Worst performance for weeks. Looked as if we really underestimated Hammers and chose the team accordingly. Regulars looked tired after 20 mins, fringe players all looked rusty. There are a couple of things emerging I think. Emerson, Giroud, Pedro and Alonso could be sold, none are good enough anymore.Pulisic continues to impress as does Reece james. Kepa stepped up as he needed to.Tomori in particular looks reluctant to pass the half way line, and second half this negativity rubbed off on everyone ,with sideways and backwards passes , and no one apart from Pulisic prepared to run at goals, instead passing needlessly.CHO was all but invisible and is in a form slump. He needs a couple of starts or 30 min subs to regain confidence. No major damage just a bad game by whole team, it happens, now freshen up and come back raring to go.
Not an excuse....but the tough game in Valencia didn't help. Luckily we had built up a nice gap on fifth. Need to get back up on the horse and kick on again !
Exactly, a very tough game in Valencia. We have one of the youngest squads in the league and only fell to a rare moment of inspiration from Cresswell. James was immense and holds his form well but yes a slightly below par performance against a very good defensive team on the day. Ps. Wouldn’t have started with Giroud.
Me neither, though I did think he'd come on 2nd half if Michy bombed. Also Pedro was not up for a start either, bad selections from Frank I think, but understand all players need to play. Maybe we took Hammers lightly, but there are no easy games in PL ,ask City !!! Put it behind and fire up the engine for the next one.
Pedro is not match fit but Frank has to give minutes to all players to prevent the squad problems we had under Sarri, and others. We just found West Ham on the wrong day.
Spose we were due a kick in the nuts,bad day all round.Anyone think Reece James would be suited to the Willian/Pedro position.? Maybe him and Dave should both be starting on the right.Would still leave us with the leftback headache.
17 years unbeaten against this lot I guess it had to happen - once again the midweek match proves to be our Achilles heel again. Like I said beforehand this season will be a work in progress as we have to lean heavily on the youngsters; no doubt this will not be the last disappointment at home but at least we’re in a good position considering the restraints placed on us....onwards and upwards.
I should have added "sell.... as soon as possible" Might be end of season or until we can get in someone like Chilwell !!!
They say he's capable of playing more than one position, midfield being mentioned, so probably an option sometime. I'd like Frank to encourage Tomori to play with more freedom, like he did first few games. He and Zouma are a bit stagnant and too sideways passing at the moment.
Given our transfer ban, I'd have thought it obvious. Possibly some one might work out that since Sarri is after Emerson and Giroud, those 2 might go sooner rather than later ???
Well that was ****. I think our home form has certainly been the biggest negative about this season so far.