IN terms of the starting eleven, Nuno resisted the temptation to tinker and sent out the same line up that took point against Bournemouth last week. Not many options without Pablo, but the [Hammers](https://www.claretandhugh.info/nunos-mission-to-exploit-liverpools-nasty-habits-west-ham-news/) boss avoided the temptation to put a back three out as would have been his choice earlier in the season. Three centre backs on the bench showed West Ham’s limited options though.
West Ham’s awful marking and reversion to bad habits must have infuriated Nuno as the defensive frailty from corners returned after just five minutes, his side’s poor second ball marking leaving Ekitike free to shoot through Mavropanos’ legs. A goal down after five minutes wasn’t in the match day plan, I’ll bet.
Neither was _two goals from_ _corners,_ coming in quick succession as old frailties resurfaced: Despite this, West Ham attacked and Nuno pushed his full backs further up the pitch: Bowen and Wan Bissaka growing in interplay and the full back more than once the furthest forward.
A third goal from a set piece before half time killed off West Ham’s remaining hope, or so it appeared. _The set piece trauma returns._
Excellent again and did everything except score – Summerville
No personnel changes at half time, but Soucek noticeably being pushed 20 yards further up the pitch which paid immediate dividends: A Diouf cross and brilliant late run into the box from ‘Tornado Tom’ getting the Hammers on the score sheet, showing that West Ham could- just possibly – find a way back. Credit to the side and the coach for coming out swinging in the second half.
Gakpo’s deflected fourth summed up the afternoon. Scrappy, untidy, demoralising. Nuno readying Adama ‘_ten minutes too late_‘ according to the commentary, after the post-Soucek goal momentum had vanished.
Finally the Hammers grabbed their own riposte from a corner, Castellanos proving it wasn’t all one way traffic with his third Hammers goal: 2-4 with 15 minutes to go as Magassa was hooked for Traore, and credit to the Hammers for again pushing despite conceding four. The exceptional Summerville and Soucek going close.
An own goal put the game to bed as Disasi at full stretch nicked into his own net. 2-5 in a game that was played more like an end to end, absorbing cup tie.
Full credit to West Ham for effort, grit and fight. Nuno gets a 5/10 this week. _Would have been a six but taking off the combative Magassa for teacher’s pet Traore meant the Hammers were effectively playing for fifteen minutes with ten men as Adama’s anonymous performances continue._