Graeme Souness has expressed his concerns about West Ham United’s lack of bravery in attacking set-pieces, citing a drop in their goal conversion rate.
As analyzes the HITC, the Hammers were known for their proficiency in scoring from set-pieces in the previous season, but they have slipped down the Premier League standings under David Moyes this season, finding themselves in the relegation zone in 18th place. Moyes has managed only five wins and five draws in the team’s 23 games this season, and they have scored just 19 goals, with only Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Wolves scoring fewer.
Only bottom dwellers Southampton have lost more games (13) than West Ham (12). This Saturday, the Hammers will aim for only their second Premier League victory in 12 games when they face Nottingham Forest. They have only scored 16th highest in the league from corners and free-kicks, but they have scored the fourth-highest number of penalties this season (4), with Said Benrahma’s penalty being crucial in their 2-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth.
In his column in the Daily Mail, Souness has expressed concern over the decline in set-piece goals scored by West Ham, which he sees as a troubling indication of their overall performance.
“There are two components to scoring those set-piece goals,” he wrote. “Delivery, which I would suggest has not changed. And a willingness to take a blow for the cause – put your head where you might get an elbow across your chops – which I would suggest has.
“I know Craig Dawson’s gone to Wolves but this feels like a reluctance to take one for the cause. If the bravery is not there at set-pieces, that will also be missing from the rest of their game.”