In a remote pub in the Scottish Highlands, one might imagine David Moyes receiving a notification of Tottenham’s fourth goal against West Ham on Saturday, smiling with a sip of whisky. While this scenario may be fictional, the reality at West Ham reflects deeper troubles following Moyes’ departure. The decision to replace him with Julen Lopetegui seems to have taken the team backwards, with the latest 3-0 defeat to Spurs reinforcing this notion.
The Hammers’ defensive frailties have been on full display, conceding 2.19 goals per game in 2024—a number that suggests relegation-level performance. Their defense, even under Lopetegui, remains disjointed and chaotic, with the team conceding the most shots (464) and shots on target (178) among all Premier League teams. Mohamed Kudus’ suspension only adds to the growing list of issues.
Lopetegui’s tenure has yet to inspire confidence. His team has collapsed in key matches, like the 3-goal burst conceded against Chelsea and the 5-goal thrashing by Liverpool. The defeat against Spurs exposed West Ham’s vulnerability, allowing three goals in a nine-minute spell, which highlights the lack of leadership and defensive coherence.
As they prepare to face Manchester United, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Erik ten Hag’s men, fresh off a resurgent attacking display against Brentford, look poised to exploit West Ham’s defensive disarray. Lopetegui must address the ongoing issues quickly, or West Ham’s season could spiral further, leading to whispers of a potential Moyes return.
