West Ham United (A) | PL | Post-Match Thread

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

He is staying behind after training to do speciality work.

A priority should be heading, he is bloody awful at it.

It seems nuts to be expressing any kind of reticence about a guy who has now scored eight hat tricks (Shearer got twelve in his entire PL career) and has scored more individually than any other entire team this season!
But the heading is really something he needs to improve. Then his figures would simply be from another galaxy.
Honestly, I thought he'd corrected it. It's the timing of his leap. In the first match this season, he got it exactly right, and I thought “Ok, the problems of last season are over”. Yesterday, though, I think of that ball that picked him out perfectly in the box — not a defender near him — about six yards out. The leap was timed wrong, apparently just that millisecond too late, and he sent his header sailing over the bar.
I think it's something he will improve, because that can be coached. Not so sure about the first touch. He doesn't have a great first touch, and I suspect he'll never have it, but it doesn't seem to matter.
What I appreciated most yesterday, I think, was seeing him race many yards back get to give Kova a hand in dealing with Antonio (I think it was) and taking the ball off him. He's doing more and more for the team. And by the way his lays-off are getting better and better.
We don't need to talk about putting the ball in the net with his feet. There's nothing like it in Europe.

 

[The Lightbowne Cowboy]

To think there's people out there that still won't rate Erling

Probably the same not rights that think fake Ronaldos better than Messi.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

3 games without Rodders and 3 wins. Kovas been instrumental in these wins. I feel so much better about this season now. :)

I genuinely think we're a stronger team, at least as strong as the treble team, for one simple reason: Kova, Gvardiol and Rico have now come fully into their own as compared to last season. Everybody else has stayed at their imperious level, apparently. Kev looks fresh and hungry, above all he looks as though he's enjoying his football again. Actually, I see that I've just given several reasons…
I've maybe got a slight worry about Rúben, if anyone. He's still playing at a very high level, but it seems to me that he's not quite as absolutely dependable as he was a couple of seasons back. That own goal surprised me a bit yesterday. No West Ham player near him. I'd still have him in my team, probably, because he's an organiser, and a leader.

 

[Blu3m00n91]

That first half performance was exceptional

 

[r.soleofsalford]

No Savinho, no Rodri, no Foden, no Stones, no fucking worries.

 

[robbieh]

Our best xI will be

Ederson
Akanji
Gvardiol
Dias
Rodri
Lewis
De Bruyne
Bernardo
Foden
Haaland
Savinho

And that's one hell of a team

 

[kinky's boots]

Bollocks. Great voice …

Whiny shit, awful band

 

[yeah whatever !!]

 

[Gone for a Burton]

There’s a rule: Give players new to Pep’s methods two seasons to show what they can do.

He looked fitter,stronger and sharper,his shimmy & pass for Brauts third was technically perfect.

Tougher tests to come, so he must contribute when he gets his chance.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

There’s a rule: Give players new to Pep’s methods two seasons to show what they can do.

Remember what was being said on this very forum about Rodri after a few matches in his first season?

Gundo too, and by God, not just in his first season, but after two or three seasons here! And it wasn't just criticism about this or that match (criticism which can always be justified, of just about every player) but about not being convinced about him as a player in general in our set-up.

 

[northendenton]

me - 0 goal in 69

I remember when a 69 was a dream goal for me

 

[Gone for a Burton]

Imagine if Haaland could start scoring with his head. He would get 70 goals a season.
Rico Lewis stand up and take a bow.
Kova filling in the best in the world boot.
Fantastic save from Eddie.
Great assist from Nunes.
Plenty of life left in Kev and Gundogan legs. IT'S GREAT BEING A BLUE. CTID

So many options, games and opportunities for all the squad this season.

R & R for KdB, Kova, Bernard, Rodders, in fact all the squad, will help to keep everyone fresh,hungry and involved.

With victories in the legal cases, this could be the most momentous season in our long and illustrious history.

Not in my lifetime....ha ha
stupid is as stupid says !!

 

[Manc in London]

Grealish did really well for his cameo but still needs to work on his finishing
Nunes best position is on the left wing; did really well there. Would like to see more of them there. I don't think he can make it in midfield otherwise.
Rico is consistent which lovely
Halaand is an incredible striker.
I don't think Doku is going to make it here; he has reached his capabilities and I'd rather see him come on as a sub when Oscar Bob returns. Ideally, I would like him sold in the future.
gvardiol and Dias have been very shaky so far to the season

Overall, though we have such an amazing squad when you think of it; still missing Foden, Oscar Bob, John stones. I'm glad we did not buy anybody this transfer window. Our squad is already complete.

Really?! He was fine yesterday in a position where he looks uncomfortable.

I get that he is inconsistent. Wingers are like that. He's fine and he is improving.

 

[hilts]

A player that carries a threat and brings excitement when he gets the ball.

That's what I want to watch.

Yeah that Savio does look good.

 

[Manc in London]

Thought it was hilarious when Haaland put the ball up his shirt after the game. Walked over to Grealish and tapped him on his shoulder. Haaland then pointed to his stomach and they both creased up laughing.

Random thoughts....

The players are clearly getting used to the new tweaks to the system. Regardless, we look very good.

Doku looks unnatural on the right. He played fairly well though. Maybe an area in which he can develop.

Very happy for Nunes after his assist. He was clearly chuffed to bits and seemed to appreciate his team mates acknowledging what he did.

Thought Gvardiol was scratchy at times but the way he defended that early cross to the back post was high quality.

West Ham are a good team. It would not surprise me to see them in top 8 and take several points from top teams.

 

[SWPISHOME]

That first half performance was exceptional

It was near perfect wasn't it, The football we played was unbelievable, We carved them open on so many occasions.

We are being spoiled.

 

[inchy14]

Whiny shit, awful band

Each to their own… I have an eclectic taste in music and other passions.

 

[Asa's left peg]

Yesterday I tried to keep an eye on Rico whilst the game was going on (difficult not to follow the ball). He was popping up in the 6, 8 and 10 positions regularly as well as the 2 he was playing. He even slipped into the 9 for his one chance.

I'm trying not to get too ott with his performances, but I can't compare him to Kyle now. Unless the opposition play a speedster out wide there is no need for Kyle to start. He has strength and hopefully still speed, but Rico is more integral to the team, and his decision making is getting better by the week.. As I say it it doesn't sound right, but nevertheless, I think it's true.

On Doku, I think he needs a little more time under Pep but he is good.

 

[jimharri]

Really?! He was fine yesterday in a position where he looks uncomfortable.

I get that he is inconsistent. Wingers are like that. He's fine and he is improving.

Agreed. Inconsistency is the default setting for 90% of wingers.

 

[ONTHERUNWITHTHAKSIN]

That ball from Nunes to Haaland was sublime