FA Cup 2021/22: How Kidderminster Nearly Caused The Shock Of The Century Against West Ham- Tactical Analysis

The 4th round of the 2021-22 FA Cup saw a unique match-up between top-4 challenging West Ham and 6th tier Kidderminster Harriers.

The hosts were on a dream Cup run, beating Reading in the previous round to earn a matchup against a Premier League team.

Manager Russell Penn had already said that they wouldnt be afraid of their opposition and would give them all to continue their fairytale journey in the tournament.

West Ham, on the other hand, is currently in fifth place in the EPL???ahead of their London rivals Tottenham by a point and also by three games.

Nevertheless, they are still mounting a challenge for a spot in the next seasons UCL and would at least look to make the Europa League again.

They beat Leeds United in the 3rd round to set up the match against the Harriers.

This tactical analysis features the tactics used by both managers and teams.

It looks into how Kidderminster Harriers almost pulled off the implausible  and how West Hams quality came to their rescue in the latter stages of the game.

Lets begin the analysis.

Lineups

Kidderminster Harriers lined up in a 4-4-1-1 shape that translated mostly to a 4-2-3-1 shape in the game and later to a 4-4-2 system as Russell Penn decided to be a little proactive and bold with his team and tactics.

West Ham, on the other hand, lined up in the 4-2-3-1 system that they have been using majorly this season.

Eight changes were made to the lineup that lost against Manchester United before the winter break with only Areola, Jarrod Bowen and Kurt Zoum retaining their places in the side.