Fulham vs West Ham: Premier League 2024 - Match Analysis

Final Score: Fulham 1-1 West Ham

Overview

The Premier League clash between Fulham and West Ham on September 14, 2024, ended in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage. Raul Jimenez opened the scoring for Fulham in the first half, while Danny Ings netted a dramatic equalizer for West Ham in the dying moments of the game. This match provided a mix of tactical conservatism, individual brilliance, and controversial refereeing decisions.

First Half: Fulham's Dominance

Fulham started the game on the front foot, showcasing their attacking prowess. Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi, and Adama Traore were particularly impressive, combining well to create several opportunities. The home side felt aggrieved early on when referee Tim Robinson did not award a penalty after Max Kilman appeared to shove Adama Traore inside the box. Despite the contentious decision, Fulham continued to press and were rewarded in the 24th minute.

Smith Rowe, who was influential throughout the first half, managed to keep the ball in play near the byline before cutting it back to Raul Jimenez. The Mexican striker timed his run perfectly and slotted the ball past Alphonse Areola to give Fulham a deserved lead. Fulham's fluidity in attack was evident, with Smith Rowe and Iwobi frequently linking up with full-back Antonee Robinson to stretch West Ham's defense.

West Ham's Struggles

West Ham, under new manager Julen Lopetegui, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. The Hammers were largely ineffective going forward, managing an expected goals (xG) value of just 0.05. Michail Antonio, who has been a reliable figure in West Ham's attack, was particularly disappointing and was substituted at halftime after failing to register a single shot or dribble.

Lopetegui's decision to start with three defensive midfielders—Tomas Soucek, Edson Alvarez, and Guido Rodriguez—was a clear indication of his cautious approach. This conservative setup stifled West Ham's creativity, leaving Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen isolated in attack.

Second Half: Tactical Adjustments and Late Drama

Recognizing the need for a change, Lopetegui introduced Lucas Paqueta and Crysencio Summerville at halftime. These substitutions injected much-needed energy and creativity into West Ham's play. Paqueta, who had just returned from international duty, added a creative spark, while Summerville's direct running caused problems for Fulham's defense.

Fulham, however, continued to create chances and should have doubled their lead. Adama Traore, in particular, was guilty of missing a clear header from close range. As the game progressed, West Ham began to assert themselves more, with Bowen and Kudus both coming close to scoring.

The turning point came in the 82nd minute when Danny Ings was introduced. Ings, who had been on the fringes of the squad and was close to leaving the club in the summer, proved his worth. In the 95th minute, Bowen's cross found Ings, who created a yard of space before firing a powerful shot past Bernd Leno to secure a point for West Ham.

Controversial Refereeing Decisions

The match was not without its controversies. Fulham manager Marco Silva was particularly vocal about the decision not to award a penalty for the challenge on Traore. Silva argued that the decision had a significant impact on the game, as a penalty and a potential red card for Kilman could have changed the outcome. The VAR review upheld the on-field decision, much to the frustration of the Fulham camp.

Player Performances

• Fulham: Emile Smith Rowe was the standout performer, earning the Player of the Match accolade. His assist for Jimenez's goal and his overall influence on the game were crucial for Fulham. Raul Jimenez also impressed with his well-taken goal and intelligent movement.
• West Ham: Danny Ings was the hero for West Ham, scoring the crucial equalizer. Jarrod Bowen also deserves credit for his assist and tireless work rate throughout the game. The impact of substitutes Paqueta and Summerville was significant in changing the dynamics of the match.

Tactical Analysis

• Fulham: Marco Silva's side played with a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on quick transitions and utilizing the pace of their wide players. The combination of Smith Rowe, Iwobi, and Traore provided a constant threat, while Andreas Pereira's distribution from midfield was key in creating opportunities.
• West Ham: Lopetegui's initial 4-3-3 setup with three defensive midfielders was overly cautious and limited their attacking potential. The introduction of Paqueta and Summerville in the second half shifted the formation to