Saturday was painful, frustrating and difficult watching. Especially in the first half. Some of the players looked like they were still on the beach while others did their level best in a dysfunctional collective.
My view was that there was some, sporadic, decent passing but that it was blindingly obvious that the team had been instructed to play narrow and through the middle of the pitch. All well and good but when central midfield lack leadership, commitment and honest hard graft it’s like a cake without a vital ingredient. Whether Sanchez was instructed to play the ball forward then ‘make like a statue’ I don’t know but that was, pretty much, what I saw him do every time he was involved in the first 45 mins.
Listening to Motty, who commentated on the game for Talksport, in the car this afternoon I was pleased to hear that he’d caught wind of Nobes’ post match tirade at the players. Mr Motson also sympathised with the West Ham faithful for what we’re being put through by the team at the moment. The general gist was that he believes we deserve better – and he’s right.
Now some players take a while to learn how to play in the English Premier League. Others never get there. At present I have to admit that I’ve no idea which of the two camps that Felipe Anderson will end up in. I really, really like the look of the player on the ball. He clearly likes to come deep to collect and break forward quickly. I genuinely hope that he proves himself and the fee paid for him is justified. Only time will tell.
I’ve heard many opinions about Arnie and his BMWing (Bitching, Moaning & Whinging) on the pitch. Personally I felt that he tried to lead by example by working his socks off up front but the armband really didn’t suit. Frankly he should have a more positive demeanour and, all boiled down, should not have been given the captain’s armband. For me it wasn’t for want of trying – he’s just not a leader at present. That said I honestly can’t be too harsh on the bloke. He clearly cares a lot and he put in a real shift – working the entire width of the pitch to try and influence the game and harry the opposition where he could. At least that’s the light I saw his efforts in.
When we discuss tactics and what players offer the team, both technically and with their work ethic, the contribution they give rarely includes how ‘presence’ and ‘leadership’ have affected the performance and team-mates.
James Collins was let go this Summer. Check Kouyate was never replaced and, in my opinion, should have stayed with the club ahead of Pedro Obiang. Declan Rice is not getting a sniff. Zabba was missing. These are all natural leaders that are being sorely missed at the moment but the obvious missing link is our club captain. Yes – he may be a little short of pace, may, occasionally, get caught in possession and, frustratingly, pass sideways and backwards more often than we’d like to see but, boy oh boy, have we missed his presence on the pitch. Allegedly he’s made that presence felt in the dressing room but I’m convinced that we’d have watched a different match if he was involved.
I was impressed by the performance of Issa Diop. Unlucky not to get across to block Traore’s shot for the winner but it wasn’t for want of trying. He’d already, successfully, got his body in front of a number of other shots and played well in possession. He’s got tremendous pace and, in time, will become one of the first names on the teamsheet. Although we’re not certain what our strongest central defensive partnership is at present I’d have Issa alongside either Og or Balbuena. All that’s great but where I’m heading with this is that I also believe that Diop will become a leader on the pitch for us as well. Despite Angelo Ogbonna’s footballing abilities I don’t see him becoming that.
We have some very tough fixtures coming up. I’m looking forward to them but, if there were ever a time when we’ve needed Mark Noble’s leadership skills, it’s now. Perhaps the International break has come at a good time for us – the more time Nobes as to recover from his injury the better. A player who is willing to give his all, playing through the pain of six hernias and split muscle tissue, is one that you need on the pitch spurring the rest of the team on.
COYI! West Ham 4 The Cup!