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Posted: **30 Dec 2025, 09:42**

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Match Centre:

Odds:
WHU: 5/2
Draw: 14/5
Brighton: 11/10

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Well, it's the last game of 2025 in a year that few will look back on with favour or fondness. Wrapping it up are bogey-side Brighton, who after a last minute outrageous goal in the away fixture cost us a vital victory, will fancy themselves (doesn't everyone) heading to the London Stadium.

It's another of those must win games for West Ham, and if the recovery doesn't actually commence at some point, we're fucked.

There's been no press conference for this game, so not much to report on player availability wise. Fullkrug is training with Milan already so he's not available. Guilherme seems to have been ostracised for some reason despite a moderatly promising last cameo against Liverpool. And Igor it would appear it's been decided isn't up to task. Diouf and Wan Bissaka remain at the AFCON tournament.

Predicted Line Up:

Brighton play with a large number of overloads on the ball, and last time out we shifted to a back three quite successfully, so I'd expect to see something similar again in this game (just to get the natives uber-restless when the defensive looking lineup is announced):

Areola

Mavropanos Kilman Todibo

Walker Peters Fernandes Potts Scarles

Paqueta

Bowen Summerville

Subs: Hermansen, Myers, Golambeckis, Kante, Rodriguez, Magassa, Earthy, Soucek, Wilson

Predicted Result:

It is all starting to feel a bit last chance saloon for West Ham, despite the season still having over half left to run! Lose this game and all hope will feel lost. Brighton though seem to be missing some key players, and this presents us a chance at least. Brighton created almost nothing against us in the first game so I expect that gameplan and pattern to largely repeat...with the outcome to be decided on the basis of how well our Maginot Line holds up to late pressure when Brighton come on strong.

Score: West Ham 1 - 0 Brighton (Bowen)

COYI

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 19:53**

El Scorchio" wrote: ↑31 Dec 2025, 10:11
Massive Attack" wrote: ↑30 Dec 2025, 23:03 Yet Brighton can still manage to keep a near 40 year old Midfielder, 35 year old Striker and two almost 34 year old Defenders on the pitch till late in the game. 4 old codger players older than Wilson that's almost half an outfield Team.

Unless Wilson came off due to injury which I doubt, he should not have come off when he did as their Defence struggled to deal with him.

All this wrapping him up in cotton wool for fearing what might or might not happen is costing us the chance to win games and score more. He's a big boy who can last games and hasn't come off injured in games.

On top of that the January window is just about to open so it's not like we cannot now get in Strikers should he get injured.

That’s largely irrelevant what age they are. It’s their fitness and fragility and susceptibility to injuries which are the factors. He can’t just automatically play 90 minutes once or twice a week because we want or need him to. And yes the window cannot come soon enough provided another striker comes in immediately to take pressure off everything.

I wouldn’t say they struggled to deal with him but he was absolutely missed when he went off, we couldn’t replace him thanks to the woeful state of the squad and the booing was loud. The manager isn’t taking him off for fun though is he.

It's an interesting debate as there's some that agree with Nuno's management of him and there's others that think we have been shooting ourselves in the foot with how he's been dealt with.

We aint talking about 1 or maybe 2 players that are 31, 32 year olds that we were up against. We are talking about a 40 year old at the heart of their Midfield/Team and an injury prone 35 Striker himself Welbeck, as well as 2 Defenders that are both soon to be 34 in 2 weeks time once Veltman has his birthday. That's incredible to me how they can play all 4 of them for the majority of the same game whilst Nuno wilfully decides to take off Wilson who's the youngest of the lot at 33 who hasn't pulled up once for us injured, including last night whilst being available to play in every single match going this season. As well as the 18 games he's also been consecutively available to play for Newcastle from February to the end of the season injury free. I just don't see where the match fitness issues currently are, especially when up against older players and in Welbeck who has had his injury issues in the past 2 years older kept on longer.

There is no current injury concerns so Nuno is either overly cautious about playing him for fear of what might happen which I don't think is the right way to go this excessive when we desperately need points/wins, or I suspect doesn't actually think he's all that good as a Striker which I couldn't disagree with him more if that is the case. The fella can seriously play as a Premier League Striker with a wealth of experience we should be regularly tapping in to, yet this wally has consistently held him back/took him off needlessly.

It feels like some are trying to justify and almost create an issue for Wilson that just isn't there, even though they do it in good faith. I kind of get it, I just happen to strongly disagree that this has been the right way to manage Wilson to our detriment. It's night and day when he's on the pitch and we suffer when he's not out on the pitch. Last night was no different and the loud audible boos signalled many shared the same concerns within the Stadium.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 19:19**

Agreed in regards to our possession. We don't even do the basics. A lot of our movement off the ball is terrible, players don't find pockets of space while Brighton last night were stringing 4 or 5 passes to players in space and cutting through our team.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 19:15**

Cup of Tea,
Completely agree. Potts wants to receive and pass the ball on quickly,one touch but our central defence pair don't.I lost count the number of times Kilman passed to Scarles only for the ball to be played slightly behind so Scarles couldn't go forward with the ball.Todibo does the same. When Scarles receives the ball in front of him he's always looking to go forward actually him and Paqueta combined pretty well. That's what I like about Scarles and seeing him power forward I can see him scoring in the next few games.He scored quite a few for the u21's like this and he had 2 good chances,1 of which led to our penalty. He's also a good passer of the ball through the middle as seen a couple of times against Fulham.
Our u21's love the ball,Earthy or Marshall would be a better allround option than Summerville,who's a one trick pony with that said pony galloping off into the sunset a long time ago.

BTW we have Orford available now so there's another good passer of the ball.
yep I love the u21's so fuck off anyone who doesn't they all look better than the alternatives Nuno has pushed in front of them. The difference between Kante bombing forward and Soucek was staggering.
I'm sure Cup of Tea would have seen that in his NYE repeat.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 16:58**

For my sins I just rewatched the whole game - yes I am bored and in a lot of dental pain and staying in tonight!

It was a really weird game, literally backwards and forwards from one end of the pitch to the other, It could easily have been 4-4, however, what struck me was our inability to put simple passes together, our inability to play that defence splitting pass, our sheer fear of being in possession, When I compared it to Brighton who had players actively asking for and searching for the ball and empty spaces I really did see whay we look so poor.

Is it because the plauers out there for us simply don't have the ability? I don;t think so, the players out there should be nowhere near a relegation battle. It occurred to me that every player out there bar Bowen, Potts and Scarles were actually scared of the ball and scared of making a mistake and hiding from their responsibilities as players.

Barring a few brief spells we looked devoid of ideas and confidence, and that is against a team who had also been on a bad run - hiding isn't a good sign when you are where you are. Where is the leadership? Where is the committment? Where are the legs making runs?

When watching it live I thought we did OK (at best) Rewatching it we looked poor - that isn't a giood sign going into games v Wolves and Forest and a FA Cup game.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 14:32**

As the game wore on we were unable to get the ball and every loose ball or 2nd ball was pucked up by Brighton. Their forward thinking players in midfield and out wide were just too quick at times. It tires the midfield and team chasing all game. Part of it is sitting too deep but other than Fernandes and the odd charge by Magassa we dont seem to have any ball carriers to link defence to attack. Brighton were pushing their backs so high and they were almost wingers. But we have several players even now that wont do the tracking back and running out of possession needed. Paqueta a prime case, Somerville guilty too and Wilson cant contribute. It allows teams like Brighton’s CBs and backs to get deep in our half. We have never been a pressing team ir one that it is good at it collectively over the course of 90 mins. It takes a squad to do it as players in midfield etc will tire. It takes an exceptional athlete to press effectively for 90 mins.

Nuno always had success with sitting deeper and countering at Wolves and Forest but the squad to do it. Its not good to watch if you’re team cannot do it. A target man is essential and old man Wilson us not that and as mentioned we dont have enough ball carriers. Potts and Magas

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 14:00**

The Teams capability is clearly there to attack Teams, it's the manager having the bollocks to approach it that way when it's appropriate to do so. This twat cannot help himself reverting to type going back in his shell which is what the late 3 Subs said about his approach to managing games. That's why he is a big reason why we now find ourselves in this mess by being so gutless.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 13:51**

I'll absolutely take that first half compared to the coma-inducing grot we've been subjected to these past several years. Naturally, that fun wasn't going to last long with the killjoy bald grinch on the touchline.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 13:23**

Forgot to add he did replace Wilson for Summerville earlier in the 2nd half but it wasn't a move I agreed with up against their old biddie Defence who was giving them kittens in and around the Box hence the awarded Penalty due to Wilson.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 13:16**

For what it is worth, I think one of our biggest hurdles, and there are a lot of them, is confidence. There were times last night, and in most of the games I have seen this season, when players got into some good positions and then rather than go for goal chose to play a pass or two too many. Somerville did it again last night, Guilherme did it a lot of times when he played. You could almost feel the tension and nerves in the player and sometimes it just takes a goal to give a player that much needed boost. I also think this lack of self belief leads to players not making those runs into space and giving the player with the ball attacking and positive outlets, so many times we were too static and passive.

What summed it up for me was on 80 minutes, we had a free kick midway into the Brighton half, Potts rolled it forward to Fernandez, received it back and then lost possession almost giving a goal away in the process.

I dont whether it started with the Potter regime of keeping possession and not being swashbuckling and attack minded, but whenever it did, it is a big factor in an apparent lack of self belief in players. Bowen, Paquetta and Wilson still have it, but most of the others lack that self belief in going for it.

If you dont take a shot at goal, you dont score.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 13:10**

It summed it up that as the Home Team up against Brightons ancient Dad's Army XI he chose a) not to include an extra attacking player in Marshall on the Bench and more importantly b) chose to bring on only 3 Defensive players whilst overlooking in the in form Academy/Stiffs fit player Earthy who we know could be worth a goal or causing havoc in the final attacking third of the pitch. Young inexperienced Academy players Mayers, Kante and old head Soucek were all used instead.

Not that any of it was a surprise and all very predictable when it comes to Nuno's tactics/Team Selections/Subs.

We were dog lucky to get a point in the end they really should have won that game but thankfully we managed to nick a point.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 13:00**

scott_d wrote: ↑31 Dec 2025, 12:56 Something that is not really Nuno's fault, is the lack of options on the bench.

It's quite depressing seeing us last night knowing that it's very difficult to make a positive change with a substitution.

Whilst this is true to a certain extent..... what is Nuno's fault is that there are not many positive changes to make when he puts 3 CB and 4 CM's on their every week. Where is Ghillurme or a academy striker ?

He must see the pattern of the final 20 mins of games we need some attackers to come on over defenders yet every fucking week he is sticking two 18 year old kid CB's on the bench with Dinos.... there is no logic to it at all.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 12:56**

Something that is not really Nuno's fault, is the lack of options on the bench.

It's quite depressing seeing us last night knowing that it's very difficult to make a positive change with a substitution.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 12:18**

What struck me last night was how much of a Basketball game it was which is so out of character of the usual overly defensive Crackheadball we are sadly accustomed to. That told me how desperate the situation has become that it was try anything at this stage because of how perilous his position has become and how dire our situation is. A tell tale sign that time's up when it gets to that level of bonkers.

The game was highly entertaining but it was the exception to his usual rule. As much as it was great fun to see (more as a neutral), it was equally alarming. Geezer is all over the shop and someone within the Club needs to give him a gentle tap on the shoulder to go as he's done enough damage now.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 11:57**

twoleftfeet wrote: ↑31 Dec 2025, 11:19
Come On You Irons" wrote: ↑31 Dec 2025, 11:04
ragingbull wrote: ↑31 Dec 2025, 10:33 I don't think Summerville will cut it in this league but handy in the championship that's his level.

Indeed. As I pointed out after the Forest away win in August and oh how they laughed at the time.

Right yet again...

I’m fucking amazed you aren’t managing a top club you annoying little cսnt

Here stalky, stalky.

Have some sour grapes.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 11:19**

Come On You Irons" wrote: ↑31 Dec 2025, 11:04
ragingbull wrote: ↑31 Dec 2025, 10:33 I don't think Summerville will cut it in this league but handy in the championship that's his level.

Indeed. As I pointed out after the Forest away win in August and oh how they laughed at the time.

Right yet again...

I’m fucking amazed you aren’t managing a top club you annoying little cսnt

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 11:06**

August? I was complaining about Summerville last season when he was playing. He's never shown end product for us. Just 1 poxy goal and 1 assist back then before his sicknote hamstrings finally went twang in January. He weren't even that good for Leeds in the Prem when they last went down.

We have a nasty habit of going back to relegated sides leftover carcasses to pick the rotten bones out of and then wonder why we are now suffering down the bottom with the same PTSD players with weak mentalities. And paying a pretty penny for the privilege each time too! Scandelous mismanagement across the board.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 11:05**

They used to call Darren Huckerby 'The speedboat without a driver' ;

Summerville is similar (except Huckerby was better)

Lesson not learned if we sign Adama Traore too
.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 11:04**

ragingbull wrote: ↑31 Dec 2025, 10:33 I don't think Summerville will cut it in this league but handy in the championship that's his level.

Indeed. As I pointed out after the Forest away win in August and oh how they laughed at the time.

Right yet again...

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 10:47**

The funny thing is even the great Alan Dev couldn't finish a lot of the time. He would run past three or four players and put it wide of the post! However he had end product with his decision making and passing creating so many chances for others. Summerville is very quick and gets in great positions but he seems to panic. That over hit pass to Bowen the perfect example when he really should have pulled the trigger. This is where coaches should be earning their money. Too many of our players haven't improved in the last few years.

Bowen was far more effective when Wilson was on the pitch. His physical presence would keep two defenders busy opening the space for Bowen. Wilson holds it up too and that all went when he went off an Paqueta went up top, a position he can't play. Even with his legs gone you could play him a bit deeper winning flick on's for Bowen and Summerville. Better than playing Paq as a F9!

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 10:33**

I don't think Summerville will cut it in this league but handy in the championship that's his level.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 10:22**

I wouldn’t say they struggled to deal with him but he was absolutely missed when he went off, we couldn’t replace him thanks to the woeful state of the squad and the booing was loud. The manager isn’t taking him off for fun though is he.

And if there was anyone good enough in the academy he'd use them - he's throwing in Mayers, Kante, Scarles etc, so he isn't afraid of playing the youngsters, and he must have Robson and Potts telling him who they think are the pick of the academy.

Interesting to see just how quick Kante was when he started sprinting a couple of times yesterday.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 10:19**

Lato wrote: ↑31 Dec 2025, 09:56 Another dismal display but grateful for the point even though it is not going to help much, Its so frustrating watching us week in week out. Trying to play out from Areola, backwards and sideways and every opposing team doe's the same thing, push up on us and inevitably we play a hasty long ball forward which is comfortably dealt with by the opposition. Our team are like strangers to each other, it makes you wonder what the hell they do all week during training?

This I agree with and it’s been like this for years as well under the last four managers most of the time. It was stark last night. They pass and move and create space and opportunities and break the lines with relative ease and look after the ball really well. We really struggle to move and retain the ball effectively and work as a team to make advantageous situations for ourselves. You see it all the time when we play. And this is over a period of time where it’s 11 completely different players now on the pitch.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 10:11**

Massive Attack" wrote: ↑30 Dec 2025, 23:03 Yet Brighton can still manage to keep a near 40 year old Midfielder, 35 year old Striker and two almost 34 year old Defenders on the pitch till late in the game. 4 old codger players older than Wilson that's almost half an outfield Team.

Unless Wilson came off due to injury which I doubt, he should not have come off when he did as their Defence struggled to deal with him.

All this wrapping him up in cotton wool for fearing what might or might not happen is costing us the chance to win games and score more. He's a big boy who can last games and hasn't come off injured in games.

On top of that the January window is just about to open so it's not like we cannot now get in Strikers should he get injured.

That’s largely irrelevant what age they are. It’s their fitness and fragility and susceptibility to injuries which are the factors. He can’t just automatically play 90 minutes once or twice a week because we want or need him to. And yes the window cannot come soon enough provided another striker comes in immediately to take pressure off everything.

I wouldn’t say they struggled to deal with him but he was absolutely missed when he went off, we couldn’t replace him thanks to the woeful state of the squad and the booing was loud. The manager isn’t taking him off for fun though is he.

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 10:03**

We didn't have a single shot after half time until Wilson went off, did we?

Posted: **31 Dec 2025, 10:00**

Ron Eff" wrote: ↑31 Dec 2025, 09:58
Metroplex wrote: ↑31 Dec 2025, 07:55 Where has this myth that Wilson can only last an hour piped up from?

It’s not a myth. He is completely shot at 55-60 minutes and no longer offering anything. Surely people see this.

Well I don't and neither do those around me. No surprises we turned to shit once he went off either.

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