Edson Alvarez, West Ham midfielder
Edson Alvarez, West Ham midfielder
Match

Edson Alvarez slammed in 'absolutely criminal' moment in West Ham United loss 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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Michael Dawson has slammed Edson Alvarez for "treading water" in the lead-up to Chelsea's opening goal against West Ham on Saturday (21 September).

Nicolas Jackson scored in the opening four minutes, striding past Alvarez to slot home and kickstart the 3-0 defeat at the London Stadium.

Following a through-ball from Jadon Sancho, the Blues striker was left to drive into the Hammers' penalty box before slotting under Alphonse Areola.

Speaking live via Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday [21 September, 12:35 pm], Dawson said: "West Ham have switched off. It's a free-kick in the middle of the park, which goes straight into Jackson, who plays a one-two with Jaidon Sancho. He has acres of room and he just keeps driving.

"Edson Alvarez looks like he's treading water already, he doesn't get anywhere near him. Jackson keeps driving down the left-hand side, gets to the six-yard box and just sticks it through Areola's legs.

"The defending from West Ham is criminal, absolutely criminal. If you're the manager, you are absolutely blowing your marbles."

Edson Alvarez scythed down in West Ham United v Chelsea

While all of Julen Lopetegui's team should take the blame for conceding after just four minutes, it is not unfair to pick out Alvarez during the incident.

He has not been able to reach his best since returning from injury, being compared to a "bull in a china shop" during the 1-1 draw with Fulham, and that looks to be continuing against Chelsea.

Lopetegui has shown positive signs so far since arriving at the London Stadium during the summer but fans will be concerned by how easily the Hammers have been conceding goals.

They have kept just one clean sheet in their first five league matches of the 2024/25 campaign - a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace - which sees them much closer to the relegation zone than expected.

Despite several exciting additions to the squad this summer, there is clearly a lot of work left to do before Lopetegui can create a dangerous force out of the Hammers.

In other West Ham news, Richard Keys has backed David Moyes to spill "hot tea" amid the Hammers' match against Chelsea.

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West Ham United
Chelsea
Michael Dawson
Edson Alvarez
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