INSANE Claim Alert Pundit Just Blamed Our New £25M Star Taty Castellanos For Liverpool Thrashing – Fans Are FURIOUS!”
West Ham United’s long-standing vulnerability from set pieces was brutally exposed again as Liverpool struck three first-half goals, each originating from corners.
The Hammers’ struggles in these situations have become a recurring theme, and Sunday’s display did little to ease concerns.
Yet while the spotlight often falls on goalkeeper Mads Hermansen and the defensive setup, not everyone agrees the blame should rest solely there.
In fact, one television pundit surprisingly pointed the finger at forward Taty Castellanos for at least one of the goals conceded.
That criticism raised eyebrows.
Castellanos, not known for his height or defensive prowess, was singled out by former Wales defender Ashley Williams during his analysis on Match of the Day.
Williams suggested the Argentine failed to recognise the danger quickly enough and did not fulfil his defensive responsibility.
He argued that as Castellanos began to push out of the penalty area, eager to transition into attack, he left Hugo Ekitike unmarked at a crucial moment, allowing Liverpool to capitalise.
While Williams’ assessment focused on positioning and awareness, many felt the judgement was overly harsh.
Castellanos is, after all, primarily an attacking player. Expecting him to anchor defensive duties during corners seems misplaced, especially when more physically imposing teammates were present.
For Liverpool’s third goal in particular, four West Ham players surrounded Virgil van Dijk, yet the Dutch defender still managed to overpower them and convert.
That lapse appeared far more significant than Castellanos’ movement on the edge of the box.
It is also worth remembering that West Ham’s issues defending set pieces predate Castellanos’ arrival.
The team had already been conceding regularly from corners long before the Argentine joined the squad, making it difficult to attribute systemic problems to one forward still adapting to his new surroundings.
Despite the defeat, Castellanos did find the net, continuing an encouraging start to life in east London.
Remarkably, in just his second month at the club, he has already matched Niclas Füllkrug’s goal tally accumulated over 18 months.
Three goals and counting underline his work rate and attacking instinct, even while operating as a lone striker — a role he has admitted is not his preference.
With Pablo potentially returning in the coming weeks, Castellanos may soon have the chance to play in a partnership.
If that happens, West Ham supporters will hope the focus shifts from defensive scrutiny to his contributions at the other end of the pitch.
