Only five teams conceded more goals than West Ham United in the Premier League last season. Their display at Old Trafford on the opening day of the new campaign suggests that they could face similar struggles in the next nine months.
Goalkeeper Joe Hart could do little to stop the four goals that flew past him on his debut, although he will likely be disappointed with the effort and application from his new team. Manchester United cut through West Ham's defence with considerable ease, but the back four had little assistance from their teammates further forward.
Pablo Zabaleta was exposed to Marcus Rashford's pace, with Andre Ayew not helping the 32-year-old full-back in a defensive capacity. However, the French winger wasn’t the only one, with Mark Noble and Winston Reid both able to offer additional protection on that flank.
Slaven Bilic could easily make several changes in the next few games should his squad fully recover from the numerous knocks and injuries. He has other centre-back options in James Collins and Jose Fonte, although the latter has failed to produce the form that he did so consistently at Southampton.
The central midfield area does lack quality, with Noble, Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate all decent but not outstanding, whilst Edimilson Fernandes is still raw. It’s no surprise that they are close to agreeing a move for Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho, though the two clubs have yet to reach an amicable price.
Carvalho was left out of last night’s Champions League squad, with The Hammers offering £36 million to secure his services, however, Sporting want closer to £40 million. It’s vital that the 25-year-old can finally get his lucrative move to the Premier League for his own progression and for his potential new side.
He has been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Everton for the last four seasons, although Sporting only acquired his full rights in November 2014. The Portuguese defensive midfielder could certainly have improved these clubs in this period and it’s remarkable that others aren’t providing sterner opposition for his signature now.
Carvalho is an opposing figure, good aerially and very difficult to physically remove out of possession, whilst he obviously puts that strength to good use when looking to win the ball. He’s a strong tackler, but it’s his positional ability that allows him to sense danger.
For Portugal, he won the Player of the Tournament award for the Under-21s in the European Championships in 2015. He dominated Liverpool’s Emre Can in the 5-0 victory over Germany in the semi-final, although he missed the decisive penalty of the shoot-out against Sweden in the final.
His importance to the senior side was emphasised when he missed the semi-final victory over Wales in Euro 2016 through suspension, yet he was reinstated for the final due to the balance he’s able to provide. He was pivotal as Portugal beat hosts France 1-0 to win their first ever international trophy.
West Ham will still need to improve defensively as a unit, but it will aid them to have such a proficient player in the holding role. Carvalho makes teams play better and it might just be enough to keep Bilic in his job past the 12 months remaining on his contract.
