What has gone wrong at West Ham United? The Hammers experienced an excellent season last time out. Slaven Bilic’s debut season in the Premier League was a dream one and the Hammers were expected to build on it this campaign but it has been a big letdown for the East London club. Relocating to their new home, the Olympic Stadium which promises an increased capacity, a chance to make it to the Europa League, this could have been the season when West Ham could have made it big but the Hammers failed to take the opportunity.
Just one win in five games, conceding a total of eight goals in their last two games, things are not looking good for Slaven Bilic and the Croat needs to improve as soon as possible or else his future at the club might come under scrutiny. There is still a long way to go before the season ends and Slaven Bilic needs to come up with a plan to get the Hammers back on track as soon as possible. Here are three things he could do to save their season.
Improve defensively and call for five at the back
West Ham made a plenty of attacking reinforcements during the summer but Slaven Bilic made a big mistake by overlooking at the team’s defensive problems.
The Hammers have conceded as many as 11 goals in their last three Premier League games. West Ham must improve defensively as a unit and in order to do that, Bilic should opt for five at the back. West Ham need to cut their tendency of shipping silly goals away and five at the back could potentially do that.
Try using a false nine until Carroll returns
If not for Michail Antonio’s five goals this season, West Ham would have struggled big time for goals. The likes of Zaza, Calleri, Fletcher have all tried and failed to make their mark at the East London club. Andy Carroll is returning from injury in October and until that, West Ham should try playing without a recognised centre-forward.
With players like Payet, Antonio, Feghouli, Lanzini, goals will definitely come for the Hammers but they need to be defensively compact in the first place.
Low block?
Against Watford in the fourth game week, West Ham took a 2-0 lead in the 33rd minute and looked pretty much comfortable. Who would have thought that the Hornets would make one of the best comebacks in many years from that position! West Ham are extremely vulnerable when they protecting a lead and to overcome that issue, they could opt for a low block.
With the quick and creative players they have, West Ham can score goals on the break but their sole focus should be on defence as of now until they build their confidence back.
