BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has blasted the West Ham defence ahead of their clash with Manchester City this weekend.
Lawrenson has blasted the Hammers defence and called into question the mentality of the current squad after the defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.
The Hammers were set to pick up only their second win since David Moyes took over the club, but a Glenn Murray equaliser dashed hopes of the three points.
Lawrenson has taken aim at the Hammers, saying:
I would also be shocked if [City] don’t beat West Ham on Sunday. This Hammers team cannot defend at the moment, as we saw against Brighton last weekend, so City are going to get plenty of chances to find the net this time.
West Ham know they are in a relegation dogfight now, but the problem is they knew that last Saturday too, and it did not seem to help them.
They were great when they were 3-1 up against the Seagulls, but the way they are conceding goals and dropping points from winning positions – 19 this season, a Premier League high – is a massive worry.
That is an issue for their players too, because it will affect their mindset.
Even when they go a goal in front, everyone kind of takes a step back because they know what is coming, and it is very difficult to change that mentality.
Read West Ham’s verdict
Lawrenson’s comments do not put West Ham’s defence in a good light, especially the number of goals conceded in winning positions, which highlights a big issue.
The 19 goals conceded from winning positions is worrying, as it shows that West Ham are unable to hold out in games, and does a lot to show why they are currently in the relegation zone.
Moyes will have to sort out the defence if West Ham are going to have any chance of staying up, with the Hammers sitting fourth in goals conceded, whilst only being five goals away from stealing top spot from Villa and Norwich in the rankings.
A good result against Manchester City could do wonders for the confidence in Moyes’ team but, with City leading the goalscoring charts this season, it could be a long afternoon at the Etihad for the Hammers faithful.
