Under the management of Sam Allardyce, we have become accustomed to generic formations, such as 4-5-1, putting more pressure on the players to create something special, particularly against the bigger teams in the division.
However, recently we have seen a new style to West Ham United, showing some great football much like the way we are most acknowledged for, as well as confusing the opposite manager due to the rarity of the formation in which Big Sam has adopted.
Due to this, I feel that this was a very clever tactical choice by the management staff, because we are the only team in the Premier League to play the 4-6-0 system, and so it will evoke characteristic changes in the opponents game of which could prove to be an advantage for the hammers. On the other hand, I believe overuse of the system would prove ineffective, hence the lack of goals in recent games.
Leading on from this, since the introduction of this system, we have witnessed two of five of our games result in victor (including the Capital One Cup victory over Burnley). Two wins, two draws and one loss. Thus, in terms of points on the board we are looking comfortable (despite some people’s opinions), however looking at the two draws, one point could just as easily been three, all we needed was that one person to put the ball firmly in the back of the net.
This leads me stuck on the proverbial fence. Technically good results, but could have been better with the influence of a striker. And so Allardyce and co. have been left with a particularly difficult dilemma. Do they start with a striker and risk conceding in the hope of scoring, or stick to the 4-6-0 formation and hope for a quick break in the play?
But, with a lack of goal scoring prowess available for Sam Allardyce, he has been pushed into the corner recently, resulting in the traditional midlands man divulging into a European-esque style of football. Thus, we have been forced into regularly playing the peculiar formation, but with a fit Carlton Cole pressing for game time, could we see a back to basics team against struggling Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday evening?
Personally, I feel as though Sam Allardyce and co. have so far (uncharacteristically) have got their tactics spot on considering the teams we have played of late (bar Manchester City) and having seen the formation being particularly effective against the more attacking teams, the use of the counter attack proving particularly volatile. Recently, however, in the latter stages of the Irons top flight fixtures, Sam Allardyce has reverted to the generic 4-5-1 formation, bringing on big man, Carlton Cole, in the hope of snatching a last-minute goal.
With the big man gaining full fitness of late, could we see an abrupt return to the 4-5-1 against the canaries? In my opinion, I think we should stick with the 4-6-0 whilst we are still getting decent results and picking up points, despite the obvious frustration of lack of goals, and make Carlton Cole fight for his place back in our new look Hammers squad.
My key player for Norwich City (A): Stewart Downing.
Downing has proved his worth in recent games, causing problems with opposition full-backs, cutting inside exquisitely, creating numerous chances for the Hammers as well as going for goal himself.
It’s only a matter of time before we see a goal from Stewart, in my opinion, potentially against Norwich. Furthermore, I feel he could be pivotal for us this season, particularly regarding the Andy Carroll return. Also, his partnership with Guy Demel has been quite a pleasant surprise amongst the Hammers faithful, showing great promise for the rest of the season, starting of course against Norwich City on Saturday evening.
Come On You Irons!
