Graeme Souness has now raised concerns that West Ham United lack bravery through the Irons’ drop off in goals from set-pieces. He feels they have a ‘reluctance’ to attack chances.
The Hammers were among the Premier League’s best at converting set-pieces into goals in 2021/22. But David Moyes has seen his squad slip down the standings so far this season, as well as the top-flight table. West Ham enter this weekend in the relegation zone in 18th.
Moyes has overseen just five wins and five draws through West Ham’s 23 games so far this season. Just Everton (17), Nottingham Forest and Wolves (18) have also scored fewer goals than the Irons (19). While just basement boys Southampton (15) have lost more often (13).
West Ham will strive to win just their second Premier League game through 12 fixtures this Saturday against Nottingham Forest. Their only win since beating AFC Bournemouth 2-0 on October 24 came in a 2-0 result against Everton. Both results came at the London Stadium.
A Said Benrahma penalty helped toward 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 only rank in 16th across the top-flight for goals from corners and free-kicks.
West Ham’s drop off in goals from set-pieces this season worries Graeme Souness
West Ham have only converted four set-pieces into goals through their 23 Premier League games so far this season. Just Brighton & Hove Albion (2), Manchester United and Wolves (3) have scored from fewer. Yet the Irons ranked fifth throughout the top-flight last term.
Moyes oversaw 14 goals from West Ham’s 38 games through the 2021/22 Premier League term. Just Manchester City (21), Liverpool (19), Arsenal (16) and Brentford (15) were more productive from free-kicks and corners. They have all 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 noted in his column for the Daily Mail how the drop off in goals West Ham are producing from set-pieces shows a worrying overall trend.
“There are two components to scoring those set-piece goals,” he wrote. “Delivery, which I would suggest has not changed. And a willingness to take a blow for the cause – put your head where you might get an elbow across your chops – which I would suggest has.
“I know Craig Dawson’s gone to Wolves but this feels like a reluctance to take one for the cause. If the bravery is not there at set-pieces, that will also be missing from the rest of their game.”
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