Tactical analysis Sheffield United West Ham United 1-0 Premier League

Sheffield United – West Ham United: A Game Full of Errors Sways for Sheffield United (1-0)

After a first half devoid of  quality play, Sheffield United pressed higher against a weak West Ham backline, to force errors and access better areas of the pitch. The hosts deserved to win all three points against an unbalanced West Ham team, who repeatedly displayed their problems in buildup and creating service for the frontline. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker

After Carlos Tevez scored the winner at Old Trafford to relegate Sheffield United back in 2007, pathways have been remarkably different for both teams. After years of lingering in England’s third division, Chris Wilder has revolutionized a historic club, leading them to an impressive eighth place in the Premier League table going into this match.

Sheffield United have recorded incredible defensive numbers throughout the campaign; only Liverpool and Manchester City have conceded less expected goals The amount of goals a team is expected to score based on the quality of the shots they take. than they have, and Sheffield United have the lowest shot quality conceded in the league. With a well-constructed squad to exploit the strengths of their 3-5-2 formation, what Sheffield United have achieved so far this season is incredible considering their position when Wilder was appointed.

Meanwhile, West Ham have partnered big spend with terrible recruitment, as well as poor ownership of the club. Seventeenth in the standings, as well as being just one point above the relegation zone, it was inevitable Manuel Pellegrini would be getting the sack sooner rather than later. Once again, they have turned to veteran manager David Moyes to bail them out of trouble having sacked the Scotsman just eighteen months . . .

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Joel Parker (24) is an Everton fan. Whenever he’s not watching his beloved Everton, Joel spends his time analyzing all sorts of football. Chief editor and Founder of Toffee Analysis. [ View all posts ]

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