West Ham finished a topsy-turvy 2022-23 season on a memorable high as they left behind the poor domestic campaign with a European trophy.
David Moyes’ side showed a lot of fight and resilience to overcome Fiorentina 2-1 and lift the Europa Conference League trophy in Prague, thereby, ending West Ham’s 58-year-long wait for European triumph. The Scotsman has gone from flirting with the sack for most of the campaign to scripting his name in the club’s history books, and the Hammers’ decision to stick with him through difficult times has paid off handsomely.
However, Moyes will be wary of the fact that his West Ham team largely underperformed this past season and must improve to hit the heights of seasons before. On that note, let us take a look at the three chief areas West Ham should focus on improving next term.
- Ball retention
One of the biggest problems West Ham suffered last season is poor ball retention. They simply gave the ball away far too often and only managed 41.4% possession—the third-worst in the Premier League with Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest worse than them. (stats courtesy: WhoScored)
The Hammers lack ball-playing defenders capable of passing out from the back. Moyes wants his players to pass out from the back more but they struggled to progress the ball through the mid-thirds and often found themselves ceding possession.
To fix this issue, there needs to be better movement, as well as technically sound defenders and midfielders who can progress the ball without much fuss. So, buying players of such profile are a must.
- Chance creation and profligacy in front of goal
West Ham had the sixth-worst record in terms of goals scored from open play—23. Only Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Southampton and Wolves scored less than Moyes’ side.
Their club’s expected goals is down at 1.51. But they only averaged 1.11 goals per match and that is due to their wastefulness in front of goal. They also failed to score 34% of their chances, with a shot conversion rate as lowly as 8%. (stats courtesy: FootyStats)
Essentially, more chances needs to be created. Players have to be a lot more clinical in front of goal. If Moyes can improve this crucial aspect within the squad with his coaching or add some more quality attacking players, West Ham could become a lot more dangerous outfit on the counter-attacks next year.
- Away form
West Ham were among the teams with the worst away from in the Premier League. They only mustered three wins and managed to draw three in 19 away fixtures, while losing 13 which is an abysmal record.
The east London side could only score 16 goals on their travels while conceding 31 goals. In their last five away fixtures of the 2022-23 season, they lost four and won once. Wolves’ last away win came in April when they smashed Bournemouth 4-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
Overall, West Ham’s record on the road is more than a little worrying. A better away record next term will be crucial if they are to break into the top half of the table.
