Can West Ham challenge for a European qualification spot again this season?

Not too long ago, there were discussions within West Ham about possibly replacing David Moyes with Sean Dyche.

This potential switch to Dyche sparked a significant debate among Hammers supporters, especially regarding their playing style, characterized by low possession stats and an aging squad.

Fast forward four months and Moyes has transformed into one of West Ham’s most successful managers in history.

The Scottish boss boasts the club’s highest win percentage of any permanent manager in the past. Under his guidance, West Ham secured three consecutive years of European football and their first trophy in over four decades. Few coaches, apart from Ron Greenwood and John Lyall, have come close to matching his achievements in East London.

Their recent 3-1 victories against Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion, along with an unbeaten league start, highlight the essence of Moyes’ team ascending towards European qualification next season.

Against Chelsea, they showcased a resilient, defensively-focused approach that capitalized on limited opportunities. A set-piece, a well-executed counter-attack, and a penalty secured the win despite having only 26% possession and being a man down.

Facing Brighton, West Ham displayed ruthless counter-attacking football, handing their opponents their first league defeat in the Premier League. They may not have dominated possession with just 19%, but it proved unnecessary.

Their most dominant performance came against Premier League newcomers, Luton Town.

West Ham’s early-season form demonstrates that you don’t need to emulate the styles of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp to win in the top flight. It’s still early days, and sustaining counter-attacking football as a viable strategy for a full season remains unproven.

Analyzing their stats for the season’s start reveals an unconventional approach. They’ve maintained an average possession of just 27.3%, the lowest in English football’s top four tiers in 2023-24. They’ve started attacks closer to their own goal than any other Premier League team. Their pass success rate of 67.6% is also the league’s worst.

In open play, their sequences are brief, lasting only two passes and 5.4 seconds on average. They’ve managed only four sequences of 10+ passes all season or 1.3 times per game.

West Ham’s zones-of-control graphic paints a stark picture, with dominance limited to just two zones within their penalty area.

Despite defying the conventional attractive football brand, their results are impressive. They currently sit fourth in the Premier League with ten points from twelve.

Four games into the season, there’s potential for Moyes to adapt his team’s approach against various opponents. However, recent games, including one against Bournemouth where they had just 37.1% possession, indicate that they might stick to their current strategy.

They’ve largely avoided playing from the back, with 66.7% of their goal-kicks directed into the opposition half. Their direct style emphasizes quick movement up the pitch, the fastest in the Premier League at 2.3 meters per second.

Examining the percentage of distance covered upfield, West Ham leads the league with 46%. Their approach has generated numerous scoring chances, showcasing clinical finishing and efficiency.

While their style might not be the most attractive, it’s effective. They excel in counter-attacks and set-pieces, which contribute to their success.

Despite its unorthodox nature, West Ham’s strategy is working well. Possession-focused teams shouldn’t underestimate them; they can quickly turn the game around.

West Ham has chosen its path, and whether it’s considered “right” or “wrong” doesn’t matter; they are performing admirably and adding excitement to the Premier League. The fans are certainly happy as demand for West Ham tickets has never been higher, with the club boasting a long waiting list for season tickets.

ANALYZING THEIR STRENGTHS

One of West Ham’s standout attributes lies in their adeptness at executing swift and lethal counter-attacks. This strategy leverages the speed and transition prowess of their forwards, frequently catching opponents off guard and creating scoring opportunities.

Additionally, West Ham boasts individual brilliance among their players, capable of crafting goal-scoring chances, particularly in one-on-one situations. This individual skill can prove pivotal in closely contested matches.

Their proficiency in creating goal-scoring opportunities through precise through balls is another commendable aspect of their play style. This tactical utilization of through balls exploits defensive vulnerabilities and keeps the opposition on their toes.

One should not underestimate West Ham’s clinical finishing either. When presented with chances, they demonstrate an ability to convert them into goals effectively, which can put them in advantageous positions during games.

Moreover, the team’s strong capability in winning possession through interceptions and tackles disrupts their opponents’ rhythm, further cementing their position as a formidable side.

In aerial duels, both offensively and defensively, West Ham excels. Their prowess in this department makes them a potent force in set-piece situations, offering them opportunities to score and defend effectively.

WEAKNESSES

West Ham’s Achilles’ heel appears to be their defense against skillful and creative players. On occasion, they have struggled to contain opponents who possess the ability to dribble past defenders and create scoring opportunities.

Furthermore, maintaining leads throughout matches has proven challenging for West Ham. This vulnerability could potentially leave them susceptible to comebacks by their opponents.

Their difficulty in maintaining ball possession is a concern, as turnovers can lead to increased defensive pressure and limit their offensive potential.

Lastly, issues with offside situations have arisen, suggesting the need for improved timing and coordination in their attacking movements.

LOOKING AHEAD

The impressive nature of their victory over big-spenders Chelsea should indeed be a reason for celebration. It demonstrates what Moyes has achieved at the club, bringing stability and solidity to a team that had eluded numerous managers before him.

The arrivals of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse further underline their intent. While not revolutionary additions, they fit seamlessly into the system Moyes has meticulously crafted. This system, though at times faltering, has brought success.

It might not be the attractive attacking football that fans dreamt of following Paquetá’s arrival last summer, but Moyes certainly deserves credit. After a lackluster season, he has brought an end to the club’s decades-long trophy drought and deserves a chance to continue building.

Furthermore, West Ham’s remarkable form this season is a clear indicator of their journey towards securing European places. Their recent victories over formidable opponents, such as Chelsea and Brighton, underscore the effectiveness of David Moyes’ tactical approach. Despite unconventional possession stats and an unorthodox playing style, West Ham has consistently found ways to secure vital wins.

A pivotal moment in their European ambitions was their impressive triumph in the Conference League. This victory marked the beginning of their ascent towards becoming a mainstay in European football. While some may consider this competition a stepping stone, it’s a crucial start to their European journey, offering valuable experience and a taste of continental success.

Credit must also be given to West Ham’s impressive transfer business. The acquisitions of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, Kostantinos Mavropanos, and Mohammed Kudus have bolstered the squad and provided Moyes with the tools needed to execute his tactical plans effectively.

These signings have not only added depth but also quality to the team with Ward-Prowse proving to be a bargain with three assists and one goal in four matches.

Moyes’ tactical flexibility has been instrumental in maintaining West Ham’s form this season. His ability to adapt the team’s approach to suit different opponents and situations has been key to their success. Whether it’s a resolute defensive display or a swift counter-attack, Moyes has proven his tactical acumen time and again.

As the season unfolds, West Ham’s impressive form, bolstered by their successful stint in the Conference League and strategic transfer decisions, positions them well to secure European places once again.

The club’s trajectory under Moyes is undeniably pointing towards a bright future in European football, and they are on track to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the continent.