West Ham 2-5 Arsenal
I find it difficult to take any comfort from West Ham’s mini-comeback and improved second-half display against Arsenal.
Sure, there were a few bright sparks like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but ultimately, the Hammers lost because we showed too much respect to Mikel Arteta’s team early in the first half.
Of course, it’s great to see Michail Antonio putting in a shift for the team, but on two occasions early on, the team had Emerson, Lucas Paquetá, and Antonio all playing left-back at the same time.
It was indicative of West Ham’s early tactics and intentions in a game that afforded no opportunity to counter-attack or pose any threat to the Gunners’ defence. The knowledge that the Hammers were not going to attack allowed Arsenal to pile forward without any concern that their goal would be under threat.
We’ve heard many times that Julen Lopetegui studied West Ham in detail last season and was the most prepared anyone could be for the Hammers’ top job. I think it’s absolute nonsense.
How can anyone possibly have watched West Ham last season and decided that today’s tactics would work?
To be blunt, we’re lucky Arsenal stopped playing, which at least gave the illusion that the Irons had improved, but in truth, the opening 33 minutes were as bad as anything seen last season.
People will say that Arsenal can score freely against anyone, but I’m quite sure the threat of a counter attack would have helped. West Ham made it easy for the North Londoners today, and whilst many thought we’d lose, the team were not set up to provide a threat at the beginning of the game.
