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Fulham’s first half chances show holes in West Ham defense

By Adam Smith

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Manuel Pellegrini, Manager of West Ham United speaks with Arthur Masuaku of West Ha United during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and West Ham United at Craven Cottage on December 15, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Manuel Pellegrini, Manager of West Ham United speaks with Arthur Masuaku of West Ha United during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and West Ham United at Craven Cottage on December 15, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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West Ham seemingly sailed to their fourth consecutive win as they beat Fulham away 2-0 this past match week. While the scoreline suggests the Hammers handled their opposition easily, their first-half defending could cause problems against better opposition.

The generous fixture list matched West Ham up with Fulham as the Hammers looked to continue their unbeaten streak. With two goals within the first 30 minutes and an attack that never stepped back even when up, West Ham sailed to their fourth straight win. With the points in the bank, it’s time to nit-pick, and the Irons need to tighten up their defense.

As is the case often, the centre-back pairing isn’t going to garner much criticism here. After Fabian Balbuena’s performance marking Aleksandar Mitrovic all evening, the Paraguayan deserves a ton of praise rather than critiques as has been the case for much of this season, especially in recent weeks.

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Likewise, Issa Diop was terrific in the box especially when it comes to deflecting and clearing low passes from the goal line across the box. On numerous occasions, he simply turned his foot and pushed to ball towards Felipe Anderson up the wing who ran it to safety.

Diop does have the marauding attitude that sees him run up in play to win a header sent from the keeper or chase down a tackle further up the pitch into the midfield. These actions are terrific when he wins the ball, but even still he leaves his backline exposed if it is turned over or lost, allowing for probing longballs to be sent towards Fabianski.

The issue, or area of issue, for West Ham comes from their fullbacks. Teams know now that West Ham relies on the offside trap to force turnovers. With knowledge of this play, teams are timing their runs down the wings to spring the trap and get into West Ham’s back line.

As great as Pablo Zabaleta has been, when he jumps up in play he is often a little gassed when tracking back and keeping the high-line tight. Once he’s back an in position Zabaleta is second to none at defending, but with pacey wingers bursting down the wing, there have been issues, as exemplified in the Aboubakar Kamara chance that Fabianski stopped.

Likewise, runs down the wing have caused Arthur Masuaku problems, specifically when they are late or disguised. Mitrovic’s rocket header in the first half that somehow missed the target is a prime example. Masuaku was caught ball watching and when he let it go long, presumably to get a goal kick for Fabianski, Mitrovic zoomed in and blasted it wide.

Next. West Ham don’t need Yaya Toure’s disruptive influence. dark

Both Zabaleta and Masuaku played well in this match, don’t get me wrong, but in order to continue the streak, West Ham and Pellegrini need to keep their focus and drilling on target. The pursuit of perfection needs to be on the team’s mind because West Ham got off easy here, a more clinical, skilled team would have been up early with the chances the Hammers allowed in this match.