MATCH REVIEW: West Ham lose in predictably pathetic style to Spurs

With two weeks off the majority of West Ham supporter believed the necessary changes would be made over the international break, but after setting up exactly the same, the Hammers lost an awful effort at home to Spurs.

From the outset, this match was destined to be frustrating. Sure, Jose Mourinho could provide a new manager bump to his inherited team but this wasn’t the issue. With bated breath, Hammers supporters awaited the team selection and sure enough 4-1-4-1 and no Arthur Masuaku (not even on the bench!) for West Ham. Set out to struggle before kick-off.

It’s formation and tactics for the team. Not only do we not have the personnel to play a 4-1-4-1, but there are also no visible tactics from Pellegrini’s side when they have the ball in this formation. No movement, no, runs, no real idea from the players about where to go to and where to play the ball. This same team and formation failed to break down Burnley two weeks ago, how did Pellegrini think they would succeed against Spurs?!

A predicted, the opening goal went Spurs way. Why? Because Roberto is still starting in goal. Heung-Min Son did well to create space for a shot against the Hammers keeper, but from the narrow-angle he took it at, it was quite literally directly at the keeper who somehow managed to get out of the way of the ball. Unbelievable keeping forced the team’s heads down 36 minutes into the match.

The Irons were far from competitive in this match, despite what the scoreline may suggest. The two late goals were a result of Spurs switching off and us abandoning the faulty game plan that wasn’t working. The second goal against, however, was a result of sloppy coverage on a counter-attack, eventually freeing up Lucas Moura at the back post. A well-worked goal but defending was awful on this too. 0-2 to Spurs, 46‘.

With goals needed, Felipe Anderson was taken off for Michail Antonio. It was a good move bringing on Antonio, but Anderson being taken off early yet again is moronic. In the 49th minute, Harry Kane would score a header against Diop and Roberto. With Diop forcing Kane on his backfoot and off-balance Kane could only get a small amount of force on the ball but he hit it directly at Roberto so it found it’s way in obviously – through his hands, no less!

Pablo Fornals would come on for Yarmolenko which made sense, however, Issa Diop was replaced by Carlos Sanchez with the last sub and the Hammers down 0-3. Declan Rice, our best midfielder, was then moved to centre-back in what looked to be a sign of surrender from the manager.

Michail Antonio, who ran himself down in the second half would pull a goal back in the 73rd minute with a beautiful turn and strike, set up by Mark Noble. Rice would score off of scrapped corner but VAR ruled him offside. Finally, in the last minute of stoppage time, Angelo Ogbonna who returned to the starting XI would bang in a corner kick to make it 3-2. Too little, too late.

The formation doesn’t work, there is clearly no pre-scout of the opposition, and the tactics are either non-existent or are not being followed. The effort was disgraceful and inexcusable but it comes from the top with Pellegrini. My biggest fear is that the two late goals keep Pellegrini around any longer than Sunday. Oh, and Robert Snodgrass for Man-of-the-Match for smacking Kane.