In many respects, West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui couldn’t face two tougher games to save his bacon, which is why most fans, including myself, view his sacking as a foregone conclusion.
It would be insincere at this point to suggest the Spaniard can somehow engineer a surprise win for the Hammers against either Newcastle or Arsenal.
Newcastle United v West Ham at St. James’ Park is a tough fixture at the best of times. However, with a team lacking confidence, a cohesive strategy, and the ability to score goals, the task seems nigh-on impossible.
The Premier League fixture being on a Monday night in the Northeast certainly doesn’t help anyone, particularly the fans, who won’t have the luxury of finding a train home unless they leave at half-time. But, by then, the game could well be over.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies are hitting form at just the right time, and I fully expect them to qualify for Europe this season. Many of Newcastle’s injured players are expected to return for the Monday night clash, whilst West Ham’s injured Niclas Füllkrug is highly unlikely to feature.
One of Lopetegui’s main problems is that there has been no evidence of his team working toward a clear tactical plan or ultimate goal. The Spaniard switches line-ups and tactics so frequently that it’s hard not to conclude he is uncertain about his selections and strategy.
Therefore, I can absolutely see a scenario where West Ham lose heavily at Newcastle, and Lopetegui doesn’t get the opportunity to manage the second game against Arsenal. Let’s be honest: if the worst happens at St. James’ Park, there’s probably little point in giving the Hammers boss one more long walk to the gallows
If there’s one thing that is absolutely clear it’s that Lopetegui will go. I do not understand the drawing it out, must win against Everton but nothing happens when he doesn’t. After Arsenal if there’s nothing gained when nobody in their right mind thinks that there will be, the only wagers are on how many we lose by. What’s the purpose of that nonsense ?
Perfectly said as per John.
Couldn’t agree more. Setting the ultimatum of taking 6 points from Newcastle away and Arsenal at home or you lose your job is ridiculous.
90% of Premier League managers would lose their jobs under that criteria.
So why waste everybody’s time? Why the delay?
Cease with this farce and bring in someone young and dynamic like Hoeneß immediately, so he has the optimal amount of time to steer the ship in the right direction.
Never should have got the job!
Starting to think JLo was appointed despite Tim warning against this with Sully’s aim to make Tim walk.
Sully overlooking names like Amorin, Hoeness and Hürzeler and then signing Soler & Rodriguez would add weight to this theory.
Tim getting his own terrace chant after signing Kudus must’ve hurt Sully’s ego, especially after all the failures via his preferred agents.
With memories of last season trip to Newcastle coming back to me, I went back to watch the highlights of that 4-3 game and the I still believe that both Newcastle penalties were a ridiculous.
I both cases, Anthony Gordon fouls Coufal and Philips, yet decisions were given the other way .
Referee Robert Jones and David Coote on VAR had shockers that day.
My favourite memory of Newcastle away was a 1-1 draw in the Second Division back in 1990.
The football special had sold out and as a student I couldn’t afford the fare on the Inter City train. I decided to just charge past the police and ticket inspectors so I didn’t miss the game.
They were as slow as Rodrigues chasing me and I managed to find a carriage with the firm in. I hid under the table covered in bomber jackets 😂
When Trevor Morley scored one of my Reebok classic trainers came off in the surge. My trainer got launched in to the home end as chants of Harry Enfield’s “Loadsa money” with Hammers waving wads at the home fans took place.
A couple of Geordies responded in kind to the chants of “Thief, thief, thief!” 😂
It hammered down with rain and I had one trainer and a very soggy sock for my return to London.
Brilliant day out! ⚒️