Andy Gray battered Edson Alvarez after a "shocking" moment in Manchester City v West Ham. Credit: beIN Sports YouTube / Imago
Andy Gray battered Edson Alvarez after a "shocking" moment in Manchester City v West Ham. Credit: beIN Sports YouTube / Imago

Andy Gray tears apart Edson Alvarez after 'shocking' West Ham moment v Man City

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Andy Gray and Richard Keys singled out Edson Alvarez for a "shocking" moment as West Ham were defeated 4-1 by Manchester City on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's side took the lead through Savinho's deflected cross on 4 January, wrong-footing Alphonse Areola before the Brazilian's magical feet helped create the second goal for Erling Haaland.

With Julen Lopetegui's players punished for their lack of defensive ability, Alvarez's efforts stood out the most in the beIN Sports studios, ducking away from an easy header before the opening goal.

Speaking live via beIN Sports [4 January, 3:51pm], Richard Keys asked: "What's this defending here on the edge of the box?" to which Gray replied: "Oh, that's poor. That's shocking - just go and head it."

Edson Alvarez slammed after West Ham failures v Manchester City

While Guardiola's side would have been favourites to claim all three points at the Etihad, the Hammers did have plenty of chances of their own to score the opener.

Crysencio Summerville, Lucas Paqueta and, most of all, Mohammed Kudus missed several chances to fire past Stefan Ortega, only to see their misses punished by the reigning Premier League champions.

The Hammers finally showed their quality in the final third as Niclas Fullkrug scored his second goal in Hammers colours, finishing off a smooth move from Tomas Soucek.

However, Lopetegui may not have enough time to turn things around and solidify his defence, with supporters calling for him to be sacked by David Sullivan straight after the match.

Julen Lopetegui
West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]

Those voices have been calling for his head ever since taking over from David Moyes, but with no sign of positivity at all, the owner's silence on the current situation is deafening.

Of course, Man City were always going to be the favourites, but to be 4-0 down before the hour mark to an out-of-form team is absurd. It cannot continue and the manager will know that.

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