Jamie O’Hara was outspoken in his criticism of West Ham United and manager Julen Lopetegui after their crushing 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on November 2. Playing at the City Ground, West Ham struggled as Chris Wood, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Ola Aina added to the team’s woes, marking their fifth defeat in ten Premier League matches this season. O’Hara didn’t mince words, taking to his X account to declare, “Nahhhhh West Ham are terrible, Lopetegui is miles off it.”
The Hammers’ inconsistency has become a defining feature of their season. Just a week after a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Manchester United, they delivered a poor performance against Forest, leaving fans frustrated by the stark shift in form. With Chris Wood in top shape and all eyes on how West Ham would keep him in check, the in-form striker managed to score his eighth goal of the season within 30 minutes.
Lopetegui’s strategy was to opt for a more defensive lineup, deploying three senior center-backs, but this approach backfired as their performance was heavily criticized. With West Ham now preparing for a crucial game against Everton, there are serious questions over whether these defenders should start. To compound their troubles, Edson Alvarez’s reckless red card in the first half further weakened the team, leaving them a man down while already chasing a one-goal deficit.
Although West Ham occasionally shows progress under Lopetegui, these gains often feel temporary, bringing his future with the club into question. Sitting just six points above the relegation zone, West Ham faces a pivotal clash against Everton at Goodison Park, knowing that a loss could further destabilize their season.