Avoid tactical naivety

On too many occasions last season, the team were far too predictable and one dimensional in the way they approached their games. An obsession with a lone one man up front did not lead to more possession of the ball and West Ham were too defensive minded last season. Adding a so called ‘plan B’ would not hurt either, Mauro Zarate looks quick enough to thrive off a bigger man up front and playing two up top would really allow West Ham to take the game to the opposition. Although there is pace in abundance on the flanks, it is completely absent through the middle so adding faster players like Zarate and Valencia was a shrewd move. With these players, there is also the opportunity to play more attractive football, attackers can play on the shoulder of the last defender and run on to through balls. Although this all sounds very exciting, a lot lies with the manager and whether Allardyce can break away from his tactical naivety. He has the players to do it and if it is done effectively, there is no reason why West Ham cannot aim for a top half finish.