The Hammers weren’t at it today if the statistics are to be believed. The Irons managed just one shot on target in the whole game compared with their opponents nine and their 41% possession produced little of merit.
The introduction of Adama Traore and Callum Wilson at half time produced little of impact – although Traore’s end product thankfully appears to be on a modest upward trajectory – a couple of good runs and crosses surprised even his own team mates who hadn’t bothered to follow up and were left rueing their lack of anticipation.
Nuno Espirito Santo made it clear speaking after the match that his preparations had been ruined by hastily rejigging his side after Jean Clair Todibo pulled out twenty minutes before kick off:
“It’s always a problem when you lose a player in the warm-up, so the preparation on the week [is lost], but we try to adjust and try to fix it to a different situation, to a different shape but like I said, the first half was [not good enough].” (whufc.com)
However the Hammers manager stayed defiant, claiming that the two week break gives his side a chance to reset and find again the esprit de corps that had been so evident last time out in the draw against Manchester City:
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“It’s worrying, but at the same time international break time to regroup and improve. ..
We have to prepare because we have a big challenge ahead of us. We are in a fight, but we have to do better like we have done before.
I’m positive that we can bounce back.”