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Masuaku at left back leaves West Ham exposed, but is Cresswell any better?

By Scott Johnson

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Anthony Knockaert of Brighton battles for possession with Hove Albion and Arthur Masuaku of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United at American Express Community Stadium on October 5, 2018 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Anthony Knockaert of Brighton battles for possession with Hove Albion and Arthur Masuaku of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United at American Express Community Stadium on October 5, 2018 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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West Ham succumbed to a 1-0 loss to Brighton on Friday, after some poor defending and lacklustre attacking. Whilst it was a team failure, we do have to start talking about the Hammers’ left back options.

When Brighton started brightly on Friday, I was not happy. Our defence, although improved in recent weeks, still has some issues keeping it tight when trying to push forward as well. And that was shown when Murray ended up 6 yards out from the West Ham goal all alone. And Masuaku was just standing there watching him.

Sometimes I understand there’s not much a defender can do about an attacker. If they show a burst of pace, or you have to track more than one runner it’s tough. But Murray simply wandered into the box, and our left back decided that was OK. His defensive abilities have been an issue time and time again, so is Cresswell the answer?

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A Problem, but any solutions?

Masuaku took over at left back after he nailed down the wing back spot under Moyes, but wingback and full back are very different. For example, in this situation Masuaku wouldn’t be expected to track is he was a wing back. But as a full back it’s defend first and attack later. He doesn’t seem to get that.

However the coaching that is trying to get him to defend is also inhibiting what made him dangerous. Against Brighton there seemed to be no occasions where the left back forced a 2 on 1 situation with Anderson on the Brighton full back. Is Masuaku actually capable of getting forward but still remaining solid in defence?

Cresswell hasn’t been the same player since the injury a couple of seasons ago, but if he could get back there he’d be leagues ahead of Masuaku at straight left back position. However his issue is also defence, and I don’t know if he solves that issue.

dark. Next. West Ham were toothless against Brighton, not unlucky

On the other flank Zabaleta has been balancing extremely well and needs support from the left. A weak side will be exploited by the big sides, and Pellegrini will certainly be contemplating bringing Cresswell in to the side. But is this actually going to improve the team?