The effect of conceding first at home.
We were given the opportunity, thanks to Mark Noble’s dreadful brain fade, to see how the match would evolve once West Ham were behind. The Hammers have found it difficult in the extreme to dictate the terms of a game, to control possession, and break down an opponent in a way that doesn’t involve break-neck counter-attacking. Norwich, perhaps rather unwisely, didn’t sit back after their goal, and hand West Ham the sort of impetus that has stumped them in past matches this season. The ebb of the match slowly turned, as West Ham’s confidence murmured, then spiked, then bubbled furiously up as each counter-attacking opportunity arose. Though the possession stats eventually evened out, Norwich dominated the ball for most of the match, and only sat back once West Ham were level. The Hammers have made it clear this season; they don’t require the majority of possession to hurt you.
