Fot the first time in the entire season Slaven Billic had the luxury of a full squad to choose from for a match, and the away fixture at West Bromwich Albion proved what a potent force West Ham United can be when at full strength. Mark Noble scored a brace, the second being a magnificent volley of the highest order, teed up deftly by an in form Andy Carroll who is beginning to look like the talented footballer he has always been, hopefully the club's softly softly approach to bringing him back from injury allied with greater personal discipline will see him available for selection on a continuous basis. Captain Mark Noble's recent performances have seen him playing further up the pitch, which he has always been able to do, but by necessity he has had to strong arm the midfield. Manuel Lanzini is the player who has had to adapt to a new deeper role, thus creating the space and freedom for Noble to maraud forward, it is indicative of Slaven Billic's managerial style that players are played in unusual positions, this is an International manager's trait, having to deal with ego's and highly rated players often means adapting to each game and not being afraid to mix things up! Mikael Antonio has been 'encouraged' to be a flying wing back, and although naive is truly brilliant at going forward safe in the knowledge that his runs will be covered more often than not, likewise Lanzini is having to play an unfamiliar role, but one that he can excel in. The little jewel's diminutive stature might make him look out of hid depth in a deep midfield role, but he is lightening quick and sharp in the tackle, who would have thought he could handle so well being 'roughed up' by the opposition?
As previously mentioned, Slaven Billic is an experienced International manager who is used to dealing with quality players and their demands, he will have his work cut out to maintain harmony within the squad while at the same time retaining enough players to have strength in depth. A difficult balancing act, but hopefully European football, if achieved, will add enough extra fixtures to enable 'fringe' players to have a run out in the early stages and thus have something to aim for and not just obscure bench warming. Big names Alex Song, Victor Moses and probably Enner Valencia will be gone, with several others to follow, replacing them will be an interesting proposition given the extraordinary amount of young talent at the club, perhaps Slaven will really give some of them a go, and it's about time 'some of our own' started coming through the ranks again.
Finally, how refreshing to watch a match where the ref didn't ruin it, and where the opposition manager didn't whinge or whine!
Comments
A very good perspective and
A very good perspective and one that will be fully endorsed by us all. The pleasing aspect for me was how our players weathered the early storm. West Brom had the bulk of play in the first 20/25 minutes and seemed to burn out a little. They did cause us problems and could easily have been ahead. What stood out for me was the sheer concentration and focus on the players to weather that storm and gradually, patiently they grew into the game and in the end produced an emphatic result. Good to see from ANTKB that the home fans were friendly and grounded, that too is what the sport should be about. Some solid performances and you can see how well players have adapted to a more flexible role on the pitch and not been restricted to a singular type of play. Nobes has been superb this term and led the side well and is revelling in having Payet, Lanzini as well as Kouyate alongside. Indeed Andy Carroll has been eased back and the careful management of his injuries is telling. Cresswell will no doubt work on his defensive duties as early on Leko gave him a torrid time. Antonio is a monster going forward (just needs to work on his touch a little), Adrian superb in between the sticks. Reid and Ogbonna were solid in the heart of the defence. Hopefully Samuelson will get a chance next term . I thought Sakho had a decent run out just seems to lack a bit of confidence but his presence alone does cause problems. Valencia is talented maybe too a lack of confidence at times but he does have pace so we will see what Slav thinks. Finally it was refreshing that the games officials seemed to have a good handle on the game which was allowed to flow and decisions thought through and fair play to Tony Pullis not a single moan just simple honesty. A great 3 points and in the end a delight to watch.