Post by deadbat on Sept 30, 2023 18:42:31 GMT
It was another sorry afternoon for United as they lost yet again and continued their horrendous start to the season. After the embarrassment of last week at the Lane conceding 8 goals without reply to Newcastle, the Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom would have wanted a reaction. Sadly, he did not get one as once again they looked completely outmatched at this level. West Ham played the game almost at a practice match tempo but still carved United open time after time. They led by two goals at the break with goals from Bowen and Soucek and it could have been more. The second half at least did not see further damage as the home side took their foot off the gas. United at least had an effort on target as Ahmedhodzic’s header was parried at close range but in truth the Blades never looked like getting back in the game and the Hammers coasted to victory in the end.
United seemed to have no identifiable plan and were just picked off easily and then left exposed time after time by better movement, more skilled players and physically stronger athletes which saw chance after chance created.
The Blades made one chance with McBurnie back in for Norwood but Heckingbottom kept faith with the rest of the side from the debacle of less than a week ago. West Ham named a strong side as they looked to continue a good start to the season.
Inside 30 seconds West Ham won a corner and Ward Prowse whipped in the ball but MCBurnie and Egan headed into each other leading to a stoppage. Hamer gave the ball away cheaply in a trend that would become common much of the opening stages. United could not keep the football with the limited possession they had and West Ham attacked down the right side seeing an advantage with Soucek and Bowen being too strong for McAtee and Thomas. McAtee was easily shoved out of it by Bowen and his cross should have been converted by Soucek but blazed over. Antonio was too physical for Hamer as the mismatches were showing up all over the field. Antonio then did the same to Egan and the ball to Paqueta’s shot goalwards after Soucek flicked on by Foderingham made the save.
United did have a better few minutes with Bogle’s cross blocked after good work from McBurnie. Ball was played into Archer whose turn and shot was blocked well by a Hammers defender before Hamer’s shot deflected over. Souza won a tackle and celebrated the throw -a sign of how desperate United were but at least he was showing commitment.
McAtee gave the ball away too easily and Paqueta ran through but Bogle made the tackle to lead to the corner. Ward Prowse hit a beautiful inswinger met by Bowen and Foderingham had to make the full length save to deny him before Aguerd’s follow up was cleared off the line by Thomas.
Archer ran across the line but blazed over but the home side were now back in complete control and Souza’s poor give away was compounded when he brought down Bowen. Ward Prowse’s effort was held by Foderingham. United tried to put a move together and Ahmedhodzic was well forward but he could only flick on Bogle’s cross and Thomas sent over the ball from the other side but put too much on it.
The opening came on 23 minutes when there was no pressure on the ball and McAtee let Soucek go down the right and after one touch football, Thomas failed to go with BOWEN and when the ball was rolled across, it was an easy finish for the forward. There was a certain inevitability about the goal and there was no let up as Antonio nearly got in as Ahmedhodzic and Egan let the ball bounce. The ball was deflected away for a corner. When the ball came in, Thomas was maybe fortunate to get away with a handball as his arm was out but surprisingly nothing was given when VAR looked at it.
Antonio raced through and shot wide as the pressure continued. McAtee was getting frustrated and got a yellow card for bringing down Soucek. Archer was then shoved off it again and his lack of upper body strength was evident as the home side came away.
From this pinch of the ball, West Ham got up the field but Hamer had the ball but gave it away so cheaply and the ball was played into SOUCEK who swept the ball into the net and it was 2-0 and you sensed almost certainly game over.
The Blades did try and respond and McBurnie had a chance but he shinned his finish badly wide showing little composure after a rare foray into the West Ham box. This instance chance to come back was blown and the Hammers were back on the attack with Soucek getting the run-on Thomas and hitting a shot that Foderingham pushed away. Alvarez left his foot in on Souza and was rightly cautioned and just before half time Hamer had a header that drifted a long way wide. The half time whistle came and it was a comfortable game for West Ham who perhaps should have led by more than two goals.
The second half saw Bowen get in too easily down the right as Souza and Thomas just let him go but the ball was cleared. Bogle then tried to be too clever and was robbed and brough his man down. The ball came over but somehow squirmed wide. Souza had a hooked effort deflected wide but as the corner came in, the Blades picked up another injury. Egan went down holding his leg and looked in some pain after going up for a header. He could not carry on and limped off. Basham came on in his place.
McAtee played in Bogle and his cross led to a corner and from its Basham headed across and Ahmedhodzic tried to finish but was blocked at close range by Areola spreading himself. It was the first effort United had on the West Ham goal.
McBurnie gave it away after United tried to get up the field and Antonio was in. He slid in Bowen who rounded Foderingham and squared the ball but as Antonio looked to finish, Souza made the last-ditch block to probably deny a certain goal. The Hammers won two corners that saw West Ham win the headers but could not divert goalwards. Antonio chased down another ball that Ahmedhodzic had to put behind and Aguerd nearly headed in the third.
McAtee was not in the game and was taken off for Davies before better football saw Hamer get forward but his cross was blocked. West Ham made two changes with Benrahma and Kudus on for Alvarez and Antonio but the home side were not really being asked many questions and continued to look the more dangerous side even if they were not attacking with as many numbers.
McBurnie nodded a header wide and then a Hamer cross fell for Bogle but his shot was blocked with appeals for a handball from some United players. The ball quickly transferred to the other end and it was the home side appealing for hands – on Souza – but this was also waved away and VAR checks saw nothing untoward. Slimane, Brewster and Trusty came on for Hamer, Archer, and Bogle with just over 10 minutes to go and McBurnie had a shot blocked after Davies fell theatrically.
Benrahma had a shot saved from Foderingham before Slimane curled a decent effort wide for the visitors. Basham was shoved off it and West Ham broke but Paqueta pulled his shot wide after Benrahma broke at pace. West Ham nearly did make it three as Ward Prowse found Bowen who got beyond United far too easily again and his pull back was nearly finished and the ball bounced around before the defence finally cleared right in front of the keeper. The game entered six minutes stoppage time and Slimane had another effort but straight at Areola before West Ham finished with another attack that ended with the ball just going over. The final whistle came soon after and United were still winless, having lost 6 in 7 and matching the start of the last time out at this level for ineptitude.
United – It was a dreary performance and a putrid 2-0 defeat. We could and should have lost by more. West Ham had 20 shots – 9 on target (standard now teams have so many efforts) – United at least had 16 even if only 2 on target and only one even remotely close. The game began with West Ham winning a corner after 30 seconds and nearly scoring a few goals in the first 5 minutes. We looked not ready to start the game as another side ran all over us again. We got swamped down the left side with Thomas and McAtee not quick or strong enough to stop the power and pace of Soucek and Bowen. We gave it away cheaply (Hamer and Souza were the main two just to keep giving it away) and seemed to have little idea how to get up the pitch. We stayed level and did have an ok spell for 5 minutes but poor crossing/decisions in the final third meant we never even got a shot away or chance of note created.
West Ham then turned it up and just moved it quicker with stronger, quicker, and more intelligent players who ran off the ball. The movement of other teams is so much brighter. They had a few more efforts and two off the line and the goal was coming. When it did the two left sided players were guilty as it was like a practice ground goal. After this, they took over completely and scored another easy second as Hamer tossed the ball away cheaply again. After this we just seemed to be hanging on although McBurnie did have one chance he badly missed. However, if West Ham had gone in 3 or 4 up, it would have been fair. We looked so slow and weak and it was another game where it was like men v boys. We seemed to be just resigned to our fate. I am still not sure what our tactics are (that is on Hecky even though I will defend him a bit later) and we seem to have no idea how to get up the pitch and create/score a goal. We seem to be just hanging on and hoping to defend for 90 minutes. It is a ridiculous plan but I am not even sure the players are trying to play like that – we simply cannot get out as the players are not good enough or strong enough to win duels, keep the ball and pass it around with confidence. We know we will get shoved out of it, lose the battles (as not strong enough)and then technically the opponents are better.
The second half, we at least did not see a repeat of last week. Anel had a decent headed chance and Souza, McBurnie and Slimane had efforts (none anywhere near!) but in truth we never looked like coming back at all. West Ham just eased to the victory and if we had scored somehow, then they would have upped it again. They just did not turn on the burners like Newcastle. IF they had gone at us, I feel they would have got 4or 5 more goals but even with them just playing it like a training match, they still made Wes make more saves and had better chances/more efforts. It just sort of petered out. We did not have any idea really how to build up concerted pressure and it just became two teams just seeing out the match. Quite sad that as soon as they scored the first – the game was over and we sadly see that every week pretty much. Teams know we are not going to hurt them. They can defend high up the field as we have no pace and compress the play and then know we have to defend deep as we lack pace and mobility. So, the whole pattern of play sees the opponents play almost on half way and be almost entirely in our half.
I do worry that the players are losing heart and confidence and can see the argument tactically we do not know how to match up. We are way too open and teams get through us wide and centrally. Throw in we lose most set play headers and we look so susceptible to concede chances. I get many will point to the manager and coaching but I do feel strongly that even if we tweaked tactics (saw that with the 4-4-2 last week) we are struggling so much as individually and collectively teams are simply much better. We have a side full of Championship players. Even the vaunted signings like Hamer, Souza and Archer do not look up to this level in terms of physicality and running power. A lot are pointing at the likes of Egan and Ahmedhodzic struggling but I am not sure anyone played well today and most weeks we are losing every outfield battle. I thought Souza did a few ok bits and Bash and Slimane actually did ok when they came on but for the most part the players always look at full stretch. Maybe teams are fitter but they are just far stronger and more skilled. The old men v boy’s argument has never applied so much. Most teams at this level have like 7 or 8 huge units who can run all day. They then have 2 or 3 small technical players who are very clever. We have neither really.
The Blades lack belief, heart, and ability at this level and with little idea how to score goals when you are shipping them so easily at the other end, then that is a recipe for disaster. There will be further questions about the manager this week but surely the problems lie much deeper than that – this side is simply not at the level required to compete in the biggest and most expensive league in the world? There can be questions directed at the style (is there one), tactics, formation of course but there is also an argument that that masks that players are simply not quick, strong or skilled enough against their respective opponents. Every week. I suppose if we change the manager we might get a short turn uplift but I firmly believe that the problems are much deeper than Heckingbottom. The issue is that if you keep losing, then automatically the manager will be the one who carries the can. The comment Bettis made about him staying even if we go down was one he had to make as he could not say anything else but we knew if we had a big losing run or did not compete, then any club would change their manager. I personally am not sure what it achieves as we have to pay off Hecky and all his coaching staff and then we have another Slav situation where we probably have to play a new style and have a new way of playing – this is something that has been inbuilt at all levels. Again, can see the argument we cannot do any worse but the whole strategy of the board seems clear. We will take the money, probably go down (or would have tried to keep the better players and add to them rather than the half baked and abysmal pre-season planning we saw) and build again not risking the financial side. If we sack him then we are surely looking short term again and probably still go down -then what – sack the manager again and go back to the plan that had worked (albeit at the level below)? I can see the argument for a change and do not think it is nonsensical as we are losing every week and not even close but I am not sure it will change things. Yes, we might never know if we do not but again does anyone think any manager gets this set of players anywhere near to staying up? Some will argue Luton won today and are worse than us on paper but we also nearly beat Everton and Luton physically will cause teams more problems than us.
Tony Gale on commentary summed it up – saying that ‘they have not given themselves a chance with the selection of squad they’ve got.’ That is an outsider looking in. Granted the board cannot spend money they do not have – but shows the biggest change that needs to happen is a new owner and the current one has to drop the price. He allegedly wanted 170 million but if they go down he will struggle to give the club away in my opinion as will be back to the situation of last time having to recover financially. It is quite depressing after 7 games to think we are probably down and facing a real fight to get near the Derby points total but that is where we are at. Maybe we make a change and we see a shift but I doubt it very much. I just think we are away off what we need to be in terms of the players we have to give ourselves even a chance at this level.
Ratings:
Foderingham 7/10 – Our best player again. Made 2 or 3 good saves and had no chance with the goals. He is badly exposed every week. Feel sorry for him. Our player of the season by a country mile.
Bogle 4/10 – Shadow of the lively and skilful player we saw 2 years ago. His injuries have took away any running power/pace and he does not even go forward much now but when he does he does not beat a man ever. Defensively he gives his man too much room and does not switch on when it matters.
Thomas 3/10 – Thought he was dreadful and probably our poorest player. He was nowhere near his man all game and most of their play came down his side. Not given much help but he must be stronger, get tighter and do the basics. Could have given a penalty away. Going forward his crossing was abysmal over hitting everyone. On what I have seen can see why he was not getting in Leicester’s team. In 3 starts we have conceded 12 goals yet everyone was so critical of Larouci. Not sure he is much better.
Robinson 5/10 – Probably our best defender again and he was very ordinary. Had a few poor balls and moments forward wise but at least got his foot in and won a few tackles. We got took apart as teams came through us again as the shape did not work and we had no protection.
Ahmedhodzic 4/10 – His struggles continue. He seems so slow to react to things. A number of times Antonio just shrugged him off or he did not get to the ball quick enough. Bit better after Egan went off as he went central but West Ham were not attacking much at this point. Had one chance but he missed it when really should have done better.
Egan 4/10 – He is looking shot at this level. They put the ball into the box teams and we never win any headers. We seemed to lose every duel or cross and with better finishing they would have scored more. Antonio just outmuscled him when the ball went forward. We have to defend so deep due to his lack of pace. He seemed to pick up a bad injury and could be out for a while. Had a bit of a nightmare season.
Souza 5.5/10 – Maybe our best outfield starters and he was only average. He was better than last week and at least won a few tackles and got more involved but he does not really protect and too often the ball came off him or teams got past our midfield. A few silly fouls. He rarely passes forward at all and is so slow that other midfields can just run off us. He did put more effort in and thought he was one of the few who kept plugging away but another that looks way off the standard required for the top level. Went down with his Spanish team last year and will do the same again it seems. The fact he celebrates throws in is a desperate sign of how bad we are! He seemed to play better after we went behind – need him more determined at 0-0.
Hamer 3/10 – He has been abysmal the last few games. A total passenger. He had one shot blocked and another looped header but he has to be more involved in play and off the ball has to work much harder. His conditioning and fitness is poor as I watched opponents just get past him too easily and with Souza above we are a soft touch in midfield. We rarely put a tackle in and if we do they are normally desperate lunges as teams run away from us. He has scored two great goals but outside of this in general play he needs to do way more. He was one of our big money (yes, I know it’s not big money at this level) but another who is getting outworked and seems not fit enough. His give away on the second sealed the game.
McAtee 3/10 – Currently due to the lack of ball we have and us defending so much, seems a bit of a pointless signing. He had a few moments on it but mostly was having to run back. He nearly let them in early when Bowen just ragged him out of the way and down this side they had lots of chances as he did not pick up his man. Soucek was able to play almost as a striker as McAtee did not do the disciplined job he needed to do. Got booked and I was worried he might get sent off after that. Probably might be regretting coming back as top end of Champ he gets more of the ball and more involved. He will just be a passenger most weeks here sadly.
McBurnie 5/10 – Started with one or two decent bits of hold up but he regressed quite a bit and felt he gave it away too cheaply. Had an awful shinned effort and a better headed effort wide. However not sure the ball stuck with us up the top at all and he kind of disappeared but we are having to defend so much it is hard for the strikers but I look at Antonio and how he occupies defenders and he shows what we have to do to help us defend from the top.
Archer 4/10 – I am not sure his signing is working either as we probably cannot play 2 up front most games at this level as see none of the ball in midfield. No real service at all but he too got shrugged off it too easily and he is not as quick as I thought. He lacks the aggressiveness I thought he might have and seems quite timid as he loses a lot of 50-50’s. You see how good Ndiaye was in this regard (granted different players and it was Champ level) but he simply does not come out with the ball. He had one shot blocked and another a long way wide. After the excitement of the first half v Everton, he has been largely anonymous for 3 and a half games. Maybe if we had more ball and got more in the opposition half I could assess more but he still has to do more and put himself about more. I worry if we are completely marooned come the New Year, whether he will continue to really put himself about – not saying he is not a good pro – but he will know he is not staying here. Equally we would need to plan for next season. So, in a weird way it could be no more than a 3-month loan deal! If we are as good as gone by Jan/Feb like last time we may as well play likes of Jebbison, Osula and Traore maybe? (granted 2 of them probably leaving end of the season too but maybe one might stay!)
Subs –
Basham 5/10 – Not sure he was worse than any of the other defenders and at least kept it simple or did not make any big mistakes. He competed more and he came out with the ball a few times. Also set up the Anel chance.
Davies 4/10 – Did run around a fair bit even though he looks woefully unfit. His second touch is a tackle. I maybe would just play him now for a period of games. He might improve and his conditioning might get better but he does not look the answer but normally comes on when the games have gone to be fair to him and he is not a creative player.
Trusty – Not sure I saw him really touch the ball. Once he switched off and lost his man as they nearly got a third. Maybe we give him a game but not sure he changes the needle much defensively. He may have to play now if Egan is out.
Slimane – One of the bright spots. Tried to play forward and had two efforts. He probably deserves a start ahead of Souza, Hamer and/or McAtee on that evidence. Least he was positive!
Brewster – Did not pull his hamstring at least. Not sure he had a kick I can recall! At least he gives us a senior striker I suppose but without us getting up the field he too will field on scraps.
Manager: Heckingbottom 3/10 – Another dispiriting performance. We came out and conceded a corner on 30 seconds and then were under the cosh and should have trailed. We were so deep and seemed scared to attack in case we got undone on the counter. We did not attack and still conceded chances. If West Ham are more clinical we are 4 or 5-0 down. We had no real identifiable style of play and seemed to be just kick it to McBurnie and hope he can keep it or win a long throw in chance. The likes of Hamer and McAtee may get excused but I thought they had a fair bit of the ball but just got outmuscled or lost it cheaply. We cannot keep blaming the defence all the time. We have to look at the whole set up of the side and all the players. I worried at 2-0 it could go on and be a hammering so at least we avoided that but it was an insipid showing and we never looked like getting back. West Ham just conserved energy and coasted to the win. He kept faith with the side but then he is playing almost our strongest side so not sure the selections can be questioned too much (maybe Trusty deserves a go and possibly Slimane now) but he seems clueless how to get the side playing higher up and hurting teams. We have not had a spell of pressure or controlled a game (Even for 5 mins) in any game. That is a worry.
Maybe it is on the manager and tactics but I think that masks what I have said above. The players are just not at this level. We can blame Hecky all we want but it’s not him that sees McAtee and Thomas switch off 2 or 3 times (finally they score). It’s not him that gives them the ball so easily (Hamer, McBurnie, Souza – lots of them). We can argue he signed these players but was he going to get much better than what he could with the money we had? I would have gone for much physical and quicker players (Luton have more of these as hard as that is to type and so do Burnley) and we look a soft touch. I think the type of player signed has hindered us. I am not saying just got for a load of 6 foot+ clubbers but we are only going to have a chance at this level if we compete physically and win 50-50’s and the tackles/headers. We did that last time in the first season. We are not doing that and the other teams’ players are more skilled by some way. This means we have little chance. Lots were raving about McAtee, Archer and Hamer as signings by these are physically lightweight and skill wise are still only top end Champ on evidence so far so if they are our technical ball players (yet none have kept it well enough so far) and creativity then we are in trouble as not sure how we create or get up the field. I get many will say it will not get any worse with a change but I do put a word of caution that I am not sure it will change things. Sure, we can sack him and try something but sadly when you are at a mismatch for physique/skill/pace/power (I know I am a broken record) then it is so hard whoever the manager is.
If we change it, I am not sure going back to Wilder is the answer. He will probably motivate them more for a spell but the tactics/shape he played last time did not work and teams worked it out. He has failed badly at two other teams since. Surely if they make a change there are other managers out there and it seems a bit lazy to say it’s Hecky or Wilder? I personally leave things for the next month or so. People may say it could be too late but we are probably going down anyway. I think Heckingbottom deserves more from the club and board who basically shafted him twice (got rid for Slav) and then set him up terribly to start this season. If we have more poor performances in the next 4 or 5 and lose every week, yes, fair enough we might have to look at it but I do not see it changing things even if the club probably would feel they have to act.
West Ham – Easy win. Thought start of the season, even with Rice going, they would do better this year as Moyes has improved the overall squad. They have a nice mix of strong, physical no nonsense players with some clever forward players. Bowen showed our players what it is about though and as much about attitude and work rate as ability. They scored two good goals and could have had more. They were a bit sloppy at times and second half took their foot off it but it was an easy 2-0 win and they could have upped it I felt any time. Will not have an easier game all season.
Opponent Man of the Match – Ward Prowse’s deliveries superb all game and Antonio a handful but Bowen was superb. He ran down the flanks, down the middle and a constant threat. Really complete footballer. As Tony Gale said, would not be shocked if top 5 or 6 teams looked at him.
Opponent Weak link – Not sure anyone was tested enough. The lad Alvarez was a dirty so and so and got booked and seemed determined to set sent off so Moyes wisely subbed him so maybe he takes this award.
Referee/Officials – An easy game to ref. Barely a bad tackle all game really and played at such a slow tempo with little physicality. A few VAR appeals for handballs – I would not have been shocked if Thomas had been penalised the way things have gone this season. When a team just rolls over, then the officials must be pleased as they know they won’t be having to make decisions that affect the game.
United seemed to have no identifiable plan and were just picked off easily and then left exposed time after time by better movement, more skilled players and physically stronger athletes which saw chance after chance created.
The Blades made one chance with McBurnie back in for Norwood but Heckingbottom kept faith with the rest of the side from the debacle of less than a week ago. West Ham named a strong side as they looked to continue a good start to the season.
Inside 30 seconds West Ham won a corner and Ward Prowse whipped in the ball but MCBurnie and Egan headed into each other leading to a stoppage. Hamer gave the ball away cheaply in a trend that would become common much of the opening stages. United could not keep the football with the limited possession they had and West Ham attacked down the right side seeing an advantage with Soucek and Bowen being too strong for McAtee and Thomas. McAtee was easily shoved out of it by Bowen and his cross should have been converted by Soucek but blazed over. Antonio was too physical for Hamer as the mismatches were showing up all over the field. Antonio then did the same to Egan and the ball to Paqueta’s shot goalwards after Soucek flicked on by Foderingham made the save.
United did have a better few minutes with Bogle’s cross blocked after good work from McBurnie. Ball was played into Archer whose turn and shot was blocked well by a Hammers defender before Hamer’s shot deflected over. Souza won a tackle and celebrated the throw -a sign of how desperate United were but at least he was showing commitment.
McAtee gave the ball away too easily and Paqueta ran through but Bogle made the tackle to lead to the corner. Ward Prowse hit a beautiful inswinger met by Bowen and Foderingham had to make the full length save to deny him before Aguerd’s follow up was cleared off the line by Thomas.
Archer ran across the line but blazed over but the home side were now back in complete control and Souza’s poor give away was compounded when he brought down Bowen. Ward Prowse’s effort was held by Foderingham. United tried to put a move together and Ahmedhodzic was well forward but he could only flick on Bogle’s cross and Thomas sent over the ball from the other side but put too much on it.
The opening came on 23 minutes when there was no pressure on the ball and McAtee let Soucek go down the right and after one touch football, Thomas failed to go with BOWEN and when the ball was rolled across, it was an easy finish for the forward. There was a certain inevitability about the goal and there was no let up as Antonio nearly got in as Ahmedhodzic and Egan let the ball bounce. The ball was deflected away for a corner. When the ball came in, Thomas was maybe fortunate to get away with a handball as his arm was out but surprisingly nothing was given when VAR looked at it.
Antonio raced through and shot wide as the pressure continued. McAtee was getting frustrated and got a yellow card for bringing down Soucek. Archer was then shoved off it again and his lack of upper body strength was evident as the home side came away.
From this pinch of the ball, West Ham got up the field but Hamer had the ball but gave it away so cheaply and the ball was played into SOUCEK who swept the ball into the net and it was 2-0 and you sensed almost certainly game over.
The Blades did try and respond and McBurnie had a chance but he shinned his finish badly wide showing little composure after a rare foray into the West Ham box. This instance chance to come back was blown and the Hammers were back on the attack with Soucek getting the run-on Thomas and hitting a shot that Foderingham pushed away. Alvarez left his foot in on Souza and was rightly cautioned and just before half time Hamer had a header that drifted a long way wide. The half time whistle came and it was a comfortable game for West Ham who perhaps should have led by more than two goals.
The second half saw Bowen get in too easily down the right as Souza and Thomas just let him go but the ball was cleared. Bogle then tried to be too clever and was robbed and brough his man down. The ball came over but somehow squirmed wide. Souza had a hooked effort deflected wide but as the corner came in, the Blades picked up another injury. Egan went down holding his leg and looked in some pain after going up for a header. He could not carry on and limped off. Basham came on in his place.
McAtee played in Bogle and his cross led to a corner and from its Basham headed across and Ahmedhodzic tried to finish but was blocked at close range by Areola spreading himself. It was the first effort United had on the West Ham goal.
McBurnie gave it away after United tried to get up the field and Antonio was in. He slid in Bowen who rounded Foderingham and squared the ball but as Antonio looked to finish, Souza made the last-ditch block to probably deny a certain goal. The Hammers won two corners that saw West Ham win the headers but could not divert goalwards. Antonio chased down another ball that Ahmedhodzic had to put behind and Aguerd nearly headed in the third.
McAtee was not in the game and was taken off for Davies before better football saw Hamer get forward but his cross was blocked. West Ham made two changes with Benrahma and Kudus on for Alvarez and Antonio but the home side were not really being asked many questions and continued to look the more dangerous side even if they were not attacking with as many numbers.
McBurnie nodded a header wide and then a Hamer cross fell for Bogle but his shot was blocked with appeals for a handball from some United players. The ball quickly transferred to the other end and it was the home side appealing for hands – on Souza – but this was also waved away and VAR checks saw nothing untoward. Slimane, Brewster and Trusty came on for Hamer, Archer, and Bogle with just over 10 minutes to go and McBurnie had a shot blocked after Davies fell theatrically.
Benrahma had a shot saved from Foderingham before Slimane curled a decent effort wide for the visitors. Basham was shoved off it and West Ham broke but Paqueta pulled his shot wide after Benrahma broke at pace. West Ham nearly did make it three as Ward Prowse found Bowen who got beyond United far too easily again and his pull back was nearly finished and the ball bounced around before the defence finally cleared right in front of the keeper. The game entered six minutes stoppage time and Slimane had another effort but straight at Areola before West Ham finished with another attack that ended with the ball just going over. The final whistle came soon after and United were still winless, having lost 6 in 7 and matching the start of the last time out at this level for ineptitude.
United – It was a dreary performance and a putrid 2-0 defeat. We could and should have lost by more. West Ham had 20 shots – 9 on target (standard now teams have so many efforts) – United at least had 16 even if only 2 on target and only one even remotely close. The game began with West Ham winning a corner after 30 seconds and nearly scoring a few goals in the first 5 minutes. We looked not ready to start the game as another side ran all over us again. We got swamped down the left side with Thomas and McAtee not quick or strong enough to stop the power and pace of Soucek and Bowen. We gave it away cheaply (Hamer and Souza were the main two just to keep giving it away) and seemed to have little idea how to get up the pitch. We stayed level and did have an ok spell for 5 minutes but poor crossing/decisions in the final third meant we never even got a shot away or chance of note created.
West Ham then turned it up and just moved it quicker with stronger, quicker, and more intelligent players who ran off the ball. The movement of other teams is so much brighter. They had a few more efforts and two off the line and the goal was coming. When it did the two left sided players were guilty as it was like a practice ground goal. After this, they took over completely and scored another easy second as Hamer tossed the ball away cheaply again. After this we just seemed to be hanging on although McBurnie did have one chance he badly missed. However, if West Ham had gone in 3 or 4 up, it would have been fair. We looked so slow and weak and it was another game where it was like men v boys. We seemed to be just resigned to our fate. I am still not sure what our tactics are (that is on Hecky even though I will defend him a bit later) and we seem to have no idea how to get up the pitch and create/score a goal. We seem to be just hanging on and hoping to defend for 90 minutes. It is a ridiculous plan but I am not even sure the players are trying to play like that – we simply cannot get out as the players are not good enough or strong enough to win duels, keep the ball and pass it around with confidence. We know we will get shoved out of it, lose the battles (as not strong enough)and then technically the opponents are better.
The second half, we at least did not see a repeat of last week. Anel had a decent headed chance and Souza, McBurnie and Slimane had efforts (none anywhere near!) but in truth we never looked like coming back at all. West Ham just eased to the victory and if we had scored somehow, then they would have upped it again. They just did not turn on the burners like Newcastle. IF they had gone at us, I feel they would have got 4or 5 more goals but even with them just playing it like a training match, they still made Wes make more saves and had better chances/more efforts. It just sort of petered out. We did not have any idea really how to build up concerted pressure and it just became two teams just seeing out the match. Quite sad that as soon as they scored the first – the game was over and we sadly see that every week pretty much. Teams know we are not going to hurt them. They can defend high up the field as we have no pace and compress the play and then know we have to defend deep as we lack pace and mobility. So, the whole pattern of play sees the opponents play almost on half way and be almost entirely in our half.
I do worry that the players are losing heart and confidence and can see the argument tactically we do not know how to match up. We are way too open and teams get through us wide and centrally. Throw in we lose most set play headers and we look so susceptible to concede chances. I get many will point to the manager and coaching but I do feel strongly that even if we tweaked tactics (saw that with the 4-4-2 last week) we are struggling so much as individually and collectively teams are simply much better. We have a side full of Championship players. Even the vaunted signings like Hamer, Souza and Archer do not look up to this level in terms of physicality and running power. A lot are pointing at the likes of Egan and Ahmedhodzic struggling but I am not sure anyone played well today and most weeks we are losing every outfield battle. I thought Souza did a few ok bits and Bash and Slimane actually did ok when they came on but for the most part the players always look at full stretch. Maybe teams are fitter but they are just far stronger and more skilled. The old men v boy’s argument has never applied so much. Most teams at this level have like 7 or 8 huge units who can run all day. They then have 2 or 3 small technical players who are very clever. We have neither really.
The Blades lack belief, heart, and ability at this level and with little idea how to score goals when you are shipping them so easily at the other end, then that is a recipe for disaster. There will be further questions about the manager this week but surely the problems lie much deeper than that – this side is simply not at the level required to compete in the biggest and most expensive league in the world? There can be questions directed at the style (is there one), tactics, formation of course but there is also an argument that that masks that players are simply not quick, strong or skilled enough against their respective opponents. Every week. I suppose if we change the manager we might get a short turn uplift but I firmly believe that the problems are much deeper than Heckingbottom. The issue is that if you keep losing, then automatically the manager will be the one who carries the can. The comment Bettis made about him staying even if we go down was one he had to make as he could not say anything else but we knew if we had a big losing run or did not compete, then any club would change their manager. I personally am not sure what it achieves as we have to pay off Hecky and all his coaching staff and then we have another Slav situation where we probably have to play a new style and have a new way of playing – this is something that has been inbuilt at all levels. Again, can see the argument we cannot do any worse but the whole strategy of the board seems clear. We will take the money, probably go down (or would have tried to keep the better players and add to them rather than the half baked and abysmal pre-season planning we saw) and build again not risking the financial side. If we sack him then we are surely looking short term again and probably still go down -then what – sack the manager again and go back to the plan that had worked (albeit at the level below)? I can see the argument for a change and do not think it is nonsensical as we are losing every week and not even close but I am not sure it will change things. Yes, we might never know if we do not but again does anyone think any manager gets this set of players anywhere near to staying up? Some will argue Luton won today and are worse than us on paper but we also nearly beat Everton and Luton physically will cause teams more problems than us.
Tony Gale on commentary summed it up – saying that ‘they have not given themselves a chance with the selection of squad they’ve got.’ That is an outsider looking in. Granted the board cannot spend money they do not have – but shows the biggest change that needs to happen is a new owner and the current one has to drop the price. He allegedly wanted 170 million but if they go down he will struggle to give the club away in my opinion as will be back to the situation of last time having to recover financially. It is quite depressing after 7 games to think we are probably down and facing a real fight to get near the Derby points total but that is where we are at. Maybe we make a change and we see a shift but I doubt it very much. I just think we are away off what we need to be in terms of the players we have to give ourselves even a chance at this level.
Ratings:
Foderingham 7/10 – Our best player again. Made 2 or 3 good saves and had no chance with the goals. He is badly exposed every week. Feel sorry for him. Our player of the season by a country mile.
Bogle 4/10 – Shadow of the lively and skilful player we saw 2 years ago. His injuries have took away any running power/pace and he does not even go forward much now but when he does he does not beat a man ever. Defensively he gives his man too much room and does not switch on when it matters.
Thomas 3/10 – Thought he was dreadful and probably our poorest player. He was nowhere near his man all game and most of their play came down his side. Not given much help but he must be stronger, get tighter and do the basics. Could have given a penalty away. Going forward his crossing was abysmal over hitting everyone. On what I have seen can see why he was not getting in Leicester’s team. In 3 starts we have conceded 12 goals yet everyone was so critical of Larouci. Not sure he is much better.
Robinson 5/10 – Probably our best defender again and he was very ordinary. Had a few poor balls and moments forward wise but at least got his foot in and won a few tackles. We got took apart as teams came through us again as the shape did not work and we had no protection.
Ahmedhodzic 4/10 – His struggles continue. He seems so slow to react to things. A number of times Antonio just shrugged him off or he did not get to the ball quick enough. Bit better after Egan went off as he went central but West Ham were not attacking much at this point. Had one chance but he missed it when really should have done better.
Egan 4/10 – He is looking shot at this level. They put the ball into the box teams and we never win any headers. We seemed to lose every duel or cross and with better finishing they would have scored more. Antonio just outmuscled him when the ball went forward. We have to defend so deep due to his lack of pace. He seemed to pick up a bad injury and could be out for a while. Had a bit of a nightmare season.
Souza 5.5/10 – Maybe our best outfield starters and he was only average. He was better than last week and at least won a few tackles and got more involved but he does not really protect and too often the ball came off him or teams got past our midfield. A few silly fouls. He rarely passes forward at all and is so slow that other midfields can just run off us. He did put more effort in and thought he was one of the few who kept plugging away but another that looks way off the standard required for the top level. Went down with his Spanish team last year and will do the same again it seems. The fact he celebrates throws in is a desperate sign of how bad we are! He seemed to play better after we went behind – need him more determined at 0-0.
Hamer 3/10 – He has been abysmal the last few games. A total passenger. He had one shot blocked and another looped header but he has to be more involved in play and off the ball has to work much harder. His conditioning and fitness is poor as I watched opponents just get past him too easily and with Souza above we are a soft touch in midfield. We rarely put a tackle in and if we do they are normally desperate lunges as teams run away from us. He has scored two great goals but outside of this in general play he needs to do way more. He was one of our big money (yes, I know it’s not big money at this level) but another who is getting outworked and seems not fit enough. His give away on the second sealed the game.
McAtee 3/10 – Currently due to the lack of ball we have and us defending so much, seems a bit of a pointless signing. He had a few moments on it but mostly was having to run back. He nearly let them in early when Bowen just ragged him out of the way and down this side they had lots of chances as he did not pick up his man. Soucek was able to play almost as a striker as McAtee did not do the disciplined job he needed to do. Got booked and I was worried he might get sent off after that. Probably might be regretting coming back as top end of Champ he gets more of the ball and more involved. He will just be a passenger most weeks here sadly.
McBurnie 5/10 – Started with one or two decent bits of hold up but he regressed quite a bit and felt he gave it away too cheaply. Had an awful shinned effort and a better headed effort wide. However not sure the ball stuck with us up the top at all and he kind of disappeared but we are having to defend so much it is hard for the strikers but I look at Antonio and how he occupies defenders and he shows what we have to do to help us defend from the top.
Archer 4/10 – I am not sure his signing is working either as we probably cannot play 2 up front most games at this level as see none of the ball in midfield. No real service at all but he too got shrugged off it too easily and he is not as quick as I thought. He lacks the aggressiveness I thought he might have and seems quite timid as he loses a lot of 50-50’s. You see how good Ndiaye was in this regard (granted different players and it was Champ level) but he simply does not come out with the ball. He had one shot blocked and another a long way wide. After the excitement of the first half v Everton, he has been largely anonymous for 3 and a half games. Maybe if we had more ball and got more in the opposition half I could assess more but he still has to do more and put himself about more. I worry if we are completely marooned come the New Year, whether he will continue to really put himself about – not saying he is not a good pro – but he will know he is not staying here. Equally we would need to plan for next season. So, in a weird way it could be no more than a 3-month loan deal! If we are as good as gone by Jan/Feb like last time we may as well play likes of Jebbison, Osula and Traore maybe? (granted 2 of them probably leaving end of the season too but maybe one might stay!)
Subs –
Basham 5/10 – Not sure he was worse than any of the other defenders and at least kept it simple or did not make any big mistakes. He competed more and he came out with the ball a few times. Also set up the Anel chance.
Davies 4/10 – Did run around a fair bit even though he looks woefully unfit. His second touch is a tackle. I maybe would just play him now for a period of games. He might improve and his conditioning might get better but he does not look the answer but normally comes on when the games have gone to be fair to him and he is not a creative player.
Trusty – Not sure I saw him really touch the ball. Once he switched off and lost his man as they nearly got a third. Maybe we give him a game but not sure he changes the needle much defensively. He may have to play now if Egan is out.
Slimane – One of the bright spots. Tried to play forward and had two efforts. He probably deserves a start ahead of Souza, Hamer and/or McAtee on that evidence. Least he was positive!
Brewster – Did not pull his hamstring at least. Not sure he had a kick I can recall! At least he gives us a senior striker I suppose but without us getting up the field he too will field on scraps.
Manager: Heckingbottom 3/10 – Another dispiriting performance. We came out and conceded a corner on 30 seconds and then were under the cosh and should have trailed. We were so deep and seemed scared to attack in case we got undone on the counter. We did not attack and still conceded chances. If West Ham are more clinical we are 4 or 5-0 down. We had no real identifiable style of play and seemed to be just kick it to McBurnie and hope he can keep it or win a long throw in chance. The likes of Hamer and McAtee may get excused but I thought they had a fair bit of the ball but just got outmuscled or lost it cheaply. We cannot keep blaming the defence all the time. We have to look at the whole set up of the side and all the players. I worried at 2-0 it could go on and be a hammering so at least we avoided that but it was an insipid showing and we never looked like getting back. West Ham just conserved energy and coasted to the win. He kept faith with the side but then he is playing almost our strongest side so not sure the selections can be questioned too much (maybe Trusty deserves a go and possibly Slimane now) but he seems clueless how to get the side playing higher up and hurting teams. We have not had a spell of pressure or controlled a game (Even for 5 mins) in any game. That is a worry.
Maybe it is on the manager and tactics but I think that masks what I have said above. The players are just not at this level. We can blame Hecky all we want but it’s not him that sees McAtee and Thomas switch off 2 or 3 times (finally they score). It’s not him that gives them the ball so easily (Hamer, McBurnie, Souza – lots of them). We can argue he signed these players but was he going to get much better than what he could with the money we had? I would have gone for much physical and quicker players (Luton have more of these as hard as that is to type and so do Burnley) and we look a soft touch. I think the type of player signed has hindered us. I am not saying just got for a load of 6 foot+ clubbers but we are only going to have a chance at this level if we compete physically and win 50-50’s and the tackles/headers. We did that last time in the first season. We are not doing that and the other teams’ players are more skilled by some way. This means we have little chance. Lots were raving about McAtee, Archer and Hamer as signings by these are physically lightweight and skill wise are still only top end Champ on evidence so far so if they are our technical ball players (yet none have kept it well enough so far) and creativity then we are in trouble as not sure how we create or get up the field. I get many will say it will not get any worse with a change but I do put a word of caution that I am not sure it will change things. Sure, we can sack him and try something but sadly when you are at a mismatch for physique/skill/pace/power (I know I am a broken record) then it is so hard whoever the manager is.
If we change it, I am not sure going back to Wilder is the answer. He will probably motivate them more for a spell but the tactics/shape he played last time did not work and teams worked it out. He has failed badly at two other teams since. Surely if they make a change there are other managers out there and it seems a bit lazy to say it’s Hecky or Wilder? I personally leave things for the next month or so. People may say it could be too late but we are probably going down anyway. I think Heckingbottom deserves more from the club and board who basically shafted him twice (got rid for Slav) and then set him up terribly to start this season. If we have more poor performances in the next 4 or 5 and lose every week, yes, fair enough we might have to look at it but I do not see it changing things even if the club probably would feel they have to act.
West Ham – Easy win. Thought start of the season, even with Rice going, they would do better this year as Moyes has improved the overall squad. They have a nice mix of strong, physical no nonsense players with some clever forward players. Bowen showed our players what it is about though and as much about attitude and work rate as ability. They scored two good goals and could have had more. They were a bit sloppy at times and second half took their foot off it but it was an easy 2-0 win and they could have upped it I felt any time. Will not have an easier game all season.
Opponent Man of the Match – Ward Prowse’s deliveries superb all game and Antonio a handful but Bowen was superb. He ran down the flanks, down the middle and a constant threat. Really complete footballer. As Tony Gale said, would not be shocked if top 5 or 6 teams looked at him.
Opponent Weak link – Not sure anyone was tested enough. The lad Alvarez was a dirty so and so and got booked and seemed determined to set sent off so Moyes wisely subbed him so maybe he takes this award.
Referee/Officials – An easy game to ref. Barely a bad tackle all game really and played at such a slow tempo with little physicality. A few VAR appeals for handballs – I would not have been shocked if Thomas had been penalised the way things have gone this season. When a team just rolls over, then the officials must be pleased as they know they won’t be having to make decisions that affect the game.
