adminAlan Shearer rips into ‘pathetic’ West Ham as Paul Merson rates chances of catching Leeds United
Leeds United’s Premier League relegation rivals West Ham United suffered their heaviest defeat of the season on Saturday, as they were swept aside 3-0 by bottom-of-the-table Wolves.
The result has prompted scathing criticism from pundits Paul Merson and Alan Shearer following what was described as a “pathetic” performance.
West Ham handed Wolves their first league victory since April, conceding all three goals before the break. Despite needing a response in the second half, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side failed to register a single shot on target after the interval, even while chasing a three-goal deficit against opponents who had not kept a clean sheet all season.
Pressure is mounting on Espirito Santo, with fresh reports casting doubt over his future at the London Stadium.
The Hammers now sit four points adrift of safety and seven behind Leeds United, who could stretch that gap into double figures with a home win over Manchester United later today.
Regardless of the outcome at Elland Road, Leeds appear to be in a far healthier position. Their form has improved in recent weeks, while West Ham’s performances continue to deteriorate. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes the situation is already beyond saving.
“I can’t see it now,” Merson told Sky Sports. “I looked at their run of games — Fulham, Brighton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest — and thought if they got 10 points, they’d have a chance.
They’ve taken one point from three games. Now they’re back at home, and how many home games did they win last season? I think they’re relegated. I don’t give them a chance, which is a shame.”
Alan Shearer delivers brutal assessment
While Leeds will not consider their safety assured with the season only halfway complete and just seven points separating them from West Ham, there is growing optimism based on the contrasting performances of the two sides.
Espirito Santo apologised to supporters after the defeat at Molineux, admitting he felt “embarrassed” by the display.
West Ham were repeatedly caught out by basic runs and lacked organisation throughout the first half. Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer was equally unforgiving in his assessment.
“West Ham were weak, woeful, pathetic and useless,” Shearer said. “I can’t remember seeing a team play that badly in the first half. They couldn’t cope with anything Wolves threw at them. We lost count of how many times Magassa or Freddie Potts gave the ball away in midfield.
“I don’t know how you analyse it without swearing. Look at Mavropanos — is that really the best you can do when your team is fighting relegation? You have to be better, and that’s exactly why Nuno was so angry after the game.”
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