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New Club Blues For West Ham’s Robert Snodgrass?

By Scott Johnson

March 18th 2017, The London Stadium, East London, England; EPL Premier League football, West Ham versus Leicester City; Robert Snodgrass of West Ham United bring the ball forward (Photo by John Patrick Fletcher/Action Plus via Getty Images)
March 18th 2017, The London Stadium, East London, England; EPL Premier League football, West Ham versus Leicester City; Robert Snodgrass of West Ham United bring the ball forward (Photo by John Patrick Fletcher/Action Plus via Getty Images) /
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West Ham signed Robert Snodgrass in January in an effort to lessen the impact of Dimitri Payet leaving. So far, it’s not worked out too well.

The Scottish playmaker joined West Ham after a successful, personally at least, first half of the season with Hull. Many predicted the side to struggle after his move, and the winger himself to move up a gear.

However he has struggled to adapt to his new role in East London. He was even off colour for Scotland in their recent matches, which is concerning. Why has Snodgrass’ form fallen away so dramatically?

A Decline In Return

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Since joining the Hammers, Snodgrass has failed to register a goal or assist to his name. In the previous 20 appearances he had made for Hull, the winger had 7 goals and 3 assists, and many plaudits coming his way for the style of game he was playing.

In an era of tiki-taka and short passing, Snodgrass has a wonderful left footed cross. He is still providing well with corners, but as of yet none of them have led to a goal. At Hull he was the go to man for most attacks, and that is probably where the difference is.

Whereas the Hull team would look to Snodgrass with each attack, West Ham have other options. The mercurial talent of Manuel Lanzini has come to the of of late, and Michail Antonio is another goal scoring and creative presence in the lineup.

Creating or Scoring?

Because he is not seeing as much of the ball, he is often lending a helping hand rather than the centre of attention. But stats from Whoscored show that he is still creating. With 2 key passes per match compared to 2.3 at Hull, there hasn’t been much of a drop.

However there is a more significant drop in his shooting stats. Where he is no longer the main man, he’s not getting in at goal. He’s seen about a one shot per 90 minute decrease on his total shots, and so far he has not had a single shot on target for the Hammers. Not one. He should be pushed further forward if he is to be effective.

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If West Ham are to get the best out of Snodgrass, he must become more attacking. Whilst he is a decent creator, that wasn’t his main strength at Hull. Getting the Scotsman in at goal is the key to realizing his potential in East London.