Regular readers of our Claret and Hugh West Ham United blog will know we have opinions of dear Chris Sutton who seems to be a serial offender when it comes to talking down Julen Lopetegui’s team and their chances. It is typical of the ‘kick ’em when they’re down’ media surge at the moment and something I’ll take issue with again and again.
One week we will win and I’ll have my moral victory. Having a bad run of form was something which seemed endemic last year, I think our Premier League stats for January – May 2024 were woeful. Something Sutton and Co. fail to refer to when slating Lopetegui in favour of his predecessor.
However, I need to congratulate him. Following my article last week entitled ‘Fixated’ describing how Sutton, in his ‘match prediction’, referred back to David Moyes four times in his first three sentences; This week he’s clearly decided to look at things current, not past. Well done, Chris. Now, maybe we can tempt you into being a tad more optimistic about Lopetegui’s chances? It would seem not:
“Julen Lopetegui needs a result and he needs a performance, the West Ham way… whatever that is under him.
And continues: “Their fans wanted a change, and they got the change… and I think they have expected a much better start than the one they have got.” Ohh – you nearly mentioned Moyes again, didn’t you? cheeky…
Predicting a 2-1 win for Brentford, Sutton adds:”
“Brentford are always superbly organised and carry a goal threat. They went ahead against Manchester City and Tottenham in their past two league games and although they ended up losing both, they ran Spurs very close and gave City plenty to think about too.
“Even without the injured Yoane Wissa, the Bees are a well-balanced team – and probably not the kind of opposition that West Ham need or want right now”.
Well, we have to beat someone. And it might as well be Brentford. I think Lopetegui knows now his best formation. ( He certainly knows the worst) – and he’s pretty sure about the attacking options. How hard can it be to stick Wan-Bissaka and Emerson outside of TWO centre backs of his choosing? Then West Ham United can also be a ‘well balanced’ team and I’ll look forward to reminding Chris Sutton of that fact on Sunday.
Most of the talk is media rubbish , they like to build drama . I think we will start to gel , know their roles and work as a team . Let’s start know . Irons ⚒
Another cock go sit with Tony Cottee mate.