Paul Merson slams ‘shocking’ West Ham United live on Sky Sports as ‘under-10s’ verdict shared
Paul Merson has slammed West Ham United live on Sky Sports for their “under-10s” defending against Arsenal.
The Hammers were thrashed 6-0 by the Gunners in their Premier League clash at the London Stadium on Sunday (11 February).
Defenders William Saliba and Gabriel scored, with attackers Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka (two) also netting, while former Hammers hero Declan Rice added a sixth.
“Defending wise, if that happened in under-10s football you’d be going, ‘seriously?!’” Merson said on Sky Sports Main Event (4.22pm, 11 February). “Not getting tight, showing them inside onto their proper foot, it is poor, I just think Arsenal made West Ham surrender and that is quite sad as a player as that is the one thing you do not want to do.
“There are ways of losing football matches, that is a horrible way and I feel sorry for David Moyes as that is not a Moyes team out there, they have let him down today. They work hard and the one thing you do not get done at West Ham is by set plays, and they were poor with them today.
“The two set plays… it was poor all round. The Rice goal you hold your hands up, but the other goals were shocking.”
West Ham defence blasted
The Hammers have proven themselves to be somewhat sturdy at the back at various points this season, both domestically and in Europe.
But they looked suspect at the back from the very first whistle against the Gunners, who admittedly didn’t make it easy for their opponents thanks to their superb attacking performance.
They were a real threat throughout the entire 90 minutes, with Alphonse Areola, Vladimir Coufal, Emerson, Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma simply watching on as Arsenal roared through them time and again.
The visitors were on fire, but the hosts were very poor, not just at the back but in all areas of the pitch, much to the dismay of their supporters and David Moyes.
As ever, the man in the dugout will take plenty of criticism following the loss, with his side now needing to bounce back as soon as possible in order to get things back on track.
In other West Ham news, a journalist has made a “light a fire” prediction on an exit-linked Hammers player.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.