Why do West Ham keep conceding from corners?

"West Ham are struggling in the Premier League, languishing in 19th place as head coach Graham Potter faces mounting criticism and internal club scrutiny. One part of their game that has been particularly concerning is their defending of corners, having conceded seven goals from these situations in five games. Set-pieces are becoming increasingly important as club employ dedicated coaches who analyse how best to expose upcoming opponents."

"Let's begin by looking at West Ham's 5-1 loss to Chelsea in August, a game in which Enzo Maresca's side scored three goals from corner situations. One thing that jumped out immediately was the use of Liam Delap, who stood by West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Delap was tasked strictly with marking the keeper and limiting his freedom of movement without committing a foul."

"This isn't something new. Going back to last season, the use of a 'blocker' was a common tactic. As a tactic, it resembles 'screening' in basketball, a move in which a player stands still to block a nearby defender, allowing space for their team-mates to move freely around them. Defending teams tried to counteract this in the Premier League last season by putting an extra defender next to their keeper as a makeshift bodyguard, aiming to absorb the contact from the 'blocker'."

West Ham sit 19th in the Premier League with head coach Graham Potter under scrutiny. The team has conceded seven goals from corners in five games, making set-pieces a glaring weakness. Opponents increasingly deploy dedicated coaches to exploit corners. In a 5-1 loss to Chelsea, three goals came from corner situations. Chelsea used Liam Delap as a designated 'blocker' beside goalkeeper Mads Hermansen to restrict the keeper's movement without drawing fouls. The 'blocker' tactic mirrors basketball screening and can still impede goalkeepers even when defenders act as makeshift bodyguards. Referees appear less strict on keeper contact, increasing the tactic's effectiveness.

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