It has been a mixed bag of a season so far for West Ham United’s club-record signing Sebastien Haller.
After seeing how well Haller played in a 2 striker formation against Southampton, West Ham have to stick with the formation to see if they can really get the Frenchman going. In a thrilling back and forth 1-0 victory over Southampton, the Hammers looked competent in the attack for the first time in a few weeks.
Part of the reason why is due to the fact that Manuel Pellegrini finally shook up the formation, throwing Antonio up top with Haller to change things up. I think it’s safe to say, the change worked very well.
Haller looked like a completely different player next to Antonio. With the support of a second striker, Sebastien Haller was able to fend off defenders and have an outlet to pass too and did not seem too overwhelmed by the Saint’s back-line.
Antonio’s pace and power really took over in the game, and it allowed for Haller to get more chances in the match, one of which he calmly took for a beautiful volley goal, West Ham’s only goal of the match.
When you examine why Haller had such a breakout season at Frankfurt last year, part of his success and strengths as a player are that he is able to play off of a strike partner. At Frankfurt, it was Luka Jovic, and I think that Manuel Pellegrini must try to mirror his success by using Antonio in the same role that Jovic played when he and Haller tore up the Bundesliga together last season.
Some fans did note that the potential reason for the formation change was more about Felipe Anderson’s late injury rather than a change in philosophy by the manager. I think it is crucial for Pellegrini to keep the 4-4-2 formation regardless if Anderson is fit or not for the next match away to Crystal Palace.
The Southampton win may have just been enough to save Manuel Pellegrini’s job for the time being. I believe that in order for him to see out this season, West Ham must run a two striker formation to really get the best out of one of the most talented players in the squad. If he reverts to old ways, who knows how much longer he will last in East London?