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Why Southampton’s Second Goal Highlights What Is Wrong At West Ham

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Adrian of West Ham United looks dejected as James Ward-Prowse of Southampton (16) scores their third goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on September 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Adrian of West Ham United looks dejected as James Ward-Prowse of Southampton (16) scores their third goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on September 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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I look forward to a Monday where I’m not sitting there giving a West Ham post mortem. However this week is not that Monday. We were poor throughout the match. Sloppy at the back, poor in midfield, and wasteful up front. But for me the second goal highlighted what was wrong with the hammers so far. To be helpful it comes along in three acts.

Act 1: The Beginning

It all starts from some very innocuous possession in midfield. There’s nothing that spells too much danger. The ball goes up in the air, Winston Reid wins it. At this point the problem should disappear, but instead of finding someone in space or just getting rid the ball is flicked to Kouyate who is close by. Surrounded by three Southampton players.

Then we end up in the situation above. Here’s what should happen:

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  1. Noble starts dropping to help fill the gap vacated by Reid.
  2. Nordtveit, playing right back, does the same as defensive duties come first and in doing so covers Tadic.
  3. Kouyate picks up his head to find West Ham saviour Antonio. Even Noble gives a bit more space.
  4. The ball is moved on. The whole team gets back into shape and we have the ball.

Sounds great right? Here’s what actually happens

  1. Noble stands there like a lemon. When the ball breaks past him he is as useful as a chocolate teapot.
  2. Nordtveit, playing right back, decides to push up beyond Tadic. Clever.
  3. Kouyate thinks he’s Messi and tries to dribble past everyone, losing the ball.
  4. The ball is moved down to the right where Austin is waiting covered by Arbeloa.

Still not the end of the world, but a lot worse than where we could be. Austin’s out on the right and no danger. Surely?