WHZ Tactics: West Ham youngster Ben Johnson steps up in a big way at Old Trafford
There was at least one reason for West Ham fans to smile despite being knocked out of the FA Cup last night to Manchester United.
Whilst not offering much up top, some of our defenders had excellent games at the back. We’re going to focus on our academy graduate, Ben Johnson.
The Englishman came on at half time and played for a total of 75 minutes at Old Trafford. We switched to a 5-3-2 formation with his introduction, and he was played out of position at left wing-back despite being a natural right-footer.
He was tasked with keeping the very talented Mason Greenwood and Aaron Wan-Bissaka quiet down the United right-flank.
His performance gave David Moyes something to consider going forward. According to WyScout, Johnson completed 87% of his attempted passes, and actually found his teammates with 100% of his long passing.
The defender worked tirelessly, preventing either man from having an impact on the second half. Greenwood was substituted before the 90 was up, and Wan-Bissaka at the start of extra-time.
As you can see below, Johnson pressed as soon as the United right-back was handed possession to prevent any advances down our left side.
As the ball is played to Wan-Bissaka, Johnson is already moving to the right-back before he receives possession.
He cuts off the angle to Greenwood, and intercepts the first time pass that he rushes the United number 29 into playing.
Overall, Johnson made four recoveries and eight tackles in his time on the pitch. He attempted six dribbles to get us up the pitch, and six crosses when he got into advanced areas.
He forced the corner in the last minute of the 90, from which Craig Dawson should have scored the winner.
As well as pressing forward, Johnson also worked back defensively. Below you can see how far forward he is as Greenwood breaks down the right flank.
Johnson is roughly 15 yards behind play when Greenwood was slipped in down behind the back five.
Our number 31 doesn’t only work to get back, he actually prevents the cross coming into the box, forcing Greenwood to playback to Fernandes. The attack broke down after this.
The West Ham academy graduate demonstrated again that he is prepared to put in the hard graft when called upon. Ultimately, yes, we were defeated last night. But his performance is something worth being excited by.
Johnson has been waiting for a few years now to get a run of games in the first team. He proved last night against a very strong United side that he is capable of playing at the top level. Out of position, too.
In other West Ham news, here are the player ratings for our match last night.