Gary Lineker ‘MOCKED’ West Ham over what pundit Alan Shearer’s comments about West Ham v Arsenal
West Ham United’s 5-2 drubbing by Arsenal at the London Stadium on Saturday (30 November) has sparked grave concerns among pundits Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker. The duo, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast (2 December), agreed that “not all is well” with the Hammers under manager Julen Lopetegui, who now finds himself facing intense scrutiny after yet another humbling defeat.
The match, which featured an electrifying first half with all seven goals scored within 45 minutes, was a rollercoaster of emotions. Despite the thrilling spectacle, the glaring defensive vulnerabilities of West Ham left Shearer unimpressed.
“I didn’t expect them to win against Arsenal,” Shearer admitted. “But I expected a bit better, particularly after their performance against Newcastle last Monday, where they fully deserved the result. I thought, ‘Here we go, maybe they’re turning a corner.’ But no, they’re not great at the back and give away far too many chances. I’m not convinced all is well at West Ham.”
Lopetegui’s Leadership Under Fire
The decision to appoint Julen Lopetegui as David Moyes’ successor has come under heavy fire. Critics have described his tenure as a “disgrace,” with many questioning how the Spaniard has managed to retain his position despite mounting evidence of his shortcomings.
The optimism following West Ham’s 2-0 win over Newcastle now feels like a distant memory. The Arsenal debacle has brought Lopetegui back to square one, exposing fundamental flaws in his tactics and team management. While Lopetegui might argue his side was “unlucky” to face an in-form Arsenal, conceding five goals in one half of football is nothing short of catastrophic.
Defensive Collapse
West Ham’s defensive frailties were on full display, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka—primarily known for his defensive prowess—being hailed as the standout performer for the hosts. This alone highlights the abysmal level of West Ham’s performance. The lack of cohesion and discipline at the back has become a recurring theme under Lopetegui, and Saturday’s match was a glaring example.
Dressing Room Discontent
The situation off the pitch appears equally dire. Reports from talkSPORT on 5 November suggested that Lopetegui had lost the dressing room, with players reportedly revolting against his management style. This discord raises serious questions about the club’s decision-making, particularly from owner David Sullivan, who has so far resisted calls to part ways with the under-fire manager.
Broken Trust
Lopetegui’s increasingly “delusional” post-match comments, where he frequently deflects blame and downplays glaring issues, have done little to repair his fractured relationship with the West Ham faithful. Many fans now believe the trust between manager and supporters is irreparably damaged, with calls for his dismissal growing louder.
A Plea for Change
The time for action is now. David Sullivan must prioritize the club’s best interests over personal pride. The once-proud Hammers fanbase deserves better than this underwhelming and chaotic reign. Ending Lopetegui’s tenure could be the first step toward salvaging a season that is rapidly spiraling out of control.
The pressure is mounting, and with matches coming thick and fast during the festive period, the question remains: how much longer can West Ham afford to stand still under Lopetegui’s stewardship?
