Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson believes that West Ham United will continue their dismal start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 loss to Everton this weekend.
The Hammers have suffered four defeats on the bounce so far this season, and have only managed to net two goals in the process, both of which came from striker Marko Arnautovic – and Lawrenson reckons that things are only going to get worse for them.
He destroyed the Irons’ defence, remarking how they have been so open recently, especially in their last match with Wolves which they lost 1-0.
“West Ham are the only top-flight team without a point this season and their manager Manuel Pellegrini has got a few things to sort out right through his team,” he told BBC Sport.
“Defensively, the Hammers are abysmal. They were so, so open against Wolves and they have been the same in every other game.
“Without changing the personnel – as in going to get some more players – I can’t see what they are possibly going to do to change that.”
OPINION
It is hard not to agree with Lawrenson in his prediction for West Ham here. He is spot on in his criticism of their defence – it has been far too open recently, which has allowed teams like Wolves and Bournemouth to hurt them when they attack. This is an issue that Manuel Pellegrini needs to sort out imminently, although that can be hard when you have a few players in the team who do not even look like they are trying half of the time. This includes Angelo Ogbonna, who has been rather dismal lately to say the least. Everton will prove to be a much sterner test than the likes of Wolves and the Cherries, but West Ham must count their lucky stars that Richarlison is serving the last game of his three match ban, as he would have had a field day with the Hammers’ defence in the state that they are currently in.