61% possession, 31 shots, 10 on target, and nine corners resulted in a 3-1 away defeat to Leicester City, pulling West Ham further into the relegation zone. It marked the most shots West Ham have ever registered in a Premier League game. The Foxes moved up to 15th, now just two points behind the Hammers.
The new manager bounce, something West Ham are yet to experience, worked wonders at the King Power Stadium, where a crowd of 30,947 welcomed Ruud van Nistelrooy with open arms.
It took only two minutes for Jamie Vardy to break the deadlock, while further goals from Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka added to Julen Lopetegui’s misery. Niclas Füllkrug nodded home a consolation goal from a West Ham corner, but it was too little, too late.
With just three wins from 12 games and 27 goals conceded in 14 matches, speculation surrounding Lopetegui’s future is mounting. Reports suggest both Edin Terzic and Sergio Conceição have been approached should the board decide to make a managerial change. Graham Potter, part of the evening’s TV commentary team, has also been linked to the job, but it’s believed he is not under consideration.
Jacob Steinberg’s damning post-match summary read:
“West Ham always chasing as they can’t defend. Dressing room unhappy. Man Utd sacked Ten Hag for losing to West Ham in similar circumstances. Lopetegui is the wrong fit.”
A dejected Lopetegui addressed the press, acknowledging the frustrations:
“Football is about goals. It’s a frustrating day, but we must build from this situation. The players want to win for themselves, me, and the club. Each match is very important.”
Whether he will be given the time to turn things around remains to be seen.
