Looks like I was right to think we were on a hiding to nothing in my preview. I was also pretty close in my team selection only Fornals came in for Yarmolenko, so yet again Pellegrini was as predictable as ever!
Things have to change!
PRE-GAME
No match for the son on Saturday morning, it was called off due to rain! It wasn’t even that bad but the ‘cotton wool’ culture we have created warranted no game.
To be honest, I wish the West Ham v Burnley had of been called off instead!
I wasn’t looking forward to the game but plonked myself on the sofa with a coffee and braced myself.
THE GAME
I’m not going to give my usual match review as there is very little good to talk about in regard to the game.
Basically, we were awful all over the pitch. Balbuena and Roberto were at fault for all the goals.
The first, surprise surprise, was from a set piece. A corner played to the back post, Balbuena lost Barnes and seemed to be trying to cover the near post even though Roberto appeared to have it covered, the ball was nodded back down to a free Barnes who prodded it home.
The second, a poorly thrown ball out by Roberto, followed by an even poorer touch by Balbuena allowed McNeill to gain possession and run down the outside of the box, a quick cross in to a free Wood allowed the striker to put the ball into the net.
The third, a set piece (‘really? We are normally so good at them’ said no West Ham fan lately), another corner. Westwood swings it in and Roberto… well I have no idea what Roberto done or attempted to do but the ball was in the net.
Useless!
OVERVIEW
What a mess we are! I have been saying for weeks and weeks we are just too predictable, the same shit, same formation, the players uninterested.
I am no expert but even I can hazard an accurate guess as to how we are going to play. I don’t believe this formation is getting the best out of our players.
I believe we need to drastically change things and think our best option is as per below:
Now bear with me.
We have Roberto in goals for the foreseeable future. OK, possibly Martin will get a chance, if the rumours are correct. But either way these pair are no where near having Fabianski in goals, therefore, must be protected at all costs.
We need to make it difficult for teams to get into our box so I believe a back three is a must. Balbuena had a poor game, as noted, but he was in our best centre back pairing last season with Diop and hasn’t just become really shit. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for Saturday.
Ogbonna is our only player who can actually head the ball. I don’t know what Diop was doing for Woods disallowed goal. It was just a crazy jump at a ball, he didn’t seem to read it at all.
We need to have a player who is confident under a high ball in our defence to help stop all these leaked goals from set pieces. Someone who commands the area and meets the ball.
Masuaku and Fredericks bombing up the field as wing backs. We all know Masuaku is a threat going forward, this formation allows him to do just that. Fredericks has serious pace and needs to be getting forward more, a wing back role would also suit him in my opinion.
Rice holding midfielder as normal. I don’t know what is going on with Rice, he doesn’t seem to be the same player as he was last season. Has the England set up got to him? I hope not! Time for him to show us again just how good a player he is!
Anderson and Snodgrass in the middle. Snodgrass the work horse pressurising the opposition and Anderson feeding off him and attacking through the middle or with Masuaku on the overlap. Options, as opposed to what we have currently, Anderson half-heartedly running down the wing and stopping / slowing once he meets a player.
Antonio could be back for the next game and with Haller continually being isolated up front by himself I think he needs someone to feed off him or to help give centre backs a more difficult time. Haller done all his damage at Frankfurt as part of a forward partnership, its time to let him play the role he’s used to. No point in spending £45 million on a player and not play to his strengths.
We can even alternate during the game between Antonio and Anderson who plays up front as both can do either role.
If Antonio isn’t fit then we can push Anderson into his role, move Snodgrass across and bring Yarmolenko in. Same again, alternating during a game, making things difficult for the opposition to deal with.
Now I’m not one of the highest paid managers in the Premiership but I think that could work for us. And I’d be keen to hear from many of you and what your thoughts and opinions are on this formation.
Our next game is massive for us, it’s time Pellegrini earned his money and turned things around.
COYI!
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