Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has spoken of his surprise at West Ham United’s owners over Manuel Pellegrini.

The future of West Ham boss Pellegrini is in doubt after the Hammers were thumped 3-0 at Burnley on Saturday.

As a result Pellegrini’s struggling side have gone SEVEN games without a win.

The Hammers have plummeted from third to 16th in the Premier League and face a daunting run of fixtures.

By the time West Ham are back in action – against Spurs on November 23rd – it will be two months since they last tasted victory.

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Pellegrini under pressure as Hammers nosedive

West Ham had been widely tipped to challenge for the European spots after a fine start to the campaign. But with a daunting set of fixtures on the horizon could just as easily be dragged into a relegation battle.

Reports before and since the Burnley defeat have claimed Pellegrini will be given time by West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold (BBC Sport).

Some supporters have been calling for Pellegrini to be sacked. Others feel the board are to blame.

And the unrest which resulted in angry protests 18 months ago – ironically during a 3-0 defeat to Burnley  – is resurfacing with a vengeance.

 

Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Debate on Monday night, Merson said he is surprised owners Sullivan and Gold did not sack Pellegrini after the Burnley shambles.

Photo by Arfa Griffiths West Ham United FC via Getty Images

Merson surprised owners did not sack Chilean after Burnley debacle

And he thinks the Hammers will be mired in the relegation zone in a matter of weeks.

“I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the worst (performances) I’ve seen (from a West Ham team),” Merson said on The Debate.

“As soon as Noble went off injured after about 10 minutes or so you might as well have taken the rest of the team off because without Noble in the team I don’t see who gets his team up (for it). I don’t see who drives them on, I mean it was so lacklustre.

Photo by Arfa Griffiths West Ham United FC via Getty Images

‘No Noble, no West Ham UNITED’

“It’s West Ham United but as soon as Noble went off you can take United out of the team. He’s the one who cares and gets everybody going, I was shocked.
“I looked at their fixtures and from about six weeks ago when you’re thinking they’re going to be in a European race, these are going to be in the bottom three in five weeks time.
“I thought he (Pellegrini) was in trouble after the game with the two week (international) break. You’ve got to remember they conceded three against Newcastle at home the week before as well, so if they’re not even gonna be doing it at home then (where are they going to do it?).”
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