West Ham fans spitting feathers after what Lopetegui said about Arsenal loss
Julen Lopetegui has not endeared himself to the fans at all since replacing David Moyes at West Ham this summer.
Despite a plethora of new signings during the summer transfer window, the Spaniard has failed to put a string of positive results together and is at risk of being sacked.
Premier League clashes against Newcastle United and Arsenal were marked as must-win games to already save his job in East London, and to the surprise of many, the Hammers claimed three points against the former.
The Irons had a chance to build on the proceedings and take a rare positive outlook into a tough match-up against Arsenal, all for the hopes to come crashing back down to earth.
Back to reality for West Ham and Lopetegui.
In the blink of an eye on Saturday 30 November, the Hammers looked to be heading into the half-time break trailing by four goals, with defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson providing a slimmer of hope.
That was until Bukayo Saka fired home a penalty deep in added time before a disappointing second half, and fans will be wondering where Lopetegui got the nerve to say his side were “unlucky” [BBC Sport].
Did Julen Lopetegui actually say West Ham were “unlucky” versus Arsenal?
Yes, he really said his side were unlucky. He also believed the Hammers did not deserve to concede five goals. His vantage point at the London Stadium clearly did him no favours.
The Hammers were so wide open during the first half, with Gabriel setting the tone for the game with his headed goal after the first 10 minutes.
While some fans were beginning to take a positive spin on the current situation after the 2-0 win over the Magpies, those same fans will be hoping that he has only said this to protect his players.
Lopetegui is on the verge of being sacked and comments like this will do him no favours. He needs to be realistic if he is to get West Ham out of the hole he has dug during his first weeks in the job.
In other West Ham news, an “important” player is surely on the verge of leaving East London after a new transfer update emerges.
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