Aaron Cresswell spoke to the club’s official website after his side’s defeat to Newcastle United, and shared what the players discussed before the game.
The left-back suggested that the Hammers players talked about not giving set-pieces away before the game.
They proceeded to do just that, however. And all three of the goals that West Ham conceded emanated from set-pieces.
Cresswell told WHUFC.com:
“It’s not good enough. We spoke about set-pieces before the game and yet, to concede them, wasn’t good enough. We need to go through it. We’re going through a bad period and we need to stick together.”
And this admission will be extremely worrying for Hammers fans.
If the players were so clued up on Newcastle’s potential threats, then why did they gift them so many corners and free-kicks in dangerous areas?
Either it’s a basic lack of understanding amongst the West Ham players, or it is a lack of focus on the pitch.
In truth, both of those theories should be deeply concerning for Manuel Pellegrini, and the club’s fans.
West Ham have to sort themselves out, and fast. The thought of a top six finish is actually laughable at the moment.
The players are good enough. They have to show what they are capable of on a much more consistent basis, however.