When Slaven Bilic joined West Ham, many fans were hoping that he would bring a more attacking style of football with him. After some appalling home results at the start of the season it is clear that Bilic has shaped this West Ham side into one that can attack and pressure teams. Beating Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City away as well as coming back from 2-0 down against Norwich and Sunderland shows how successful this team can be at scoring, and here’s how the Croatian has done it.
A complete overhaul of the Hammers attack, especially on the wings, was a major priority and is the root to West Ham’s attacking ability and form. Bringing in players such as Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses has provided much-needed pace and skill. Having the option to move the ball out wide, and more importantly catch teams on the break have proved to be very useful assets for not only West Ham but also teams such as Leicester and Crystal Palace. Moses showed on many occasions during the Newcastle match where even in the dying moments of the match he was still making runs from the half-way line to beat tiring defenders, one such try ended with him striking the cross-bar and leading to Payet’s goal. Having fast players in those positions presents many opportunities to get in behind for shots or crosses and will be a big part of West Ham’s game this season.
While fast and skillful wingers are part of the formula, having a naturally talented and well-sighted attacking midfielder is the catalyst. The signing of Dimitri Payet has been crucial to how the Irons attack and how successful those attacks are. Payet has received a mountain of praise and his current Premier League performances speak enough volume for themselves. Having a player who is confident, tactically minded with a strong ability is fundamental for a successful team. Tying all other midfielders together with strikers while having the majority of the teams plays made through you is no easy task, but Payet is more then comfortable in the role. His presence ensures that passes will be made accurately to the runs of wingers and strikers and his confidence allows West Ham to play the ball out from the back regardless of the score and the time on the clock. It was a major problem to keep lumping the ball up field last year as it just allowed the opposition to attack again. By making smart passes and keeping possession it allows defenders to find their shape before the next attack. The Hammers have utilised his talent well and he is also a big part of our counter-attacking game.
Equally important to the last point is having a strong defensive midfielder who can help cover the defence, allow the attacking midfielders to go forward and play the same smart passes as Payet. Mark Noble has filled this role superbly for West Ham for many years, but this season he seems to be doing it even better. With Alex Song returning soon, and even Reece Oxford playing well in the role, Noble’s place is contested, but none of this seems to be bothering him. Having a cool head on the ball and making the right decision to go forward or pass back to work some space has proved very profitable. Noble has been able to really find his form within this West Ham side and with the midfield laying the foundations for every attack Noble has more than secured his place for me. Having Song as another option will allow for a strong defensive performance from start to finish.
It was clear to Bilic, and fans, that for West Ham to become a more attacking side the midfield needed an overhaul which he has executed brilliantly by flooding the side with fast wingers, talented attackers and experienced defenders. The final stage then for this attacking side to be complete was the strikers themselves. Diafra Sakho proved last season how valuable he is to the club and as long as he is fit his goal-scoring form appears to be keeping consistent. The danger however is when he can’t be played, as seen in the Europa League. The lack in back up or even second strikers to partner with him was very disturbing. With Andy Carroll injured the reins were passed to Maiga and Zarate and their lack of skill in front of goal proved costly. Bilic tried to solve this quickly and after many failed attempts to sign a new striker a deal was made for Jelavic right as Carroll returned to training. They might want constant, starting eleven football but with Sakho’s performances it will be difficult for them to break through.
