Sky Sports pundit Michael Dawson has savaged West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez for his part in the opening goal of the clash against Chelsea this afternoon.
The Blues travelled across London to take on the Hammers in the lunchtime kick-off and found themselves 2-0 up within the opening 17 minutes thanks to a brace from Nicolas Jackson, in a poor performance from Julen Lopetegui’s side in the opening half.
The opening goal gave from a quick free-kick taken on the halfway line before Jackson ran through past the defence and slotted the ball through Alphonse Areola’s legs from a tight angle, leaving Mexico international Alvarez in his dust in the process, before a second goal came from great build up in midfield before he was released and put the ball past Areola with the outside of his boot.
Dawson Rages at Alvarez for ‘Criminal’ Defending
West Ham defending branded ‘terrible’
While appearing live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday and watching the game, former Premier League defender Dawson was furious with the defending and picked out Alvarez as someone who had to do much better.
“West Ham just switch off. Jackson has acres of room and he just keeps driving down the left-hand side. Someone has got to come across. Alvarez looks like he’s treading water, he doesn’t get anywhere near him. The defending from West Ham is criminal. It’s absolutely criminal. If you’re a manager you’re blowing your marbles.
Alvarez joined the club from Ajax in a big-money move back in 2023 and became a key member of David Moyes’ squad last season alongside James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta in the centre of midfield.
So far this season he has started each Premier League game for new manager Lopetegui, often alongside Guido Rodriguez in a new-look midfield, but the opening 20 minutes were far from his best showing in a claret and blue shirt.
