Since David Moyes became the manager in 2020, West Ham has greatly improved. They went from 16th to 6th and then 7th in the Premier League. They even won the Europa Conference League. This is amazing for a club like West Ham. Their success is mostly because of their strong defence. They let in only 47 goals in the 20/21 season and 51 in the 21/22 season. This helped them do better than many expected. We will look at examples from this season to see why they have been so strong.

The 2023/24 Season So Far

West Ham had some problems in the 2022/23 season because of different reasons. But this season, they are doing well again. They are in 7th place with 13 points after playing 7 games. They had to play against tough teams like Brighton, Manchester City, and Liverpool. They played really well on defence against Chelsea and Brighton. Even though Declan Rice left for Arsenal, the club spent the money they got very well. They brought in Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, and Dinos Mavropanos. These players have made the team's defence much better.

Playing Style

David Moyes' West Ham usually plays by quickly moving from defence to attack. They get the ball back while defending in their own half and then move up the field fast with long passes or dribbles. This can surprise teams that have too many players attacking. West Ham has had the third-lowest ball possession in the league, only 38.1% per game. This shows that holding onto the ball isn't the only way to win games. Next, I'll talk about why they are so tough to play against and how Moyes makes the best use of his players to achieve this.

Block Setup

West Ham often uses a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation this season when they have the ball. When they don't have the ball, they change to a 4-1-4-1 shape. They try to make the other team play to the sides of the field. West Ham are good at winning the ball in the air and stopping any danger there. Edson Alvarez plays just in front of the defence. He stops players who are trying to find space between the lines. This way, he really cuts down on the team's chances to get through the middle. This tactic was very effective against Brighton, who are known for their passing.

A Direct, Simple Attack Plan

West Ham United likes to keep their attacking game simple. They play with high energy and go for direct passes. Physical strength is key, especially from their centre forward, Anthony. He wins most balls and holds them well to connect with his teammates and start attacks.

They aim to move the ball as high up the field as possible. For this, they work in groups of three. One player jumps for the high ball while the other two stay ready to receive a pass and push forward.

The wings are very important, too. After winning the ball in midfield, they really push ahead on the sides. Manager Moyes has strong players there who are good at beating defenders one-on-one. These wing players often succeed in breaking through the defence.

Sometimes, even the full-backs join the attack. They add numbers and use their height and strength to challenge the opposition.

When they reach the end of the field, they fill the box with up to four players ready for a cross. They position themselves strategically: one at the near post, one in the middle, one at the far post, and one just outside the area for any rebounds.

West Ham moves the ball fast across the pitch, always trying to push the game forward and into an attacking position.

Fast and High Offensive Transitions

West Ham's quick attacks are a big part of their game. They move the ball up to the other team's goal area in just 3 or 4 passes. The other team has no time to prepare because West Ham is faster.

When West Ham takes the ball, they usually pass it to the striker first. He gets the ball at the front, and then the team starts moving into open spaces. Two players run along the sides, and one goes down the middle. They spread out to help the striker.

The other players push forward to widen the attack. The player with the ball takes it as far as possible and then looks for help from his teammates.

FAQs

What formation does West Ham typically use?

West Ham has been known to use a variety of formations, but in recent seasons, they have often employed a 4-2-3-1 setup, which allows them to be flexible in both attack and defence.

How does West Ham approach their attacking play?

West Ham usually focuses on quick transitions and counter-attacks. They utilize the pace of their wingers and full-backs to stretch the opposition and create scoring opportunities.

Does understanding West Ham's Strategies have an impact on your betting decisions?

Yes, understanding West Ham's strategies affects your bet on West Ham matches. Gaining knowledge of their tactical approach, player roles, and game plans can give insight into how they may fare against certain opponents. Using this data, you can make more accurate predictions regarding match outcomes. It is important to remember that no strategy offers guaranteed wins; bet responsibly at all times. If you're looking for a UK regulated sportsbook, consider Lottoland, as they have a good track record in the industry.