Paul Merson was left stunned by what he witnessed on Friday night as West Ham United slumped to another disappointing defeat, this time a 2-1 loss to Leeds United at Elland Road.
A late strike from Mateus Fernandes gave the Hammers brief hope, but it wasn’t enough to rescue a result after goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon had put Daniel Farke’s side in control. Lucas Paquetá saw a goal ruled out for offside, yet the real story of the evening was once again West Ham’s dreadful defending from set-pieces.
Merson slams West Ham’s defending
West Ham’s ongoing vulnerability at dead-ball situations continues to haunt them — they’ve now conceded nine goals from corners or free-kicks this season, more than any other side in the Premier League and among the worst in Europe.
Nuno Espírito Santo has struggled to plug the defensive gaps that began to appear late in David Moyes’ tenure, and Friday’s performance only deepened concerns about his ability to turn things around.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Arsenal legend Paul Merson didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Hammers’ performance, particularly in light of their 3-0 home defeat to Brentford earlier in the week.
“I thought Monday night was as bad as it could get,” Merson said. “No disrespect to Brentford, but they’re a mid-table side and they went to West Ham and absolutely tore them apart. If it was Arsenal or Liverpool, you’d understand — but it wasn’t.
“Then after that embarrassment, you expect a reaction at Leeds — but they were blown away in the first 20 minutes. It got a bit better in the second half, but when you’re 2-0 down away from home, it’s easy to play with no pressure.”
As footage of Rodon’s goal was shown on screen, Merson added bluntly: “That’s shocking defending. Absolutely shocking.”
Clinton Morrison fears for West Ham’s survival
The defeat leaves West Ham with just four points from their opening nine Premier League games — a miserable return that has already put them deep in relegation trouble. Their only win came against Nottingham Forest back in August, when Graham Potter was still in charge of the Irons and Nuno was managing Forest.
Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison believes the Hammers are already showing all the signs of a team destined for the drop.
“When a new manager comes in, you usually get that bounce — but it hasn’t happened under Nuno,” Morrison said. “Right now, that’s relegation form. They look short of confidence, short of belief, and I don’t see how they get out of it at the moment.”
West Ham will now look to salvage some pride — and much-needed points — when they return to the London Stadium next Sunday to face Newcastle United.