“The defending from West Ham is criminal, absolutely criminal, he looks like he’s treading water already”- Michael Dawson has criticized a struggling West Ham player for “treading water” leading up to Chelsea’s opening goal against the team.
Michael Dawson criticized Edson Alvarez for “treading water” ahead of Chelsea’s opening goal in their match against West Ham on Saturday, September 21.
Nicolas Jackson scored just four minutes into the game, easily bypassing Alvarez to net the first goal, contributing to West Ham’s 3-0 defeat at the London Stadium.
After receiving a pass from Jadon Sancho, Jackson surged into the penalty area and finished under Alphonse Areola. Commenting on the play during Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, Dawson stated, “West Ham have switched off. It’s a free-kick in the middle of the park that goes straight to Jackson, who plays a one-two with Sancho. He has plenty of space and just keeps driving.”
He continued, “Edson Alvarez looks like he’s treading water; he doesn’t get near him. Jackson races down the left, reaches the six-yard box, and slots it through Areola’s legs. The defending from West Ham is absolutely criminal. If you’re the manager, you must be furious.”
While the entire team shares responsibility for conceding so early, Alvarez’s performance has drawn particular scrutiny. Since returning from injury, he has struggled to regain form, previously described as a “bull in a china shop” in a 1-1 draw against Fulham.
Although Julen Lopetegui has shown promise since taking over at West Ham this summer, fans are worried about the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, having recorded only one clean sheet in five league matches this season—a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace—leaving them perilously close to the relegation zone.
Despite several exciting summer signings, much work remains for Lopetegui to transform West Ham into a competitive side.
In other news, Richard Keys has expressed support for David Moyes, suggesting he may reveal “hot tea” during the Hammers’ match against Chelsea.
