What’s Causing West Ham's Corner Conundrum?

West Ham United is currently facing significant challenges in the Premier League, with head coach Graham Potter under scrutiny due to the team's poor performance, including a dismal record of one win and four losses. A particular area of concern has been their defensive tactics during set-pieces, specifically corners, where they have conceded seven goals in just five matches. This article delves into the tactical shortcomings exposed by opponents and the implications for West Ham's future in the league.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• West Ham United has conceded seven goals from corners this season.
• Graham Potter's tactics are under heavy scrutiny amidst a string of poor performances.
• Teams are effectively using blocking tactics to exploit West Ham's defensive weaknesses.
• Set-piece coaching is increasingly crucial in Premier League strategies.
• Turning set-piece frailties into strengths is essential for West Ham's revival.

Current State of Affairs at West Ham

West Ham's start to the season has been rocky, leaving them in the relegation zone as they occupy 19th place in the Premier League standings. Graham Potter, having taken over the managerial role, has faced increasing pressure from fans and club officials alike. The team's defensive organisation, particularly during set-pieces, has been a focal point of criticism.

Set-pieces have evolved into a critical component of Premier League tactics. Teams are investing heavily in specialised coaches to analyse how to exploit opponents during corners and free-kicks. West Ham's vulnerabilities have become glaringly apparent, as teams have been quick to identify and exploit their weaknesses during these situations.

Analysis of Defensive Shortcomings

One of the most illustrative examples of West Ham's struggles from corners came during their 5-1 defeat to Chelsea in August. In that match, Chelsea successfully scored three goals from corner situations, highlighting the tactical flaws in West Ham's defensive setup.

Blocking Tactics: A New Trend

During the Chelsea game, a notable tactic employed was the use of a 'blocker' by Enzo Maresca's side. Liam Delap was assigned to stand near West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, effectively limiting his movement without committing a foul. This approach is reminiscent of 'screening' in basketball, where a player obstructs a defender's path, allowing teammates to navigate and create scoring opportunities.

Despite efforts to counteract this tactic, West Ham's defenders have struggled to adapt. Last season, some teams attempted to place an additional defender alongside their goalkeeper as a makeshift bodyguard, but this strategy often failed due to the 'blocker' pushing defenders into the keeper, further crowding the space and impeding their ability to defend effectively.

Referees and Contact Rules

Adding to West Ham's woes, there seems to be a shift in how referees are officiating contact with goalkeepers this season. While it is unclear why this is the case, it has resulted in attackers finding it more effective to employ blocking tactics during corners, as seen with Chelsea's first goal against West Ham. Delap's positioning restricted Hermansen’s ability to claim the ball, leading to a well-executed flick-on that found Joao Pedro in space to score.

Opponents Capitalising on Weaknesses

Following Chelsea's lead, Tottenham Hotspur also exploited West Ham's defensive setup on 13 September. In this match, Spurs targeted the far post during corners, where West Ham had fewer defenders. This tactic proved successful, as Pape Matar Sarr was left unmarked to score after the West Ham defenders were misdirected towards the near post.

While Spurs did not employ a blocker like Chelsea, they effectively used positioning to hinder West Ham defenders. As West Ham players moved towards the ball, Spurs' attackers held their ground, blocking their path and ensuring that no West Ham players could challenge for the ball, resulting in another goal for the opposition.

Crystal Palace’s Set-Piece Mastery

In West Ham's recent match against Crystal Palace, the visitors showcased a comprehensive understanding of the blocking tactics that have been effective against West Ham. Jean-Philippe Mateta acted as a blocker, preventing Alphonse Areola from leaving his line. At the far post, Palace used similar tactics to create space for their players, leading to a goal that encapsulated all the strategies employed by their previous opponents.

This goal was achieved through a collaborative effort: Daichi Kamada’s cross aimed for the far post, where Chris Richards and Maxence Lacroix effectively blocked West Ham defenders from reaching the ball. The result was a goal that highlighted West Ham’s ongoing struggles with set-pieces, particularly corners.

The Evolution of Set-Piece Strategies

As the Premier League becomes increasingly competitive, set-piece routines are also evolving. Teams are employing a variety of tactics designed to exploit defensive weaknesses, particularly in teams like West Ham that have been unable to adapt. Marking the goalkeeper, crowding the six-yard box, overloading the far post, and using blocking techniques have all become common strategies among top teams.

For West Ham, turning their current frailties into strengths will be essential for their survival in the league. Historical performances show that the club has often excelled at set-pieces, making their recent struggles even more concerning. If they wish to turn around their fortunes, immediate tactical adjustments are necessary.

What’s Next for West Ham?

As Graham Potter faces mounting pressure, immediate action is required to rectify West Ham’s defensive issues. The club must analyse their set-piece strategies and implement a plan to become more resilient in these critical situations. This will involve training sessions dedicated to defensive organisation during corners and ensuring that players understand their roles clearly.

Moreover, West Ham must also consider the psychological aspects of their game. Building confidence and establishing a strong team ethos will be vital in overcoming their current challenges. If Potter can successfully address these issues, there may still be hope for West Ham to climb out of the relegation zone and reclaim their status in the Premier League.

FAQs

Why are set-pieces important in football?

Set-pieces are crucial as they often provide clear scoring opportunities. Teams can design specific plays to exploit defensive weaknesses, making them a focal point in match strategies.

What tactics are being used against West Ham during corners?

Opponents are using blocking tactics to restrict West Ham's goalkeeper and defenders. This includes positioning players to obstruct defenders' movements and creating space for attackers to score.

How can West Ham improve their corner defence?

West Ham can improve by analysing their defensive tactics, training players on their roles during set-pieces, and fostering a stronger team dynamic to reduce errors during these situations.

What impact does referee leniency have on set-pieces?

Leniency from referees regarding contact with goalkeepers allows attackers to use blocking tactics more effectively, making it easier for them to exploit defensive weaknesses during set-pieces.

What historical strengths does West Ham have with set-pieces?

Historically, West Ham has been known for their effectiveness during set-pieces, often capitalising on corners and free-kicks to score goals, which makes their current struggles more concerning.

As West Ham United navigates this challenging phase, the need for tactical reassessment and psychological resilience becomes paramount. Can they turn their set-piece vulnerabilities into advantages? #WestHam #PremierLeague #SetPieces