Southampton v West Ham: Sam Allardyce wants to copy Swansea’s ploy

 

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Ken Dyer11 February 2015

Sam Allardyce aims to take a leaf out of Swansea’s book when West Ham go to Southampton tonight.

The Saints have been the surprise package in the Premier League this season but were out-manoeuvred in their last home match by Swansea, who defended deep before counter‑attacking to win 1-0.

“If we are going to get anything out of this game realistically we will probably have to keep a clean sheet,” said the West Ham manager. “We need to be resilient and then go and try to break them down, as Swansea did recently.

“Southampton dominated the game but Swansea did the defensive side very well, playing on the break and finally got the breakthrough. We have to plan to do something similar.”

Third-placed Southampton have kept 11 clean sheets this season, compared to five from West Ham, who are eighth.

“The big difference between us and them is they know how to defend better,” said Allardyce. “We have become a more threatening attacking force but our frailty is we don’t keep clean sheets like they do. We’ve ended up drawing the last few games instead of winning them while they’ve been winning 1-0.

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“We’ve been in front against West Brom, Swansea and Manchester United but ended up drawing those games 1-1 while Southampton have been winning 1-0.

“That’s why they maintained their League position while we’ve slipped down the table a little bit.”

Andy Carroll has a chance of returning tonight after an ankle injury but captain Kevin Nolan is doubtful with a bruised instep.

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