Saturday’s late kick-off saw [team 20] visiting the London Stadium to face [team 1] (fixture details: [fixture 16924602] ). After a strong finish last season, the Hammers were expected to continue their form. Meanwhile, Newcastle had a great week in the transfer market by bringing three new players.
How did both teams set up?
[coach 455355] started the eleven that finished last season strongly. [player 733] in goal with a back four consisting of [player 4371] and [player 1261] at full-back. [player 96799] and [player 1416] partnered in the center back area. [player 80655], [player 5273], and [player 156] started in central midfield with the veteran making forward runs.
[player 1592] and [player 186815] provided the width, and big [player 1922] started upfront. There were quite a few surprises as the likes of [player 25499], [player 129454], and [player 204697] all not picked in the starting eleven.
Newcastle started with an unusual 4-4-2, which they deployed towards the end of last season. [player 1397] in goal with new signing [player 1494666] making his debut at left-back. [player 2985], [player 1310], and [player 1352] were the other defenders at the back.
[player 455377]’s midfield four saw [player 32508] from the left while debutant [player 2361] started from the right. [player 2954] and [player 819] were in central midfield with the latter in a slightly more advanced role. New arrival [player 1065] led the line along with [player 746].
Match summary
West Ham United’s performance was a pathetic one. The Hammers had more possession (58%) but struggled to create any real opportunity. They recorded 15 shots in total, but only 3 of them were on target. West Ham struggled to move the ball quickly as the movements in between the line lacked cohesion. Rice and Souchek were finding it difficult to play vertical passes, and as a result, the passes kept moving sideways.
A lot of West Ham’s plan was relying on Antonio’s pace to get in behind. However, they didn’t seem to have any method apart from it. David Moyes will have to work on his side’s offensive tactics.
Meanwhile, Newcastle looked well organized with and without the ball. They played an attacking game overall. Out of possession, the pressing was done well by Wilson and midfielders like Shelvey and Hayden.
Newcastle played to their strengths as they used the aerial ability of Carroll exceptionally well. Wilson’s runs in behind were well complimented to Carroll’s effective hold-up play. Another eye-catching aspect was the excellent link-up play between Saint-Maximin and Jamal Lewis. Saint-Maximin kept coming inside on his right foot, and Lewis overlapped with good timing.
Overall, Newcastle were by far the better side, and Steve Bruce’s decisions ended up being efficient. Meanwhile, its time for West Ham to get their confidence as their upcoming fixtures could be painful.
