In West Ham’s past two matches, David Moyes has deployed three centre-backs in the starting XI formation, with the Hammers looking substantially better at the back.
After a heart-wrenching loss to Arsenal last week, West Ham needed to rebound quickly with a tough test in Wolves. Wolves have been a great Premier League team the past two seasons and seemed to have had the Hammers number the past two times the clubs faced off. Well, that changed quickly!
The Hammers thoroughly disposed of the talented and expensive Wolves side using a three at the back formation for the second match running. The only change from the Gunners clash was Fabian Balbuena for Issa Diop who was out due to Covid-19, but “the general” slotted into the back three and seemed more than comfortable. The Irons were able to counter-attack beautifully and ultimately ended up seeing the game out quite easily for a shocking 4-0 result.
I think the biggest takeaway from this Hammers squad over the month of September is how much more competent and capable the squad looks playing in this new formation David Moyes has deployed. The full-backs seem way freer to move up the pitch and attack, and this is some of the best football Hammers fans have ever seen Arthur Masuaku play before.
With another tough set of fixtures upcoming for the Hammers, you would have to believe that Moyes will stick with his new formation and tactics. The one big question will be who starts in those three centre back spots, as Diop will soon return to the squad along with many rumours that the Irons are looking to sign a defender before the window closes.
Ultimately, you have to be elated with what you saw from West Ham over the past few weeks. The team looks to be reignited under a new philosophy and tactics, and a win over a team like Wolves is something the team should be very proud of. Bring on the Foxes!