Micah Richards in Disbelief Over West Ham’s Mohamed Salah Tactics in Liverpool Thrashing
Micah Richards has expressed his astonishment at West Ham United’s defensive approach, claiming they gave Mohamed Salah far too much space during their humiliating 5-0 defeat to Liverpool. The Hammers ended 2024 on a sour note at the London Stadium on Sunday, 29 December, as the rampant Reds ran riot.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast (30 December, 14m 36s), Richards admitted he was shocked by West Ham’s inability to contain Salah, who could have added significantly more goals to his tally. The Egyptian forward was instrumental in Liverpool’s dominant display, exposing glaring defensive gaps that left the East Londoners helpless.
“Salah had so much space,” Richards said. “And yes, tactically you can look at what Liverpool did, but if you just stay in a five at the back, stay in your positions, and make it difficult for the opponent to break you down, it changes everything.”
Instead, Richards pointed out, West Ham’s backline repeatedly failed to maintain their structure, gifting Salah the freedom to exploit the spaces with devastating results. “They just all went inside and left space for Salah,” he added. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing – Salah could have scored probably five goals today.”
The defeat has intensified pressure on West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui, whose team’s dismal defensive performance and lack of cohesion highlighted deeper tactical issues. Fans were left frustrated, with many questioning why such a well-drilled Liverpool attack was allowed so much freedom to dictate the game.
While Liverpool’s precision and clinical finishing were on full display, Richards emphasized that West Ham’s failure to implement even basic defensive strategies made the result inevitable. “You’re playing against one of the best players in the league,” he said. “You can’t afford to give someone like Salah that kind of space – it’s asking for trouble.”
With the Hammers set to face Manchester City on 4 January, Lopetegui will need to address these issues urgently, as another heavy defeat could mark the end of his tenure at the London Stadium. Fans will be hoping for a much tighter defensive display, but after Sunday’s showing, confidence in the manager’s ability to turn things around appears to be dwindling.
Julen Lopetegui Has Serious Work to Do at West Ham United
West Ham United’s humbling 5-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday has left the club reeling, with fans voicing their discontent over not just the scoreline but the manner in which their team capitulated. While there is no shame in losing to one of Europe’s most in-form sides, the lack of fight, organization, and tactical coherence has left a sour taste in the mouths of supporters.
Liverpool arrived at the London Stadium full of confidence, and their relentless pressure and attacking fluidity were always going to be a test for West Ham. However, it was the ease with which the Hammers were dismantled that has raised serious questions about Julen Lopetegui’s ability to steer the club in the right direction.
Defensive ChaosDefensively, West Ham were in disarray from the first whistle. The backline, which included Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos, looked uncertain and disjointed, allowing Liverpool to carve through them almost at will. Mohamed Salah, in particular, was given far too much space, exploiting gaps that should have been closed down with basic defensive organization.
Micah Richards, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, summarized the frustration of many: “Salah had so much space, it was almost as if West Ham invited him to score. You can’t give someone like him that kind of freedom.”
Tactical Ineptitude
Lopetegui’s tactics have come under fire. The decision to field Jarrod Bowen in a central role rather than his natural wide position rendered one of West Ham’s most dangerous players ineffective. Similarly, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson were unable to provide any meaningful contributions, further exposing Lopetegui’s lack of adaptability in key moments.
The introduction of players like Niclas Fullkrug and Jean-Clair Todibo at halftime failed to stem the tide, with both struggling to make an impact against Liverpool’s relentless attack.
Fan Frustration and Pressure Mounting
West Ham’s supporters, who had high hopes following a promising transfer window, are growing increasingly disillusioned. The squad, which boasts talented players like Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus, is underperforming, and the blame is firmly being placed on Lopetegui’s shoulders.
“The fans have every right to be angry,” said a source close to the club. “This isn’t just about losing to Liverpool; it’s about the lack of direction and fight in the team. The players seem lost, and that comes down to the manager.”
A Crucial Turning Point
With West Ham now in 14th place and facing Manchester City next, Lopetegui finds himself at a crossroads. A heavy defeat at the Etihad could seal his fate, and the club will need to act swiftly if they are to salvage their season.
For Lopetegui, the task is clear but daunting: restore defensive stability, find a tactical system that suits the squad, and reignite the confidence of the players and fans. Anything less could see his time in East London come to an abrupt end.
West Ham’s Shocking Collapse: No Player Can Hold Their Head High
There was no silver lining for West Ham United following their abysmal 5-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday. After a promising run of form that saw them collect eight points from the last 12 available, the Hammers were expected to at least make a competitive showing against one of the Premier League’s most potent teams. Instead, they crumbled under the pressure, and no player in claret and blue emerged with any credit from a dismal display in the capital.
Coming into the match, West Ham were on the back of their longest unbeaten streak of the season, with the team beginning to show signs of the cohesion and resilience that had been lacking earlier in the campaign. Yet, that form evaporated in an instant as they faced Liverpool, who had no difficulty carving open a porous West Ham defense time and again.It was a performance that left manager Julen Lopetegui scratching his head, and the fans in disbelief. West Ham’s backline was torn apart, their midfield overrun, and their attack impotent. Despite going into the game with renewed optimism, this result has only added to the growing pressure surrounding the Spaniard’s tenure.
In what was supposed to be a season of improvement after a strong transfer window, the team’s lack of fight and structure on the pitch was shocking. There was no cohesion, no leadership, and no one willing to take responsibility, as Liverpool made light work of the Irons.
The defeat at the hands of Jurgen Klopp’s side raises serious questions about the direction of the club under Lopetegui. After a positive run, the hope was that West Ham were beginning to find their rhythm, but this capitulation has set them back considerably.
As they sit in 14th place with another tough test against Manchester City on the horizon, the club’s hierarchy must be wondering whether Lopetegui is the man to get them back on track. The pressure will undoubtedly mount if their form doesn’t improve quickly, and with each poor performance, the clock on his tenure continues to tick down.
West Ham’s Struggles Against Liverpool Highlight Growing Concerns
West Ham’s ongoing struggles against Liverpool were laid bare once again in the 5-0 defeat at the London Stadium, making it the second time in 2024 alone that they’ve conceded five goals to the Reds, with a 5-1 loss at Anfield in the Carabao Cup earlier this year adding to their misery. The repeated nature of these humbling defeats underscores the vast gulf between the Irons and the league’s elite.
This latest setback has exposed not just the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, but also the growing gap between West Ham and the top six, which now feels more insurmountable than ever. While there were hopes of building upon their recent unbeaten run, this loss marks another harsh reality check. The Hammers now face the grim reality that the top-tier sides in the league, particularly Liverpool, continue to dominate with ease, leaving West Ham scrambling to stay competitive.
The manner in which West Ham allowed Liverpool to dominate and score freely both at home and away this year is deeply concerning. Without a major shift in tactics and mentality, it seems increasingly difficult to see how the club can close that gap and challenge for a higher position in the league. With the team now firmly entrenched in mid-table, questions about the direction of the club under manager Julen Lopetegui are only intensifying.
David Sullivan Under Fire as West Ham’s Struggles Continue
As the focus once again falls on Julen Lopetegui and his underwhelming tenure at West Ham United, it’s important to highlight that club owner David Sullivan should also face scrutiny for the current state of affairs. Sullivan, who made the final call on appointing Lopetegui, has been a key figure in West Ham’s ongoing struggles. His decisions, from the managerial choice to the summer recruitment spree, have failed to bring the desired results, with the club’s performances continuing to fall short of expectations.
The summer transfer window was touted as an opportunity for West Ham to make a real push for improvement, with Sullivan reportedly backing sporting director Tim Steidten in a major spending spree. However, the signings have not lived up to the hype. Of all the acquisitions, only Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s arrival from Manchester United can be considered a genuine success. The rest of the summer recruits have largely failed to make the impact required, and many have yet to find their feet in the Premier League.
The mood around the London Stadium has dramatically shifted as West Ham head into 2025, with the club seemingly drifting back into familiar patterns of mediocrity. What’s most worrying is the lack of fight and resilience from the players, particularly when faced with tough opposition. Against Liverpool, the team’s capitulation was not just a result of tactical issues but also a lack of character on the pitch. This growing sense of despair can no longer be ignored, and it’s clear that drastic changes are needed in the New Year, whether that means a managerial change or a shake-up in the playing squad.
Ultimately, Sullivan must take responsibility for his part in West Ham’s decline. The decision to back Lopetegui was his, and the failure to secure effective signings in the transfer market falls squarely at his feet. For the club to turn things around, there needs to be accountability at the very top, and meaningful action must be taken to restore confidence both on and off the pitch.