West Ham United may dominate possession against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, but that could play directly into one of the visitors’ biggest strengths.
Nathan Jones’ side averaged only 43 per cent possession in the Championship last season, the second-lowest figure in the division, yet still proved difficult to break down.
Charlton have now altered their shape in an attempt to become more dangerous going the other way, creating a clear tactical challenge for Nuno Espírito Santo before West Ham’s first home league game of the season.
Charlton could invite West Ham pressure
Charlton primarily used a 5-3-2 last season and conceded 58 goals despite regularly operating without the ball.
West Ham’s official Analytics United breakdown explains that Jones’ team concentrated on protecting central areas and forcing opponents towards the flanks.
They allowed 17.8 crosses per 90 minutes, the fourth-highest figure in the Championship, but backed themselves to defend those deliveries with numbers inside the penalty area.
Lloyd Jones was particularly important.
The centre-back won 6.58 aerial duels per 90, the highest figure among Championship centre-backs, while ranking inside the top four per cent for shots blocked.
Simply dominating territory and crossing repeatedly may therefore not be enough for West Ham.
Nuno’s side will need to move Charlton’s defensive structure before attacking the spaces that appear.
Our West Ham predicted XI against Charlton has Arne Engels pushing for his debut, and his ability to control possession could become especially valuable in that type of game.
Tyreece Campbell gives West Ham a transition problem
Charlton’s biggest change has come further forward.
Jones has switched towards a 4-2-3-1, with Sonny Carey operating centrally and additional pace available out wide.
Tyreece Campbell has already scored twice in his opening two matches this season.
Last term, the winger attempted 5.29 dribbles and 3.02 progressive carries per 90 minutes, both placing him inside the top 23 per cent of players in his position.
That direct running presents West Ham with an obvious danger.
The Hammers experienced problems controlling the closing stages at Burnley, where a 2-0 advantage disappeared in the final seven minutes.
Saturday presents a slightly different challenge.
West Ham are likely to spend more time pushing forward at London Stadium, potentially leaving larger spaces behind their midfield and full-backs.
Charlton appear increasingly equipped to attack those areas through Campbell, Carey, Karlan Grant and Millenic Alli.
West Ham should have enough individual quality to create chances.
The challenge will be applying that pressure without giving Charlton the kind of open-field opportunities their new system has been designed to exploit.
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