West Ham United recorded their first Premier League win of the season in style on Saturday. On Sunday, they cruised past Nottingham Forest, 3-0 at the City Ground. Then came West Ham’s brilliant recovery into the tie. They had been reeling, losing their last two matches and giving up eight goals in those defeats. Yet under Graham Potter, the team demonstrated phenomenal spirit and fightback. The most important tactical change for their success was their switch from a back five to a back four formation.
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham’s captain, opened the scoring in the 84th minute. Shortly thereafter, Lucas Paqueta scored from the spot in the 88th minute. Callum Wilson enjoyed a magical moment all his own when the substitute capped off the emphatic win with a 91st-minute goal. This win adds some crucial points to West Ham’s league table survival. It improves the team’s fortunes as a whole, providing a necessary shot of morale following the difficult start to the 2023 campaign.
Key Moments in the Match
Though with both teams adopting a nervous start, the game opened up to an extent. Nottingham Forest had their chances on the break, most notably with Dan Ndoye down the right flank who consistently found himself able to create a few openings. However, West Ham’s defense held firm, effectively neutralizing Forest’s attacks throughout the match.
West Ham’s breakthrough came with just 10 minutes remaining, when Bowen scored with a precise effort. This goal drew the team together and led to a furious final few minutes.
“Football is very simple: keep the ball out of your net and put it in the back of the other. That’s what we did today.” – Jarrod Bowen
After Bowen’s strike, the tide kept rolling for West Ham. Then in the 88th minute it appeared that Lucas Paqueta was fouled in the penalty area. Tension and spending anxiety aside, he stepped up with confidence and converted the penalty kick. After scoring, Paqueta celebrated by kissing the West Ham badge, further endearing himself to the fans and showcasing his commitment to the club amid ongoing transfer speculation linking him to Aston Villa.
Tactical Changes and Team Response
Graham Potter’s decision to shift from a back five to a more aggressive back four formation significantly contributed to West Ham’s attacking prowess. The manager won the battle with brilliant tactical substitutions. In doing so, players such as Bowen and Paqueta thrived in their attacking positions and contributed to three goals scored.
Potter said he was proud of the way his players responded after erasing a second-half deficit to earn the victory.
“It was really pleasing for the players. You face a lot of criticism, of course, and lack of trust, lack of confidence and all that stuff, so it’s nice for them to show the quality and togetherness we believe has always been there.” – Graham Potter
You could hear a manager’s confidence in his squad, the way they adjusted to his tactical changes throughout the game. Their impressive execution of their game plan as a whole is a good indicator of how dangerous this team could be going forward.
Nottingham Forest’s Challenges
On the opposite end, Nottingham Forest had no idea how to break down West Ham’s set defense. So head coach Nuno Espirito Santo rightly said after the game that his side had to do better with their urgency or pace and circulation of the ball.
“The first half was balanced. Required more speed in our circulation of the ball. We were too slow, no urgency in our game that was required.” – Nuno Espirito Santo
Even though they created some opportunities where they looked dangerous, especially with Ndoye, Forest just failed to take advantage of their opportunities. The loss places even more pressure on Espirito Santo’s squad. They’re itching for a little consistency after an up and down beginning to the season.
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