Published by Jack Elderton
A weekly podcast exploring the tactics and data behind every West Ham match. Featuring Jack Elderton and Callum Goodall. Brought to you by Analytics United.
Listen on Apple PodcastsSupport the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Cal and Jack break down West Ham's preseason, discussing the tactical developments we've seen over the past couple of weeks, some of the biggest West Ham transfer stories and what needs to happen before West Ham host Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup to kick off the season! Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:23) Key takeaways West Ham's preseason (06:25) Our thoughts on the Keiber Lamadrid experiment (07:58) Midfield flux: The lack of creativity and how it could effect Malick Diouf negatively (11:12) The difficulty of adapting stylistically to the Championship and the importance of being defensively solid (18:57) Callum Marshall leaves to join Luton on a permeant transfer (22:20) Freddie Potts: Is selling him to Club Brugge a mistake? (31:09) Are there players who featured in preseason that could play a bigger role than we expect? (34:45) The parallels between Kilman and Mavropanos (40:37) 3 things West Ham need to do before the season starts Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Cal & Jack break down West Ham's first public preseason game of the 2026-27 season, a 1-1 draw with Southend United, and the confirmation that Jarrod Bowen is staying at the club. They discuss what our expectations are for Bowen this season, Keiber Lamadrid's surprise standout performance at Roots Hall, George Earthy's potential future and much more. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:34) Our thoughts on the World Cup final & Spain's tournament (07:05) Can anyone stop Spain? (10:56) Jarrod Bowen announces he's staying at West Ham (14:20) Does this confirm Bowen's legend status? (15:30) What are our expectations for Bowen in the Championship? (21:41) Southend 1-1 West Ham review (23:42) How much can you read into preseason friendlies? (24:55) Takeaways: Keiber Lamadrid, Taty Castellanos & Pablo (28:01) Our thoughts on George Earthy's performance & future Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Cal & Darcy break down the lessons West Ham can learn from analysing last season's relegated sides, Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton, and how they attempted to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. They discuss how West Ham compares to the state each club was in before last season, how the transfer business they did succeeded and failed, how they performed on the pitch against more tenured Championship sides and much more. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (04:38) What lessons West Ham can take from Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton (06:41) What state were the relegated sides in before the season started? (12:12) Are West Ham in a better or worse starting position comparatively? (17:31) What went wrong with Leicester's transfers last summer? (23:18) How West Ham can avoid the same fate as Leicester (27:33) Southampton's sensible and balanced rebuild worked (32:20) Retention and consistency is key to transition successfully (37:39) The importance of experience in squad building (38:29) Avoid selling players unnecessarily (41:41) How Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton performed last season (42:44) How Analytics United calculates squad strength (43:51) Where Leicester's squad fell short compared to Southampton & Ipswich (47:29) West Ham need to create more chances this season (51:21) Nuno will have to balance attack and defence (56:01) West Ham should keep Mads Hermansen Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Cal and Darcy break down how to run a football club in 2026, discussing what choices they'd make if Daniel Křetínský put them in charge of West Ham, talking improvements to the training ground, recruiting a director of football, whether to implement multi-club ownership model including Sparta Prague and more. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (03:42) YouTube Memberships are now available! (05:37) Our thoughts on changing West Ham's crest (12:11) Do West Ham need to improve their training ground? (21:36) How a new West Ham shirt sponsor could shape the culture of the club (33:19) Multi-club ownership: How it's changing football and do West Ham need to form more partnerships? (46:20) Nils Koppen: How hiring a director of recruitment could impact West Ham's transfer strategy Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Cal, Jack and Darcy break down some of the previous West Ham transfer recommendations made in our Transfer Factory series, analysing those that went on to join Premier League clubs, some of the more niche options and ask whether any of them are still on the table for West Ham this summer. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (04:09) Analysing our previous Transfer Factory recommendations (05:55) Adrien Truffert (07:24) Maxim De Cuyper (08:45) Anton Stach (10:24) Hugo Ekitike (11:26) Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (16:13) Charlie Hughes (19:18) Charlie Cresswell (21:05) Arne Engels (22:35) Imrân Louza & Hayden Hackney (27:29) Joaquin Seys (30:25) Ngal'ayel Mukau (34:22) Evann Guessand (40:16) Taras Mykhavko (43:24) Biggest lesson learned about judging plyers suitability for English football (47:24) 2 player profiles get drawn too (and 2 we avoid) (54:48) If you were advising one Premier League club this summer, who would it be and which player would you sign? Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Cal and Darcy break down West Ham's massive upcoming summer transfer window, discussing a potential new Director of Football in Newcastle's Steve Nickson, how much Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville should cost, what roles West Ham need to sign in order to push for the Championship title this season & more. Timestamps: (00:00) Thoughts on the World Cup so far (06:34) Best and worst things about the World Cup (09:54) Our reaction to Daniel Křetínský increasing his stake in West Ham (11:27) How much should Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville cost? (16:08) Steve Nickson: West Ham’s next Director of Football? (22:46) Breaking down the player roles West Ham need to sign this summer (25:27) The different types of centre-backs (28:56) Should West Ham sign CBs to dominate the Championship physically or technically? (33:52) The different types of midfielders (37:29) Midfield recruitment: How to deal with potentially losing Fernandes and Tomáš Souček (42:49) Do West Ham need to a sign a natural 10? (45:13) How many wingers do West Ham need to sign this summer? Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Cal and Darcy break down David Sullivan, David Gold and Karen Brady's time in charge of West Ham United, discussing the recruitment strategies, massive managerial and stylistic swings and controversial stadium move which dominated their tenure as custodians of the club. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:15) What is West Ham United in 2026? (05:25) Analysing West Ham's recruitment from the GSB era (09:30) An agent-led approach to transfers: The pros and cons (15:43) Can manager-led recruitment still work in 2026? (21:37) Why the Director of Football role has never worked out at West Ham (31:58) The lack of coherence with managerial and stylistic changes (40:39) How the London Stadium has impacted West Ham (52:24) Lessons to be learned from the GSB era Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited A week after relegation was confirmed, Cal and Darcy break down West Ham’s rebuild process, whether keeping Nuno Espírito Santo as manager was the correct decision, if the Championship is more difficult now than it used to be, the kind of players West Ham need to sign this summer in order to get promoted back to the Premier League at the first time of asking and much more. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:07) A brief review of the Champions League final (07:19) Is keeping Nuno the right decision? (13:27) Will West Ham’s style of football change in the Championship? (21:12) The biggest difference between the Championship now compared to previous years (24:48) Player profiles West Ham need in order to get promoted (30:19) How Paco Jémez staying could help West Ham (36:28) Our reaction to Max Hahn resigning as head of technical recruitment (45:09) Is Kieran Scott the right man to become the new Technical Director? Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/analyticsunited You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Jack and Cal break down West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League and what it means for the future of the club. They discuss the events of the final day of the season, the long-running issues with recruitment both on and off the field, if we were destined for relegation from the start of the season and what it means for the future of West Ham. Timestamps: (00:00) Our reaction to West Ham’s relegation (03:36) What relegation could mean for West Ham? (08:53) West Ham 3-0 Leeds review (22:03) Were West Ham doomed to relegation from the start? (30:38) Reflecting on this season’s transfer business (36:39) Were the players good enough? (41:29) What kind of manager does West Ham need? (47:35) Keep or Sell? Who do we need next season? Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/analyticsunited You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Jack and Cal break down Newcastle 3-1 West Ham, a loss which might just have sealed the Hammers’ relegation fate. They discuss the changed line up and why it was doomed to fail, debate if starting Callum Wilson was a mistake, analyse Nuno's tenure as Hammers' Head Coach and much more. Timestamps: (00:00) Our reaction to the Newcastle loss (01:40) The starting 11 (08:33) Newcastle’s goals were inexcusable (19:00) How Nuno’s substitutions changed the game (twice) (25:31) Was starting Callum Wilson a mistake? (30:56) How has Nuno performed as West Ham manager (35:56) Has Nuno’s experimenting caused more harm than good? Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/analyticsunited You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Jack and Cal break down West Ham 0-1 Arsenal, discussing Callum Wilson's late disallowed equaliser which was controversially ruled out by VAR for a potential foul on David Raya by Pablo Felipe. They talk the lack of consistency in refereeing set-pieces, particularly regarding blocking and grappling from corners, and how these decisions are impacting both the relegation battle and title race. They also praise the Hammers' resilient defending, break down the significant impact Ben White's injury had by forcing Declan Rice into a makeshift right-back role and debate if West Ham were good enough on the ball. Timestamps: (00:00) West Ham 0-1 Arsenal review (01:13) Should West Ham’s goal have been disallowed goal? (10:59) Are set-pieces impossible to defend now? (17:30) VAR’s effect on football (20:44) How Arsenal dominated the first 20 minutes (27:56) Why West Ham improved when Declan Rice moved to right-back (35:16) How Arsenal regained control at half time (37:21) West Ham’s defence was magnificent (43:25) Could West Ham have done better for Arsenal’s goal? (46:29) Were West Ham bad on the ball? Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/analyticsunited You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Jack and Darcy break down West Ham's 3-0 loss to Brentford, discussing the front two of Pablo and Taty, counterpressing, the risks that come with it and the challenges that come after going behind to a team like Brentford. They talk what changed between the first and second halves to effect the game so much, Soucek's movement and passing and where an awful weekend of results leaves West Ham in the fight for survival. Timestamps: (00:00) Our reaction to an awful weekend of Premier League results (05:06) How the referee's performance affected the game (18:18) Can West Ham still escape relegation? (22:46) Why our pressing and counter-pressing worked initially (25:15) Pablo and Castellanos: Have they been good enough? (37:00) Tomáš Souček's importance to West Ham (40:06) Pushing further forward to help Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville create (44:48) What went wrong in the second half? (49:53) Substitutions and their impact (or lack thereof) (54:24) Why changing the shape didn't work Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/analyticsunited You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Cal and Darcy break down the Hammers' crucial victory over Everton to stay one step ahead in the Premier League relegation battle. They discuss the psychological impact of matching Spurs' pace in the run-in, evaluate Pablo and Taty Castellanos' performances up front and talk the officiating after a controversial non-penalty for Mateus Fernandes and a reckless challenge from Jordan Pickford. They also talk through the tactical shift required after a shaky first fifteen minutes, how Mateus Fernandes finally started to unlock the game against Champions League-chasing Everton, and whether Callum Wilson should be considered for a starting spot in the upcoming massive clash against Brentford. Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/analyticsunited You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Join our Patreon today to get 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH and support Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Was 1 point enough? Jack Elderton and Darcy Cox break down West Ham's disappointing 0-0 with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and what it means for the relegation run-in to come. They discuss how the Hammers adapted to deal with early central overloads to gain control in the first half, what exactly went wrong in the second half to produce such a lifeless performance and praise the box-defending excellence of Mavropanos and Disasi once again. They talk the second half substitution of Callum Wilson, what his introduction meant for those around him and how the relegation run-in currently shaping up after an eventful weekend in the Premier League. Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_U Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Join our Patreon today to get 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH and support Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited West Ham just defeated Wolves 4-0 under the lights at the London Stadium, and suddenly, the mission that once felt impossible is now very much on. Jack Elderton and Cal Goodall are back to break down a massive Friday night win that has finally lifted the Hammers out of the relegation zone while forcing Spurs into deeper waters. The episode explores how Nuno’s side weathered a tricky opening 30 minutes where Wolves' aggressive press and before half-time tactical adaptations neutralised Wolves' central overload and sparked the counter-attacks that led to a dominant display. They also discuss the return of West Ham’s aerial threat, with Konstantinos Mavropanos causing chaos in the box from set-pieces. Jack and Cal also talk the new striking partnership of Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, their tireless defensive recovery runs and high-energy pressing allowing creative players like Jarrod Bowen more freedom to exploit 1v1 situations. Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_U Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the podcast and get TWHB Extra Time + much more here: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited Jack and Cal break down West Ham's FA Cup Quarter Final loss to Leeds United at the London Stadium, discussing a valiant comeback that saw the Hammers recover from 2-0 down in stoppage time taking the Yorkshire side to penalties before ultimately missing out on a trip to Wembley. They dive into a difficult first half where individual errors and poor performances from the young midfield pairing Freddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa allowed Leeds to take control. They analyse the tactical struggle of Nuno's decision to push Mateus Fernandes into a more advanced role and why he's more effective in a deeper distributor role. They talk how half-time tactical shifts sparked a second-half revival, touch on the emotional debut of Finlay Herrick, the impact of senior players like Tomáš Souček and Pablo had on the game and the silver lining of a cleared schedule as the squad prepares for a Premier League relegation dogfight. Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_U Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jack Elderton and Cal Goodall break down West Ham 0-2 Aston Villa, discussing the pre-match Todibo injury and it's impact on the team, why the 4-1-4-1 system failed, individual errors at Villa Park and much more. Support the podcast and get TWHB Extra Time + much more here: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited While a 2-0 defeat in the thick of a Premier League relegation battle is hard to swallow, especially after the recent upturn in form, Jack and Cal discuss the encouraging strides made in our in-possession play and the high-quality situations created in the final third. They break down the schoolboy errors that led to John McGinn and Ollie Watkins’ goals, the immense burden Nuno Espírito Santo’s system placed on Freddie Potts and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Adama Traoré’s positive second-half cameo and much more. Timestamps: (00:00) Villa 2-0 West Ham Review: Performance vs result? (06:10) – Tactical Shift: Todibo injury & the 4-1-4-1 failure (12:30) Decision-Making Overloads: Potts & Wan-Bissaka’s impossible task (15:42) Individual Errors: How Watkins was allowed to score (19:28) Set-Piece Madness: The NFL-ization of blocking (25:41) Adama Arrives: Traoré’s sets the bar for himself (27:27) Spurs Struggles: Tottenham get demolished by Forest (28:56) The 23-Minute Mess: Why the 4-4-2 delay? (35:44) Pablo Felipe: Why moving him centrally was vital (41:52) Out of Possession: Adaptability vs Stability (53:25) Sustaining Momentum: Refinding form after a big loss Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited The Great Escape is well and truly alive as West Ham United earned a massive point in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester City, with Jack and Darcy here to break down exactly how Nuno and the Hammers pulled it off. In this episode of The West Ham Breakdown, we dive into the tactical changes that saw West Ham switch to a back five to neutralise Pep Guardiola’s attacking threats. We discuss how the art of defending the box is changing and where Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo used physical blocking and aggressive contact to frustrate Erling Haaland throughout the match. We discuss the Summerville-sized hole left in West Ham's counter-attack, how Pablo stepped up in a hybrid role to balance the midfield and look at the massive impact of summer signings Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa, whose recovery pace and physicality provided a level of protection the squad has lacked in previous seasons. Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/analyticsunited You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Support the show and get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited With West Ham United are looking unrecognisable compared to the first half of the season, Jack and Darcy dive into a packed episode of The West Ham Breakdown to cover a vital triple-header. We discuss the huge FA Cup win against Brentford, the crucial 3 points vs Fulham in the Premier League and the recent test against Liverpool at Anfield. In this episode, we break down why West Ham's tactical improvements are finally showing in our league form and whether this momentum is enough to survive the relegation battle. We also compare our current form against rivals like Tottenham and look ahead to the remaining Premier League fixtures. With only two defeats in the last 11 games, the Hammers are in their best run of form since 2023. While the result at Anfield was disappointing, the overall performance levels remain high as the team fights to climb out of the drop zone. Jack and Darcy discuss why the mood at the London Stadium has shifted from hopelessness to positivity and how the squad has built newfound resilience. Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/analyticsunited You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get more from Analytics United: https://www.patreon.com/AnalyticsUnited With West Ham United battling to maintain Premier League status, is a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Bournemouth enough? Is it a point gained or two points dropped? This week on The West Ham Breakdown, Cal and Jack dive deep into the tactical nuances of a game that was more than just a bore draw. They discuss why this performance was a symbol of West Ham’s evolution from leaky to resolute and explore how the Hammers managed to completely neutralise one of the league's most aggressive pressing sides, limiting Bournemouth to the fewest high regains they've achieved so far in 2026. Cal and Jack break down how West Ham’s rotations affected Bournemouth, highlighting Mads Hermansen's role in disrupting Bournemouth's man-to-man press, and how the midfield flexibility of Mateus Fernandes, Soungoutou Magassa and Tomáš Souček left the Cherries looking lost. They also discuss West Ham's relegation rivals, including a look at Spurs' recent struggles and why the underdog narrative might just be the catalyst Nuno needs to carry the Hammers to safety. Please do leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to catch every episode. Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/analyticsunited You can follow the pod (and our other work) on Twitter: Main: @AnalyticsUtd_ Jack: @jackelderton Cal: @WHU_Analytic Darcy: @futpysche Charlie: @ATopLad Theme music: "Emotional Chill Electronic Vlog Music | Sunset" by Alex-Productions (https://onsound.eu/) Promoted by: https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices