Live on talkSPORT Custis and Winter already agree on West Ham v Arsenal riot in the Arsenal match
Shaun Custis and Henry Winter both agree that Lukasz Fabianski’s collision with Gabriel during West Ham’s Premier League clash against Arsenal on Saturday deserved to be penalized. The incident, which saw Fabianski inadvertently strike Gabriel in the head while attempting to punch the ball away, led referee Anthony Taylor to award a penalty to the Gunners.
While Fabianski clearly had his eyes on the ball and no intent to harm, the rules of modern football prioritize player safety, and his actions were deemed punishable. Speaking on talkSPORT (1 November), Custis acknowledged the evolving standards in officiating: “Maybe it wouldn’t have been picked up in the olden days, but I think it’s right that it does get punished now.” Henry Winter concurred, simply stating: “Definitely.”
This penalty decision was one of several moments in the match that highlighted West Ham’s ongoing struggles under Julen Lopetegui, further placing his future at the club under scrutiny.
Lopetegui’s Tenure Hanging by a Thread
Julen Lopetegui’s time at West Ham has been anything but smooth. While the Spaniard has managed to avoid dismissal thus far, his position looks increasingly precarious. The Hammers’ inconsistency on the pitch has left fans frustrated, with the team failing to meet expectations despite glimpses of potential. Victories against high-profile teams like Manchester United and Newcastle have provided brief moments of hope, but such results have been far too rare to mask the broader issues plaguing the squad.
For much of the season, West Ham have struggled to establish any real identity or rhythm under Lopetegui. Players who were expected to shine have underperformed, and tactical decisions have often been questioned. The lack of cohesion has left fans yearning for more, especially given the substantial investments made in the summer transfer window.
Potential Replacements in the Wings
As the pressure mounts on Lopetegui, speculation about his replacement has intensified. Names such as Graham Potter, known for his progressive approach at Brighton, and Edin Terzić, the former Borussia Dortmund boss with a strong pedigree in European football, have been linked with the role. Both managers would bring different styles and philosophies, but their potential arrival hinges on whether the board decides to pull the plug on Lopetegui’s tenure.
The decision to sack a manager mid-season is never taken lightly, as it can disrupt the team’s momentum and morale. However, if West Ham’s form does not improve, the board may have no choice but to act. The club’s ambitions of climbing the table and competing for European places are fading fast, and decisive leadership will be required to arrest the decline.
A Critical Crossroads
For Lopetegui, time is running out. The defeat to Arsenal, compounded by incidents like Fabianski’s penalty concession, has added to the mounting sense of disarray at the club. The fans’ patience is wearing thin, and the board’s willingness to continue backing the Spaniard is being tested.
If West Ham fail to turn their season around quickly, Lopetegui could find himself out of a job, a move that would mark another chapter of managerial upheaval for the club. For both the manager and the Hammers, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this partnership can be salvaged or if it’s time for a fresh start.
