West Ham Manager Review: How did Bilic do against Huddersfield?

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Before Monday’s game Bilic was a desperate man. The West Ham manager was on borrowed time.

However he got the win he wanted against Huddersfield with an all action performance. Whilst Barcelona won’t exactly be ringing Bilic for some passing tips in light of it, the performance was a marked improvement on the previous outings.

It showed that despite all the talk the players are willing to fight for their manager. It showed that there is character among the squad and that even without Lanzini we can get results. But how did Bilic actually do with his decisions on the night?

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Slaven Bilic, Manager of West Ham United and David Wagner, Manager of Huddersfield Town look on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Huddersfield Town at London Stadium on September 11, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Initial Lineup

Given that it was an all or nothing game for Bilic, it was a bold selection. Throwing Andy Carroll straight in to the first team despite 5 months out was a risk, but it was a risk worth taking for someone in the Croat’s position.

The man in charge also opted to switch defensive systems. rather than a conventional 4 man defence he reverted to a system used over the past few seasons which saw Zabaleta at right wing back and Creswell on the left with three centre backs. This turned out to be a great plan with the centrebacks negating Mounie in the air and the wingbacks getting forward.

The big issue was that the formation ended up forcing Chicharito wide. It isn’t his natural position and the Mexican tired with the extra running from deep. If Bilic is to keep him happy and use him best he must be a central player. Whether Bilic will persist with this on the weekend will be interesting to see.