Attack not defence the problem for Lopetegui…

Julen Lopetegui’s position as West Ham boss is under increasing scrutiny, but if the Spaniard is to go, it will not be because the Hammers’ defence became terrible under him.

In fact, it would more likely be because he did not improve the terrible defence he inherited in the first place.

West Ham had the worst defence outside of the promoted sides last season – and they have the worst defence outside of the promoted sides this season too.

The east London side are conceding goals at exactly the same rate as they did last campaign (1.95 per game), so not much has changed in that aspect since the departure of David Moyes.

The Hammers still having one of the worst defences in the league is less than favourable, but what has actually been the difference compared with 2023-24 is the finishing.

Despite taking more shots (14.6 per game compared to 11.8) and having a slightly higher expected goals (xG) figure at 1.45 per game, they have actually scored fewer goals (1.2 per game compared to 1.58).

West Ham deserved to finish ninth last season because they got the results to finish there, but they were not the ninth-best team in the league based on their underlying numbers. That was something disgruntled match-going fans could see in their performances and ultimately led to the change of manager.

The greatest trick the Premier League table ever pulled was convincing people it never lies – and it lied about West Ham last campaign (see also Manchester United finishing eight).

What do you make of the numbers, West Ham fans? Can Lopetegui survive? Or is the writing already on the wall? And if the Spaniard goes, who would you want to succeed him?

Let us know