“This Change Made All the Difference” | The Best We’ve Looked All Season
West Ham United delivered a long-awaited, remarkable performance in their 2-0 Premier League triumph over Eddie Howe’s high-flying Newcastle United. The victory, secured at the notoriously formidable St. James’ Park, wasn’t just about the result—it was about the manner in which it was achieved. For the first time this season, West Ham didn’t just fight for points; they controlled the game in a way that fans have been longing to see.
While the three points were desperately needed given West Ham’s precarious position near the bottom of the table, this match was about so much more than survival. St. James’ Park is known for its raucous atmosphere and intimidating environment, making it one of the most challenging away grounds in the league. Yet, West Ham approached the task with poise, confidence, and a clear game plan that was executed to near perfection.
This wasn’t just a scrappy, backs-to-the-wall performance where luck played a key role. No, this was different. Under Julen Lopetegui’s guidance, the Irons demonstrated control, composure, and quality across all areas of the pitch. It was the kind of performance that gives fans a glimpse of what the team is truly capable of when firing on all cylinders. For large stretches of the game, West Ham looked formidable—a team reborn.
In defence, the backline was solid and well-organized, leaving Newcastle frustrated. The midfield, often a point of contention this season, became a beacon of stability and creativity. And up front, the attacking players showed cohesion and intent, creating opportunities that kept Newcastle’s defence on high alert. So effective was the overall team performance that goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański had a relatively quiet afternoon, dealing with only a handful of tasks—a few acrobatic punches and some impressive footwork that might earn him a spot on Strictly Come Dancing. It was, without question, the most assured and complete performance from West Ham this season.
While there were plenty of individual highlights, including standout displays from Max Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, one tactical decision by Lopetegui stood out as the key to the transformation: the midfield setup. Lopetegui opted for a more technical and progressive approach in midfield, deploying two ball-playing midfielders instead of two defensive blockers in what is often referred to as a “double pivot.” This subtle but significant shift in strategy made all the difference.
The pairing of Carlos Soler and Lucas Paquetá in the center of the park was a masterstroke. Watching them work together, you’d think they had been playing side by side for years. Their natural chemistry as technical, intelligent footballers brought a fluidity and rhythm to West Ham’s game that had been sorely missing in previous matches. The pair’s ability to pass, move, and control the tempo of the game allowed West Ham to dominate possession and neutralize Newcastle’s typically aggressive pressing game.
This change wasn’t just effective; it was transformative. For the first time this season, West Ham looked like a cohesive unit, capable of both defending solidly and attacking with purpose. The partnership between Soler and Paquetá gave the team a newfound balance, bridging the gap between defence and attack in a way that had been lacking for much of the campaign.
The impact of this tactical shift cannot be overstated. It’s no exaggeration to say that this approach could be the blueprint for West Ham moving forward. Lopetegui, who has faced mounting pressure in recent weeks, must use this victory and the insights it provided as a springboard. Persisting with a technical midfield, rather than reverting to a more defensive setup, could be the key to turning West Ham’s season around.
So, credit where credit is due. This was a team performance in every sense of the word. From the manager’s tactical acumen to the players’ execution on the pitch, everything clicked. For the first time this season, West Ham didn’t just look like a collection of individuals—they looked like a team. And for the fans, that’s a reason to hope and believe that better days are ahead.
