West Ham United’s Transformation: From Relegation Fears to European Ambitions
West Ham United have experienced a remarkable turnaround in fortunes since narrowly escaping relegation in the 2019-20 Premier League season. Under David Moyes’ guidance, the Hammers have emerged as genuine contenders for a top-six finish, positioning themselves for European football. This in-depth tactical analysis examines how the shift from a three-man defense to a 4-2-3-1 formation has underpinned their impressive display during the 2020-21 campaign.
Adopting the 4-2-3-1 Formation: Personnel and Structure
Following an early season injury to Arthur Masuaku, West Ham switched from their previously favored 5-4-1 system to a 4-2-3-1 arrangement. This change has allowed for increased flexibility and stability. Lukasz Fabianski has been ever-present between the posts, recording seven clean sheets in 22 outings. Defensively, Vladimir Coufal’s arrival from Slavia Prague has proven invaluable at right-back, while Craig Dawson’s emergence alongside Angelo Ogbonna in the heart of defense has compensated for injuries to Fabian Balbuena and Ogbonna himself. Aaron Cresswell has alternated between centre-back and left-back as needed, providing both defensive solidity and creativity from deep.
Fullback positions have seen rotation due to injuries, with Ben Johnson and Ryan Fredericks offering support. In emergency situations, Declan Rice’s versatility allows him to step into the defense, though his best contributions lie further forward in midfield.
In midfield, the robust duo of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek anchors the second line, providing both shield and springboard. Soucek’s arrival in January 2020 added a dynamic box-to-box presence, while Rice’s composed playmaking and defensive acumen have made him indispensable. The experienced Mark Noble has become more of a squad player, making a dozen appearances but mainly featuring from the bench.
The attacking band features a collection of lively options: Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen as wide outlets, with Said Benrahma operating centrally. The loan signing of Jesse Lingard has injected additional creativity and directness, often altering Moyes’ choices in the final third. Meanwhile, Michail Antonio leads the line as West Ham’s focal point up top, with the departure of Sebastien Haller making Antonio’s fitness crucial to the team’s attacking strategy.
The Importance of Play Without the Ball
West Ham’s success has been built not around dominating possession, but excelling when out of it. Averaging just 44% possession (sixth lowest in the division), the Hammers prioritize defensive organization. Their 4-2-3-1 frequently morphs into a compact 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2 during defensive phases, with the attacking midfielder joining the striker to apply initial pressure.
Key elements of their off-ball play include:
– Maintaining tight lines in a mid-to-low block, making it difficult for opponents to play through.
– Fullbacks and wide midfielders operating closely to prevent overloads on the flanks.
– Limiting opponents to 19 crosses per match, despite not seeing much of the ball themselves.
Instead of lengthy passing sequences, West Ham excel at direct play when possession is regained. They rank among the league leaders in completed long balls (61 per game), often targeting the wings or utilizing Antonio’s hold-up play. Their approach yields an average of 12.3 shots per match (ranking seventh), demonstrating clinical use of limited opportunities.
Memorable examples of their efficiency include:
– 4-0 victory over Wolves (37% possession)
– 3-0 win against Leicester City (just 30% possession)
– Two wins over Aston Villa, with 34% and 44% possession
These results highlight West Ham’s ability to strike effectively despite conceding possession, combining defensive resilience with incisive, quick attacking transitions.
Defensive Stability and Dominance in Aerial Duels
One of West Ham’s standout improvements during the season lies in defensive solidity. The partnership between Rice and Soucek in midfield, both physically imposing and tactically aware, enables the team to plug gaps in front of the defense and dominate aerially. This dual pivot helps spread defensive responsibilities, contrasting the lone anchor role in systems like 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-3.
This structure provides:
– Greater protection against wide overloads
– Enhanced ability to win aerial duels, especially when defending crosses or set-pieces
The following table summarizes the main aerial duel statistics for key players:
| Player | Duels Won (%) | Duels Won Per 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Tomas Soucek | 61% | 6.0 |
| Craig Dawson | 70% | 2.5 |
| Angelo Ogbonna | 57% | 2.2 |
| Fabian Balbuena | 59% | 1.7 |
| Vladimir Coufal | 62% | 1.6 |
| Declan Rice | 58% | 1.5 |
Source: WhoScored.com (2021)
The strength in the air is mirrored by defensive numbers: just 28 goals conceded in 23 games, ranking West Ham among the league’s top defenses despite their comparative lack of ball retention. Soucek’s aerial threat also translates seamlessly to attacking situations, especially during set-pieces.
Mastery of Set-Pieces: Turning Dead Balls into Goals
Set-piece proficiency is a core part of West Ham’s identity in 2020-21. The team regularly earns free-kicks and corners and has developed a reputation for executing these with purpose. Their record speaks volumes:
– 11 goals scored from set-pieces (joint-most in the league)
– Only 2 set-piece goals conceded (joint best defensive record for dead balls)
– 9 headed goals, many resulting directly from set-pieces
Much of this success comes from a blend of quality delivery and multiple aerial targets. Aaron Cresswell consistently takes charge of set-pieces, contributing five assists, creating an average of 1.5 chances, and delivering almost two crosses per match. But the threat goes beyond set-piece takers. Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna, Fabian Balbuena, Jarrod Bowen, and Tomas Soucek all frequently pose problems in the air. Soucek, in particular, has netted four of his eight season goals from set-piece situations.
Defensively, West Ham’s blend of zonal and man-marking on set-pieces has helped them fend off opposition threats, using their depth of aerially dominant players to great effect.
Conclusion: A Team Built on Resilience and Strengths
West Ham United’s evolution under David Moyes is a testament to tactical pragmatism and maximizing player strengths. By shifting to a balanced 4-2-3-1, they’ve harnessed a compact defensive structure, potency on set-pieces, and efficient transitions — all while operating with below-average possession. Their resilience, organization, and threat from dead balls have turned them into one of the Premier League’s toughest opponents, firmly placing them in the hunt for European competition. As the season unfolds, West Ham stand as both a model of effective adaptation and a surprise package amongst England’s elite.
