Tony Cascarino tore into West Ham following their 2-0 loss to Everton and highlighted three players that he wasn’t impressed with in particular.
The former Chelsea player stated that Lucas Perez wasn’t good enough, revealed he thought Pablo Zabaleta was no longer up to the standards of the Premier League and added that Aaron Cresswell is not a great defender.
However while Cascarino slammed the Hammers trio, he did have nice words to say about Mark Noble as he claimed he was a noticeable absentee for Manuel Pellegrini’s side against the Toffees.
“Perez is not good enough I feel beside him (Arnautovic),” said Cascarino on talkSPORT (Sunday, March 31st, 8:40am).
“I also Zabaleta is not a Premier League full-back any more, doesn’t look a Premier League footballer.
“Aaron Cresswell is not a great defender so two wide areas are a problem, Noble didn’t play yesterday and he is a player that will drive them on a bit.”
OPINION
Cascarino doesn’t mince his words after witnessing the Hammers lose to Everton, as he is not afraid to be bold with his criticism. It’s fair to say that few will argue with his remarks on Perez as he has not looked the part ever since arriving at the club in the summer. Also Hammers supporters are likely to have no issue with his verdict on Cresswell as the left-back has always been defensively vulnerable. Cresswell may be able to be an asset when his side are pushing forward, but it’s hard not to feel nervy when he is called into action at the back. However it’s Zabaleta’s comments that will no doubt get somewhat of a reaction. Last season the right-back, who earns £75,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac), was one of the Hammers’ best players, and in the first-half of this season he wowed after Ryan Fredericks struggled to make a splash. Yet in his recent displays, Zabaleta has struggled. While Cascarino is harsh to say the veteran is no longer up to the standards of the Premier League, Hammers supporters will see his point but will be reluctant to accept it.
