Lanzini’s late injury strips West Ham of advanced creativity.
Manuel Lanzini, West Ham’s most important attacker in the absence of Dimitri Payet, was ruled of this match with a thigh injury he picked up late in the week. As a result, Slaven Bilic set up a system very different to his usual. With no advanced, central creative players, this was very much an outside-in approach, with Zarate and Moses, then Antonio, very much hugging the touchlines. With Andy Carroll dropping to touch out first time passes to his wingers – which he did with aplomb – and Noble and Song trying to create from deeper areas, the area that Lanzini and Payet like to occupy, went unfilled.
Bilic’s plan worked, and his team left with a wholly earned point (they really should have had all three, considering the chances they missed). It was, from a manager who has stuck fast with his team selection and system, a showing of welcome tactical flexibility.
SB: “United had their chances but we defended great as a team. We had the best chances of the first half and should have been in front.
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) December 5, 2015
