One late goal for [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/lopeteguis-reign-in-tatters-times-up-for-west-hams-struggling-boss/) seems almost inconsequential on a dreadful night at Leicester when West Ham were undone by a counter-attacking side spearheaded by a 37 year old who scored in the second minute. However there could be big ramifications bearing in mind the thirty-something failed Hammers’ goal attempts which followed.
The introduction of [Niclas Fullkrug](https://www.claretandhugh.info/fullkrug-wins-fitness-fight-but-still-wants-hammers-exit/) on another night would have inspired columns of writing – after the German’s three month layoff just to see him open the bench would have been noteworthy had it not been overshadowed by Leicester sticking three past a hapless defence.
The very fact that Fullkrug popped up to score in his ten minute cameo, in the right place at the right time should be a cause of muted – very muted- relief for Hammers fans. Whatever happens at the club in the next few days – for we know David Sullivan does not act swiftly even when it has been plain for anyone to see since the 0-0 draw against Everton that this exact scenario was inevitable -the awakening of Fullkrug is an important punctuation mark at the end of Lopetegui’s sorry Hammers history.
Whoever takes over will do so knowing that if Fullkrug stays fit and ‘focussed’ then the first goal is done and dusted, and possibly many more might be on the way.
Small cause for celebration right now but a modest yet important marker put down for the next head coach: At least somebody could finally manage to put the ball in the net last night.
How important Fullkrug’s contribution might be is difficult to guess: He’s talking the talk too:”_I will try my best to help in the dressing room, to help on the pitch, to get a little bit of hierarchy in this team, and to work with these guys, because from the characters, our team is so nice, so good. I love the guys, and I’m here just for four months now, and I feel very comfortable. I like to be here and we have so many qualities, so many good characters, but we have to bring it on the pitch.”_
And he’s just made the head coach job at London Stadium a little more attractive too since whoever comes next has more goal scoring options to work with in the short term: And with zero in the kitty for January, that could well be crucial in attracting a decent Lopetegui replacement.