Gary Neville, Julen Lopetegui, West Ham badge
Gary Neville has offered his verdict on West Ham and Julen Lopetegui
Declan Carr
Sat 30 November 2024 16:49, UK
Gary Neville has laughed about comments that Jamie Carragher made before West Ham beat Newcastle on Monday.
The Hammers beat the Magpies 2-0 on 25 November to ease the pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui, having up to that point endured a miserable start to the season.
Before the contest at St James’ Park, Carragher said that Lopetegui’s side were going to be defeated easily and claimed the manager was lucky to still be in the job.
Former Manchester United man Neville laughed as he spoke about Carragher’s comments on the Sky Sports broadcast ahead of the Arsenal clash [30 November, 4:04pm], saying: “It was funny to watch Jamie Carragher announce the Newcastle victory on Monday Night Football before the game.
“I’m happy for Lopetegui. He’s a good manager and has had a rough ride. West Ham are at their best when counter-attacking. Set-pieces are also important against Arsenal.”
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Julen Lopetegui still needs results to keep West Ham job
The win against Eddie Howe’s side was a huge boost for the former Wolves manager as it eased the pressure on him substantially ahead of the Arsenal game.
However, they must use it to gain momentum with a nice run of fixtures on the horizon, albeit after the visit of the Gunners.
After the Arsenal game, the Hammers face Leicester City, Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton and then Southampton before hosting Liverpool.
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui is off to a rocky start at West Ham United. (Credit: Imago)
Reports of the club looking at replacements continue to surface and the victory over Newcastle will mean nothing if the Irons fail to capitalise on it.
The Spanish manager still has plenty to prove but his team looks to have finally found their identity – whether they can maintain that is another question.
If he is to keep his seat in the dugout at the London Stadium, they have to ensure that they do maintain it.
In other West Ham news, one stalwart could be set for a London Stadium exit in the coming weeks.
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