Credit: BBC's Match of the Day]

Connor Burgess

Sun 1 December 2024 8:40, UK

Danny Murphy couldn’t believe West Ham United failed to execute the basics against Arsenal in Saturday’s 5-2 loss.

Julen Lopetegui’s future in East London remains uncertain as he wins one and loses the other of the two matches adjudged to be decisive for his tenure with the Hammers [The Guardian].

The Spaniard’s methods have been brought to the forefront again on Match of the Day [30 November, 16:32] as Murphy slammed West Ham for failing to get the basics right at the London Stadium.

He said: “I mean, Saka, one of the best finishers on his left foot in the Premier League, inside the 18-yard box [and] no one near him within 10 yards. Unbelievable. Surely they’ve worked on that?”

What next for Julen Loptegui at West Ham United?

While it could be considered harsh for fixtures against two Premier League heavyweights, Newcastle United and Arsenal, to determine Lopetegui’s future in East London, it is certainly a justifiable decision after an abysmal start to the campaign.

The Spaniard passed his first test with flying colours, beating Newcastle 2-0 at St James Park, with many believing that result alone is enough to secure his position until January at the very least.

However, the Irons were taught a lesson by their London rivals on Saturday [30 November]; it has become apparent for all with two eyes and a nose – Lopetegui is not and has never been the man to lead the post-David Moyes era at West Ham.

Despite the result, there were a few standout performers for the Hammers, including summer signing Carlos Soler, who produced a “wonderful” display against Arsenal, but the lingering uncertainty surrounding the manager will undoubtedly be at the forefront of discussion.

It feels as if Lopetegui has been on the brink of dismissal all season but continues to avoid the chop – every time he appears one result away, he takes one step forward and then proceeds to take two steps back.

The loss against Arsenal is hardly the worst result in the world, considering how poor the Hammers have been this year, but the manner of the defeat and/or the lack thereof of the fundamentals is a stark reminder of Lopetegui’s limitations.

In other West Ham news, the Irons need to reconsider their striker stance after what Michail Antonio did against Arsenal.

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