West Ham concern laid bare by Premier League reveal, Nuno Espirito Santo has wonders to work
West Ham are struggling to get on the ball in the opposition’s penalty area.
Relegation is a major worry for West Ham this season, despite their latest triumph against Newcastle United.
Their defensive numbers have certainly contributed to what has been a woeful start to the campaign, though their attacking numbers are just as bad.
Via FotMob, the Hammers have had the third-least touches in an opposition penalty area this season, showcasing the task at hand for Nuno Espirito Santo.
The attacking concerns holding West Ham back
Not only is it the third least, but it is by some distance.
The Hammers have registered just 177 touches in the opposition’s penalty area, with Aston Villa above them with 215.
Surprisingly, Sunderland are actually below the Hammers despite their strong start to the season, though they are the one and only anomaly from the sides ranked towards the bottom for this stat.
To make matters worse, the Hammers are also 17th in the Premier League for xG created, with just 9.4 from their first 10 games.
Once again, they are surrounded by some of the division’s strugglers, though even Wolves have created more than West Ham so far this season.
West Ham’s win over Newcastle was an important one, but it cannot distract Nuno from the fact that he still has some major changes to make to get the Irons headed in the right direction.
How does Nuno fix the problems at the London Stadium?
First and foremost, team selection is going to play a huge role, and after the latest triumph, it is clear who should be starting and who shouldn’t.
Callum Wilson, despite his inability to get on the score sheet against his former club, will have a crucial role to play on and off the ball, and simply needs to start.
Freddie Potts and Mateus Fernandes have both staked a claim for their place in the side, but also rectified the lack of battle the Hammers have had in midfield.
Aside from that, Nuno still needs to solidify their defensive shape, with West Ham already having conceded 21 goals this season.
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