A damning new statistic has crystalised the problems West Ham United must spend big to fix this summer.
West Ham suffered a setback in their bid for European football with a 2-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Cardiff City on Saturday.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side looked toothless against a side that has conceded nearly 60 goals this season.
But it is indicative of a much deeper-rooted problem at the club.
Deep-rooted problems for toothless West Ham
West Ham have scored just two goals from open play in 10 games since January 2nd.
And one of those – Declan Rice’s effort against Arsenal – came in the second phase after a corner.
It is a horrendous statistic.
And one that will cost Pellegrini and the club’s owners big to fix.
West Ham look likely to sell both Javier Hernandez and Lucas Perez in the summer.
Perez has barely played since signing from Arsenal and has had a number of run-ins with his manager.
Striker overhaul looms for Pellegrini
Hernandez wants a move to La Liga and came close to joining Valencia in January.
Andy Carroll’s contract is up after six years and he will not be offered a new one.
Then there is Marko Arnautovic.
Despite signing an improved deal after the China saga in January many feel his heart is no longer in it and he will leave for the right price in the summer.
Gomez leads long list of replacements
Pellegrini has been linked with the likes of Maxi Gomez (Sky Sports) and Alexsandar Mitrovic. In truth they probably need both and to keep Arnautovic.
Should the Austrian leave another striker will be needed, and one with pace.
Alfredo Morelos of Rangers has been mentioned.
If West Ham don’t get things right with their striker overhaul more results like the defeat at Cardiff will be coming their way next season too.
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