One very clear ‘takeaway’ that Potter ignores at his peril. West Ham’s first half against Brentford was as bad as anything we have seen this season. Poor planning, poor squad selection, playing to the other teams advantages, midfield capitulation – all the things we’d witnessed under Lopetegui as we squirmed in horror watching the carnage unravel. Make no bones about it that should have been another four goal thumping.
There are several take aways from that game as a spectator. Whatever anyone says, I will never be convinced that Edson Alvarez is a Premier League quality midfielder. He doesn’t have the pace. How many times was he left trailing in the wake of a fleet-footed attacking Brentford player, lurching along trying to catch up – frequently fouling. Wild eyed and gasping for oxygen.
Alvarez and Soucek – double the trouble. Too similar defensively ( that means slow), Tornado Tom has a goal threat in him, at least there is that to offset the lack of pace.
West Ham 0-1 Brentford: Player Ratings
Alvarez, Soucek and Soler – today anonymous, ineffective, as bad as Rodriguez was ever. Until that trio is disbanded permanently, the Hammers will keep shipping goals with no screening for the defence, and zero creativity going forward. You could have Ronaldo, Messi and Erling Haaland playing up front but with ‘that ‘midfield they’d never get fed the ball.
At least with Ferguson entering, Paquetá was restored to number 8 role so in the second half there was a little creativity. Graham Potter ignores that at his peril.
Thirteen more games with ‘that’ first half midfield will be tough ask. Lewis Orford, please, as soon as you like Mr Potter. At least he can run and pick a pass. Which puts him well ahead of that three in the middle today.
