“We had the chance to win. But our best players aren’t around currently…” – Lopetegui expresses FRUSTRATION, gives EXCUSES after the game against Everton; reveals the REAL REASON West Ham had a draw with Everton; and Everton’s key player that gave West Ham a TOUGH time.

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui voiced his disappointment with his team’s performance after a goalless draw against Everton at home on Saturday. The Hammers’ inability to convert their chances left Lopetegui frustrated, as his side struggled to break through Everton’s defenses and the consistent interventions by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who made several impressive saves.

Despite a few strong attempts from West Ham’s offense, including Jarrod Bowen, Guido Rodriguez, and Danny Ings, they were unable to find the net. The closest chance came from summer signing Crysencio Summerville, who struck the post in what could have been a game-defining moment. Ultimately, West Ham was left with 12 points from their opening 11 Premier League games—a disappointing tally given the club’s ambitions and investment in recent seasons.

Reflecting on the match, Lopetegui admitted that while his team created enough chances to win, he was particularly unhappy with their first-half performance and lack of intensity. “Our aim was to win the match, and we deserved to win,” he commented. “We had enough chances to do so. Pickford was their best player, in my opinion, making three or four very good saves, and we also hit the post. But despite this, I wasn’t happy with the first half because we can’t gift the opponent 45 minutes.”

Lopetegui highlighted his disappointment with the team’s lack of aggression and sluggish pressing in the first half, which, in his view, gave Everton too much room to operate. Although the Toffees did not generate many dangerous opportunities themselves, Lopetegui emphasized that West Ham’s lack of “energy and character” early in the game was concerning. “We didn’t make the right decisions about our distances to be more aggressive in the press,” he explained. “We were late in the press, so I was not happy with this.”

However, the West Ham boss did see a few positives in the second-half performance. He praised his players for making adjustments after the break, becoming more organized and assertive in their pressing. Although they still failed to secure a goal, Lopetegui acknowledged the clean sheet and the resilience his players demonstrated as steps in the right direction. “In the second half, we did very well,” he noted. “It was not enough, but we can look at a positive thing—the clean sheet and the chances we had.”

The Hammers’ faithful, frustrated with the outcome, booed the team at the final whistle, signaling growing concerns among fans over the club’s form. However, Lopetegui remained composed, reminding everyone of his experience managing under pressure. “I always work under pressure; this is not new. I’m very happy with the commitment of the players and the club. We are not happy with our position, but I am confident we will finish higher,” he assured fans. “A lot of things change in a few months, and we are sure we are going to be able to do that.”

With the international break approaching, Lopetegui stressed the importance of regrouping and hoping his players return from national duty fit and ready for their next challenge. He recognized the break as a crucial time for the team to address key issues and come back with renewed focus and determination. The Hammers will need to refine their tactics and find ways to convert opportunities in upcoming matches to secure a stronger position in the league standings.

The pressure remains high for Lopetegui as West Ham faces a challenging season ahead. The manager’s emphasis on energy, aggression, and character suggests he will push his players to adapt and perform at the levels required to meet both his and the club’s expectations.