West Ham United surprise emerges after what has happened at London Stadium
West Ham United have left Jermaine Pennant surprised after their slow start to the Premier League season under Julen Lopetegui.
Pennant, speaking live on talkSPORT [17 October, 21:14], argued that the Hammers are yet to gel under Lopetegui after several new signings.
The former Liverpool winger backed Tottenham to beat the Irons next up [19 October] but did admit that it is a matter of time before everything clicks at the London Stadium.
“I’ve been surprised by the slowness – they have a lot of talented players and it’s a matter of time with this team gelling together. Getting that DNA, structure and identity, because at the moment there’s not much difference even with the new players,” he said.
“Once you get comfortable within your surroundings, you understand how your teammates are, their strengths and weaknesses. They’ll be fine because they have a lot of good players – there will come a point when they win two or three in a row, the confidence will be flowing and it will be like clockwork.
“West Ham are in a transition phase so I think Spurs will take this one. It’ll be a really good game and atmosphere, it can be hostile, but Spurs going forward look very sharp at times.”
West Ham United look for Premier League momentum
Lopetegui and his team finally got off the mark at home before the international break, as everything came together in their ruthless 4-1 dispatching of Ipswich Town [5 October].
The second round of internationals arrived at the wrong time in terms of getting the ball rolling, as the Irons will have to pick up where they left off in a tough test against a daring Spurs outfit.
Most quarters are backing Tottenham to get the job done against the Hammers and make the most of their home advantage, though Lopetegui’s first win did come with a clean sheet away from home across London, against Crystal Palace [24 August].
If the Irons can get a result in N17 it will certainly make people take notice and could be the boost of momentum and key community between the overhauled squad that Pennant has discussed.
With another two weeks with his squad at Rush Green under the belt, Lopetegui must be confident going into this one on the biggest stage.
In other West Ham news, Darren Bent expects a Premier League manager to suit the London Stadium as his next move.
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