The 2022-23 season went down in the history books for West Ham United after the London-based club went on to win the UEFA Conference League title. David Moyes and his men looked like a settled team, despite losing their club captain, Declan Rice, in the summer. The Hammers brought a few big names to the club with Rice’s money.
West Ham are currently sitting eighth in the English Premier League table with 36 points in 24 games. They have won 10, lost eight and drawn the remaining six games. Recently, Moyes’ men have shown signs of struggle. They are winless in the last five league games. After playing three consecutive draws, the Hammers suffered back-to-back losses against two big teams. This has totally broken the momentum of the London club and they are now struggling in the race for Europe.
Let’s take a look at what has gone wrong with West Ham’s form and can they turn around the tables in the remaining games of the season.
Leaky defence
West Ham United have a negative goal difference this season. They have conceded more goals and scored less. In the 2023-24 season, Moyes’s men have scored 36 times and let in 42 goals into their goal.
The Hammers played a goalless draw against Brighton. This was followed by a 2-2 draw against Sheffield United and 1-1 against Bournemouth. West Ham United’s struggles continued as they lost 3-0 to Manchester United. Adding to their misery was a 6-0 loss against Arsenal in the previous match.
During this period, West Ham United kept one clean sheet and conceded 12 goals at an average of 2.4 goals per game. The Hammers conceded 1.75 goals per match in the Premier League 2023-24.
In the last five matches, West Ham’s defence has allowed the opposition to take 85 shots. Their average this season has been 15.3 shots. In the last five, this average has gone to 17 shots per match. The opposition teams have found ways to penetrate the opposition penalty box and have scored a few goals from in and around the six-yard box.
Lack of creative edge
David Moyes’ team has shown struggles in the attack as well. The above viz shows the progressive passes made by the team in the last five matches. West Ham United have struggled to penetrate the opposition penalty box on most occasions. Only a few passes have been attempted to the opposition penalty box.
Struggles to score from open play
Due to this lack of creativity, the team has struggled to score goals. Only three goals have been scored in the last five games. Of these three goals, two came from the penalty spot.
West Ham United only averages 10.5 shots per match and this is not what the team would be happy with. Only 12 shots were on target, with five coming in the last two games. In the last game against Arsenal, they only attempted five shots.
The struggles in the attack and defence are a big concern for the manager and the team. They have failed to score goals and are leaking goals. West Ham United will aim to return to form and contest for European place.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
