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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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Act 3: The Kill

Now so far the only defender who hasn’t done anything wrong for this goal is Arbeloa. And Act 2 was his only involvement. Much like the family member in Romeo and Juliet who is willing to let things in the past go and get on with life, he’s dragged down by the ineptitude of others.

Noble and Kouyate just coming into shot on the left there. Reid nowhere to be seen. Nordtveit just remembering he’s a right back and sprinting to try and get there. Adrian charging out like someone’s set fire to his goal. Ogbonna praying Adrian gets something on it. Arbeloa signalling for the taxi he just booked back to Spain. It’s a mess.

Now like Arbeloa, I’m not willing to blame Adrian for this goal. Yes he comes out quickly, but he’s completely isolate. All he’s hoping to do here is get to the ball at the same time, or force Tadic into an early shot that he’d have some chance of stopping. Unfortunately the Serb was cleverer than him, letting the ball run across him. Letting him roll the ball into the empty net.

What Do We Do Now?

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This was not a goal born of an individual error. This was not a sloppy mistake by one person letting the team down. This is a systematic error in the way we set up our defence.

The pitch might be bigger than before. The crowd not as intimidating. The Stadium not as rectangular. Throw whatever excuse you want, but this is pure and simply wrong on every defensive level. How can you excuse that? I wouldn’t have blamed the Boleyn for it last season.

We have two defenders at the top of our coaching set up. This needs to get sorted. Now.