OPINION
West Ham United undoubtedly did not have the best of times yesterday afternoon as they were resigned to a humiliating 4-0 defeat to the hands of Liverpool.
Boss Manuel Pellegrini was not hoping for this type of start in his first competitive game in charge of the Hammers, but unfortunately for him, they were outplayed massively by the Reds.
They were graded an “E” by Sky Sports, who wrote that the midfield was “completely overrun.”
The defence has been criticised for adopting a high line throughout the match which led to the goals, but Pellegrini should be particularly concerned about the midfield.
Jack Wilshere’s first competitive debut for the Irons did not go according to plan, as hardly a peep was heard out of him for the majority of the game.
It is evident that West Ham are unsure where to play him – it seems like they cannot decide between operating him as a number ten, a central midfielder or playing him a little deeper.
Based on his display on Sunday, Pellegrini must sideline one of the weak links for their next game against Bournemouth this weekend – it is a worrying sign that he does not know where Wilshere operates best.
During the first half, he barely made a contribution to the game – Liverpool’s midfielders were too intense for him with their pinpoint passing and technical ability, mainly in the shape of Naby Keita.
The Reds pressed constantly on the likes of Wilshere, with the 26-year-old barely getting a touch on the ball during his Premier League stint for the Hammers.
Liverpool were obviously not the easiest opponents to face in their first match, but Wilshere must be axed for the next game against his former club based on this run out.
