Graeme Souness has now raised concerns that West Ham United lacks grit due to the Irons dropping goals from set pieces. He feels that they have a ‘reluctance’ to attack occasions.
The Hammers were among the best in the Premier League to convert set pieces into goals in 2021/22. But David Moyes has seen his team drop down the standings so far this season, as well as down the top-flight table. West Ham enter the relegation zone this weekend in 18th place.
Moyes has overseen just five wins and five draws in West Ham’s 23 games so far this season. Only Everton (17), Nottingham Forest and Wolves (18) have also scored fewer goals than the Irons (19). While only cellar boys Southampton (15) have lost more often (13).
West Ham will strive to win just their second Premier League game in 12 matches this Saturday against Nottingham Forest. Their only win since beating AFC Bournemouth 2-0 on October 24 came with a 2-0 result against Everton. Both results came at the London Stadium.
A Said Benrahma penalty helped the Irons win over the Cherries. Only Manchester City and Brentford (5) have scored more penalties so far this season than the Hammers (4). But West Ham is only 16th in the top flight for corner goals and free kicks.
West Ham’s drop in set-piece goals this season worries Graeme Souness
West Ham have converted just four set pieces into goals in their 23 Premier League games so far this season. Only Brighton & Hove Albion (2), Manchester United and Wolves (3) have scored less. However, the Irons were fifth in the top flight last term.
Moyes oversaw 14 goals in West Ham’s 38 games through the 2021/22 Premier League season. Only Manchester City (21), Liverpool (19), Arsenal (16) and Brentford (15) were more productive from free kicks and corners. All have scored from nine so far this season.
Tottenham Hotspur (11) and Fulham (10) have been the most productive teams from set pieces this season. And Souness has now pointed out in his column for the Daily Mail how West Ham’s drop in goals from set pieces shows a worrying general trend.
“There are two components to scoring those set-piece goals,” he wrote. “The delivery, which I would suggest hasn’t changed. And the willingness to take a punch for the cause: put his head where he might get elbowed in the chops, which he would suggest.
“I know Craig Dawson has gone to Wolves, but this feels like a reluctance to take one for the cause. If there is no grit on set pieces, that will also be lacking in the rest of their game.”
In other news, Ten Hag wants Man Utd to “test” a Newcastle player in the Carabao Cup final