Andy Gray and Richard Keys UNLEASH Scathing Criticism After Witnessing This Season’s Disastrous Performances
West Ham United’s recent history has been filled with memorable moments and impressive achievements, including their UEFA Conference League triumph in 2023, where they secured a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina. However, this season has been a far cry from those highs, with the club currently struggling in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Despite showing signs of improvement ahead of their Monday Night Football showdown against Newcastle United, West Ham’s turbulent campaign has raised concerns. The Hammers parted ways with Julen Lopetegui on January 8, just days after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City—a result that proved to be the final straw for the Spanish manager.
His replacement, Graham Potter, did not have the best of starts either. In his first game in charge, West Ham were knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa, despite taking an early lead through Lucas Paquetá. Adding to the club’s woes, the Brazilian midfielder is currently under investigation for betting-related charges, which could even lead to a lifetime ban from football.
However, West Ham have shown some signs of revival, with back-to-back victories over Arsenal and Leicester City easing any fears of an unlikely relegation battle. Last season, under David Moyes, the Hammers secured a top-half finish, ending the campaign in ninth place. This time around, however, such a feat seems out of reach.
With West Ham currently sitting in 16th place, football pundits Richard Keys and Andy Gray have openly questioned the club’s decline.
Andy Gray and Richard Keys Voice Concerns Over West Ham’s Decline
Speaking on beIN SPORTS following Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on March 9, Andy Gray expressed concerns about West Ham’s performance, grouping them with other struggling big clubs such as Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton.
“When you’ve got Tottenham, Manchester United, Everton, and West Ham—four teams there…” Gray said, leaving the statement open-ended but heavily implying that all four clubs should be doing much better than they currently are.
For a team that finished sixth in 2020/21, seventh in 2021/22, and then lifted a European trophy in 2023, West Ham’s current predicament is a major letdown. While they are 16 points clear of the relegation zone with 11 games left to play, meaning survival is not a concern, their supporters will undoubtedly be frustrated by their fall from grace.
West Ham Must Deliver in the Summer Transfer Window
With safety in the league all but assured, West Ham must now shift their focus to the summer transfer window if they want to climb back up the table next season. Potter will need the full backing of the club’s owners, David Sullivan and Daniel Křetínský, to reshape the squad and bring in top-quality reinforcements.
The club is already being linked with potential new signings, with reports suggesting that West Ham have expressed interest in Roma forward Tammy Abraham, who is currently on loan at AC Milan. A player of Abraham’s caliber could provide the firepower the Hammers need to compete for European places again.
However, one or two signings won’t be enough—West Ham need a strong summer window across multiple positions to address weaknesses in their squad. The upcoming transfer market will be a defining moment for Graham Potter, as he looks to stamp his authority on the team and bring West Ham back to where they belong.
All eyes will be on Sullivan and Křetínský to invest heavily and ensure the Hammers return to their former heights. Whether they can spend big again and deliver a squad capable of competing at the top end of the table remains to be seen.
