West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui praised his team’s fighting spirit after their 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage, a result that saw them bounce back from a 3-1 home defeat to Manchester City in their previous match.
Danny Ings scored a late equaliser for the Hammers, capitalising on a cross from Jarrod Bowen. Ings’ powerful shot forced Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno to push the ball into the side netting.
It was the striker’s first Premier League goal since March, and Lopetegui was pleased with his impact, especially after confirming that Ings had been close to leaving the club during the summer transfer window.
“We showed fight and we ran a lot but we can do better and that’s my feeling,” Lopetegui said.
“I am happy for the reaction, the feeling and spirit of the team, but we have to improve with the ball, we can do better. In the end it was black and white, we have a point.”
While the result showed resilience, Lopetegui knows there is room for improvement in his side’s overall play, particularly in terms of ball retention and control.
Meanwhile, one of West Ham’s summer signings, Niclas Füllkrug, missed the match due to an injury sustained during the international break.
Concerns have been raised about whether the club overpaid for the German international, with Bundesliga analyst Derek Rae sharing his doubts.
Speaking to HammersChat.com, Rae commented:
“Yes, they probably have overpaid. In Germany, there is a price, then there is a Premier League price.
“At 31, Dortmund would have been happy with that fee, without a doubt. Also, Füllkrug did not feel appreciated there.”
Rae also noted Füllkrug’s adaptation to English football, highlighting the striker’s own comments:
“Interestingly, the player himself has said that the football in England is less tactical. He feels it’s more dynamic and direct, whereas he’s been used to teams holding possession more to control the tempo of the game.”
Füllkrug is set for a late fitness test ahead of West Ham’s London derby against Chelsea this weekend, with the club hopeful that he has recovered from the ankle injury he picked up while on duty with Germany.