“Capitulation” – Tony Cottee criticizes West Ham live on air after their performance
Tony Cottee expressed his disappointment with West Ham's "capitulation" against Tottenham in Saturday's Premier League match [19 October].
Spurs defeated West Ham 4-1, despite Mohammed Kudus giving the Hammers an early lead before being sent off late in the game.
Tony Cottee acknowledged some promise from West Ham in the first half but expressed disappointment with the final result on talkSPORT [21 October, 8:54].
Speaking to Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist, the 59-year-old said, “The first half was alright, Jeff, going in level at 1-1. But then came the collapse in the second half. I couldn’t see any tactical plan.
They didn’t apply pressure, and after the second goal, the players’ body language showed they were expecting to concede more.”
He added, “In the end, they were lucky—Son hit the post—it could have easily been five or worse.”
West Ham have struggled defensively under Julen Lopetegui, conceding 15 goals in the Premier League so far.
Despite summer signings like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Max Kilman, the team has yet to show improvements on the pitch.
The loss to Tottenham highlighted the Hammers’ defensive weaknesses and their lack of maturity, allowing Ange Postecoglou’s side to dominate with ease.
Lopetegui has struggled to instill a clear identity in his team, raising doubts about whether the club made the right decision in letting David Moyes go after his contract ended.
With Manchester United up next, the pressure is mounting on Lopetegui.
If things don’t improve quickly, this match could potentially be his final chance to turn the situation around.
