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

By Scott Johnson

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)
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) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Christopher Schindler of Huddersfield Town and Andy Carroll of West Ham United jump for the ball 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)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Christopher Schindler of Huddersfield Town and Andy Carroll of West Ham United jump for the ball 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) /

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Playing Style

For most of the time that Bilic has been here, he has wanted to play a passing style of football. With players like Payet and Lanzini in the squad it makes sense. When Andy Carroll is your central striker that pursuit becomes a bit tougher.

As such Bilic reverted to Allardyce-esque tactics of hitting Carroll at all opportunities. I warned against this is my preview article because although the temptation is to cross the ball you have to make sure it’s from a good position. That means not just lumping the ball up there because you think Carroll can’t lose.

The brand of football was not particularly appealing, but the energy was good. One thing that has really irked me so far this season is the lethargic midfield that seem to be non-plussed about losing the ball. On Monday night they were tenacious and energetic, which was much better to see.

On this front it’s one plus and one negative for me. Whilst I liked the energy and verve the team had, it wasn’t good football. If the club are to improve they have to play a better brand of football. However that may come naturally with better ball players such as Arnautovic and Lanzini still to return to the squad.