Sometimes the Julen Lopetegui ‘we are going to work very hard in training’ mantra leaves me wondering ‘what at’? West Ham’s defence stood and watched as Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard played little training ground moves to put the third past Fabianski and Max Kilman failed to get any contact on a long ball, leaving Kai Havertz one on one with Fabianski.
What is it that West Ham ‘work very hard ‘ on? The way the Hammers’ defence was manipulated each time Arsenal got a corner was like watching boys v men.
Pathetic.
Do West Ham actually have a defensive coach? It seems not – they are certainly missing someone that can inspire and instruct this expensively assembled group, three of which only arrived at the club the summer.
Every corner Arsenal’s posse assembled at the back post, one then running forward to push Lucas Paqueta out of the way at the near post. Did anyone spot the trend and block the runs? Did anyone go to help Paquetá on the near post? Was a defensive coach yelling from the sidelines? Nothing. No reaction. Highly paid professional sportsmen and coaching teams? Pathetic.
Whether it is naivety or lack of leadership, or preparation – others more qualified than I can discuss. Unlike the Newcastle game, we were beaten even before we started- but as Theo Walcott gleefully announced it was like watching Arsenal playing against Mannequins.
Let’s face it that could have been eight goals against us, except Arsenal just took their foot off the gas when the game was won.
Something has to change. If I was David Sullivan watching the thousands leaving from 70 minutes onward I’d be thinking the same.
