West Ham United’s 2024/2025 Kickoff Tactics

West Ham United’s 2024/2025 season has been defined by tactical versatility, particularly their focused kickoff strategies that aim to create early scoring opportunities. Under David Moyes, the team has continued to refine its approach, often using fast starts and high pressing from the first whistle to destabilize opponents. Let’s take a deeper look at some key matches from the current season and how these tactics have influenced their performances and results.

Early Goals and Fast Starts

West Ham's ability to score early has been a hallmark of their success this season. One of the standout moments came during their 4-1 victory against Ipswich Town in October 2024. Michail Antonio scored just 47 seconds into the match, utilizing West Ham’s strategy of playing a direct ball to him immediately after kickoff. His strength in aerial duels was a key factor, allowing him to control the ball and give West Ham an early lead. This set the tone for a dominant performance, where West Ham took control and never allowed Ipswich to recover.

Antonio’s goal exemplifies West Ham’s reliance on getting the ball forward quickly from kickoffs, often bypassing the midfield to target Antonio or Jarrod Bowen. Once the ball reaches the final third, players like Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paquetá are tasked with supporting Antonio, ensuring that West Ham keeps pressure on the opponent’s defense right from the start.

Tactical Adaptations Against Stronger Opponents

In matches against top-tier opposition, West Ham has faced challenges, but their kickoff strategies still play a crucial role. For instance, in their 3-1 loss to Manchester City in September 2024, West Ham managed to equalize after an early Manchester City goal, thanks to a Ruben Dias own goal. Although they eventually lost the match, West Ham’s pressing from kickoff and high defensive line allowed them to stay competitive for large parts of the game.

However, the match against City also demonstrated the limitations of West Ham’s kickoff tactics when faced with elite opposition. City’s structured play and quick counter-pressing neutralized much of West Ham’s early pressure, showing that while Moyes’ tactics can disrupt weaker sides, stronger teams require more tactical adjustments throughout the game.

Brentford Win and Bowen’s Hat-Trick

One of the highlights of West Ham’s 2024/2025 campaign was their 4-2 victory over Brentford in February 2024. In this match, Jarrod Bowen shined, scoring a hat-trick, including two goals in the first seven minutes. Bowen’s first goal came after just five minutes, a result of quick pressing and forcing Brentford into early mistakes. This performance illustrated how effective West Ham’s early pressing from kickoffs can be when executed properly against teams that struggle with defensive transitions.

Bowen’s goals were a direct result of Moyes’ tactics of using quick, high-tempo play immediately from kickoff. West Ham pressed Brentford high up the pitch, forcing turnovers and creating chances in the first minutes of the game. These early goals allowed West Ham to control the game, with Bowen completing his hat-trick after the break.

Overall Performance in the 2024/2025 Season

West Ham’s kickoff tactics have become a key part of their identity under Moyes, especially in the 2024/2025 season. By scoring early in multiple games, West Ham has been able to take control of matches, particularly against mid-to-lower table teams like Brentford and Ipswich. Their ability to press high, win aerial duels, and push the ball forward quickly from kickoffs has led to a number of crucial early goals.

While they have faced tougher challenges against stronger teams like Manchester City, where their high-pressure tactics were neutralized, West Ham has shown adaptability. Moyes' side continues to fine-tune their approach depending on the opponent, ensuring that they remain a competitive force throughout the season.

Conclusion

West Ham United’s kickoff strategies in the 2024/2025 season have proven highly effective in giving them early advantages in games, especially through players like Antonio and Bowen. By focusing on pressing high and targeting key players with long balls right from the start, West Ham has set the tone for many of their victories, showing the tactical evolution under Moyes as they continue to push for a strong finish in the Premier League.