Opinion from the stands

Tottenham thrashing exposes West Ham’s concerning flaws

|
Image for Tottenham thrashing exposes West Ham’s concerning flaws

Bilic

West Ham were comprehensively beaten by an in-form Tottenham side at White Hart Lane as the team struggled to find any real organisation or identity against their rivals.

Although Andy Carroll is an imposing figure up front, the team struggled to read his knock-downs and ultimately failed to support the striker when the ball was played forward to the number nine. Carroll has struggled to adapt to the side and a similar situation occurred last season when the striker returned and the team almost lost their attacking threat in a bid to adapt to Carroll’s marauding style.

Diafra Sakho was left to operate out wide, a position that does not suit the central striker. There were times when Sakho was often forced to play crosses into the box rather than support Carroll, an attribute of his that is not particularly strong. Although Sakho and Carroll have shared an understanding with each other before, there was little evidence of that against Tottenham. Bilic’s 4-2-3-1 formation relies on a quick striker to create space with his movement across the forward line. Carroll is more of a static figure that will look to bring the ball down or pass it to nearby teammates rather than making the runs in the channels, something Sakho is so good at.

Although it may seem like Carroll is getting all the blame here, it isn’t really his fault. His failure to make an impact works both ways. Although the team did try to play to his strengths, it was ultimately ineffective as they have been used to more of a free-flowing counter-attacking style so far this season. It didn’t help that West Ham had hardly any presence in midfield either, there were many times when the Hammers were struggling to keep the ball. The midfield has looked weak at times this season, especially away from home, and Bilic may have to go back to the drawing board in order to identify an effective way of keeping the ball when the team are playing away. Alex Song may get the chance to impress next week as he could come in for the suspended Mark Noble.

Another concern that has to be addressed is the lack of concentration and composure at the back. Once again, a mistake led to another sloppy goal and this is becoming a regular occurrence so far this season. The sooner Angelo Ogbonna returns to the starting line-up, the better. He looked the real deal before he picked up an injury against Newcastle and the team look like they need an injection of fresh blood at the back.

In short, Andy Carroll is struggling to adapt to Bilic’s philosophy and it is having a negative effect on the rest of the team in an attacking sense. Hopefully Diafra Sakho will get his chance down the middle against West Brom as the team has not looked the same since the Senegalese striker has been absent.

Despite the barrage of negativity, there was one great moment for West Ham fans to celebrate as Manuel Lanzini scored another fantastic goal. If the team focus on playing through the likes of Sakho and Lanzini rather than Andy Carroll, results might just start to improve.

Share this article

3 comments

  • kenneth beauchamp says:

    Bilic fault gave the midfield to spurs as a present you cannot play a team with a strong running midfield ie spurs with just 2 midfielder who can defend

  • Canchas says:

    Of course Carroll and the team struggled to adapt to each other. Slav built this team not to just depend on a striker but to have a potent attacking midfield and he has them. All he has to do is play the way he intended and not keep trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
    The biggest problem question we have ( and this didn’t just happen on Sunday) is why is Slav trying to.
    Unless he is completely clueless and he certainly isn’t, then someone is telling him to put Carroll on

  • paraiso says:

    you can’t expect to win in this league with a weak midfield, look how all the successful sides pack their midfield, the annoying thing is we have the players, but the team selection seems pathetic,or is someone else insisting certain players are picked !! not just because of spurs result look at jenks – noble – and carroll all should be on the bench, noble @ carroll in particular are lost in this league, that said my selection would be Adrian- Tomkins-reid-ogbonna- cresswell – obiang song- kouyate moses-sakho- lanzini . with Payet still to come. whats your team selection!!!

Comments are closed.