Opinion: What “captain” Kurt Zouma and Ben Johnson did in West Ham defeat to Forest is unacceptable

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What “captain” Kurt Zouma and Ben Johnson did in the West Ham defeat to Nottingham Forest is unacceptable.

It has been a miserable 2024 so far for West Ham and the club’s frustrated supporters.

And that continued with a 2-0 defeat at Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest.

There was no big reaction from last week’s 6-0 humbling to Arsenal from the Hammers.

In fact this could have been another heavy defeat had it not been for West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

But if the pathetic performance levels of West Ham’s players wasn’t enough to bring down the red mist, some things we witnessed will do the trick.

What Zouma and Johnson did in latest defeat is unacceptable

Because what “captain” Kurt Zouma and Ben Johnson did in the West Ham defeat to Forest is unacceptable.

Right on the stroke of half-time Zouma and the abysmal Nayef Aguerd allowed themselves to be completely bullied by Taiwo Awoniyi as he gave Nottingham Forest the lead.

Zouma should have been furious or rallying his teammates – or both. If not then he should have been keeping his counsel as he headed for the tunnel at the break.

Instead he was spotted on TV cameras smiling and chatting with Awoniyi as they shared a high-five.

If you can’t read a pass at least read the room

Regardless of whether the pair are friends or were just exchanging pleasantries, it was not the right look at all.

And Zouma calls himself a captain?

At full-time Johnson went one better (or should that be worse). As the whistle blew after another dismal defeat having just conceded a late second, substitute Johnson was seen on the TV cameras asking the goalscorer Callum Hudson-Odoi for his shirt.

“Yea inside” Hudson-Odoi could clearly be seen telling Johnson.

It’s enough to make your blood boil.

Zouma’s credentials as a captain were already in question. After the club’s biggest home league defeat for over six decades – to a London rival to boot – West Ham fans have not heard a single peep out of the “skipper”.

And he showed zero leadership on the pitch in this latest loss either.