Following a sound pounding from Olympiacos, David Moyes’ players left Athens last night with their tails between their legs. In reality, the 2-1 scoreline did little honor to the Greeks’ superiority in a game in which the Hammers did not appear until the final fifteen minutes.
Moyes chose a starting lineup primarily comprised of marginal players, probably in the hope that the hunger of those on the fringes would convert into an exciting performance. It didn’t work!
The Hammers appeared uninspired and disorganized. We lacked any cutting edge up front without Bowen, Paqueta, and Antonio, while defensively we struggled with Olympiacos’ width and subsequently devolved into circus antics in front of goal.
Olympiacos’ first goal came as a result of a remarkable failure to close down a meandering run along the 18-yard box, as well as a harsh deflection off Mavropanos. Instead of responding, we allowed a shamefully clumsy second on the stroke of halftime when Ogbonna and Areola miscommunicated and a seemingly harmless cross sailed into the net.
It was easy to criticize our defense for the 0-2 halftime score, but our offense had completely failed. It was difficult to select between Fornals, Ings, and Benrahma as the most unimpressive (or disinterested), as we seemed to believe we were entitled to another European victory simply by showing up! Olympiacos, on the other hand, were full of energy and dedication, consistently coming out on top in 50-50 battles.
Halftime arrived, but instead of a second half comeback, the Greeks dominated the next 30 minutes, who genuinely had the bit between their teeth. They hunted in packs, fueled by their fans’ enormous banner that said “Tonight you dine in hell,” and should have gone further ahead.
Moyes sent in the bomb team, but they, too, faltered, and it wasn’t until it was too late that Paqueta scored a magnificent goal to set up an unlikely comeback. Danny Ings (once again) blew a huge opportunity along the way. Worryingly, we produced almost nothing of note from a series of Ward-Prowse corners, becoming engrossed in bully-boy antics in the six yard box.
Last night was the first time you could clearly feel Declan Rice’s lack of leadership and energy.
As a result, it’s back to the drawing board. Everton at home on Sunday is a significant chance to get back on track, while Olympiacos comes to town in a fortnight for some vengeance.
