“Lopetegui should’ve started him early” – Fulham star player PRAISES West Ham’s player despite the Draw, says player was ‘ON FIRE’, gives Lopetegui tips for the games against Chelsea and Liverpool.

West Ham United managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Fulham in a Premier League clash that left fans with mixed feelings. While the late equalizer by Danny Ings gave the Hammers an undeserved point, many were left questioning the tactics and team selections made by manager Julen Lopetegui. In particular, the performances of certain players, like Konstantinos Mavropanos and Tomas Soucek, were heavily criticized by fans and pundits alike.

A Scrappy Draw for West Ham

The match at Craven Cottage was one where West Ham looked out of sorts for the majority of the game. Fulham dominated much of the first half and should have been more than 1-0 up at halftime. The Hammers’ sluggish performance was visible, and it seemed like only a matter of time before Fulham would capitalize further on their dominance.

Despite Fulham’s control, West Ham managed to hold on and ultimately equalized in the dying moments of the game, thanks to Danny Ings’ late goal. However, even the most diehard West Ham supporters would admit that it was a point they barely deserved. Fulham’s intensity and attacking flair kept the visitors on the back foot for much of the game.

Lopetegui’s Questionable Team Selection

Since taking over as West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui has introduced a new philosophy and overhauled the squad. With 21 new players brought in over the summer, the team is still finding its rhythm. However, fans have begun to voice their concerns over some of the Spaniard’s decisions, particularly his team selections.

Going into the game against Fulham, there was anticipation that new signings such as Jean-Clair Todibo and Crysencio Summerville would make their first Premier League starts. Instead, Lopetegui opted to stick with Michail Antonio upfront and Konstantinos Mavropanos in defense. Additionally, the decision to drop Lucas Paquetá in favor of Tomas Soucek raised eyebrows. Many felt that Paquetá, despite struggling with form in recent months, still offered more creativity than Soucek, whose mistake directly led to Fulham’s opening goal.

Mavropanos’ Struggles and Criticism

One of the standout disappointments in the match was defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, whose performance came under heavy scrutiny. The Greek international was faulted for Fulham’s goal when he played Emile Smith-Rowe onside, allowing the midfielder to score. His overall positioning and lack of awareness in key moments left fans and pundits frustrated.

Tom Rennie, a talkSPORT commentator, took to social media to criticize Mavropanos, stating that the defender was “nowhere near Premier League quality.” Rennie highlighted Mavropanos’ tendency to drop too deep and his failure to block crosses, calling for him to be replaced in future matches. “Sorry, but he’s got to go,” Rennie posted, echoing the sentiments of many West Ham fans who were unimpressed with the defender’s contribution.

While Mavropanos has shown glimpses of his quality during his time at Stuttgart, his transition to West Ham has been rocky. Many expected him to be a key figure in the Hammers’ defense, but with Jean-Clair Todibo waiting for his opportunity, Mavropanos’ place in the starting lineup could soon be in jeopardy.

Paquetá’s Bench Role Raises Questions

Another controversial decision by Lopetegui was to drop Lucas Paquetá, West Ham’s £51 million signing, in favor of Tomas Soucek. Paquetá has struggled with form in recent months, both for West Ham and the Brazilian national team, but fans were still surprised to see him benched, especially given Soucek’s inconsistent displays.

In the first half, Soucek’s mistake led directly to Fulham’s goal, and he was eventually substituted at halftime along with Antonio. The absence of Paquetá’s creativity in the midfield was evident, as West Ham struggled to break down Fulham’s defense and create meaningful chances. Lopetegui’s decision to leave Paquetá on the bench was further questioned after Fulham’s Brazilian star Andreas Pereira praised Paquetá’s performance in the second half, despite being left out of the starting XI.

Pereira, who had played with Paquetá for the Brazilian national team, took to social media to express his admiration for the midfielder’s skills, stating that Paquetá was “on fire.” His comments only fueled the belief that Lopetegui had made the wrong call by not starting the Brazilian in such a crucial game.

Lopetegui’s Learning Curve

Lopetegui, who has only recently taken charge at West Ham, faces a steep learning curve as he tries to integrate a host of new players into his squad and implement his tactical philosophy. The Fulham game served as a reminder that there is still a lot of work to be done, both in terms of team cohesion and player selection.

With a midweek cup tie against Liverpool and a Premier League match against Chelsea looming, Lopetegui will need to reassess his tactical approach and make some tough decisions about his lineup. The match against Fulham exposed several weaknesses in the team, particularly in defense and midfield, which need to be addressed quickly if West Ham is to compete at the highest level.

The Importance of Ings’ Goal

Despite the overall poor performance, Danny Ings’ late equalizer was a crucial moment for West Ham. The 31-year-old striker came on as a substitute and managed to find the back of the net in stoppage time, securing a point for the Hammers. Ings, who has struggled with injuries and form in recent seasons, showed his value to the team with a well-taken goal, providing a glimmer of hope for West Ham fans.

While the result may have papered over some of the cracks in the team’s performance, it also highlighted the importance of experienced players like Ings, who can make a difference in tight games. His goal may have saved Lopetegui from further criticism, but it also serves as a reminder that West Ham has the talent to turn things around if the right players are given opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As West Ham prepares for upcoming fixtures, there are several key decisions that Lopetegui will need to make. The Fulham game exposed flaws in the team’s setup, but it also provided valuable lessons for the manager and his staff. With players like Jean-Clair Todibo and Crysencio Summerville waiting for their chance, changes are expected in the coming weeks.

For now, Lopetegui has the support of the fans, but patience may wear thin if performances don’t improve. The draw against Fulham was a reminder that West Ham is still a team in transition, and while there are growing pains, there is also potential for the team to achieve success under Lopetegui’s leadership. However, the clock is ticking, and the manager will need to start delivering results soon if he is to avoid further criticism.

In summary, West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Fulham was a frustrating yet fortuitous result. Lopetegui’s team selection came under fire, particularly the decision to bench Paquetá and persist with Mavropanos and Soucek. Despite these issues, Danny Ings’ last-minute goal rescued a point, giving the Hammers a lifeline as they navigate through a challenging period of transition under their new manager.