Wayne Rooney blasts West Ham on MOTD after what Kelly Cates said about loss vs Crystal Palace

Wayne Rooney blasts West Ham on MOTD after what Kelly Cates said about loss vs Crystal Palace

West Ham Suffer Another Home Setback Amid Growing Turmoil

West Ham endured yet another disappointing home result on Saturday, falling 2-1 to Crystal Palace in what was their third loss at the London Stadium this season.

Manager Graham Potter is now under significant pressure, having overseen four defeats in the opening five matches of the campaign. His future at the club hangs in the balance as discontent continues to grow both on and off the pitch.

Before kick-off, supporters voiced their frustration by protesting against the club’s ownership, with many fans demanding co-chairman David Sullivan’s resignation. Saturday’s defeat is only expected to intensify those calls for change.

Rooney Slams West Ham’s Set-Piece Defending

Speaking on Match of the Day, Wayne Rooney offered a scathing analysis of West Ham’s defensive frailties — particularly their inability to defend set-pieces.

Host Kelly Cates highlighted that seven of the 13 goals West Ham have conceded this season have come from corners. Rooney responded: “Their set-piece defending has been very poor. Conceding seven goals like that is simply too many. Graham Potter mentioned that they’ve been working on it, and as a coach, that’s all you can do — put in the work. But it’s not translating on the pitch.”

Breaking down the opening goal against Crystal Palace, Rooney was particularly critical of the defensive organisation. “Look at that goal — it’s a 3v2 situation near the penalty area. Guehi is completely unmarked and scores with a free header. Mateta stands on the goalkeeper, no one tracks him. Mavropanos doesn’t mark Mateta and instead drops to the goal line too late. It’s another soft goal from a set-piece.”

Problems Go Beyond the Manager

While Potter’s position may be under review, West Ham’s issues run deeper than the head coach alone. The team has now conceded 10 goals in just three home games, with defensive vulnerabilities — especially from dead-ball situations — becoming a glaring weakness.

Opposing teams have clearly identified set-pieces as a way to exploit the Hammers’ back line, and unless major improvements are made, the club’s Premier League status could be in real jeopardy.

Regardless of who is in charge, the board — including David Sullivan — must take responsibility and invest in defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window. Without urgent action, West Ham may find themselves dragged into a relegation battle.