“It’s not his fault.He continues to be selected…”-Lopetegui’s Continuous SELECTION of This Out-of-form Player will Cost Him GREATLY

West Ham United’s encounter with Manchester City was a sobering reminder of the gulf in class between the two teams. While the Hammers showed flashes of brilliance, their overall performance was marred by the ineptitude of two key players: Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio.

Paqueta, the £150,000-per-week Brazilian, has been a source of frustration for West Ham fans all season. His selfish and overindulgent play has cost the team dearly, and his display against Manchester City was no exception. Time and again, he surrendered possession in dangerous areas, inviting pressure from the opposition. His lackadaisical approach to the game was exemplified by his role in Manchester City’s second goal, where he dawdled on the ball, allowing Erling Haaland to steal in and score.

Antonio, on the other hand, is a shadow of his former self. At 34, he is no longer the dynamic force he once was, and his selection in the starting lineup is a testament to the team’s lack of depth. His inability to trouble the Manchester City defense was glaring, and his substitution was long overdue.

In contrast, Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were beacons of hope for West Ham. Bowen’s tireless work rate and Kudus’s creativity were a constant thorn in Manchester City’s side, while Wan-Bissaka’s defensive prowess was impressive. The latter’s ability to adapt to different positions on the pitch is a testament to his versatility and potential.

Manager Julen Lopetegui has a daunting task ahead of him. With the international break looming, he must address the issues plaguing his team. Paqueta’s form is a major concern, and his continued selection in the starting lineup is a gamble that may not pay off. Antonio, too, needs to be reassessed, with Niclas Fullkrug waiting in the wings.

The article highlights the need for Lopetegui to make changes to the starting lineup, with Kudus crying out to be played more centrally in place of Paqueta. The team’s performance against Manchester City was a wake-up call, and Lopetegui must act swiftly to rectify the situation.

In conclusion, West Ham United’s performance against Manchester City was a mixed bag. While there were moments of brilliance, the team’s overall display was marred by the ineptitude of Paqueta and Antonio. Lopetegui has a difficult task ahead of him, but with the right changes, West Ham can turn their season around.