West Ham v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Having calmed down after the disappointment of losing to a poor West Ham team on Saturday, I can appreciate what Lambert is trying to do and also how the heat must have played a part. That said, the one thing missing in our play was any sense of urgency. Yes, we passed it around nicely but we also allowed West Ham the time to get all 11 players behind the ball. Add to that we tried to play almost everything through the middle, an area that was completely congested.

I'm still not convinced N'Zogbia deserves a starting place, he's produced next to nothing since he's arrived. Maybe he prefers to have more space in front of him, something we never had in a very static formation but time and patience is quickly running out with him. We can criticise Bent like many did last season with Gabby but when you're fed nothing, it's difficult to make a telling contribution. The game was summed up for me by Lowton waiting to receive a square pass on the half way line when there was acres of space for him to move into and receive the ball. We were far, far too slow.

Hopefully against Everton the players will speed it up a level or three, Everton won't be defending in numbers and space will be available to exploit. We're far better than Saturday's performance and a win will give our confidence to the new system a much needed boost. Even on Saturday with 15 minutes left to play, I got the feeling a goal would have changed the team and allowed them the freedom to express themselves to go on and win the game.

[supertom]

I'd rather play 3 in midfield against Everton. Then a front 3 with Bent in the middle and Ireland and Holman/N'Zog either side. Ireland a free role. We just lacked some extra presence in midfield. If Herds fit yet, I'd put him in to mop up and allow a bit more freedom for KEA to play, and Delph to use his pace to burst forward.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Agree Supertom, Herd gives us some steel in midfield and as you said "allow a bit more freedom for KEA to play". The last thing we want to do with such a talented player is restrict him to sitting in front of the back four.