Wayne Rooney did not hold back in his critique of West Ham United following their 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney highlighted the team’s continued struggles from set-pieces, which have contributed to their poor start to the Premier League season.
West Ham Suffer Third Home Loss of Season
West Ham’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace marked their third home loss in just three matches, leaving fans frustrated and calls for changes at the club louder than ever. Manager Graham Potter now faces mounting pressure after four defeats in five games, with supporters protesting against ownership ahead of kick-off.
Chairman David Sullivan has been targeted by fans demanding accountability, a sentiment that is likely to intensify if the defensive issues are not resolved.
Rooney Criticizes West Ham’s Set-Piece Defending
During the MOTD broadcast, Kelly Cates asked Rooney about West Ham conceding seven of their 13 goals from corners. Rooney was scathing:
“They’ve been really poor from set-pieces, and conceding seven goals already this season is too many. Graham Potter said they’d been working on it, and as a coach, you can only put the work in to try and stop it.”
Rooney broke down the first goal conceded against Palace, emphasizing defensive lapses:
“It’s a 3 v 2 by the penalty area, Guehi is free for a header. Mateta is on the goalkeeper; no one is marking him. Mavropanos goes on the goal line, but it’s too late—another set-piece goal for Crystal Palace.”
His analysis underlined how West Ham’s defensive errors are recurring and preventable.
Defensive Woes Threaten West Ham’s Season
West Ham’s struggles extend beyond Potter’s coaching. The team has conceded 10 goals in just three home matches, with set-piece vulnerabilities exploited by multiple opponents.
Analysts and fans alike suggest investment in the defense is essential, regardless of the manager’s status, to prevent further damage. Without improvements, the Hammers’ Premier League future could be under serious threat.
Conclusion & Next Steps for West Ham
With the January transfer window approaching, West Ham must address their defensive frailties. Whether through signings or tactical adjustments, the club faces urgent decisions to stabilize the backline. Potter’s job security and the team’s league survival may depend on how quickly these issues are resolved.
About The Author
