Well, I got my desired 0-1 win at Palace, but the quality of our play could very well have seen us record a more convincing victory. The most important thing was getting the win but the way that we played was hugely encouraging. We looked like an effective team unit, every player did their job and the formation worked very well. Basically, Bilic tactically out- foxed Palace, surprising them by deploying three centre-backs and two wing backs. By the time that Pardew adjusted Palace’s game in the 2nd half, we were firmly in the driving seat and battled fiercely to defend the lead. Yes, we had a spot of luck with the penalty and in the 2nd half, but we have not really had much good fortune so far this season, so it could be viewed as a levelling out. That was before Cresswell’s unjust sending off, which was actually less about luck than extremely poor decisions by the match officials. So, that means we lose Cresswell for the Sunderland game, but we should still be strong enough to take the three points in his absence.
It was obvious that the ‘worm was turning’ after the Middlesboro score draw and the team went on to significantly improve upon that harbinger performance. And, with our good away record against Palace, last Saturday’s match was the perfect opportunity to draw a line in the sand, with regard to early season results, and take a huge step in the right direction. I feel that some Hammers fans, pre-match, effectively over-hyped Palace’s strength, under-estimated our own chances and capitulated to the prevalent ‘gloom and doom’ pessimism. It was like last season never happened and there was a reversion back to bygone modes of negative thinking. Our start to the season has undoubtedly been poor, but the early signs of a revival were clearly there and we knew that, ultimately, we had the quality to get our season back on track. In truth it was always a matter of getting the tactics/selection right and players performing to their potential individually and, by extension, as a team unit. And Bilic has to be congratulated for taking effective action and using the international break to address the issues that have been badly undermining our season
As for Palace, they are better than last season and I do rate Townsend, but I am not a particular fan of Benteke. He is effective in a system where teams get it wide and swing in crosses to capitalise on his unquestioned strength in the air. However, he is not as effective on the ground and is far too immobile to be at the apex of an attack/system where the ball is played on the floor. In short, why would we buy Benteke if we, as a club, want to continue to play the West Ham way under Bilic? He would not suit that style of play and if we want a more direct option than we already have Carroll (when fit), who is at least as good in the air and probably also has more to offer on the ground. It would make no sense to have both players and before fans start suggesting that we should have signed Benteke, they need to be clear about exactly what type of playing style they want Bilic to deploy. Personally, I suspect that many advocates of a Benteke summer signing have not fully thought through its implications.
Nevertheless, there is a old saying ‘that you are only as good as your last result.’ And it is very important that we keep the momentum going to secure the win against Sunderland on Saturday. Back-to-back wins would really cement our progress. If we drop points against Sunderland then the advantage won at Selhurst Park would be lost and the old uncertainties and lack of confidence could return. That needs to be avoided at all costs. Plus, a good convincing win on Saturday would help reunite the fans, dispel lingering doubts about the London Stadium and help to start turning our new home in to a new fortress. We definitely need that home advantage if we are to push forward and get back in to contention for the top six.
It will interesting to see how Bilic will compensate for Cresswell’s one match suspension. Will he continue to play the three centre-backs/wing back system or will he opt for a flat back four, with Antonio being pushed further forward on the right flank? We could play Ogbonna as a left wing-back (although obviously he is not going to be as effective going forward as Cresswell) and bring in Collins or Oxford to complete the back three. This might be a good fixture to give Oxford a chance alongside the more experienced Reid and Kouyate? It is not ideal playing the wing-back system without the likes of Cresswell, Byram and Masuaku, but there might be an advantage in pursuing continuity in our formation/tactics. We shall see?
Regardless, I feel that West Ham will be too strong for the visitors on Saturday and we have a golden opportunity to capitalise on the Palace victory and cement continuous improvement. I am going for a morale boosting 3-0 or 3-1 win for the Hammers. COYI !
SJ. Chandos.