To suggest I’m dreading tomorrow’s Premier League fixture, where West Ham face league leaders Liverpool, wouldn’t be entirely accurate. In many respects, I’ve resigned myself to the team’s likely fate against the Anfield giants, who have somehow become even more formidable since Jürgen Klopp’s departure.
If my tone seems pessimistic, even following the Hammers’ four-game unbeaten run, it’s not without reason. Whilst I’m pleased the team has distanced itself from the relegation zone, there have been glaring concerns in their recent two wins and two draws.
A recurring feature of these games has been how easily the opposition creates chances against West Ham’s backline. In the victory against Southampton, it was the Saints’ blunt attack that spared the Hammers, as they failed to convert their numerous shots despite edging the chances created.
Revival looks paper thin
Against Wolves, we were fortunate to benefit from a few contentious VAR decisions. Meanwhile, the draw against Brighton was saved by heroics from Łukasz Fabiański and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the latter making a dramatic 95th-minute goal-line clearance.
The prospect of Arne Slot’s Liverpool trying to carve through West Ham’s defence is the stuff of nightmares. However, after so much pre-match worry, I’ve almost come to terms with the inevitability of it.
Hopefully, the team doesn’t share my defeatist and pessimistic outlook. One would expect Julen Lopetegui to have a solid game plan to combat Salah & Co., but I can’t envision it. The Hammers’ head coach appears wedded to his style, and it’s hard to imagine West Ham adapting enough to stop Liverpool’s rampant attack from breaking through.
That said, an unexpected win could be transformative for Lopetegui. While victories over teams like Ipswich, Wolves, and Southampton are welcome, we’re supposed to bet them.
A big scalp a against one of the top teams would b a huge boost to Loppy and would be the biggest indicator the Irons are undergoing a revival rather than riding our luck.
