Sky Sports pundit Dean Ashton has strongly criticized the lackluster display put on by West Ham in their goalless draw against Brighton, labeling it as a “drab, dreadful performance” and suggesting that it served as a clear message to the club’s leadership about the urgency of bolstering the squad through recruitment.

With both Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta absent from the match due to the former’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations and the latter’s injury, Ashton, a former Hammers striker, emphasized on Sky Sports News (3 January, 10:25 am) that it exposed the team’s deficiency in coping without two of their key players.

Reflecting on the match, Ashton remarked, “I think it’s a good point, I guess, in the end, another clean sheet, but it was a pretty drab, dreadful performance. I was there to watch it live. The atmosphere was flat, and I thought Brighton were the only team who truly sought to win the game. It really demonstrated what West Ham lack when they are without those star-quality players, and perhaps it has provided David Moyes and the ownership with a clear understanding of what is necessary to strengthen the squad.”

While acknowledging the lackluster performance, Ashton highlighted the significant absence of Kudus and the creative influence of Paqueta. He emphasized that the team’s current lack of depth makes it challenging to adequately replace the capabilities that these players bring to the table.

Furthermore, he addressed the subdued atmosphere, pointing out that the scheduling of the game on January 2 and the conclusion of the festive period might have contributed to the overall ambiance and energy levels. Despite the lackluster performance, Ashton ultimately acknowledged that it was a valuable point, urging the team and its supporters to shift the focus towards maximizing the team’s potential in the absence of Kudus and the hope for a prompt return of Paqueta.