Real positives from Ruud today were the halftime changes without changing the personnel. The first half ball to Kasey that was never on, the isolation of JJ, the mid pairing letting West Ham stroll up to our box largely uncontested were quite prominent features of the first half. Second half he moved some players around and those issues largely disappeared.
The way we played it back to Faes in the 97th minute was a bit naive, and obviously Wout got a lot of stick there as we put ourself in danger, but tbh it should never have gone back to him. Nobody tried to take it to the corner to kill the game, it's been so long since we've gone into the end of the game with a lead to hold onto I think they may have forgotten how to see it out. So just being a bit cuter, buy a few fouls, take the sting out. Although obviously not always possible.
Real shame Reid was called offside, but some really good performances from players that haven't been fancied. Vesty and Coady did well, despite having the pace of a pensioner and a corpse, Coadys goalline stop as good as a goal for a defender. Can't remember them playing together much (ever) together before, so that was good to see. Soumare totally levelled up in the second half, made some good tackles and blocks.
I've never been a big fan of VK, and he looks sluggish and blowing out his arse after 5 minutes, but he's totally nullified their biggest threat in Bowen, set off some good attacks, a really good showing from him.
The Daka press was really good, and to put a finish on it was excellent, especially after being out so long.
Lots of positives, lots of things to work on. If there is a must-win on the horizon, I think it's Wolves and then anything else in December is a bonus given the opposition. Brighton and Newcastle look less bleak than they would have a week ago though!
