David Moyes gets tactical tweak spot on in first half of West Ham United v Newcastle
Davies Moyes’ decision to play Tomas Soucek further forward in West Ham versus Newcastle paid off after just eight minutes and proved he got his tactical tweak spot on in the first half.
The Czech midfielder started the game further forward than he has played so far this season, sitting up close to Michail Antonio to provide more of a chaotic threat in the box, and was in the right place at the right time to open the scoring.
With Soucek and Antonio up front, Moyes gave his side a physical advantage over the Newcastle defenders who are not shy of a battle, as they proved in their midweek win against Paris Saint-Germain.
Soucek has proved his attacking influence is still as strong as ever so far this season, with his three goals so far this season added to again early on here, chipping in with some effective displays to help his side’s strong start to the season so far.
In the first half against Newcastle, aside from the goal, the midfielder made his presence known, competing in x duels, putting the pressure on the opposition defence – although that resulted in two fouls against him, but put the defenders off and proved his influence off the ball. [Sofascore]
Antonio, meanwhile, played a similar role, competing in seven duels. While the stats may look negative, his play up front to compete with the defence and hold the ball up was apparent, competing in four duels and providing a constant out ball for the defence to ease the pressure.
In fact, it was Antonio’s hold-up play that led to the opening goal as he pinned Kieran Tripper before setting the ball back to the forward-running midfield, which was then played over the top for Lucas Paqueta to square and Soucek to tap in.
The two forward men were given the freedom to do their work up front when the ball came to them rather than tasked with the burden of covering, with the belief in Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and the Hammers’ back line sweeping up any trouble.
In other West Ham news, a journalist reacted to the “massive news” coming out of West Ham today.