Alex Crook shares ‘dismal’ West Ham United verdict ahead of Arsenal clash
Alex Crook remains unconvinced West Ham United have reached a turning point under Julen Lopetegui after the 2-0 win against Newcastle United.
The Hammers flipped the script at St James’ Park on Monday [25 November] as Lopetegui won the first of two make-or-break clashes courtesy of goals supplied by Tomas Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
However, the Irons face an even tougher test this weekend when Arsenal visit the London Stadium.
Crook previewing the vital clash on the Premier League All Access podcast [28 November, 26m 44s] and believes the result of facing Arsenal will be a more telling sign of progress under Lopetegui than the win against Newcastle.
He said: “The question West Ham fans should be asking is – is this genuinely a turning point or is this a one-off?
“Because they’ve been pretty dismal up until that game on Monday night, and this [match against Arsenal] will give us a fairly big indication of exactly whether or not a corner has been turned.”
Julen Lopetegui has to use his West Ham momentum v Arsenal
It is indeed now or never for Lopetegui in East London. The Guardian reported on 20 November that the matches against Newcastle and Arsenal will decide his future at West Ham, and he now faces the harder of the two challenges.
The Hammers faithful have been “miserable” this season as they have been forced to endure painful displays under the Spaniard and will be heading into this clash with conflicted feelings.
On the one hand, a victory over London rivals Arsenal could light the spark to an abysmal campaign; however, a defeat would result in Lopetegui’s termination, and a manager who produces free-flowing attacking football can be acquired.
However, the match against Newcastle was arguably the most impressive the Irons have looked all year, but with that result comes the hope that the tide could be turning in East London – what followed after the 2-0 win against Crystal Palace is a stark reality check.
Regardless, Lopetegui will be relying on his captain Jarrod Bowen to continue his impeccably high standards in a Hammers shirt – the pressure will be on the 27-year-old after it was pointed out he has outperformed Manchester United man Marcus Rashford during his time in the capital.
Arsenal are hitting form at the worst possible time for Lopetegui, but a repeat of the display against Newcastle and who knows?
There is an overwhelming sense the clash will only go one way at the London Stadium, though there is always the chance of a miracle in football.
In other West Ham news, Lopetegui has given early team news ahead of the Arsenal clash.
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