Ouch- feels like a defeat that!

[CoolClaret]

The game in many ways highlighted what was needed this season, difference-makers. The goal from Fofana gave us something to defend and in turn, allowed us to create our opportunities as West Ham chased the game. It was an unusual game for us when you compare it to the rest of the season.

Kompany made the same mistake many people on here make in equating left backs as equal importance to centre forwards. Under Dyche, we had players who could impact games up the pitch(Ings, Barnes and Wood) which would give us something to defend at the other end. People don't notice the left-back as much when you've got a forward who knows where the back of the net is and equally people do focus more on the left-back when you don't have a goal-scoring forward.

This season we didn't sign Tella and went with Amdouni, this decision has proven to be a killer.

Half agree with this but there's a massive difference; in VKs system the fullback's role is crucial for progressing play up the pitch and has to be very tactically aware in and out of possession - very different to the role in a Dyche side.

[Jakubclaret]

The game in many ways highlighted what was needed this season, difference-makers. The goal from Fofana gave us something to defend and in turn, allowed us to create our opportunities as West Ham chased the game. It was an unusual game for us when you compare it to the rest of the season.

Kompany made the same mistake many people on here make in equating left backs as equal importance to centre forwards. Under Dyche, we had players who could impact games up the pitch(Ings, Barnes and Wood) which would give us something to defend at the other end. People don't notice the left-back as much when you've got a forward who knows where the back of the net is and equally people do focus more on the left-back when you don't have a goal-scoring forward.

This season we didn't sign Tella and went with Amdouni, this decision has proven to be a killer.

Got a pen & paper handy you could do a list.
Foster out hasn't helped.
Missing Townsend he surely would have a difference albeit marginal.
Continually starting a keeper when arguably a better 1 is sat down doing nothing hasn't helped.
Not securing the important loanees from last season.
Discarding & breaking up last season's team when you could have seamlessly picked up where you left off.
It's all been pretty much self inflicted sitting squarely at 1 persons door.

[getbennyon]

Half agree with this but there's a massive difference; in VKs system the fullback's role is crucial for progressing play up the pitch and has to be very tactically aware in and out of possession - very different to the role in a Dyche side.

It was more the importance of a goalscorer than a left-back.

Every season I read on here that we need players in 5/6 positions,my position remains the same...who will score the goals? Get that right and the rest often falls into place.