Micah Richards in shock at what West Ham did to Mohamed Salah in Liverpool loss
Micah Richards “couldn’t believe” West Ham United afforded Mohamed Salah so much space to run riot in the 5-0 loss against Liverpool.
Julen Lopetegui is back under the cosh in East London as Liverpool ensured the Hammers ended 2024 on a sour note with a 5-0 thrashing at the London Stadium on Sunday (29 December), with the supporters helplessly watching on.
While West Ham were not expected to get a result from the clash, Richards shared his disbelief how the hosts rolled over for Liverpool on The Rest is Football podcast (30 December, 14m 36s) and believes Salah could have scored five goals alone.
He said: “Salah had so much space and yes, tactically you can look at what Liverpool did, but if you just stay in a five at the back and just stay in your positions, make it very difficult for the opponent to break you down.
“They just all went inside and left space for Salah. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing – Salah could have scored probably five goals today.”
Julen Lopetegui has serious work to do at West Ham United
Although West Ham faced one of the most in-form sides in Europe on Sunday, the manner of the defeat has left a sour taste in the mouths of the supporters.
There is not one single player in claret and blue who can hold their head high after a shoddy display in the capital.
Furthermore, the Irons were in a rich vein of form heading into the game, having picked up eight points from the 12 available in their last four outings, resulting in the longest unbeaten streak thus far in the Lopetegui era.
However, Liverpool have now put five goals past the Hammers twice this year alone, including the 5-1 loss at Anfield in the Carabao Cup, and the gap between themselves and the top six is wider than ever.
While all the focus will once again return to Lopetegui and his underwhelming appointment, David Sullivan rightfully should be in the firing line for his failures.
Not only was he behind the appointment, he funded Tim Steidten’s illustrious spending spree throughout the summer, wherein only Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s acquisition from Manchester United can be considered a success story.
The mood at the London Stadium has shifted back to despair heading into 2025, and the lack of fight from the players when up against the odds is alarming – drastic change is needed in the New Year, whether that be management or player personnel.
In other West Ham news, Tim Steidten could land an Irons upgrade if he sanctions a move for a European ace.
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.