Criticizing West Ham’s Defense? Moyes Just Made a Fool of Himself!
David Moyes has set himself up for some embarrassment after publicly criticizing the defensive setup of West Ham United under the guidance of new manager Julen Lopetegui. The seasoned Scottish manager, who enjoyed considerable success with the Hammers before his departure, didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts on the club’s backline, as he spoke on the Football Daily Podcast on November 3rd. However, Moyes’ remarks have raised eyebrows, especially given the mixed performance of his own defense last season.
Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham has undoubtedly started off rocky, with his team managing only three victories in their first 10 Premier League games. The Spaniard was brought in to usher in a new era at the London Stadium following Moyes’ exit at the end of his contract. Yet, Lopetegui has found himself under early pressure, as the Hammers sit in 14th place with just 11 points. Still, while the results aren’t what fans might have hoped for, there’s also recognition that implementing a new style of play takes time, and some are willing to be patient.
However, Moyes decided to throw a bit of a jab at Lopetegui’s approach, particularly when it comes to the team’s defensive setup. During his comments on the podcast, Moyes suggested that West Ham’s defense seems more vulnerable, remarking, “They look as if they’re a bit more open than they’ve been before, potentially more liable to concede.” It’s a pointed critique, especially coming from a manager whose own defensive record with the club wasn’t exactly stellar in his final season.
In fact, looking at a direct comparison, Lopetegui’s defense has arguably held up better than Moyes’ did last season. Under Moyes, West Ham conceded 21 goals in the first nine games against comparable opposition, while Lopetegui’s side has let in 18 goals—three fewer—over the same fixture list. This difference may not be huge, but it suggests Moyes’ criticism might be somewhat misplaced, especially when considering that the Hammers struggled defensively under his own stewardship last year, conceding a hefty total of 74 goals by season’s end. Given these statistics, Moyes’ critique almost comes off as ironic, if not entirely redundant.
It’s also worth noting that West Ham’s defense has undergone significant changes since Moyes’ departure. The club made notable signings in Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, all brought in to bolster the back line. While these additions haven’t yet yielded a fortress-like defense, there are signs that this new-look defense is slowly finding its footing. Kilman, with his imposing presence, Todibo’s youthful energy, and Wan-Bissaka’s renowned tackling skills, all add different dimensions to the backline that could very well improve West Ham’s defensive resilience as the season progresses.
Lopetegui’s attacking philosophy, which encourages the team to take more risks, may explain why the defense appears more open than Moyes’ typically conservative approach. The Spaniard’s tactics demand that players push higher up the pitch, which can occasionally leave gaps at the back. While that’s a valid area for improvement, it’s also part of the growing pains that come with adopting a more dynamic, forward-thinking style of play.
In the end, Moyes’ criticism seems premature and out of place, especially given his own defensive record last season. It’s one thing for a manager to comment on his former club, but Moyes’ comments, considering the context, make him appear somewhat out of touch. West Ham fans are hopeful that the changes Lopetegui has implemented will soon yield better results on both ends of the pitch. And with time, the investments made in the club’s defense may well pay off, showing that while Lopetegui’s West Ham is still a work in progress, the potential for a stronger, more balanced team is there.
