“MOTD Pundit Criticizes Lopetegui’s ‘Strange’ Tactics After West Ham’s Loss to Chelsea”

The Hammers endured a frustrating afternoon on Saturday, September 21, as they suffered a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea at the London Stadium.

Despite an underwhelming performance, pundit Danny Murphy highlighted a peculiar tactical choice by West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui during his analysis on Match of the Day that evening.

Murphy commented: “The manager has to take some responsibility for this.

It wasn’t just that he changed the system and played with three or five at the back, but the man-to-man marking on Nicolas Jackson was really strange.

You don’t see that very often, especially with a midfielder.

Alvarez dropped into the back three, but while he has many qualities, pace isn’t one of them.”

Lopetegui’s tactics have come under fire, particularly following West Ham’s slow start to the season, which continued with the loss to Chelsea.

The Blues dominated the match, creating most of the clear-cut chances, and the Hammers struggled to compete.

This defeat is another setback for Lopetegui, who came into the season with high expectations following a busy transfer window.

However, his reluctance to shift from his preferred players despite poor recent form has raised eyebrows.

At the London Stadium on September 21, West Ham once again struggled to cope with Chelsea’s attacking trio of Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, and Jackson.

Meanwhile, key summer signing Jean-Clair Todibo was left on the bench, despite ongoing defensive issues.

As the Hammers prepare to face Liverpool in the EFL Cup, it remains to be seen whether Lopetegui will adapt his tactics or stick with his current approach.

Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how he sets up his side for the next challenge.