West Ham players MUST take a look at themselves despite mounting pressure on Julen Lopetegui after Everton stalemate, writes KATHRYN BATTE

It was not a line delivered with the ferocity the choice of language may suggest, but Julen Lopetegui’s assertion that his West Ham team need to ‘grow up’ is perhaps indicative of the frustration he is feeling.

The Spaniard has come under criticism for the Hammers’ poor start to the season, but he would be forgiven for thinking his players could be giving him a bit more.

Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Everton was the third game in a row where it has taken his team until the second half to show any real sign of life.

Some of the squad seem to be playing within themselves. Lucas Paqueta is one. The Brazilian’s spot-fixing hearing, which could see banned for life, will take place in March, so his struggles are not surprising. But in a game like Saturdays, he is the type of player West Ham need to step up and provide a spark. 

Jarrod Bowen, who was left out of a second consecutive England squad last week, has been the club’s best attacking player this season. But even he seemed out of sorts on Saturday, perhaps dragged down by the performances of those around him. 

Jarrod Bowen, alongside a number of team-mates, seemed out of sorts against Everton

Jean-Clair Todibo, meanwhile, is yet to show why West Ham fought off competition from several top clubs to sign him in the summer.

It is Lopetegui’s job to make sure these players work as a team, but they also have to look at themselves.

‘We need to grow up as a team, to grow as a group and to have more personality, I think if we do that we are going to improve,’ Lopetegui said.

‘The players have to say “here I am, we are going to be able to do the things that we need.”

‘For sure they are going to grow in this situation. I think that this kind of attitude, to be one aggressive team, one team that wants to press in the opposition half is necessary.’