I actually think we deserved that. We were looking promising before Naughton's sending off and we weathered the predictable West Ham ariel onslaught well with 10 men. As soon as they dropped down to 10 too we always looked more likely. Well done to the team for holding out so well, and for players like Capoue, Dier and Eriksen for playing out of position well. I'm not too concerned that we aren't looking like a true Pochettino team yet, this will come with more time on the training ground. My two concerns are Kaboul looking very very under par the entire game physically and mentally, and who is going to play RB next game. Although in Dier we may have found a temporary answer!
I do love injury time at the Spammers...... (sometimes....!!) Looked a lot more balanced and effective with Holtby and Townsend on - but have to thank Lloris for the result. Other than the goal, I thought Dier had a really good debut and looked very secure at RB.
Before his goal he was supporting the attack with the odd run forward which is what we need, players taking risks to run from deep and see the space forward players can't see. Verts done it well when he first joined so be interesting to see how Dier develops but overall a good debut topped off with a fantastic goal for a natural centre back
It was all a bit Stalteri with the fullback bombing forward in the final moments of the game, wasn't it? Dier you beauty.
Didnt see that result when naughton was sent off....foy must be gutted...sorry...fat sam must be gutted
Lloris and Dier were the two standout players, IMO. I also thought Lamela looked dangerous until he was subbed, but the circumstances didn't help him today. Good performance considering.
Play Dier at right back , he is far superior than the calamity that is Naughton. Have we not learnt that he actually a liability , any team would be stronger without him. Lennon was his usual , we have better options . Dier did very well in a lucky and not convincing victory but still a great to win. Townsend plus Holtby added zip and were an improvement . Besides the result our football quality was pretty crap.
My stream was ****, so. I didnt see all the game. Kane looked good though, and townsend head and shoulders above any of lennon, lamela or eriksen.
Lamela has got to show a lot more than he did today - even when 11 v 11. I really want him to succeed, but he's a bit of a show pony and needs to learn fast what the PL is all about.
Evening, folks. WTF happened today (two reds - violent conduct ?? ) , Dier scoring an MF worthy goal,
One thing is for certain, if we play like that against the better teams, we are going to get humiliated. A massive improvement is required. However, I'll take 3 points for our first game back.
I get what you're saying, but how much more could he have given today bearing in mind how foy had ****ed us over? He was running at players who were having to bring him down, and he was always looking to create something when on the ball. He's got a lot to prove to justify his price tag, but we need to cut him a bit of slack. He looked hungry today. - As did Kane when he came on. Kane is making a very good case to be starting a few games. Fair play to him.
Think it'll intensify the search for a defensive midfielder... We won ugly, something we dont usually do...and we didnt collapse which is something we usually do when things go against us. But tbh...we were lucky, west ham's finishing was truely bad
Agree to disagree on Lamela Certainly agree about Kane: looks very comfortable out there. I was also impressed with Capoue today - was doing fine at DM before the sending off and stepped in well at CB. Certainly wasnt the defensive weak-link.
I actually thought Capoue was looking great in that role and dealt with being at CB well too. Not seeing Sandro on the bench makes me think that Bentaleb could be the one filling that role too.
Nolan was hooking a shot straight towards Lloris but it hit Naughton on the arm from close range. You won't see it given against Liverpool or United but it's a stonewall pen against most. Never a red though, ridiculous decision. Collins got two yellows for cynical fouls, the first for hauling down Lamela when he was breaking and the second for taking Ade out just outside the box. In a normal game I'd argue the ref should've been a bit lenient on the second one as Ade had knocked the ball too far ahead of himself and Collins hadn't committed many fouls but the ref couldn't show any leniency after the way he'd sent Naughton off.
First game of the season so you can't make any firm judgements. Literally days into Poch's tenure but to win at Upton Park with a smash and grab suits me just fine. We held our nerve, rode our luck a little but kept going right to the death and guess what... we got rewarded. Yes!!! Pre-season fitness training may just pay off in these types of games. So I'll take that for an opening game result any day. Much improvement needed but we know that and sure as hell Poch and the players know it. Sometimes pure graft gets you what you deserve so take the three points and on we go.
