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Bit late but a good read.
West Ham put four past Newcastle but the search for a new forward continues
Who needs a striker?
As far as season openers go, David Moyes’ side started in emphatic fashion, with Aaron Cresswell, Said Benrahma, Tomas Soucek and Michail Antonio all scoring in West Ham’s 4-2 win against Newcastle United.
It was a performance that highlighted the unity in the team and added credence to the argument that any new personnel need to be of at least similar quality to the players West Ham already have. They do not need bodies in just to make up the numbers.
This is a tightly knit group. Over the summer, as the squad trained in St Andrews in Scotland, table tennis and bike rides were part of team-bonding exercises. Last week Pablo Fornals and Antonio went for a cycle around east London.
While the failure to sign another outfield player so far in this window has proved frustrating among supporters, Moyes is confident he will add to the squad before the deadline. It would be hard to go against his judgement given his track record in the last 20 months.
When West Ham asked about signing Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham, who is now set to join Serie A side Roma, they were informed it would cost £37 million, with the player seeking around £150,000 a week. Such figures were not viable for the club and they have now swiftly focused their attention on other targets.
Adam Hlozek, a player The Athletic revealed was recommended to West Ham by Vladimir Coufal and Soucek, is expected to remain at Sparta Prague for another season. But judging by Antonio’s performance at Newcastle, having equalled Paolo Di Canio as the club’s all-time highest-scoring player in the Premier League with 47 goals, whoever is brought in to augment Moyes’ forward options will certainly face a challenge to be the main marksman.
Antonio had six touches in the opposition box against Newcastle and his hold up play, up against Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez, was superb. His work-rate down the left channel in particular, as shown by his touch map below, highlights why he is such a team player. Antonio constantly urged his team-mates on and was deservedly named man of the match.
Michail Antonio’s touch map against Newcastle
The forward linked up well with Benrahma in the pre-season win against Atalanta and the duo produced another promising display at St James’ Park. Antonio’s left-footed cross found Benrahma’s head in the second half and the Algerian pounced to put West Ham level again, prompting joyful scenes on the touchline with first-team coach Kevin Nolan clapping in delight.
Benrahma then returned the favour late on, capping a brilliant performance by teeing up Antonio, who nervelessly dispatched his strike into the bottom corner to make it 4-2.
Cresswell also regularly made overlapping runs down the left flank. Last term he provided eight assists, the most by any West Ham player, and it was only a matter of time before he would turn goalscorer rather than provider.
The full-back drilled in a low across the face of goal which trickled into the net to open West Ham’s account for the campaign. Despite the goal initially being ruled out by VAR, with Jarrod Bowen adjudged to be in an offside position, it was rightly overturned.
Antonio’s second-half penalty was saved by Freddie Woodman but he couldn’t save Soucek’s rebound effort for West Ham’s third. The Czech Republic international impressed alongside Declan Rice all afternoon and will be keen on replicating the predatory instinct he showed in front of goal last season.
West Ham
Soucek leads the charge after putting West Ham ahead (Photo: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
It is also increasingly likely Rice will be a West Ham player for at least another year. He is focused on helping the team this season and is looking forward to their European campaign, despite interest from other Premier League clubs.
His response to a difficult first-half display after the interval would have also impressed Gareth Southgate, the England manager, who was in attendance at St James’ Park. Rice excelled defensively, winning six duels, seven ball recoveries and two interceptions. He also created two chances on goal and reaffirmed why he remains a sought-after talent.
On the evidence of his performance, it is clear to see why Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has added Bowen to his list of attacking targets, too. The winger was tenacious in his quest to surge past Matt Ritchie throughout the game and produced a performance that was deserving of a goal.
At one point, Moyes pulled Bowen to one side and gesticulated that the winger should stay out wide to stretch Newcastle’s defence. It had the desired effect and Bowen went on a brilliant solo run — only for Newcastle goalkeeper Woodman to deny the winger with an outstretched save.
Last season, West Ham started their campaign against Newcastle United and recorded a disappointing defeat. Progress and consistency followed as they went on to qualify for the Europa League, and the ruthless dispatch of their opponents at St James’ Park for this season’s opener is further indication of how far they have come under Moyes.
“We’re all going on a European tour,” sang the away fans. It’s got a ring to it.
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