Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer are both in agreement that West Ham United will improve as the season progresses, despite their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.
The Hammers have endured a difficult start under new manager Julen Lopetegui, losing three of their opening five Premier League matches, and pressure is mounting after a disappointing run of results in East London.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast [23 September, 24:29], Lineker expressed optimism about West Ham’s prospects, saying:
“I think better things will come from West Ham.”
Shearer echoed that sentiment, replying: “I agree.”
However, West Ham’s form must improve, particularly in terms of showing more fight. Despite facing tough opponents in the opening weeks, including Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Chelsea, three straight home defeats at the London Stadium are concerning.
The team has failed to impose themselves in these matches, leading to questions about whether Lopetegui was the right choice to lead the club into its new era.
David Moyes, despite his critics, delivered consistent European football and guided West Ham to their first major European trophy in the Europa Conference League. That the club felt the need to move on from Moyes illustrates the enormity of the task now facing Lopetegui.
The summer signings, who were expected to revitalise the squad, have yet to live up to their high price tags, and the existing players have also underperformed under the new manager. With a difficult trip to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup looming, things could get worse before they get better for Lopetegui.
If Liverpool rotate their squad for the cup tie, as expected [Ian Doyle], and West Ham are still eliminated, it will become increasingly difficult for the club’s hierarchy to defend the decision to appoint the Spaniard.
While it’s still early in Lopetegui’s reign, the warning signs are already there. He needs to turn things around quickly, or the situation could spiral out of control for both him and the club.