West Ham v Manchester City: Edson Alvarez caught in ‘Shocking’ moment. Julen Lopetegui was told to substitute Edson Alvarez just 10 minutes into West Ham United’s clash at Manchester City by Perry Groves.
Speaking live on talkSPORT 2 (4 January, 15:10), Groves laid into the Hammers midfielder after “ducking” out of heading the ball away, which led to Savinho firing a cross off Vladimir Coufal to open the scoring.
The pundit insisted you don’t want players like that in the trenches, slamming the Mexican for his part in the conceded goal in the contest against the champions.
“That is shocking defending from Alvarez – he’s gone like a tortoise neck, right into his shoulders. He’s turned his back in his own 18-yard box, not brave enough, it comes back to Savinho who goes on the outside and the deflection gives Areola no chance,” he raged.
“That’s so, so bad from Alvarez. You wouldn’t want him in the trenches if you’re going to battle. You have to say Manchester City have scored against the run of play.
“If I was Julen Lopetegui, I’d be taking Edson Alvarez off – it is that bad. He turns his back completely and ducks underneath it.”
Edson Alvarez has had a poor season for West Ham
While a talented player and one who on his day can dictate the tempo of an entire contest, Alvarez has consistently frustrated many – no doubt including Lopetegui – since his arrival.
The Spaniard’s faith in the 83-cap Mexico international has dwindled off late, hooking him at half-time of the 5-0 thrashing by Liverpool (29 December) and benching him three days earlier away at Southampton.
Alvarez played 42 times in all competitions for David Moyes last season, having arrived from Ajax in the summer of 2023.
But his performances have run parallel with those of his Hammers teammates – largely underwhelming and annoyingly inconsistent – whole his discipline has been very sketchy with two red cards already this campaign.
What Lopetegui certainly doesn’t need with his job on the precipice at the London Stadium is to see his players frankly bottling physical duels, and aerial challenges and getting their hands dirty.
It simply will never be good enough.
In other West Ham news, a potential development in the chase for Brighton star Evan Ferguson.
