Gabby Agbonlahor has sharply criticised Julen Lopetegui for a selection decision during West Ham United’s heavy defeat to Chelsea at the London Stadium.
The Hammers endured a dismal performance on Saturday, 21 September, losing 3-0—marking their third defeat in five Premier League matches this season.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 23 September, Agbonlahor was scathing in his assessment of Lopetegui’s tactical choices, particularly for allowing Nicolas Jackson the space to open the scoring after just three minutes.
The former Aston Villa striker expressed his disbelief at the defensive setup that left West Ham vulnerable.
“Some West Ham fans will want him to be given time – they’ve had tough home games,” Agbonlahor said. “But please, football managers, don’t complicate things. Don’t put one of your slowest players on Nicolas Jackson.
“That first goal was a disgrace. [Enzo] Maresca would have been thinking, ‘Oh, we scored?’ [Jackson’s] on the left-hand touchline – how has he got time to cut in? Honestly, sorry, I was baffled by that defending.”
West Ham’s early-season form has raised serious questions about Lopetegui’s suitability to lead the club into a new era.
Since replacing David Moyes, the Spaniard has struggled to make an impact, and doubts are growing about his long-term future. While reports suggest his job is secure for now , failure to secure European football could see Lopetegui’s tenure come to an abrupt end.
Despite a summer spending spree that saw ten new players arrive, key signings like Konstantinos Mavropanos have failed to impress.
Mavropanos, now in his second season at West Ham, has been underwhelming, while Max Kilman, who was brought in from Wolves, has also struggled to adapt.
The £40 million spent on Kilman looks increasingly questionable as his performances have yet to justify the price tag.
Tim Steidten’s efforts to sign Jean-Clair Todibo were seen as a coup, with the French defender fending off interest from Juventus and Manchester United.
However, Todibo has yet to make his full debut under Lopetegui, raising concerns about whether he will be able to adapt quickly enough to help West Ham’s struggling defence.
With a Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool looming midweek, followed by a crucial Premier League clash at Brentford, Lopetegui has little time to find answers.
If West Ham’s defensive frailties continue, the pressure on the Spaniard will only intensify. He must identify his strongest lineup—and fast—if the Hammers are to avoid an early-season collapse.