West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui
Match

Jeff Stelling perplexed by 'inexplicable' Julen Lopetegui decision in West Ham United v Chelsea

Harri Burton
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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Jeff Stelling was left puzzled after Julen Lopetegui opted to substitute Crysencio Summerville as West Ham lost 3-0 to Chelsea on Saturday (21 September).

The 23-year-old winger was handed his first Premier League start in Claret and Blue, causing havoc for Blues defender Wesley Fofana and should have been awarded a penalty in the first half.

Despite being one of the most dangerous players on the pitch for the Hammers, Lopetegui decided to replace him with Michail Antonio after 54 minutes, which was greeted by boos from the crowd.

Speaking live via talkSPORT on Monday (23 September, 7:26am), Stelling said: "What I didn't get was Crysencio Summerville, who was one of their best players, being taken off.

"The West Ham fans, boy did they let the manager know how they felt about that because it was inexplicable."

Julen Lopetegui becomes enemy after West Ham United v Chelsea

The Spaniard has already placed himself under immense pressure after just five Premier League matches in charge, with the Hammers just three points above the relegation zone.

Lopetegui's men have just one league victory so far - a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace - and are now winless in three matches. He has also failed to bring some of the new players into the starting XI.

He has already been criticised for his decision not to switch centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos with Jean-Clair Todibo, with Summerville only just being given his opportunity to impress.

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

With Liverpool up next in the EFL Cup, Lopetegui has a real chance to stake his case as Hammers manager, though back-to-back league games against Brentford and Ipswich Town will be far more important.

They must claim six points from their next two matches and rise up and away from the dreaded dropzone, or Lopetegui could really be at risk after just a few months in charge.

In other West Ham news, an Under-21s gem has sent a “wonderful” message to Julen Lopetegui as footage emerges.

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West Ham United
Chelsea
Jeff Stelling
Julen Lopetegui
Crysencio Summerville
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