The dynamic partnership between Matt Jarvis and Andy Carroll at West Ham United in the 2012/13 season may not have fully met expectations, but it provided some memorable moments. Jarvis, known for his precise crossing abilities, recalls the challenges he faced in providing service to the towering striker, Carroll.
Carroll, a dominant figure in the air, had specific preferences when it came to crosses. He preferred lofted balls to the far post rather than whipped crosses, believing it gave him a better chance to utilize his heading prowess. Jarvis, despite creating numerous chances for Carroll, only managed three assists during his time at West Ham.
Despite the challenges, Jarvis credits manager Sam Allardyce for expanding his skill set during his time at Upton Park. Under Allardyce’s guidance, Jarvis learned valuable tactical nuances such as set-pieces, positioning, and the importance of being in the right place at the right time for crosses.
Jarvis appreciates Allardyce’s approach of breaking down the game into simple components and emphasizing the importance of individual responsibilities on the pitch. Although the partnership between Jarvis and Carroll may not have reached its full potential, the experience and lessons learned under Allardyce were invaluable for Jarvis’s development as a player.
