No one is satisfied with the way in which the transfer window ended. I had thought that we would bring in a couple of last minute signings, probably a defensive midfielder and another wide player. However, it was not to be and David Sullivan’s subsequent account of events on deadline day has opened up a real can of worms, particularly with Sporting Lisbon. It has also given rise to widespread recriminations amongst Hammers fans, largely aimed at the motives and ambitions of the West Ham board.
I do not want to add to those recriminations or further promote the negativity in this article. Instead, I want to focus on some of the positives and discuss the problems(s) constructively. First up, I do believe that we possess a potentially very good forward line. In Antonio and Arnautovic we have two powerful and pacy wide men, who have the ability to trouble the majority of PL defences. In the central striking role, we have a genuine goal scorer in Hernandez, who can also hold up the ball and link up play. Behind that front three, there is the power of Kouyate, the experience of Noble and the creativity of Lanzini; as well as Ayew’s ability to weigh in with his fair share of goals. We also have Sakho and Carroll, who can offer different qualities up front, whether that is replacing Hernandez or playing alongside him in a front two.
Providing that we can keep key players fit, and the forward line gels, I do not feel that we have huge problems in attack. However, defensively, it is entirely a different matter. We are just leaking far too many goals, 10 in the first three matches. Now that the transfer window is closed, Bilic obviously has to work with the players available. in doing so, he needs to decide on whether he will continue with a back four or play a back three with two wing-backs. If he goes with the latter formation then that takes a man out of the forward line, but hopefully it will create a tighter defence and capitalise upon the attacking strengths of Zabaletta and Cresswell down the flanks. If Bilic opts for a back four then both Zabaletta and Cresswell are going to have to be more disciplined in playing as conventional full-backs. Our strongest defensive unit (as a back four) is probably: Zabaleta, Cresswell, Ogbonna and Reid. As a back three, it is probably Rice, Reid and Ogbonna, with Zabaleta and Cresswell as the wing backs.
Slaven Bilic is in a tough situation. In response, he needs to be decisive and adopt the best system to address our damaging defensive vulnerabilities. If we can stop leaking goals then we have the forwards to win matches. Moreover, Bilic needs to use his man management skills to motivate the players and get the best out of them both individually and as part a unit. In football, confidence is a very important factor. Sometimes all it needs is a good performance and win to transform a team’s prospects.
Bilic’s total focus must be the Huddersfield Town match on 11 September 2017 and motivating the players to the performance and victory that we so badly need.
SJ. Chandos.