently god awful formation lmao.