[West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-v-newcastle-line-up-released/) named an unchanged side for the third straight game after the Arsenal rearguard and the Leicester stroll. Playing at home, against a Newcastle side understandably with their eyes on Wembley on Sunday, West Ham failed to offer a goal threat going forward with, at times, seven in a low block, conceding space in the first half and at times defending on their own 18 yard line.
Apart from a surprisingly bright first few minutes when Soucek nearly scored, West Ham settled back into a defensive performance more akin to Moyes’ era. Too ready to collapse back into a line of seven across the back – the lack of ambition was clear. Just Bowen and Kudus up front looked isolated and detached from their own midfield who were busy being auxiliary defenders.
That became the theme of the half, West Ham dropping back into a line of seven, giving up space. Maybe without a decent attacking midfielder, this is West Ham’s planned first half strategy – just blunting their opponents.
In the second half this same strategy caught West Ham out, Soucek backing off and allowing Barnes too much space.: Guimarães nipped in and hit the ball in with his sole.
The limited ambition continued even after Paquetá came on along with Soler. No spark of creativity, Ferguson came on and had nothing to feed off.
West Ham were just huffing and puffing without a plan to actually create. Very frustrating to watch with the Hammers just hoofing it long from Areola expecting Kudus or Bowen to perform magic even though they are not target men.
**Takeouts?** _Potter needs a midfield_. The selection showed limited ambition, just two up front both isolated is the kind of set up you’d be happy to see go away to Arsenal- but setting up with seven behind the ball at home? Where was the number ten, linking the attacking duo with the midfield?
_Areola made two brilliant stops_ – but- just hoofing it long when there is no target man makes no sense. Stop it!
_A line of seven defending deep is not an aggressive formation._ _No creativity and no tactics to create chances._
Disappointing. Bad mood now. Newcastle were only average and West Ham failed to match them.
At least Michail Antonio looked good, being presented to the crowd before the game. On present performance levels, he’ll waltz back into this side.