The Hammers have kick-started the 2026/27 campaign with a victory as a brace from Taty Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen’s strike from range comfortably placed Nuno’s side into Round Two of the Carabao Cup. Yet despite the victory, it was still a nervy affair.
The first thirty minutes were carnage for West Ham, Portsmouth took the lead after persistently threatening the Hammers with a deflected strike from range. The travelling Portsmouth fans erupted and Hammer heads fell, but a feeling of relief dropped into the stadium after Taty converted from close range to make it 1-1.
It seemed West Ham were in for a pitiful afternoon, but as soon as Nuno’s side decided to start being onside in attacking plays, as well as playing the ball through the middle on the ground, chances unfolded and it was nothing but comfortable from there.
The captain placed us 2-1 up with a finish from outside the box, another deflected goal, but as the Hammers went into the second half, worry settled and upon walking out, Taty quickly placed a header past the Portsmouth goalkeeper and made it three.
The team played well all in all, a few difficulties would’ve been noticed, Mohammadou Kante struggled tremendously out on the wing, but given that he’s a central midfielder, it can be understood.
Edson Alvarez returned in Claret & Blue colours and put in a defensive shift which of course earned him his compulsory yellow card, but the Mexican served his purpose in midfield.
An impressive cameo from Veltman who came on and nearly scored within a few minutes of being on the pitch, and moments later he nearly claimed an assist through setting up Pablo, but the Brazilian would strike the post from inside the six-yard box.
Defensively West Ham played with fire, the near, narrow passes around the back were almost a recipe for disaster, but in the end, all held on and victory was achieved.
The Hammers will certainly need a few more signings to bolster their eleven, the arrival of Manor Solomon for an impending £7M deal will be the first on that list, however, the other arrivals are unknown.
P.s - Back to the training ground for offside practice!
Comments
Desperate for a natural left
Desperate for a natural left winger. Would also like to see someone like Engels in midfield. Kante is not quite upto speed yet. A striker would also be a welcome addition.
Thought KWP was great today. Looked good going forward. No AWB on bench. Is he off up the road?
Asked my Spud supporting brother about Solomon
His exact words were he is a decent RIGHT winger.
Exactly,i dont know of anyone
Exactly,i dont know of anyone who would of turned him down.
Off side
Correct Louis, need to look at that, too many occasions when we caught MILES off side. I think this is just early doors and players need a feel for the run of the ball and pace of team mates. I think we looked a little rusty but better than Pompy, they were over hitting passes and VERY rusty!
As said, we didnt get out of first gear, lots more to come and great to have a competitive match puts us in good shape for Burnley... Press on!!
Job done ultimately. Look
Job done ultimately. Look gang, lets look at this way. It was like the first day at school. Lots of nerves, lots of different levels of ability, at this our first competitive game of the season.
The quality and superiority of the squad was there for all to see. Welcome to the Championship and all it brings. Physicality, fast pace, most importantly no VAR.
Just aswell in Alvarez's case. The game won't stop if you roll around like a fairy. As we saw. The first half hour was a baptism of fire. Pompey and there 9000 posse thought it was their cup final. This is something we are going to have to get used to. Lincoln, Wrexham, Charlton to name but a few.
But after 35 mins we woke up, I could see we had too much for Pompey and was proved right in the end. I was and am not worried one bit. The team that starts the season rarely mirrors the team that ends the season. We will add to the squad. A winger a striker and maybe a proven midfielder.
Nuno got it right in the end. We won by 2 clear goals. We are unbeaten so far in pre season and yesterday. What's not to like??
Well I tell you what I didn't like. Mad Herman Munsters goal kick off the training ground routine. Now Herman is very adroit with the ball. That's there for all to see, but the tippy tappy around the box, play out from the back. Will bite you on the arse big time. Especially at this level. Real Madrid or Man City we aint. So Nuno, stop fannying about in your own box. Herman is the keeper he should be taking the goal kicks. Not Mav 5 yards to Herman then tippy tappy oh shit I've lost the ball!!!!
That is the only thing I did not like.
Be positive peeps - COYI - LETS PISS THIS LEAGUE!!!
Had to laugh Boogers
When you mentioned the tippy tappy our gk and def were doing like you it was driving me mad and no need for it but what did make me laugh was in the 85th minute he decided to kick it long!! just shook my head and though it took that long eh.