Luton Town v West Ham United: Five Talking Points
- by Chris Wilkerson
- Filed: Wednesday, 6th September 2023
West Ham United secured their second successive away win in the Premier League this season against Premier League newcomers Luton Town, through goals from Jarrod Bowen and Kurt Zouma.
And reflecting on the game, KUMB's Chris Wilkerson picks out five key moments from the 2-1 win that helped send West Ham - albeit briefly - back to the top of the table...Managing Games
Whilst a frantic finish changed the tone, West Ham utilised their experience and extra class superbly to control the game and suffocate any momentum Luton could gain. Their best spell of possession was followed by The Hammers dominating the ball, and the ease of which they held a 1-0 lead for so long is testament to their ability to take charge of the game.
Dangerous With Space
One clear weakness in Moyes’s West Ham teams has been an inability to break down deep defences. The second goal has been one of their hallmarks, but the first showed that we now have players you’d be foolish to let have comfortable possession 30 yards from goal. There will be sterner tests, but Paquetá and Ward-Prowse are both players who will deliver if left the opportunity to do so.
Claiming Crosses
Areola does seem a little more mobile in his box, but this penchant for letting crosses and high balls through his fingers is a touch concerning.
Álvarez Protects
Another win, another game where the Mexican was brilliant at the back. The big tackle near the end, so cleanly won in his own box, showed a man who enjoys defending. If he keeps that up, he’s bound to have fun at West Ham.
A Question on Kudus
The new signing rightly has everyone excited, but where will he play? The blend in midfield looks very good, and a Premier League midfield is a different story to an Ajax one. He operates off the right, but Bowen is fit and firing over there. The real space is on the left, and Kudus style of play would make him ideal over there, but he’s played much more of his career on the right or through the middle.
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